SPRINGFIELD -- The Effingham County Chamber of Commerce held its 2021 Awards Reception on Tuesday evening at the Local on Laurel.

 Georgia House Majority Leader Jon Burns announced the recipient of the prestigious John Adam Treutlen Award is the late state Sen. Jack Hill. Burns presented the award to Hill's daughter, Dawn Hill Kullberg.

Hill succumbed unexpectedly at 75 in April 2020. He was the the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, lived in Reidsville and represented the 4th District, which includes Effingham County. He was in his 15th two-year term.

Effingham Health System CEO Dr. Fran Witt presented the Small Business of the Year Award to Greenblade Turf and Sod owners Tara and Michael Hart. April Brackin of First Effingham Bank received the Beacon Award as Ambassador of the Year from Tina Browning.

The chamber also recognized longtime Office Manager and Membership Coordinator Becky Shea, outgoing board members Freddy Long, Carrie Thompson and Ed Vance, and its Ambassadors and Members of Distinction.

The Awards Reception is sponsored by Carlson Premier Events, Effingham Health System, Effingham County IDA and Georgia Power.