By MOLLIE BROWN / Community Columnist

The Calera Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to uniting and engaging its members to ensure the ongoing prosperity and family-oriented quality of life in Shelby County. The incoming 2012 board members were announced during the December luncheon.

Returning board members: Bill Davis, president, Sav-Mor Foods; David Comer, president elect, Central State Bank; Lonnie Layton, vice-president, Bradford Health Services; Pat Huffman, secretary, Barbara’s Candles; Lisa Beasley, treasurer, First United Security Bank; Mike Gothard, past sitting president, Connell’s Pest Control; Kelly Ellison, Alliance Accounting; Christine Taylor, Alabama Power; Melissa Harris, Central State Bank.

New board members: A’Donna Williams, Williams Music Group; Stephanie Busby, IMPrint/Concept One; Holly Stanley, Mutual Savings Credit Union; Ron Vant Erve, Massage Therapy; Chris Pappas, Calera city engineer; Jennifer James, attorney at law.

Executive Director Gail Blankenship and Executive Assistant Myra Moore are retaining their positions.

In other business, the first Calera Chamber Fire Fighter and Police Officer of the Year awards were presented.

Justin Glass was presented Firefighter of the Year. Calera Fire Chief Sean Kendrick commended Glass’ excellent firefighting record.

“Justin is motivated and motivates his crew,” Kendrick said. “He’s very level headed and committed not only to Calera, but his own community. Justin commanded 50-60 firefighters in a large fire in Alabaster. That speaks highly of his leadership.”

Mike Poe was presented Police Officer of the Year. Calera Chief of Police Sean Lemley spoke of Poe’s 18-year dedication and leadership to law enforcement.

“Mike is a true inspiration to the entire department, he leads by example,” Lemley said. “In a recent call he was suspicious of a guy walking from the scene and could have called it in. Instead he pursued him on foot, not knowing if the suspect was armed. He also was directly involved in making an arrest in the two-week crime streak of Waffle House restaurants. Mike’s gone beyond the call of duty countless times.”

Awards contributors were: A.C. Legg, Inc., Lhoist, Barbara’s Candles, Mutual Savings Credit Union, Sav-Mor Food Outlet, Jennifer R. James Attorney at Law and Massage Benefits.

Christmas parade winners were: first place, Cove Fountain of Life Ministries, Shelby; second place, Iglesia Bethel Church, Calera; third place, The Alabama Fire Fighters Museum.

Parade sponsors were: Walmart, City of Calera, Advance Pawn, Just Russ Rentals, Graham Auto Parts, Calera Alabama National Guard Unit and North Alabama Realty, Inc.

Mollie Brown can be reached at dmjhb1@bellsouth.net.