Congratulations to our 2009 Award Winners: Person of the Year - Chris Evans Unsung Hero - Jim and Merle Myers Volunteer of the Year - Sarah Ford Community Pride Award - Crittenden County Detention Center Customer Service Award - Alma Tabor, Marion True Value L to R: Jim and Merle Myers, Chris Evans, Sarah Ford, Rick Riley A tearful Merle Myers accepted the award of Unsung Hero alongside her husband Jim, at the annual meeting of the Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce. Recognized for their years of service to the community as both volunteers and owners of Myers Bed and Breakfast on East Depot Street, the Myerses graciously accepted the honor. "When told the committee had chosen them, Merle's first comment was, 'There are others who deserve it more'," presenter Barbara Myers said before handing over a plaque designating the award. Born and raised in Crittenden County, Jim's desire to one day return to the area come to fruition in 1988 when he and his wife opened the inn. Since that time, the couple has not only been getting up at the crack of dawn to cook breakfast for occupants, but taking them on tours around the county and volunteer efforts in the community like playing Santa Claus, cooking for the Crafters' Cafe, decorating patient trays at the hospital or driving the Marion Bobcats' bus they donated for team travel. Last December, the Myerses were also honored as grand marshals of the annual Christmas parade. Accepting the Volunteer of the Year Award was Sarah Ford. When presenting the award, Corey Payne had to catch his breath as he named off the long list of organizations and groups for which Ford has contributed countless hours over the years. From Sunday school teacher to 4-H leader, Ford has been donating her time to the community since 1972. Chris Evans, editor and publisher of The Crittenden Press, was named Person of the Year, top honor from the Chamber. Besides guiding the local news for the last decade and a half, Evans has established Hunters for the Hungry and served on various committees and boards. Rick Riley accepted the Community Pride Award on behalf of Crittenden County Detention Center, chosen for the virtually-free labor contributed by inmates to keep municipal and community interests clean and maintained. Alma Tabor, a longtime employee at Marion True Value, was honored with this year's Customer Service Award. "She treats every customer with courtesy and respect," outgoing Chamber President Mark Bryant said of Tabor. -courtesy, The Crittenden Press