Edmond Chamber 2020 award winners

On March 25, the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2020 Annual Awards Banquet, recognizing individuals and businesses that made considerable contributions to the community over the past year. The event was especially impactful and meaningful after a difficult year for many local businesses. 

The 2020 Small Business of the Year designation was awarded to Madeline’s Flowers, offering flowers, plants, and gifts in the same location along Broadway for more than 70 years. Christian Brothers Automotive earned the title of RCB Bank Philanthropic Business of the Year for their continued giving, service, and donations to Edmond residents in need. 

Five individuals were honored, including Citizen of the Year Bret Towne and Woman of the Year Amy Stephens. Each winner was nominated, interviewed, and selected by Edmond Chamber committee members and volunteers. 

“Edmond is fortunate to have citizens who go above and beyond for the community,” said Edmond Chamber President and CEO Sherry Jordan. “We are thrilled to recognize these individuals and businesses who have made a difference in our city, even in the midst of a global pandemic.”

The Chamber also celebrated Volunteer of the Year Jan Moran, Young Professional of the Year Matt Boydstun, and Ambassador of the Year J.R. Clark. 

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First United Bank Small Business of the Year: Madeline’s Flowers

Madeline’s Flowers was established in 1950. Over 70 years later, it is still in the same location, proudly run by Madeline’s daughter and granddaughters. Madeline’s sells flowers, plants, gift items, candy, and more. But more than the products, they sell feelings and service. The flower shop has been a member of the Chamber of Commerce for 42 years and a member of the Florist Transworld Delivery and Teleflora for half a century. The owners’ vision is to continue growing and providing the best service and products possible for their customers.

RCB Bank Philanthropic Business of the Year: Christian Brothers Automotive

Since purchasing Christian Brothers Automotive Edmond in 2018, owners Jesse and Shauna set their vision to be a light in the community and impact Edmond. They believe when one person is given a hand-up, the community as a whole is blessed. Christian Brothers Automotive continually partners with local non-profits to meet the challenging car care needs of our community. For three consecutive years, the company has hosted an Annual Service Day for single moms and families in need. They serve about 65 families each year and offer free oil changes while also surprising recipients with repairs for other safety issues like tires, brakes, and more. Their goal with each repair is to make a difference for a family in need to help them establish a stronger financial position and to be safe on the road.

Citizens Bank Citizen of the Year: Bret Towne

Bret Towne has served the Edmond Public Schools district since 1999 and was named Superintendent in June 2015. During his tenure, the district has constructed eight new schools, developed partnerships with the City of Edmond and YMCA, and put a smart device in every student’s hands during the pandemic. The Oklahoma Association of School Administrators named him the Assistant Superintendent of the Year in 2015 and Region No. 7 Superintendent of the Year in 2018. For many years, he has been an active member of the Edmond Chamber, currently serving on the Government Relations Council and previously serving on the Board of Directors for eight years, including as Chairman of the Board in 2018.

Prosperity Bank Woman of the Year: Amy Stephens

Amy Stephens is the executive director of the Edmond Historical Society and Museum, where she helps Oklahomans learn to share and save their own history. Two of her most notable exhibit curations include storytelling and memorabilia from America’s Got Talent star Darci Lynne and “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” singer Gayla Peevey. She has lived in Edmond for nearly 30 years and has over 300 published articles, plus three award-winning zoo books. In her previous role at the Oklahoma City Zoo, she began a historical archive and started the ZooZeum from scratch, saving over 100 years of history from being lost. Through her museum work and writing, Amy hopes to connect people to and through stories.

OU Health Edmond Young Professional of the Year: Matthew Boydstun

Matthew Boydstun is the location manager and funeral director at Baggerley Funeral Home. He has been an active member of Edmond Young Professionals since 2014 and served on the EYP Advisory Board for multiple years, including as Chairman in 2019. Matthew is involved in other areas of the Chamber, including the Board of Advisors and Government Relations Council. He has also participated in the Total Resource Campaign for the last five years and was named Volunteer of the Year in 2017. He is a graduate of Leadership Edmond Class XXXI and continues to be involved with the Leadership Edmond Alumni Council.

Integris Health Edmond Volunteer of the Year: Jan Moran

Jan Moran is the area manager of external affairs for AT&T and has been an active supporter and volunteer of the Edmond Chamber for many years. She has served on the Board of Directors, including being the first person to serve as the Chair of the Board two times, first in 2009 and again in 2019. Jan has been a volunteer for the Edmond Chamber Total Resource Campaign since its inception in 2008, and she has been the top salesperson every year. Jan has served on numerous committees and has volunteered her emcee skills for our Annual Awards Banquet and our Dancing with the Stars event. Jan is a joy to work with and always contributes above and beyond what is asked of her. The Edmond Chamber is thankful for Jan’s time and effort over the years and is thrilled to honor her hard work.

Mercy Ambassador of the Year: J.R. Clark

J.R. Clark is the director of marketing for Hi-Tech Plumbing and Leak Detect and has served on our Ambassador Council since 2017. The honor of Ambassador of the Year is awarded to the ambassador who makes the highest number of goodwill calls, ribbon cuttings, and events. The award is decided on a points-based system with participants earning points through their involvement. J.R. Clark went above and beyond through 2020 to achieve this award.