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Three members of the Brewton community were honored Tuesday evening during the annual membership meeting and banquet event held by the Greater Brewton Area Chamber of Commerce.

Taking the honor in the business category, Steve Creamer, owner of Creamer Dozier, Creamer Power Equipment and soon, an oil change service business.

In presenting the honor Chamber President-Elect Lee Barrentine gave recognition to the man he says is more than a business.

“He has been in business for more than 25 years and I believe he sold his truck to buy his first piece of equipment for the business,” Barrentine said. “In those years his business had grown to employ 60 people as he continues to expand his current business and open new businesses in the community.”

Barrentine said Creamer is the ‘prime example’ of the Bible verse Matthew 6:1 — “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

“He would never brag on himself, but I’m going to brag on him,” Barrentine said. “He has paid employees who had cancer while they were off from work. He has paid for transportation of employees who need treatment. He has helped churches with parking lot and cemetery work. He has paid his employees and sent them to work at local food banks. And, every Christmas he takes 10 kids to a really nice restaurant for dinner and then gives them $100 and takes them shopping for Christmas. I aspire to be like him.”

Creamer said being a part of the Brewton community is one of the best parts of his life.

“This is a great community to raise a family in and I’m happy to be a part of it,” Creamer said.

In the civic participation category, Marcus and Valerie Hall were recognized for their work with children throughout the community in a program they began for the youth.

Chamber President Stacey Holt made the presentation and said the couple had made changes in the young people of the Brewton community.

“They are changing the lives and minds of youth here,” Holt said. “They began a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program in 2016 and provide hands-on learning to expose our youth to cultural and educational activities. By providing experiences outside of Brewton, they are expanding the students’ perception of STEM.”

In accepting the award, Marcus said he and his wife were lead to come back to Brewton in 2016.

“God lead me back home,” Marcus said. “With the support of the city and my great wife, we are providing a program open to all kids. God’s purpose is to scoop up those that are left out. Our goal is to make every child a productive citizen of the city.”

Valerie thanked those who made the award possible.

“I’m just the back-up support,” Valerie said. “It is our pleasure to give back to the community.”