KYLE MURPHYStaff Writer

The Tullahoma Area Chamber of Commerce (TACC), and the rest of the community, gathered and celebrated the four finalists of the annual Women Impacting the Community luncheon.

The annual Women Impacting the Community Luncheon celebrates the achievements and contributions of local women in the four areas of service: business, community service, education and lifetime achievement.

This year’s keynote speaker was Dr. MaryLou Apple, a Tennessee Board of Regents representative for the 6^th Congressional District. Apple said when she looked at the room, she knew she was surrounded by amazing women who she admired. She shared with attendees about the women who influenced on her life through their character and faith: her grandmother, mother and her sisters. Apple said her grandmother’s life wasn’t easy as a widow raising five children on a farm, and losing her sight later in life. Apple said through it all she had her faith in God, her family and a strong work ethic.

“No matter what she faced, she never complained,” Apple said.

She then talked about her mother. She said her mother loves God, family and her church, but added for the life she lives she showed she valued those priorities. The final group of women Apple acknowledged was her sisters. She said while they grew up through difficult times and challenges, but they still love each other unconditionally.

Apple said she was fortunate that her parents taught her, and her siblings, several principles and values that she’s carried with her throughout her career. Some of those include “Love God, love others”; “Honesty and integrity at all times”; “treat others like the way you want to be treated”; “actions speak louder than words”; and “you can criticize when walk a mile in one’s shoes.” Apple said throughout her career, she discovered the best way to handle problems and disappoints was not to focus who was unfair and mistreated her, but to focus on how she acted and reacted to be the best version of herself. The six step-process of self-development she follows include knowing one’s mission and purpose; honesty and integrity with oneself and others; refrain from comparing oneself to others; love one another; wisely choose one’s friends; and pay it forward.

“I will never completely stop this process because this is a lifelong process,” she said.  

She then have everyone put these six steps in practice and had attendees fill out the cards and told everyone to give to someone that week. Apple closed her speech by telling attendees that the way they make someone feel will leave a lasting impact on them, and presented everyone one last gift on their tables to let them know to be the best versions of themselves.

“Your life’s mission is something bigger than you,” Apple said. “You are wonderfully made. You are designed for greatness.” 

Honorees

Earlier this month, the chamber announced the 50 nominees for this year’s Women Impacting the Community. Later in the month, chamber officials revealed the 12 finalists in the four categories: Kelleye Watts, Kristin Breyette and Susan Wilson for Business; Lisa Burden, Samantha Zimmerman and Shannon Duncan for Education; Jennifer Ray, Joanna Reynolds and Susan Binkley for Community Service; and Ava Lynch, Deby Barnett and Donna Hamilton for Lifetime Achievement.

The winner in the category of Business was Sue Wilson, the Financial Director for Tullahoma. In her role, Wilson demonstrated her expertise and integrity in managing the city’s financial affairs, and her strategic financial planning and budget management was praised for have not only ensured fiscal responsibility, but also paved the way for growth and development in the community.

“Sue’s remarkable ability to navigate complex financial challenges with grace and proficiency has garnered admiration from colleagues and residents alike,” TACC Executive Director Hope Nunley said. “Furthermore, her commitment to transparency and accountability has earned her the trust and respect of the community.”

Wilson thanked everyone and said it was an honor to receive the award among the other nominees. She said her son asked her when looking for jobs how he could make a difference in the world. She said anything he does, he can make a difference just by the way he does it.

“It’s the way you do things, it’s the way that everybody here makes Tullahoma a great place,” Wilson said.

For the category of Community Service, Nunley said Joanna Reynolds gives selflessly to so many nonprofit organizations. Some of Reynolds’ community service include serving as an ambassador and board of directors for TACC, serving on the board of directors for The Coffee County Children’s Advocacy Board of Directors and volunteering for many organizations and events, like the TACC Membership Celebration, Taste of Tullahoma, Christmas Parade, Coffee County Young Professionals, Coffee County Leadership, the Motlow Gala and so on. 

Reynolds said thanked everyone and said for her she wants to leave people better before she came.

“Each time I visit your business or interact with you I hope I leave you just a little bit better than before I came to you,” Reynolds said.

In the field of education, Samantha Zimmerman is the president of Bel-Aire Elementary PTO, and was recently recognized by Tullahoma City Schools as the Volunteer of the Year. Nunley said when Zimmerman volunteers her time, she does so without expecting attention or praise, as she takes pleasure in celebrating the strengths of others by placing them in roles where they can excel. Upon enrolling her daughter at Bel-Aire, Zimmerman quickly became an invaluable asset to the school, and has dedicated countless hours to support teachers, students and the community. As President of the PTO, she has been a source of help for teachers for various projects, and in the midst of a teacher’s unexpected departure, Zimmerman stepped in to provide stability and support for the class, ensuring that the students felt loved during a difficult time.

“Despite juggling multiple responsibilities as a mother of two, a wife, a baseball and softball coach, a business owner, and a full-time employee, Samantha has managed to make a significant impact at the school,” Nunley said. “Her dedication to serving the community has extended to her work in uniting all elementary schools to provide events that bring the community together.”

When accepting her award, Zimmerman praised her fellow nominees and said the award was a small representation of what they all do.

“Thank you for honoring me, I am very humble and honored by (the award) and by everyone in this room,” Zimmerman said.

The final award was the Lifetime Achievement, which was presented to Donna Hamilton, who was described as a lifelong giver.  As a mother of 10, she and her late husband, Walter, also opened their home to many relatives and over 20 foster children, adopting four.

“Known for her generosity, Donna has been a pillar of support in the community, offering advice and care,” Nunley said. “She worked tirelessly as an LPN for over 60 years and used her culinary skills to cater local events and run Hamilton’s Family Restaurant until her husband’s health declined.”

At 85, Hamilton stays active by attending county meetings, organizing events and being involved with her church and community organizations.

“Her contributions have shaped the lives of many in Tullahoma and beyond,” Nunley said. “Her dedication to children, both her own and those she fostered, is unparalleled. She and her husband provided a nurturing home for countless children, helping them become successful adults. Donna’s legacy of selflessness and community service makes her a deserving recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.”

After receiving a standing ovation from everyone in attendance, Hamilton said she was totally speechless and didn’t know what to say. She then thanked everyone who helped her and the city of Tullahoma.

“You deserve honors too because it was with your help that I was able to do a lot of things that I have done,” Hamilton said. “I just say thank you to everyone.”