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Virtually every one of the more than 7,000 chambers of commerce in the United States present a citizen of the year award. The Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce awards the Wes Gordon Golden Deeds Award to individ- uals who have significantly contributed to the quality of life in the community. The award is presented in the name of Wes Gordon, the longest serving president of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce – from 1947 to 1972. Gordon was the driving force behind com- mercial airline service coming to Fayetteville and the creation of the Fayetteville Industrial Park, now known as the Fayetteville Commerce District. "He was literally the catalyst to the creation of thousands of jobs," said Steve Clark, presi- dent and CEO of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce. Twenty-one individuals have received the Wes Gordon Golden Deeds Award since it was first presented. The award cannot be presented posthumously or to a currently serving elected official. The bronze plaques, handmade by local artist Eugene Sargent, are on display for all citizens and visitors to see, including future generations. "These exceptional leaders are on view at one of our most prominent destinations in Fayetteville, the Square," Clark noted. Until recently, the plaques were displayed on the railing that borders the inside walkway on the south and east sides of the square. They are currently being moved to the east-facing wall of the Chamber of Commerce building, located at 21 W. Mountain St., on the south side of the Fayetteville Downtown Square. "The plaques are being repositioned so more people can and will see them as they visit our Square, whatever season," Clark said. The Wes Gordon Golden Deeds Award is the Chamber's highest honor. While only 21 people have been chosen to receive the award, hundreds more have been nominated from all walks of life and representing various institu- tions around the community. These hardwork- ing, determined leaders have made Fayetteville what it is today. Celebrating Gold: The Wes Gordon Golden Deeds Award 2002 - John M. Lewis 2003 - Clark C. McClinton 2004 - Jessie Bryant 2005 - Harry Vandergritt 2006 - Frank Broyles 2007 - Fred Vorsanger 2008 - Woody Bassett 2009 - John McDonnell 2010 - Curtis Shipley 2011 - Paul Noland 2012 - Merlin Augustine 2013 - Nancy G. Allen 2014 - Carl Collier 2015 - Charles Scharlau 2016 - Hugh Kincaid 2017 - Morriss and Ann Henry 2018 - Dan Ferritor 2019 - Jeff Koenig 2020 - Fayetteville Public Schools, University of Arkansas, Washington Regional Hospital 2021 - Dr. John L Colbert 2022 - Larry Bittle Full list of Wes Gordon Golden Deeds Awards 6

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