The Chamber’s Red Bank Council presented its 26th Annual Distinguished Service Awards to Darin Wright, Jenny Kowalski, Dawn Blackwell and Dan Shoats.

Darin Wright was recognized as the 2009 Outstanding Citizen. She serves as the president of the Neighborhood Pride Association and helped establish the Red Bank Market, which offers fresh produce from local growers. Wright founded Elea Blake Cosmetics in 1997, the same year she and her family moved to Red Bank. Tracey Frazier of AmeriGas presented the award, and Wright thanked the "amazing core group of people" she has worked with in the community.

Sonja Millard of Prudential Realty Center presented the Outstanding Educator award to Jenny Kowalski, a first grade teacher at Red Bank Elementary. Kowalski serves as a team leader and as the teachers’ liaison for the PTA. The honoree, who has worked with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, was recognized by her nominators for her leadership and collaboration efforts.

Erlanger North Administrator Dawn Blackwell received the award for Outstanding Business Person. Blackwell joined Erlanger Health System in 2006 with nearly 20 years of experience in health-care. She was named to her current post in 2008. Blackwell is a member of Urban League of Chattanooga, serves on the board of the Ronald McDonald House, and is the secretary of the Red Bank Council board. She oversees the "Seniors on the Go" program at the Red Bank Community Center, which offers health screenings, exercise classes and educational sessions to local seniors. Ruth Jeno, a Red Bank commissioner, presented the award, praising Seniors on the Go as a "program that is second to none."

The Humanitarian award was given to Daniel Shoats. Last year Shoats opened the Red Bank Thrift Store, a non-profit that benefits those in need of hospice care. Teri Pendergrass, an Avon representative who presented the award, also acknowledged the store’s "contribution to the area by being a place where the less fortunate can get much-needed items." Shoats and his family help with community events, such as Red Bank’s Halloween Bash at the fire hall. "Since we’ve opened our business, Red Bank has blessed us," said Shoats as he accepted the award.

The Red Bank Council meets at the Red Bank Community Center behind Erlanger North on the third Tuesday of each month. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m., and lunch and the program start at noon. Lunch is $10. Members and non-members are welcome to attend. 423.870.1809.