The Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce honored a host of business and community leaders for their dedication and outstanding community work during the organization’s annual holiday luncheon, which was held Dec. 12 at the Fairfield Inn & Suites at Stonecrest.

Chamber President Doreen Carter presented 14 awards, honoring Gregory Williams of Kaiser Permanente as the “Partner of the Year.” Gwinnett Federal Credit Union, represented by Bonnie Hayes, was named “New Member of the Year.”

“We had a phenomenal year,” said Carter. “This year, we had a 56 percent increase in membership. We had informative workshops and we rolled out a new web. We had great partners who rolled up their sleeves. “We just wanted to show our appreciation by honoring them.”

Carter said the Chamber plans to providing quality workshops to educate and inform its members. The Chamber is planning to host its “State of Business in East Metro” meeting on Jan. 16.

For more information about the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce, visit www.lithoniachamber.org.

Partner of the Year

Gregory Williams, Kaiser Permanente

New Member of the Year

Bonnie Haynes, Gwinnett Federal Credit Union

President’s Award

Citizens Trust Bank

Duke Hospitality

On Common Ground News

Business and Civic Champions

State Representative Dar’shun Kendrick

Commissioner Larry Johnson

Commissioner Stan Watson

Commissioner Lee May

Congressman Hank Johnson

Lithonia Housing Authority Executive Director Martha Callaway

Chamber Member of the Year

Career and Technical Education DeKalb County School System

Dionne Johnigan

Tisa Parker

Dr. Delmas L. Watkins