Triangle East Chamber Announces Legacy Award Recipients

The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the third annual Legacy Awards celebration, an evening dedicated to honoring leaders who are investing their time, talent, and resources to impact our community. Four awards will be presented: the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Citizen of the Year Award, the Jimmy Creech Small Businessperson of the Year Award, and the Emerging Leader Award. 

The Lifetime Achievement Award is given to a citizen who has consistently served the region over their lifetime. This year’s recipient is John Parrish. Mr. Parrish, a native of Smithfield, worked for 37 years with Miles (now Grifols) retiring as vice president of Quality Operations. He is active in Centenary United Methodist Church serving on many committees. He also volunteers at Smithfield Area Ministries Food Closet. He has served on the board of the Johnston County Education Foundation and the Johnston Community College Foundation Board. He is also an active member of the Rotary Club of Central Johnston.

The Citizen of the Year Award is presented to a citizen who has served the region consistently over the last year with outstanding ability and dedication. The Triangle East 2023 Citizen of the Year is Ron Hester of Barbetta, LLC. Ron is recognized for possessing the qualities of a servant leader. He puts the needs of others before his own and does not sek recognition. He is a member of Activate Selma, Selma Lions Club, and serves as an Ambassador for the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce. 

Zena Rose, of Coffee on Raiford, is the Jimmy Creech Small Businessperson of the Year Award recipient for 2023. Ms. Rose is being recognized for the perseverance she has shown in growing her business since opening during COVID. Not only does Coffee on Raiford provide food and drink but it serves as a community meeting place and a destination for those coming to Selma. Ms. Rose has also brought new food and drink items to the community and serves as a sponsor for community events. 

The Emerging Leader Award recognizes leaders under age 40 for their contributions to the betterment of the Triangle East community and impact on their business or organization. Nominees will be announced in a separate release.

Registration is now open for the Triangle East Legacy Awards cocktail reception and dinner on Thursday, May 23th, at the Farm at 95. Tickets may be purchased at www.TriangleEastChamber.com by May 17th, 2024. Join the Chamber to celebrate local leaders who are building a positive legacy and making a difference to the future of Johnston County.