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Susan Lehman of Team Lehman Realty received the Shelby County Diamond Award for 2024 Citizen of the Year. (Reporter photos/Rachel Raiford)

District Attorney Matt Casey received the Shelby County Diamond Award for 2024 Public Servant of the Year.

The Arc of Shelby County received the Shelby County Diamond Award for 2024 Non-profit Organization of the Year

By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

COLUMBIANA – The Shelby County Chamber took time to honor the individuals and organizations who strive to keep Shelby County a great place to live during the annual Shelby County Diamond Awards Luncheon.

The luncheon was presented by The Shelby County Chamber in collaboration with Calera Main Street, Columbiana Main Street, Montevallo Main Street and the Montevallo Chamber of Commerce with a presenting sponsorship by Shelby County Newsmedia, Inc. The award ceremony took place on Thursday, Dec. 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Grande Hall at Old Mill Square in Columbiana.

Alec Etheredge, president and publisher of Shelby County Newsmedia Inc, opened the presentation and shared a few opening remarks on the importance of celebrating the individuals who were nominated for their vital work in the county.

“We get to celebrate all the people that continually go the extra mile to make a difference and that’s such an impressive thing to do what you do,” Etheredge said. “I couldn’t think of a better event for us to be a part of. It defines community, and we’re grateful to be here today and be able to sponsor this. We congratulate each of the honorees today on the accomplishment and hope you enjoy it.”

David Nolen, president of the Shelby County Historical Society and a 2021 Shelby County Diamond Award recipient, served as the event’s featured speaker and discussed the value of public service.

“All of you, here today, are leaders in our community in one way or another,” Nolen said. “You may be a leader in your profession, a leader with your employee, your business, your city—what you do, and what you can do, makes Shelby County a great place to live, to work and do business. I encourage you to find ways to lend your abilities in service to your county.”

After sharing a few personal anecdotes, Nolen closed out his speech by encouraging those present to get the younger generations involved.

“I encourage you to talk to your kids, your younger fellow employees, your younger friends and encourage them to get involved with these organizations because, in the future, they’re going to need people to step up and help them out.”

The annual Shelby County Diamond Awards are designed to honor those organizations and individuals who help make Shelby County a great place to live and do business.

Shelby County Diamond awards nominees are based upon the following criteria:

• How the organization, or individual, has made a positive difference in the county or a specific municipality
• Significant accomplishments achieved by the organization or individual
• How the organization, or individual, has improved the county or a specific municipality.

Nominations are open to the public and the nominee, or the person submitting the nomination, does not have to be a participant with Calera Main Street, Columbiana Main Street, Montevallo Main Street and The Shelby County Chamber.

The following individuals were nominated for 2024 Citizen of the Year:

• Alec Etheredge
• Susan Lehman
• Judy Mannings

The following individuals were nominated for 2024 Public Servant of the Year:

• Debbie Byers – Calera
• Matt Casey – County-wide
• David Hyche- Calera
• Sean Kendrick – Calera
• Maurice Mercer – Pelham
• Tony Picklesimer – Chelsea
• Gary Waters – Pelham

The following organizations were nominated for 2024 Non-profit Organization of the Year:

• The Arc of Shelby County
• Alabama Pet Pantry
• Blanket Fort Hope
• Family Connection Inc.
• Leadership Shelby County
• Second Shift
• Two By Two Rescue
• Shelby County Arts Council
• Shelby Humane
• Vineyard Family Services

“What an inspiring group of individuals and organizations,” President and CEO of the Shelby County Chamber Kirk Mancer said. “(Our judges) certain feel as if Shelby County’s best days are ahead because of people like you in this room.”

Susan Lehman of Team Lehman Realty received the Shelby County Diamond Award for 2024 Citizen of the Year. District Attorney Matt Casey received the Shelby County Diamond Award for 2024 Public Servant of the Year. The Arc of Shelby County received the Shelby County Diamond Award for 2024 Non-profit Organization of the Year.

“Congratulations again to all of our nominees,” Mancer said. “The commitment and passion each of you show each and every day—the time you give and the work you do—is very much appreciated… It’s what makes our county and all of our communities the best place to live and do business.”

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