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It was an evening of honor for both a local business and an individual each recognized for service to the community.
John O’Donnell and the Copper Bistro received the accolades Thursday evening during the Globe-Miami Chamber of Commerce annual meeting and awards presentation.
The Chamber’s Golden Service Award is given to a retiree who continues to work in the community past their work career and O’Donnell is this year’s recipient.
With education dear to his heart, O’Donnell was honored in part for his work with the Pinal Mountain Foundation for Higher Education, helping many students at the local college.
O’Donnell’s work included “everything from cooking bratwurst at Oktoberfest to collecting art donations” for the foundation’s annual art auction. A big believer in partnerships, O’Donnell promotes the partnership between the foundation and Chamber, combining the Citizen of the Year dinner in January with the foundation art auction, thus improving both events.
The art auction, Oktoberfest and partnership with United Fund has resulted in awarding tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships over the years. O’Donnell was also honored for his work with the Rotary as well as the Elks Lodge, where he “works tirelessly on their fundraisers, all of which ultimately benefited the community through scholarships and grants to civic groups.”
The announcement was met with a standing ovation from the audience, the second one of the evening.
Business of the Year
Copper Bistro had received the first standing ovation after being named Business of the Year.
Currently in Alaska, owners Rodney and Kari Courtney were not in person to see it but it was live streamed to them nonetheless.
The Courtneys were honored for working closely with other groups in helping to feed others in need in the community.
In a nomination letter, one writer described the Courtneys as “heavily involved within the community.”
“They truly and deeply care about our community and have been a part of and initiated so many great charity programs throughout our community.”
The Courtneys are involved with a group that sponsors families to donate and deliver presents to those who would otherwise go without during the holidays.
After the November 2018 mass shooting in Globe, the Courtneys set up a stand outside the restaurant so their grandson could sell cotton candy and popcorn, raising money for the victims and their families.
“More times than I can count, they have fed those who didn’t have the money to eat, purchased clothing for those in need, donated water to the local fire departments during the summer months, donated food for the fireman after the tragic Mid State fire and so much more,” the nomination letter said. “If there is someone in need and they are aware, you can bet they will be one of the first to ask how they can help.”
The same evening, the Chamber also held its election of officers, with its President Erica Muniz accepting the challenge again.
Re-elected to three-year terms, incumbents Robin Bradford and Robert Howard will serve on the Chamber board in the coming year. Bryan Goslin of APS; Mickie Nye of Dairy Queen and Jonell Robertson of Apache Gold Casino and Resort were also elected to serve three-year terms. Rhonda Mason, of Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center, will serve a one-year term.
Other officers include Christine Cothrun, president elect; Stacey Murry, vice president; Robert Howard, treasurer and Leitha Griffin, secretary.
Award winning journalist with over 18 years experience in covering local news and issues affecting rural communities. Married 37 years, my life has taken me from Phoenix to Willcox to Globe. My husband and I are both overjoyed to find ourselves in Globe-Miami, with its rich history and sense of community. This is truly home.
