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DHRC Calls for Nominations for Community Awards—DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JULY 1, 2024

05/21/24

The Downtown Hartsville Revitalization Commission is now accepting nominations for its Community Awards program. The non-profit organization established the new program in 2023 with two awards honoring individuals and/or groups that demonstrate commitment and leadership supporting the needs of Hartsville/Trousdale County and its citizens. The awards were named in honor of two outstanding Trousdale countians, Dr. Ray Miller - The Ray Miller Trousdale County Citizen of the Year Award; and EJ Parker - The EJ Parker Leadership Award for Trousdale County. Nominations are due by June 18, 2024. Winners will be announced in July and will be recognized at the 2024 Goose Gala slated for Saturday, October 26, 2024.

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AWARD DETAILS:

DHRC Community Awards Program

“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members,” Corretta Scott King

The Downtown Hartsville Revitalization Commission, Inc. Community Awards honor individuals and groups that demonstrate superior commitment and provide effective leadership and support to address the needs of the Hartsville/Trousdale community and its citizens. This leadership may be demonstrated in a variety of ways, through both formal and informal roles, including appointed or volunteer positions. Contributions are expected to have a broad reach across the community.

Awards will be made at the discretion of the Downtown Hartsville Revitalization Commission Board of Directors and its designated Community Awards Committee.

About the DHRC Community Awards

1.      The Ray Miller Trousdale County Citizen of the Year Award

This award will be presented annually to an individual whose unwavering commitment, exemplary leadership, and selfless dedication have positively impacted Trousdale County and the lives of its residents. This accolade seeks to recognize those whose contributions represent a recent, substantial benefit to the community, as well as an enduring history of service.

Trousdale Citizen of the Year Award Nomination Criteria:

  • Demonstrates leadership in a community-based program or in their field of expertise.

  • Gives from the heart and has donated extensive hours to community service.

  • Leads program(s) that add value to or improve the community.

  • Has a positive attitude and has shown tremendous leadership.

  • Is committed to bettering the lives of others through community activities and volunteering.

  • Others in the community can attest to their valuable community service and contributions.

2.      The EJ Parker Leadership Award for Trousdale County

This award is designed to honor those who have achieved distinction in their respective fields, positively impacting their profession, business, or organization while making a substantial contribution to the community at large. Recipients of this award are individuals who inspire others and are widely recognized as successful leaders.

Leadership Award for Trousdale County Nomination Criteria:
Leadership qualities - Has the applicant:

  • Served in a leadership capacity.

  • Played a role in the creation of a project or non-profit organization.

  • Effectively mobilized volunteers, partners and resources to serve the Trousdale community.

  • Quality of Commitment/Contributions to the Trousdale Community:
    (Financial, b. In-Kind, Volunteer hours)

  • Length of Service: Has the applicant demonstrated sustained commitment to leadership and service?

  • Role modeling: How has the applicant inspired others to engage in community service?

  • Overall impact on the Trousdale Community.

  • Innovation: Has the applicant utilized unique and creative approaches to meeting needs?

 Nomination Requirements

Anyone may submit a nomination for the DHRC Community Leadership Awards with the nominee's permission. Self-nominations are also accepted. Nominations must clearly document why the individual(s) should be considered for these awards. 

Nominations must contain sufficient information to inform the selection committee without additional research.  Complete nominations must include the nominee's contact information, detailed background information or resume, and comprehensive responses of the nomination criteria outlined for each award category.

A DHRC Community Award is intended to be a rare recognition. No individual award will be given more than once to the same individual/group. Nominees must live and/or work in Trousdale County.

  • Nominees may not be currently serving on the DHRC Board of Directors or be serving as a current elected official.   

  • Anyone may submit nominations for the award.

  • Individuals or groups are eligible for these awards.

NOMINATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 6/18/24 FOR CONSIDERATION AND MAY SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO ContactUs@revitalizehartsville.org or mail to PO Box 125, Hartsville, TN 37074.

If you are unsure the person(s) you would like to nominate qualifies for an award, please reach out to us at ContactUs@revitalizehartville.org. We will be happy to answer questions about the nominations process, guidelines, or eligibility.

