Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, March 17, 1990 TAG: 9003172487
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: PETER MATHEWS NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Medium
Other winners were Sam Nixon of Nixon & Associates Inc. insurance agency, who won the Outstanding Service Award; The News Messenger, which won the Commerce Award; and Central Fidelity Bank, given the first Business/Industry Education Award.
The chamber held its 40th anniversary ball at the National Guard Armory.
Hale, who has been honored extensively since he announced his retirement in December, said the chamber award was "fabulous. I think it's the best thing that's ever happened to me."
The Distinguished Citizen Award is given annually to a person who has contributed time, money or both to the community through involvement in civic activities or government service. Hale is a member of the Lions Club and the Montgomery County Transportation Safety Commission and serves on the board of the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program.
Nixon, who was honored for outstanding volunteer service, was on Christiansburg Town Council from 1976 to 1982. He helped develop a downtown revitalization plan several years ago and converted the old Rose's store into the Old Town mini-mall. Nixon also is a former chamber president.
The News Messenger was cited for its employees' participation on the boards of directors of a half-dozen New River Valley organizations. The newspaper also participates in charity drives such as Toys for Tots and the Montgomery County Christmas Store.
The chamber also unveiled a gift from artist Barbara Ann Capps - a painting that depicts the history of the eagle at the Montgomery County Courthouse. Prints will be made of the painting for Christiansburg's bicentennial in 1992.
by CNB