community service award

Economic growth, workforce development and community investment were highlighted Thursday, May 7, during the 118th Annual Greater Hall Chamber Gala at The Boathouse at Lake Lanier.

The Greater Hall Chamber Economic Development Council celebrated 10 new and expanding developments in 2025 expected to create 691 jobs and bring $186.5 million in capital investment to the area. Gainesville-Hall County is home to more than 330 manufacturing and processing facilities and 66 international company locations representing 19 countries.

The gala also recognized ongoing community development efforts through Vision 2030 initiatives, including public art, greenspace preservation and civic engagement projects designed to support Gainesville-Hall County’s long-term growth.

“It’s been a good year for the Greater Hall Chamber and our community,” said Tim McDonald, 2025-2026 Chairman of the Board. “We’ve successfully accomplished that mission (of making an impact) — bringing many new jobs, large businesses, small businesses, new businesses, even expanding businesses, and providing education and leadership opportunities for our members.”

The Chamber honored standout leaders and organizations with its annual awards:

Murray Plastics CEO Bill Hall (right) accepting the Small Business of the Year Award from Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tim Evans (left) Thursday, May 7, during the 118th Annual Greater Hall Chamber Gala at The Boathouse at Lake Lanier. – photo by Adriana Cascio
Small Business of the Year: Murray Plastics

Murray Plastics was named Small Business of the Year for its leadership in manufacturing and workforce development. Founded in Gainesville in 1998, the custom plastic injection molding company is led by CEO Bill Hall.

“It’s amazing how I seem to be transported into this community, because like 26 years ago, we … didn’t know anybody in town whatsoever,” Hall said. “It’s such a great opportunity to be here, part of the chamber.”

The company specializes in precision plastic components, including reels used in electronic packaging, and has remained active with the Greater Hall Chamber’s Industry Roundtable. Murray Plastics previously received both the Chamber Industry of the Year Award and the Workforce Development Recognition Award.

Hall also is a founding member of the Workforce Development Council and supports apprenticeship and work-based learning programs through Lanier Technical College and local high schools. The company also introduced a GED testing initiative to help employees advance their careers and educational opportunities.

Family Business of the Year: LaserCraft Technologies

LaserCraft Technologies was recognized as the Family Business of the Year for its continued growth, industry leadership and community involvement.

The custom metal fabrication and machinery company specializes in precision work for industries including agriculture, mining, food service and power transmission. Founder Rodney Greene and his brother, Jody Greene, who joined the company as CFO in 1999, have grown LaserCraft from a one-person operation into a major regional manufacturer.

“This award right here really goes to my employees,” Greene said. “They’re like family. I have excellent employees. They’re just outstanding, dedicated, and they are my family … The real family is all the people that work for you.”

Greene was also acknowledged for his support to the Greater Hall Chamber through the Industry Roundtable and partnered with the Georgia Mountain Food Bank since 2013, encouraging employee volunteerism and supporting food delivery programs, fundraising efforts and the organization’s “LET’S GROW” expansion campaign.

Georgia Mountain Food Bank Executive Director Rebecca Thurman (right) accepting the Community Service Award from Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tim Evans (left) Thursday, May 7, during the 118th Annual Greater Hall Chamber Gala at The Boathouse at Lake Lanier. – photo by Adriana Cascio
Community Service Award: Georgia Mountain Food Bank

Georgia Mountain Food Bank received the Community Service Award for its efforts to fight food insecurity across North Georgia. An affiliate of Feeding America, the organization works with more than 60 partner agencies to distribute food to families and individuals in need.

In 2025, the food bank served 88,000 people and provided 8.5 million meals across its five-county service area. Since opening in 2008, the organization has distributed more than 94 million pounds of food through partnerships with local retailers, manufacturers, distributors and food drives.

“We believe that access to nutritious food is not a privilege, and it’s certainly not political,” Executive Director Rebecca Thurman said. “While we’re honored tonight, we know there is still more work to be done. Together, we will keep going until no one in our community has to wonder where their next meal will come from. Thank you for this honor and for standing with us in the fight to end hunger.”

Distinguished Citizen Award: Glennis Barnes

Glennis Barnes was named the recipient of the Distinguished Citizen Award for his leadership and service throughout Gainesville-Hall County. He was also recently recognized as Man of the Year by the Rotary Club of Gainesville for his contributions to the community and commitment to “Service Above Self.”

“I really want to say thank you to this community,” Barnes said. “Thank you for opening your arms to me and my family … It’s a blessing to work for a company like Georgia Power, where we are allowed to be a citizen, where we serve. That’s our motto, because not only do we go in our community, but we’re going to live in our community.”

Barnes serves as Georgia Power’s area manager for Hall, Dawson, Lumpkin and Jackson counties and became active with the Greater Hall Chamber shortly after moving to Hall County in 2017. During the past decade, he has served as chairman of the Chamber, chaired the Economic Development Council and earned both the Silver Shovel Award and W.G. Mealor Award.

He also has held leadership roles with several community organizations, including the Northeast Georgia Health System, University of North Georgia, Junior Achievement and multiple local development authorities. Barnes currently serves as chair of both the Gainesville and Hall County Hospital Authority and the Gainesville-Hall Development Authority, while also leading the E-SPLOST campaign.

Doug Carter with Don Carter Realty speaking after receiving the WG Mealor Chairman’s Award Thursday, May 7, during the 118th Annual Greater Hall Chamber Gala at The Boathouse at Lake Lanier. – photo by Adriana Cascio
W.G. Mealor Chairman’s Award: Doug Carter

Named in honor of the Chamber’s first chairman, the W.G. Mealer Chairman’s Award was given to Doug Carter for his service to the chamber, leadership, volunteerism and being a friend to everyone he meets.

“That’s the only thunderous applause I’ve ever received in my lifetime,” Carter said. “One hundred eighteen years, and the chamber has just been absolutely outstanding. It’s an honor to join the few others in this room who have been recognized with this award, and I’m certainly not going anywhere. I’m a young man, and I’m going to continue. Don’t let the gray hairs fool you.”

Carter was recognized not only for his “fantastic hairstyle” and “fabulous sense of humor,” but also for having a servant’s heart and dedication to helping others. His purposeful leadership was acknowledged for shaping the quality of life in Hall County and the state of Georgia.

He has served on the Northeast Georgia Health System Board of Directors, Technical College System of Georgia Board of Directors, Quinlan Visual Arts Center Board of Directors, Planning and Appeals Board of Gainesville and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.

Incoming 2026-2027 Chairman Melissa Tymchuk speaks Thursday, May 7, during the 118th annual Chamber Gala at The Boathouse at Lake Lanier after accepting the gavel from Tim McDonald, 2026-2027 Chairman of the Board. – photo by Adriana Cascio
Leadership Transitions

In his closing address, McDonald praised the executive team and Chamber staff, noting his wife, Kim McDonald, as his best friend and biggest supporter during his time serving as chairman. He asked that the community continue to support Leadership Hall, Youth Leadership Hall and other chamber programs.

Incoming Chairman Melissa Tymchuk, Chief Strategy Executive and Chief of Staff at the Northeast Georgia Health System, accepted the gavel.

“Tim, it has been an honor to serve beside you this year,” Tymchuk said. “You are certainly the epitome of purpose and impact in our community … I am thankful for the opportunity to serve as chair this year, and thankful to my leadership by Northeast Georgia Health System for allowing me to do so.”

 

Adriana Cascio
The Times
Published: May 8, 2026, 8:28 AM