 

Recognition

Award recipients are recognized at the annual Goose Gala fundraising event and receive complimentary event tickets for them and a guest along with VIP parking for the event.  

If a group of two or more honorees receive the award, DHRC will determine an awards package to be provided to the group.  

Nominations

Award Nomination Applications due by June 18, 2024. Award recipients will be announced in July 2024.

Record-Breaking Success at the 2023 Goose Gala: Downtown Hartsville Revitalization Commission Raises Over $48,000

11/16/23

Record-Breaking Success at the 2023 Goose Gala: Downtown Hartsville Revitalization Commission Raises Over $48,000

Hartsville, TN - [November 16, 2023]: The Downtown Hartsville Revitalization Commission (DHRC) is thrilled to announce the 2023 Goose Gala successfully raised over $48,000 to fuel revitalization endeavors in historic downtown Hartsville. The event, held on October 28 at the Parker Marketing Tobacco Warehouse, attracted an unprecedented number of supporters, showcasing the community’s dedication to supporting the DHRC’s efforts.

 With a remarkable attendance of more than 320 individuals, the Goose Gala featured a fun-filled evening starting with a welcome reception and progressing through dinner, community award presentations, live and silent auctions, and live music from the Southern Image Band and singer/guitar player, Mark Gallant. Enbridge, as the presenting sponsor, played a pivotal role in funding the event, alongside other generous sponsors including Agee & Johnson Realty and Auction, Baccerstick Music, Bella Cattle, Compliance Engineering, Core Civic, First National Bank, Hartsville Pharmacy, Piedmont Natural Gas, SaGrace Farms, Trousdale Medical Center, West Construction, and Westmoreland Grading.

Angie White, President of the DHRC, expressed her gratitude, stating, "The incredible generosity of our event sponsors, table sponsors, and individual donors has surpassed our expectations. Thanks to their support, we not only exceeded our fundraising and attendance goals but also raised the money needed to fund several revitalization projects for downtown Hartsville."

Funds garnered from the gala will be channeled into various initiatives, including the purchase of new outdoor holiday decorations and lighting, the establishment of a Downtown Storefront Improvement Grant Fund, and the purchase of a weather-resistant, sail system to cover the street block adjacent to the Court House for outdoor events.

The DHRC also introduced two new community awards at the event—the Dr. Ray Miller Hartsville/Trousdale County Citizen of the Year Award and the EJ Parker Hartsville/Trousdale County Leadership Award. Both honorees' families were acknowledged during the Gala festivities.

Marking the first Goose Gala since 2018, the organization is already gearing up for the 2024 event and will commence accepting nominations for the community awards early in the new year. The success of the 2023 Goose Gala serves as a testament to the community's commitment to the continued growth and vibrancy of downtown Hartsville.

Downtown Hartsville Revitalization Commission Announces Two Prestigious Community Awards

10/20/2023

HARTSVILLE, Tennessee - [September 26, 2023] - The Downtown Hartsville Revitalization Commission (DHRC) takes great pride in announcing the establishment of two significant community awards designed to honor individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the betterment of Hartsville and Trousdale County, Tennessee. Commencing this year, these prestigious awards will be presented annually during the highly anticipated Goose Gala fundraising event.

 

1. The Ray Miller Citizen of the Year Award for Trousdale County

In a heartfelt tribute to the late Dr. Ray Miller, a beloved veterinarian and esteemed member of the Hartsville and Trousdale County community, DHRC proudly introduces "The Ray Miller Citizen of the Year Award for Hartsville/Trousdale County." Dr. Miller's legacy extends back to 2006 when he played a pivotal role in the establishment of DHRC. For over a decade, he and his wife Brenda generously hosted the annual Goose Gala fundraiser at their home, contributing to the raising of nearly $250,000 for downtown Hartsville improvement projects.

The Ray Miller County Citizen of the Year Award for Hartsville/Trousdale County will be presented annually to an individual whose unwavering commitment, exemplary leadership, and selfless dedication have positively impacted Trousdale County and the lives of its residents. This accolade seeks to recognize those whose contributions represent a recent, substantial benefit to the community, as well as an enduring history of service.

