When Bill Kipp made plans to attend the Jackson Chamber’s Annual Celebration, he went with the idea he would be on the giving end.

But Kipp was caught off-guard when it was announced he was named an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Jackson Chamber, during ceremonies at the Carl Grant Events Center, Thursday.

“I’m so honored to receive the Chamber’s award for Honorary Lifetime Member,” Kipp said, “This opportunity would not have been possible had it not been for the support of my family, my wife Julia, and my employer Gerdau.”

Kipp, a human resources manager, worked 40 years at Gerdau Long Steel North America, 801 Ameristeel Road, prior to his retirement in October, 2018.

“They supported me, encouraged me in my support of my local community,” Kipp said, “I have to give real credit to the chamber because they provided us the opportunity to know where the needs were in our community, and the opportunity for involvement and the importance of involvement by those of us in the community.

“Finally, the real heroes in our community are the people who work for these organizations that are on the frontline providing service to others. They are the ones there helping others, serving others and assisting others and if it wasn’t for them, it wouldn’t be the community it is.”

The celebration honored businesses, industries and non-profits and the Jackson Chamber’s volunteer of the year award.

The list of winners for 2018 were –

West Tennessee Hearing & Speech Center – Non-Profit of the Year
Complete Dental Care – Emerging Business of the Year
LyondelBasell Industries – Industry of the Year
Jackson Energy Authority – West Tennessee Healthcare Health & Wellness Award
Express Employment Professionals – Business of the year (1-49 employees)
Leaders Credit Union – Business of the Year (50+employees)
Danny Wheeler, retired Jackson Energy Authority CEO – The Chamber’s Volunteer of the Year

(PHOTO: Bill Kipp)
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