Washington County Enterprise-Leader
Farmington Chamber Names Top Volunteer, Top Business
FARMINGTON — Diane Bryant was named Volunteer of the Year and Briar Rose Bakery & Deli was honored as the Business of the Year by Farmington Chamber of Commerce during its annual spring banquet last week.
Chamber board member Jodi Hendricks also was recognized with the leadership award for her dedication and service as chamber president and board member from 2009-2015.
The banquet was held April 11 at Lynch Middle School in Farmington. The high school’s honor choir, Crimson Select, entertained with beautiful music.
Bryant has lived in the Farmington area for a short time but has already “made her mark,” said Melissa McCarville, board member and Farmington’s city business manager. Bryant grew up in North Little Rock, moved to Kansas and then relocated to Farmington to be close to family.
Her background is teaching and library work but in Northwest Arkansas, she has been involved in many other organizations.
Bryant was appointed by the governor to fill a vacant position on the Washington County Quorum Court from 2013-15. She then ran for Farmington City Council and was elected to represent Ward 4. As a member of the Council, Bryant has chaired the Economic Development Committee. This committee organized a community Christmas tree lighting in 2015 and is working with state industrial development representatives to help get Farmington on the map, McCarville said.
“Whenever asked, she says yes and when she volunteers, she follows through,” McCarville added. Bryant also is a member of the Farmington Chamber Board of Directors, Washington County Retired Teachers Association, Friends of Washington County Library, a member of Farmington United Methodist Church where she chairs the fundraising committee and a past president of Valley View Estates Property Owners Association.
Bryant, surprised by the announcement, said she was honored by the award.
“I want to say how much I love Farmington,” Bryant said. “You can tell a lot about a community when you drive through and see all the schools. Farmington cares a lot. I’m happy to do all that I’ve done.”
Chamber officials had expected someone to attend the banquet from Briar Rose but no one showed up. The business did not know it would receive the award.
In announcing Briar Rose as the Business of the Year, Chamber board President Tracy Nelson said
the bakery is a family-owned and operated business that provides unique and creative products, services and experiences and provides “impeccable customer service.”
Briar Rose has helped to promote revenue and growth in Farmington and continues to invest in Farmington, Nelson said.
The business donates products and services to community events and supports Farmington by serving on local non-profit organizations. “This business is located in a magical looking cottage right off Main Street,” Nelson said, noting, “There is something there for everyone, as proven by the many customers who come from near and far.”
More than 50 people attended the spring banquet. Chamber board members also include Tommy Cornwell, Nancy Woodward, Marty Trudell, Budd Smith and Brittney Holloway.