The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce will honor and recognize the recipients of its 2012 Public Service Awards, R. Wayne Shackelford Legacy Award, D. Scott Hudgens Humanitarian Award, and Citizen of the Year Award at the 65th Annual Dinner Presented by Gwinnett Medical Center on Feb. 1, 2013.

The formal celebration will take place at the Thomas P. Hughes Grand Ballroom at Gwinnett Center in Duluth with a reception beginning at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m.

“The dinner serves as a celebration of the citizens of Gwinnett who – by their service, volunteerism and commitment – allow our community to reach new heights and set goals to strive for in the future,” said Raymer Sale, 2012 Gwinnett Chamber Chairman and president of E2E Resources Inc.

“Through the efforts of the leaders being honored, the Gwinnett Chamber and the community it serves will continue to thrive and prosper.”

In addition to showcasing the Gwinnett Chamber’s 2012 accolades and the achievements of the Gwinnett community by Philip R. Wolfe, president and CEO of Gwinnett Medical Center and incoming 2013 chamber chairman, the evening will celebrate the exceptional accomplishments of the following honorees:

Barbara Howard, Suzanna’s Kitchen, is the recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award, which honors individuals whose service has had the greatest impact on the overall quality of life for Gwinnett County in recent years.

Public Service Awards are given to individuals who, over the years, have gone above and beyond in their service to the community and its residents. This year’s honorees are Judge Stephen Franzen, Gwinnett County Juvenile Courts; Mayor Nancy Harris, City of Duluth; Paige Havens; Joe McCart, The McCart Group; David McCleskey, Gwinnett County Public Schools; and Dr. Mary Kay Murphy, Gwinnett County Board. of Education.

The R. Wayne Shackelford Legacy Award, honoring the memory and legacy of an individual who has made a difference in the history and progress of Gwinnett County, will be awarded posthumously to Barbara King.

The Jackson Jinright Charitable Foundation and Partnership Against Domestic Violence will receive the D. Scott Hudgens Humanitarian Award given in honor of Scott Hudgens, a respected developer and philanthropist who unselfishly gave of his time and talents to ensure that many others, especially those with limited means, would benefit from his treasure.

“The significance of the Annual Dinner is grounded in the event’s recognition of Gwinnett’s most visionary leaders,” said Wolfe. “The Annual Dinner showcases the cooperative work of our leaders throughout the region which, in turn, comes back to benefit Gwinnett County.”

The February calendar of events compiled by the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce accompanies this article.