MT. VERNON — The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce announced many of their award nominee and recipients for 2020 at a press conference Wednesday morning. Among the award nominees and winners announced were the Ambassador of the Year, Young Professional of the Year, Small Business Person of the Year, and teacher grant and student scholarship winners.

Chamber President Brandon Bullard says there are many people making a difference in Jefferson County.

Also on Wednesday, the Chamber announced their endorsement for David Overstreet for Illinois Supreme Court Justice.

The full list of nominees and award winners announced Wednesday is below:

Ambassador of the Year Winner: Lacey Copple – Hall Insurance Group

Young Professional of the Year Nominees: Chad Brandon – The Tedrick Group, Lacey Copple – Hall Insurance Group, Ross Rubenacker – Legence Bank.

Small Business Person of the Year Nominees: Michelle Page – Anchor Garden and Rental, Wes and George Neal – Neal Family Dentistry, and Wes Rogers – Wes Rogers Tire and Auto.

Scholarships: Over 40 applicants have applied for chamber scholarships this year, nearly tripling the number of applicants from last year. Also, in a new venture, the chamber has matched sponsors and fulfilled 28 scholarships.

Teacher Grants: Paige Nowland, Denae Jones, Jessica Case, Terrea Kirsch, Ashley Moore, and Laura Harrawood from Osborne Primary Center; Kevin McGreer and Marjorie Stricklin of Casey Middle School, Renea Rapp of Woodlawn High School; Dana Hall and Richelle Choate of Mt. Vernon Township High School, Sarah Moore of Spring Garden Elementary School, April Flexter of Bluford Schools, and Melissa J. Clark of the Mt. Vernon Alternative Learning Center.