Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce AWARDS-2008
 Hoover City Schools Employee of the Year finalists were honored at the November Chamber Luncheon, where Hoover City Schools Superintendent Andy Craig gave his annual update on the Hoover School System. Shown above (front row) are nominees Darlene Sommers, Instructional Support, Simmons Middle School; 2007-2008 Hoover City Schools Employee of the Year Mary Jo Powell, Superintendent’s Secretary, Central Office; and Ida Collins, Child Nutritionist, Trace Crossings Elementary School. Superintendent Andy Craig is standing behind Mrs. Powell. |
 Mary Jo Powell, The Secretary in the office of the Superintendent of Education, was recognized at the November Chamber luncheon as the 2007-2008 Hoover City Schools Employee of the Year. The award was presented by Superintendent Andy Craig, left, and sponsored by Hoar Program Management and Hoar Construction Company, for the 13th consecutive year - every year the award has existed. A perpetual plaque hangs in the Central Office recognizing each winner for the past 13 years. |
 City of Hoover Employee of the Year finalists were honored at the November Chamber Luncheon, with Mayor Tony Petelos recognizing each of the finalists for the outstanding jobs they do in their respective departments. Shown left to right, Ron Whitacre, Court Referral Officer of the Hoover Municipal Courts; Mike Benson, Information Systems Support Technician of the Hoover Public Library; Hoover City Council President Gary Ivey; City of Hoover Employee of the Year for 2007-2008 Bill White, IT Support Specialist, of the Hoover Police Department; and M. J. Vail, Housekeeping, of the Hoover Recreation Center. |
 City Winner - Bill White, IT Support Specialist with the Hoover Police Department, was recognized as the City of Hoover Employee of the Year by Hoover Mayor Tony Petelos for 2007-2008 at the November Chamber Luncheon. The award was sponsored by Regions Bank for the 13th consecutive year. |
Brigadier General Lott Honored with 2008 Freedom Award
Brigadier General Robert Lee Lott (Ret.) was honored at the July Chamber Luncheon as the 2008 Freedom Award winner, sponsored by RBC Bank. The annual Freedom Award is presented by the Chamber each year to recognize outstanding Americans for their great service to our country and community.
Robert (Bobby) Lott's military career began in 1945 when he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. Following the end of WWII, he was discharged as a private first class. In 1954, he joined the Alabama Army National Guard and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers. He quickly climbed the ranks over the next several years and, in 1968, was named Commander of the 1343rd Engineer Battalion. In February, 1980, Lott was promoted to brigadier general and assigned as Commander 31st Armored Brigade at Fort McClellan. After more than 30 years service, General Lott retired from the Alabama National Guard in 1981.
During his military service, General Lott was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal; U.S. Marine Good Conduct Medal; U.S. Army Good Conduct Medal; American Campaign and Service Medal; WWII Victory Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal; Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal; and Alabama Commendation Medal.
A native of Birmingham, General Lott hold a BS from Howard College (now Samford University); along with a Master's and Doctorate of Education from the University of Alabama. Not only did he excel in his military duties, but his leadership talents were evident in a successful teaching and coaching career spanning over 20 years. After coaching football and basketball at the high school level, General Lott became principal at Ensley High School in 1971, where he also coached golf. He retired in 1980 but 14 years later accepted a part-time athletic academic advisor position at Hoover High School. General Lott, and his wife Carolyn, live in Hoover and they have four sons.
General Lott joins an elite group who has made significant contributions to our community by earning this prestigious award, including A.C. Roper, John O'Malley, Bill Natter, Sr., Bob Mosca, and Art Headley.
