Jim C. Coleman Award

Edmonton Attorney, Herb Sparks proudly introduced Bill & Chris Lagermann as the 30^th annual recipients of the Jim C. Coleman Award. This couple moved to Metcalfe County in 2009, and they quickly made Metcalfe County their home. Bill & Chris have given their time, energy, and resources to support many different community projects.

In closing Herb stated, “If I shared everything this couple has done for the community, we would be here all night, but it is safe to say their greatest accomplishment is their family.” Chris & Bill were high school sweethearts and have been married for 56 years. They have 3 sons, 2 daughters-in-laws, grandchildren, and a great granddaughter.

The history of the Community Service Award

Shortly after revitalization in 1994, one of the first major projects the Edmonton-Metcalfe County Chamber of Commerce established was a community service award. After some investigation it was learned that most communities bestowed some type of annual award on at least one of their deserving citizens.

After much deliberation, the chamber board of directors at that time decided to establish the Jim C. Coleman Community Service Award to honor a Metcalfe County person who closely exemplified the service orientation of the late Jim C. Coleman.

It is thought that Jim Coleman would have been delighted to have the late Father George K. Bowling to receive the very first award named in his memory.

Several noteworthy community leaders who received this award such as Ruth Ennis, Judge Cass Walden, Nell Van Zant, Dr. J. M. Hays, Jeannie Spears, Virginia Janes, Royse Smith, Wendell Stephens, George Cowan, Ruth Butler, Kenneth Branstetter, Judge Tom Emberton, Harold Chambers, and Mary Shive are no longer with us physically, but their influence and inspiration will linger always. Others such as recipients Lucy Forbes, Kathy Frick, Charlotte Atkins, Herb Sparks, Judy “Jessie” Crabtree, Freeda Reece, Barbara Branstetter, Susan Chambers, Kay Harbison, Emory Kidd, Lisa Boswell, Martha Bragg, Colonel William “Bill” W. Lytle, Jr., Retired, Ken Childers, Kim Shirley Smith, and Clay & Janice Turner continue to leave an indelible mark on this community. Their volunteerism and service are examples for younger Metcalfe County Residents to emulate.

This year marks the 30th consecutive year the Edmonton-Metcalfe County Chamber of Commerce has sought nominations from the public for this prestigious award. The Chamber Coleman Award Selection Committee will choose the Annual Jim C. Coleman Community Service Award Winner.

You do not have to be a member of the Edmonton-Metcalfe County Chamber of Commerce to nominate a person for this award. The nomination form may be taken from our website, www.metcalfechamber.com, email, [email protected], the chamber Facebook page, from the Edmonton Herald Newspaper, or stop by the chamber office to pick up an application. Nominations will be accepted until Friday, November 1st, 2024, close of business.