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BUSINESS
Ashland Alliance honors area residents
Dianne Clement, the advanced community relations representative for Marthon Patroleum Co. LLC, earned the Cornerstone Award, which is given each year to a community leader who has made outstanding contributions toward improving the quality of life in his or her community.
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ASHLAND -- For their commitment to improving both the economy and the quality of life for Ashland area residents, the Ashland Alliance has honored Chuck Williams, Dianne Clement and Travis Sanders.
The three were honored last month at the alliance's 11th annual meeting Oct. 6 on The Belle of Cincinnati Riverboat.
President's Award: The President's Award, which recognizes a volunteer who believes strongly in the Alliance's mission and works hard to improve the local economy, went to Chuck Williams, CEO of Medical Transportation Services and Classy Limo.
Williams is heavily involved in the Alliance's Youth Leadership program.
"It's an honor to be recognized for something you love to do. It's a real privilege," Williams said. "We try to give back in all the communities."
The Youth Leadership program is for high school juniors in Boyd and Greenup counties, taking them on field trips and giving them opportunities to learn about government, health care, economic development, criminal justice, social services and the arts.
"We try to encourage them to get their education, come back and be leaders in the community and make a difference," Williams said. "For years, we hear that you have to leave to get a good job. If somebody doesn't step up and carry the torch, it's not going to change."
Williams has chaired that program for six years, Purgerson said.
"This isn't one of those things where somebody just gives money. He's given his time," Purgerson said. "... We couldn't do (service projects) without volunteers -- people like Chuck who go above and beyond the call of duty -- and we try to recognize them."
Williams, a graduate of Boyd County High School and a certified emergency medical technician and first responder who also has served on the board of directors for the local American Cancer Society, is a former president of the Ashland Downtown Lions Club, volunteers with the local Meals on Wheels program and serves as a CASA youth advocate. Williams was chosen for the award in recognition of his work on behalf of the Alliance's Youth Leadership Program, working with students at every high school in Boyd and Greenup counties for the past six years.
He lives in Rush, Ky., with his wife, Kimberly, and two sons.
Cornerstone Award: Dianne Clement earned the Cornerstone Award, which is given each year to a community leader who has made outstanding contributions toward improving the quality of life in his or her community.
Clement is the advanced community relations representative for Marathon Petroleum Co. LLC. She serves on many boards in the Tri-State area, including the Paramount Arts Center, Safe Harbor, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Summer Motion, Foundation for the Tri-State Community and Lawrence Economic Development Corporation in Ohio.
The list goes on.
This award recognizes "a body of work, not just one project but over time," Purgerson said. And in Clement's case, it's service she's provided all over the Tri-State, not just Ashland.
"She supports activities in the Huntington area and in Ohio," Purgerson said. "She was involved in that beautification project in Ironton."
"Every community has those people who have a commitment of sincerely trying to make their community a better place to live by putting in a lot of time and energy into doing that, with a lot of different groups," he said. "She's a true believer of the Tri-State and us all being one community."
Young Professional of the Year: Travis Sanders, an attorney with VanAntwerp, Monge Jones, Edwards & McCann, earned the Ashland Alliance Young Professional of the Year Award, given for outstanding service to the Young Professionals organization, the Ashland Alliance and the community as a whole.
"He's been very active with the young professionals, and I think he's an excellent choice," said Jim Purgerson, president of the alliance.
The Young Professionals group in Ashland focuses on professional development, social interaction and community service.
"We believe that group can foster the future leaders in our community, which we certainly need," Purgerson said.
Sanders moved to Ashland with his wife, Melissa, and their three sons in 2005 and has since become highly involved not only with the Alliance's Young Professionals Association, but also Ashland Main Street and the Boyd County Bar Association. He also coaches local youth sports.
