Kaylee Simons
Elmore Autauga News
The Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce recognized local businesses, volunteers and community leaders Thursday during its annual Business Awards Luncheon, bringing together organizations and individuals who continue to invest their time, talent and resources in the Millbrook community.
Held at The Fieldhouse at 17 Springs, the luncheon served as both a celebration of this year’s award recipients and an opportunity for Chamber members to recognize the relationships and partnerships that help strengthen the community throughout the year.
This year’s business award recipients included BRANDify Creative Marketing, which received the Emerging Small Business of the Year award; The Worx Auto Detail, named Small Business of the Year; Pest Pro Services, which received Medium Business of the Year honors; and First Community Bank of Central Alabama, which was recognized as Large Business of the Year.
Judge Ben Baxley also recognized Kimberly Hubbard as the 2026 Ambassador of the Year. The Chamber additionally recognized outgoing Board Chair Cadi Mills and inducted its 2026-2027 Board of Directors.
Guest speaker Art Faulkner, chairman of the Elmore County Economic Development Authority, spoke about the continued growth taking place throughout the area and the importance of creating places where families and young people can gather, connect and spend their time. He discussed the role recreational facilities and community spaces play in supporting quality of life while also contributing to the local economy.
While the luncheon centered on awards, it also highlighted the connections that exist between many of Millbrook’s businesses, nonprofits and community organizations. Attendees spent the afternoon celebrating one another’s accomplishments, sharing stories and recognizing the people who help make local events, projects and programs possible.
The gathering brought together representatives from a wide range of industries and organizations, reflecting the relationships that have been built through the Chamber over the years. The event served as a reminder that many of the community’s successes are the result of collaboration between local businesses, volunteers and community leaders.
Chamber President and CEO Brenda Dennis said recognizing local businesses remains one of the organization’s most important responsibilities.
“Recognizing local businesses is one of the most important things we do as a Chamber because these businesses are the backbone of our community,” Dennis said. “They create jobs, provide services, support local families, and help drive the economic growth that keeps Millbrook moving forward. Taking the time to celebrate their achievements is our way of saying thank you for the investment they make in our city every day.”
Dennis said many local businesses contribute to the community in ways that often go unnoticed.
“What many people don’t see is the impact these businesses have beyond their day-to-day operations,” Dennis said. “They sponsor youth sports teams, support school programs, donate to local charities, participate in community events, and volunteer their time and resources to causes that make Millbrook a better place to live.”
The event concluded with the installation of the Chamber’s new leadership team. James Sanders of F&E Sportswear will serve as chair, Ashley Williams of Pest Pro Services as vice chair and Jamie Brown of the Heart of Alabama Food Bank as treasurer for the 2026-2027 term.
