Mrs. Lillie Mabe, Davie Farm Service and Avgol Nonwovens Receive 2011 Davie County Chamber of Commerce Awards at 42nd Annual Awards Banquet

The 2011 Davie County Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Gala was held at Davie County’s newest event destination ~ WinMock at Kinderton!  The evening began on The Terrace at 6:00 PM before moving to the upstairs loft and ballroom for supper and the 2011 Community Awards presentation.

42nd Annual Davie County Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala
(Note: High resolution originals available here)

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Thank you to Kathy Miller & One Shot Photography for the use of these photos

The 2011 Small Business of the Year Award was presented to Tom Brown of Davie Farm Service, The 2011 Business of the Year Award was presented to Avgol Nonwovens, and the 2011 E.C. Tatum Humanitarian Award was presented to Ms. Lillie Mabe.

Davie Farm Service ~ Davie County 2011 Small Business of the Year!
While presenting the 2011 Small Business of the Year Award to Tom Brown of Davie Farm Service, Kyle Swicegood described the proud multi-generational heritage of this Davie County business.  Started by Frank and Kathy Brown more than 50 years ago, the business is now operated by their son, Tom Brown.  Under Tom’s leadership, Davie Farm Service has drawn on the lessons taught to him by his parents. Those lessons include a focus on customer needs, a strong work ethic, commitment to family, and supporting local small businesses.  Following these principals with a strong focus on service with integrity has helped Davie Farm Service to continue to grow and prosper.  Congratulations to Tom Brown and Davie Farm Service as the Davie County Small Business of the Year for 2011.

Avgol Nonwovens ~ Davie County 2011 Business of the Year!
Avgol established its flagship North Carolina plant in June 2001 when it employed approximately 50 people. Since then, Avgol has invested over $100 million in capital expenditures and employment has grown to approximately 150 employees.  The Mocksville plant accounts for over 50% of Avgol’s global capacity.  This capital investment has a significant impact upon the tax base of Davie County.

In addition to being in important contributor to the Davie County economy, Avgol is a significant contributor to the quality of life in this community we call home.  They are active and supportive in community organizations including the Davie County Chamber of Commerce, DCCC ~ The Community College of Davidson and Davie Counties, the Town of Mocksville, the Mocksville Police Department, Goodwill Industries, and the Occupational Health Department of Davie County Hospital.  Avgol is also a major supporter of the Davie County Relay for Life.

Avgol continues to invest in Mocksville and Davie County investing $35 on an expansion bringing over 40 new jobs to Mocksville.  In addition to continued investment and paying competitive wages and benefits, Avgol encourages and supports employee participation in Davie County community events and causes.  Avgol’s steadfast commitment to Davie County and their employees has a considerable impact on the financial and cultural well-being of Davie County.  Congratulations to Avgol Nonwovens as the Davie County Business of the Year for 2011!

Mrs. Lillie Mabe ~ Recipient of the 2011 E.C. Tatum Humanitarian Award!
Perhaps what others have said about Lillie Mabe can best illustrate her impact on the lives of those in our community.

“It’s a special acknowledgement for people who do special things”  …Representative Julia Howard at the presentation of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award

“We all know how much Lillie Mabe has done in our community” …Mocksville Mayor Frances Slate

“Lillie Mabe is one of Mocksville’s finest residents, a champion of good causes like the Davie Family YMCA, Crosby Scholars, and anything that benefits people – especially children.  She has spent her life doing things to help people.  Many times, Lillie and her late husband Roscoe would reach into their own pockets to help others, never asking for recognition or praise.” …Terry Bralley, President, Davie County Economic Development Commission

“Lillie Mabe was instrumental in helping WalMart recognize local veterans.” …Town of Mocksville Commissioner Buster Cleary

“I have worked with many people over the last 40 years, but I have never worked with someone that cared more for her fellow man than Lillie Mabe, putting her own needs and wants aside for the sake of helping someone or a cause that she believed in.”  …Gary Steele, WalMart Store Manager

“She is a one-person bake sale.”  …David Putman, Hanes Companies

Awards, Honors and Accomplishments
Lillie Mabe is a recipient of the Order of the Longleaf Pine Award ~ The highest honor given to a resident of the state by the Governor of North Carolina; she served as a member of the Board of Directors for the start-up construction of the Davie Family YMCA; she was instrumental in obtaining a $100,000 donation from the Sara Lee Corporation designated for construction of the swimming pool at the Davie Family YMCA; she served for many years as the Hostess at the Sara Lee Corporation’s tent for the Crosby Scholarship Golf Tournament; she helped raise significant sums of money for the World War II Memorial; she coordinated the collection of clothing for the Mocksville United Methodist Church to be donated to countries in need.

Lillie Mabe has baked thousands of ham biscuits raising funds for Habitat for Humanity, Davie Family YMCA, Arts Alive Festival, Davie County Crosby Scholars, local churches and more.

Mrs. Mabe personifies a commitment to community through her volunteer work and philanthropic efforts for the betterment of the entire Davie County community.  These are the same attributes that Mr. E.C. Tatum demonstrated during his lifetime.   Congratulations to Mrs. Lillie Mabe, the 2011 E.C. Tatum Humanitarian Award recipient.