By JAN GRIFFEY/Editor

COLUMBIANA — The South Shelby Chamber of Commerce presented its annual Diamond Awards at its Dec. 2 luncheon.

The Shelby County Reporter was recognized as the 2010 South Shelby Business of the Year, while two businesses — Treetop Adventures in Chelsea and Napa Auto Parts in Columbiana — shared the New Business of the Year honors.

Tim Prince, president and publisher of Shelby County Newspapers Inc. and the Shelby County Reporter, was described as a leader with a heart for servant-hood and a defender of good will.

Prince, in accepting the award, said, “I am humbled by this recognition. It is a reflection not of me, but of the folks who work at the Shelby County Reporter. And it is a reflection of the county we get to serve.”

Treetop Family Adventures, which opened earlier this year, bringing to Shelby County an 18,000-square-foot arcade facility that includes the latest games, like mini-bowling lanes and laser tag, located on 4 acres with an 18-hole, handicap-accessible miniature golf course and a reversible go-cart track.

Treetop brought with it 30 new jobs and new tax revenue for the Chelsea area.

Alex Jones, who with his parents, Butch and Alida Jones, and brother-in-law and sister, Richy and Alison Parrish, own the business, thanked South Shelby Chamber members for its support.

Joey Roberto, owner of Napa Auto Parts of Columbiana, was described as having revived a long-time community institution. He and store manager Scott Edwards accepted the award.

“It is a tremendous pleasure and blessing,” to work in the Columbiana community because of its people, Edwards said.

Miranda Carter, owner of Johnny Ray’s and Yogurt Your Way in Chelsea, was named the chamber’s ambassador of the year, and Dale Neuendorf of the Chelsea Citizen Observer Patrol, was named Citizen of the Year.