By Conrad Dudderar
Staff Writer
A longtime local banker was honored Friday night with one of Yukon’s highest annual awards.
David Goodwin, of RCB Bank in Yukon, was named H.B. Frank Citizen of the Year during the annual Yukon Chamber of Commerce gala.
About 350 people attended the Kentucky Derby-themed “Run for the Roses” festivities at Mollie Spencer Farm, 1001 Garth Brooks Blvd.
All tables were sold for this year’s gala, Yukon Chamber CEO Pam Shelton said.
Yukon’s top citizen has been in the banking business for more than 40 years, the last seven at RCB Bank on Garth Brooks Boulevard. He attended Friday’s gala with his wife Nina.
Goodwin is an advocate for Yukon High School’s Leaders of Tomorrow program, sponsored annually by the Yukon Chamber.
Goodwin is credited with helping start this fall leadership development program for YHS freshmen in 1999, along with Ernie Gomez. At the time, Goodwin was the Yukon Chamber’s board president.
He’s been a staunch supporter of Leaders of Tomorrow every year since it began.
“I’m the cheerleader,” said Goodwin, who has watched 23 classes complete the program.
Yukon’s Leaders of Tomorrow is for students who are potential leaders, proven leaders and non-traditional leaders.
BEST OF THE REST
Friday night’s Yukon Chamber gala featured the presentation of H.B. Frank Citizen of the Year and seven other awards:
- T.J. Lowery Humanitarian of the Year: Dr. Kyle Henderson
- Non-Profit of the Year: Compassionate Hands of Yukon
- Large Business of the Year: Walmart Neighborhood Market
- Medium Business of the Year: First American Mortgage
- Small Business of the Year: The Arrangement
- Volunteer of the Year: Jim Schmaelzle
- Ambassador of the Year: Homer Cobb
Other highlights of the outdoor celebration were a stick horse race, auction, entertainment by saxophonist Michael Kleid, infield games, photo booth with racehorse and jockey, and hat and bowtie contests.
The dinner featured derby-inspired food and drinks.
Many Yukon gala attendees dressed in their “Derby best” to celebrate the southern tradition.
See more coverage of the annual Yukon Chamber of Commerce awards gala in the Wednesday, April 27 edition of The Yukon Progress.
