VIDALIA, La. &045; While Jan Simpson may have thought she would be out of the limelight of this year’s Vidalia Chamber of Commerce annual dinner, she was wrong.

After serving as president of the chamber for two years and handing over the helm to Gina Buckley, Simpson was recognized twice Thursday night &045; once from Buckley for her dedication and for being someone Buckley called &uot;my mentor&uot; and secondly for her dedication to the city as she was named Vidalian of the Year.

Last year’s Vidalian of the Year, Guylyn Boles, presented the award to Simpson, described as someone who &uot;shows enthusiasm and energy in all areas she participates.&uot;

She was described as coming early and staying late, involved in too many things to mention and the &uot;only person able to run the Vidalia Chamber of Commerce for two years.&uot;

&uot;It’s amazing to get an award for doing something you enjoy,&uot; Simpson said.

The Educator of the Year award was given to someone that has embodied a &uot;winning team&uot; with the Vidalia High School football team he led to the semifinals this past season. Dee Faircloth began his career at Vidalia High in 1968 and has worked 36 years at the same school.

The hospitality award, given by last year’s recipient Gaye Guercio, was given to someone who &uot;provided a beautiful setting for numerous functions with a smile and the grace of a true Southern lady,&uot; Guercio said &045; Pam White of Whitehall Plantation.

For the Bowie Business award, the winning business was said to be &uot;always eager to help many profit and nonprofit groups Š to provide a venue. Customer service is number one tonight’s winner &045; Riverview Park and Resort,&uot; Joey Doucet, general manager of Vidalia Apparel said. Co-owner Larry Chauvin accepted the award with a smile.

&uot;A strong asset to the hotel industry. A person with knowledge of the product, service with a smile and eager to promote Vidalia&uot; were all ways Gina Buckley described the business person of the year &045; Clara Brown.