Henry honored for giving to local people in need
By DONNA THORNTON, Editor
Supporters of Albertville businesses and the Albertville Chamber of Commerce gathered recently to celebrate and elevate the businesses that drive the city’s growth, and to honor a Citizen of the Year who has made it her life’s business to help others in need across the community.
The 71st Annual Albertville Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Banquet presented its Citizen of the Year honor to Linda Henry, who continues decades of working to help those in need in the community serving as executive director of Marshall County Christian Services.
Presenting the honor, Quintan Williams said many people might think of a Citizen of the Year as the building of a big company, headed a massive initiative or project, and those are wonderful things. “Tonight, we celebrate a different kind of success,” he said. “The kind that doesn’t ask for recognition. The kind that works quietly, steadily, faithfully at ground level.”
He became acquainted with Henry around 2000 and learned of the work she was doing “to impact the community in a real way.” She began working to assist women in need, helping them learn job skills, financial skills, and interview skills. She has worked since to organize Second Chance Food Pantry, and continues the work with Marshall County Christian Services, providing food, training and other needs for all those in need across the county.
“Thank you for the thousands of lives you’ve touched. Thank you for the dignity you’ve restored. Thank you for the meals you’ve provided. Thank you for the hope you’ve rekindled,” he said.
“She didn’t change the world by standing on a stage,” Williams said. “She changed the world by kneeling beside people who needed help to stand again. And Albertville is better, stronger and kinder and more compassionate because of Linda Henry.”
“I didn’t do this,” Henry said. “This is not about me. It was God, and what He’s done.”
And it’s taken a lot of help from others, she said, who’ve supported the service center.
“There’s no trouble too big. No humiliation too big. No suffering too severe,” she said, that cannot be overcome with God and help from others.
“For 26 years, that’s been my reason for doing this,” Henry said.
She pointed out three tables of family and volunteers attending the event, noting that one of the volunteers was 93 years old. “Being too old is no excuse,” Henry said, urging anyone interested in helping to call her, and she would find something they could do to help.
In welcoming guests as the event kicked off Chamber President Stan Witherow said it was discovered last year that the Chamber did not have a mission statement, so one was crafted to guide the organization’s role in the community:
“To champion a thriving business community by promoting economic growth, enhancing the quality of life, and supporting local businesses in Albertville and the greater Sand Mountain region.”
“We believe in collaboration, the power of partnerships. We lead with integrity, honesty and accountability,” Witherow said, and embrace innovative solutions.
Board Chairperson Miranda Humphreys introduced Albertville’s Industry of the Year, Paragon, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year.
“Fifty years in business has been an incredible journey,” Lendell Glassco said. As he explained it, many people locally may not be aware of the industry, because of its manufacture of wholesale home décor items sold to furniture stores, hotels, interior designers, and other businesses across the globe. Paragon’s employees produce about 600 pictures a day, he said. He praised the strong community Albertville provides and the Chamber for helping to make it possible.
“We look forward to another 50 years,” he said.
The Chamber recognized Rachel Constantine as Ambassador of the Year, and past chairperson Kasey Culbert.
The Chamber honored small businesses of the year, nominated by members and judged by a committee. The nominees ranged from a bakery that has been a part of Albertville’s business landscape for more than 70 years to a business operated by an Albertville Innovation Academy student.
While the Chamber honored specific business, Humphreys said all the businesses in the city – operated by people with the vision and commitment to invest in Albertville – deserve recognition.
The nominees and winners were:
Emerging Business Category
Alabama Comfort Controls – winner
Beyond Detailing
Hailey’s Sweets
• 1-10 Employees Category
Albertville Home Bakery – winner
Revived Skin Care
10-50 Employees Category
New Beginning College of Cosmetology
Stach & Co. – winner
51-100 Employees Category
Citizens Bank & Trust
Santa Fe Cattle Co. – winner
Linda Henry, Albertville’s Citizen of the Year for 2025, is welcomed to the stage at the annual chamber banquet by chamber President Stan Witherow, left, and board Chairwoman Miranda Humphrey, right. Photo by DONNA THORNTON l The Leader
