The Jones County/Gray Chamber of Commerce celebrated this year’s award winners at its annual Chamber Member Awards Dinner held at Butler Hall.
The awards included Citizen of the Year, Emerging Business of the Year, Main Street Business of the Year and Business of the Year. The presenting sponsor for the event was 1st Choice Heating and Air. Morris Bank was the dinner sponsor, Ayers Real Estate sponsored the raffle and Allure Aesthetics was the bar sponsor.
The dinner was catered by Ooh La La, and music was provided by the Good Company Band. Chamber members and guests in attendance totaled 150.
Chamber President Chloe Crutchfield opened the program. She stated that the chamber had 25 new members in 2025, and the some of the notable events of the year were the Independence Day Celebration, Golf Tournament and State of the County meeting.
“One of the highlights has been our partnership with Jones County Schools, including Junior Leadership Jones and Young Entrepreneurs. Those programs prepare our next generation of leaders,” she said.
Crutchfield said the chamber uses social media to connect members to the community. She recognized sponsors, board members and thanked all chamber members.
“I’m proud of what we have accomplished this year and look forward to 2026,” she said.
Award winners
Crutchfield introduced past board chairman Steve Johnson, who presented the first award, Citizen of the Year.
Johnson said the candidates were all excellent and the choice was difficult. The nominees were Amber Asbell, Erin Caves and Ronnie Hinson.
Before making the announcement, Johnson talked about the winner. He said this was a person that everyone called friend.
“He is a good and faithful servant,” the speaker said. “He’s not only a dream seeker, but a dream catcher.”
Johnson said this person loves his community and has a passion for helping other. He announced the Citizen of the Year, Ronnie Hinson.
Hinson said it was an honor to receive the award and thanked his team for all their help and support.
“You’re only as good as the people around you,” he said.
Hinson also asked his wife of 36 years, Vicki, to join him. He said he would not have accomplished anything without her. He said it is all about family, community and faith.
Ava Dunlap, owner of Ava Kate’s Convection, presented the Emerging Business Award. The nominees were Cone Crazy on Main, Grayberry Playtown and Vineville Internal Medicine.
She said the winner of the award opened in August of 2024 and became a downtown favorite.
The winner is Cone Crazy, owned by Paige and Billie Horne. Paige said they are honored to receive the award. She said they are proud to be in downtown Gray and excited to be here.
“We are a family-oriented business,” she said. “We worked together to build this business from scratch, and this is a validation of our hard work. Thank you.”
Main Street Director Ashley Roberson presented the Main Street Business of the Year. The nominees were Cone Crazy on Main, Allure Aesthetics and Ambi Rae Boutique.
“The favorite part of my job is working with small businesses and especially small business owners. All three of these have been nominated for other awards,” she pointed out.
She announced the winner, Allure Aesthetics, owned by Anndrea Lampkin and Chris Criswell. Lampkin said it was an honor to be nominated.
“We appreciate being recognized for the work we put in,” she said.
Crutchfield presented the 2025 Business of the year award. The nominees were Allure Aesthetics of Gray, Morris Bank and Old Clinton Bar-B-Q. She announced the winner, Old Clinton Bar-B-Q. The award was accepted by Jesse Bloodworth. She said she is the fourth generation in the business.
“I’m honored to keep it in the family. My father David taught me everything I know,” she said.
Bloodworth said the business is family oriented and she enjoys working with and being a part of the community.
Passing the gavel
2025 Chamber Chairman Wesley Casteel said it was hard to believe it had been a year.
“We want to celebrate new members, new events and new expectations,” he said.
Casteel said making a difference is about being surrounded by the right people. He thanked Crutchfield for making the year a success.
The chairman recognized the 2025 board members and thanked them for the work and dedication.
His last act as chairman was to introduce the 2026 chairman, Amber Ayers.
“I know she is going to take this to another level,” Casteel said.
Ayers has been a member of the Chamber Board since 2020 and was chairman in 2023.
The new chairman talked about how important the chamber and board members are to her.
“The chamber is a special place. Board members have the shared commitment to make our community a better place as we continue to grow. This happens because of the dedication and commitment of our members and local businesses,” she said. “I’m excited about our momentum and the opportunities ahead.”
The evening concluded with a raffle and more music from the band.
