The Billings Community Chamber of Commerce hosted the Billings 2022 Citizen of the Year Award Dinner Saturday, January 28th at the Billings Community Center. The theme for the event was “Volunteers-Unique Like Snowflakes”. The tables were beautifully decorated with blue table covering accented with hurricane lamps filled with blue, silver and white ornaments, blue and silver snowflake garland, and snowmen figures. First Bank and Trust provided a beautiful flower arrangement for the head table and a miniature arrangement for the registration table. Over 100 people attended the enjoyable event.The main event of the evening was the announcement of Tracy and Michelle Carter as recipients of the 2022 Billings Citizens of the Year Award. The Carters were nominated for their recent and long-time service to the community, school, and Chamber of Commerce. Other nominees were Rachel Silvey and Kevin West. A special committee from the Tonkawa area selected the recipients from nominations received.Highlights of the 2020-2022 years were shown in a special video presentation created by Rachel Silvey and Brittany Carter. Dinner was a wonderful feast of smoked brisket, pulled pork and ham accompanied by a wide variety of tasty home cooked side dishes brought by attendees. Special entertainment was provided by Billings School Superintendent Eric Smith. Smith wowed the crowd singing a selection of country/ gospel songs and two very personal and beautiful songs he had written himself.Before the announcement of the 2022 Citizen of the Year was made, Melinda and Mark Branson were recognized as the 20202021 Billings Citizens of the Year Award recipients and presented with an official plaque. The Bransons were chosen in 2021 for their outstanding volunteerism to the Billings Community during the Pandemic.Special Chamber awards presented during the evening were – Lifetime Service Award to Delbert and Mary Lou Foltz; Business of the Year to Billings Fairchild Center; Employee of the Year to Kay Ranney-First Bank and Trust Co. and Billings Pride Award to World War II Veteran and Centurion, H.B. Evans.Candy Oller, Billings Citizen of the Year Chair ...