 

2. EJ Parker, Jr.  Trousdale County Leadership Award

In honor of the late Etherage Johnson (EJ) Parker, Jr., a revered figure in business, community, and politics not only in Trousdale County but across Tennessee and the southeastern United States, DHRC proudly presents the "EJ Parker, Jr. Hartsville/Trousdale County Leadership Award." This award celebrates individuals renowned for their outstanding leadership achievements in business, as well as their significant contributions to community enhancement.

The EJ Parker Leadership Award for Trousdale County is designed to honor those who have achieved distinction in their respective fields, positively impacting their profession, business, or organization while making a substantial contribution to the community at large. Recipients of this award are individuals who inspire others and are widely recognized as successful leaders.

 Angie White, Board President for DHRC, remarked, "The establishment of these two awards is a natural extension of our mission and a testament to the outstanding individuals who continue to enhance the quality of life for our community's residents. We wanted to take the time to recognize and express our gratitude to those who have contributed to making Trousdale County a better place."

White continued, "We are truly fortunate to have such remarkable individuals in our community, and we eagerly anticipate the tradition of selecting these award honorees for years to come."

The families of both gentlemen will be recognized at the 2023 Goose Gala slated for Saturday evening, October 28, 2023 at 545 E. Main Street, Hartsville, TN. For more information about the Downtown Hartsville Revitalization Commission, these community awards and the Goose Gala , please visit www.RevitalizeHartsville.org.

 

About Dr. Ray Miller:

Raymond C. Miller, DVM, was affectionately known as Ray, and was a devoted friend and family man. His life was marked by his unwavering faith, which he found at the age of 37, and his active involvement in his community. He was a proud member of Believers' Chapel in Murfreesboro, TN, and regularly attended First Baptist Church of Carthage, TN.

A distinguished alumnus of the University of TN, Ray completed the Pre-Vet program, earning his B.S. degree before going on to obtain his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University. His dedication to veterinary medicine spanned 30 years. Beyond his professional life, Ray had a deep passion for music, Tennessee Walking Horses, and football. His commitment to community service was exemplified by his achievement as an Eagle Scout.

Upon retiring to Hartsville, TN, Ray's dedication to revitalizing the downtown area led to the establishment of the Downtown Hartsville Revitalization Commission, an organization he co-founded alongside Brenda. For over a decade, he and his wife hosted the annual Goose Gala Fundraiser, a cherished community event. Furthermore, Ray served as the President of The Hartsville/Trousdale Chamber of Commerce, leaving an indelible mark on the local business community. The Citizen of the Year award named in Raymond C. Miller, DVM's honor is a testament to his enduring impact on Hartsville, TN. It serves as a reminder of his remarkable life, his unwavering dedication to his community, and his legacy that continues to inspire.

 

About EJ Parker, Jr.:

Etherage Johnson Parker, Jr. was a distinguished graduate of Trousdale County High School and pursued higher education at the University of Tennessee Knoxville and Middle Tennessee State University.

Mr. Parker, a savvy entrepreneur, left an indelible mark on various industries, including gasoline, real estate, politics, and tobacco. His achievements included building and franchising Stuckey's stores throughout the Southeast, serving as a Texaco distributor, and contributing to the success of Citizens Bank of Hartsville and Cumberland University. Appointed by Governor Lamar Alexander, Mr. Parker served as Commissioner of the Department of Tourist Development in 1980, playing a pivotal role in Tennessee's tourism boom, highlighted by the openings of Graceland, Mud Island River Park in Memphis, and the 1982 World's Fair in Knoxville. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, he was instrumental in pioneering the Tobacco Farmers Partnering Program (TFPP) in collaboration with Philip Morris, USA.

Despite his global interactions with dignitaries, politicians, and business leaders, Mr. Parker's heart always remained in Hartsville, Tennessee. He was a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church in Hartsville, TN, for over 70 years, with his family contributing the land on which the current building stands. His philanthropic efforts extended to the creation of Hartsville's Trey Park, a community park and playground built in memory of his son, Trey.

The EJ Parker, Jr. Leadership Award for Trousdale County will be a testament to his enduring legacy and commitment to family, community, and business excellence. It will honor those who embody the spirit of entrepreneurship, community service, and unwavering dedication that defined Mr. Parker's life.