The Chamber Archived News Chamber seeks nominations for Headrick, Varnell awards
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CLEVELAND, Tenn. (Dec. 4, 2008)—“The very essence of leadership is that you have to have vision,” said Theodore M. Hesburgh, president emeritus of the University of Notre Dame. “You can’t blow an uncertain trumpet." Two individuals in the Cleveland/Bradley County community were not given to “tooting their own horn,” whether certain or uncertain. But they were men with a vision and understood the concept of true leadership. They have become the namesakes for two prestigious awards presented annually by the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce. “Each year the Chamber recognizes two individuals who best exemplify the ideals of the late M.C. Headrick, a successful businessman who believe in the concept of free enterprise, and the late Robert Varnell, whose life was marked by outstanding community leadership,” Chairman of the Board Cameron Fisher said. “We believe others in our community also possess the characteristics of these two men, and we want to honor their contributions to our community. "The M.C. Headrick Free Enterprise Award, the highest honor given by the Chamber, honors the ideals of the late M.C. Headrick. Headrick, a successful Cleveland businessman who staunchly believed in the concept of free enterprise: “Put men on their own to make economic decisions, and let them reap the rewards or lack of rewards from those decisions.”"Chamber members may nominate any person they feel best represents the ideals of the free enterprise system,” Fisher said. Nominations must include a resume of the candidate and a cover letter detailing reasons the nominee is eligible for the award. The selection committee may ask for additional information.George R. (Bobby) Taylor, chairman of the board for Bank of Cleveland received the 2008 Headrick Award. The late Robert W. Varnell Jr. faithfully served the Chamber in many important capacities before his death in 1993, including division vice president for economic development in 1990 and two terms as chairman-elect in 1991 and 1992. Ill health forced his resignation in 1993 before he could serve his term as chairman of the board. The Robert W. Varnell Leadership Award is presented to a person whose life is representative of the life Robert Varnell led and is exemplified by outstanding community leadership. Recipient of the 2008 Varnell Award was Dr. William F. Johnson II, general surgeon with Surgical Associates of Cleveland. The Chamber will present these awards at the 83rd Annual Meeting on Jan. 20, 2009.Nomination forms and a complete list of award criteria for both awards are available at the Chamber office or by calling 472-6587. Deadline for nominations is Friday, Dec. 12, at 5 p.m. -30- |
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