Riverview Chamber Honors Members at Annual Dinner, Awards Banquet

County Commissioner Al Higginbotham knows all about tough times.

He was a successful businessman on Jan. 20, 1995, when a hunting accident left him near death.

"My wife, Devon, received a call from my hunting partners who said, if I lived, I'd never walk again," recalled Higginbotham while giving the keynote speech at the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Awards Banquet Jan. 20.

Higginbotham was not only left paralyzed from the accident but financially devastated. "We went from being a three-car family to a no-car family," he said.

But with perseverance, hard work and the support of family and friends, "I triumphed three years later," said Higginbotham. He went on to not only walk again but climb mountains, and documented his trials in an autobiography, "By Faith, I'm Still Standing."

"Recession means a lot of things to different people," Higginbotham told the dinner attendees at the International Independent Showmen's Association Friday night, acknowledging that the last few years have been a challenge to a lot of business people in the room.

"You will think there's no one else in this shape. But, no matter how bad your personal recession is, there's always someone else who is worse off," he said.

He said blaming themselves, blaming others or blaming God is a wasted effort.

Instead, he advised business people to find a mentor, to learn from those who have successfully weathered the recession and to ask for help.

"It's hard work, and working together, that makes the difference," said Higginbotham, commending the Riverview chamber for the support it's offered its members during these turbulent economic times.

"Always keep sight that miracles happen, so continue to set goals and persevere," he said.

For the chamber membership gathered at the dinner, Higginbotham's words hit home. Just three years ago, the Riverview chamber was in debt by several thousand dollars, said incoming president, Ed Booth.

"We didn't think we'd make it," he said.

That year, the board went on a retreat and then-president, Jill Andrew, presented a budget.

"She said, 'We are not going to fail,'" said Booth. "And, as of this April, we will be financially out of debt. It just shows that one of us can do a lot, two of us can do four times as much but all of us are unstoppable."

"This is more than just a chamber," said outgoing president Sherri McLean-Walker. "It's a family, and the people in this family have soul."

She reviewed the accomplishments of the chamber over the past year including kicking off the South Shore Young Professionals Association, a chamber networking group, another successful Trick or Treat Street that attracted 4,000 children, two successful fundraising yard sales and a flourishing Ambassadors team, which helped bring in 89 new members last year.

She added that the chamber's success is reflected in its members, a number of which were honored Friday night.

Among them was 14-year member, chamber historian and former honorary mayor of Riverview, Jim Johnson of Mosaic Fertilizer, who was named director emeritus to the chamber board.

The chamber also took the opportunity to thank the candidates for honorary mayor of Riverview for the 2012 year and welcome winning candidate Lisa Kennedy. This year's race raised $8,000 for charity, with Kennedy raising $4,300 of that total.

Other chamber members honored included:

Larry Brooks -- 2011 Margy Watkins Volunteer of the Year award "for his genuine dedication in making a difference."

Mary Owens -- 2011 Ambassador of the Year "for helping the Ambassadors team to become better communicators."

Gabrielle Perham -- the Shining Star Award for helping to found the SSYPA and running for honorary mayor her first year as a chamber member.

Community Resource Deputy Barbara Jones -- Riverview Citizen of the Year for her work on the Riverview Community Council and for her annual holiday celebration for seniors that attracts more than 500 people.

Erik Butler of TakeOut Butler -- 2011 Business Person of the Year for his steadfast support of the chamber and efforts in raising more than $25,000 for local causes.

Four Paws Veterinary Hospital led by Dr. Kimberly Tyson -- 2011 Business of the Year for sponsoring monthly Yappy Hours that raised more than $2,000 for local animal rescue groups.

Booth noted that the chamber has major plans in store for this year. In February, it will launch its first membership drive. A golf tournament is planned for St. Patrick's Day. The annual Springfest, which has become one of the chamber's signature events, will be held in April. The chamber also will host its Teacher of the Year celebration, its annual honorary mayor's race, its annual New Teacher's Breakfast in August and Trick or Treat Street in October.

"We're going to make this absolutely the very best year we've ever had," said Booth.