With the soulful sounds of the '70's serving as a soundtrack, a crowd of about 160 people turned out to Three Fat Labs Saturday evening for the annual dinner of the Putnam County Chamber. 

The event brought about not only awards but the passing of the torch from past president Beau Battin to current president Brooke Trissel. 

In his remarks, Battain said he served because of the people. 

"It was great people to work with, and I am very thankful for the opportunity I had," Battin said. 

Trissell echoed those sentiments, adding that she is "super excited" about 2024, as the Chamber looks to bring back Business after Hours and other events. 

"We have the best of the best here," Trissell said. 

Allison Leer named Citizen of the Year, other awards handed out

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of several awards, including the Citizen of the Year. 

In announcing this year's Citizen of the Year, Chamber of Commerce executive director Madison Hanna said the recipient was a "vibrant person in the community," adding she was passionate about preserving natural areas, environmental efforts and the well being of animals, before recognizing Allison Leer as the Citizen of the Year. 

"I have had the opportunity to live a blessed life and have won several awards, but none like this. I am grateful and humble to win this award," Leer said. 

Leer said she grew up in Putnam County, played on the same basketball team with Mayor Lynda Dunbar and moved away for 35 years. 

"We came back, and feel like we won the lottery. We found good people here. I thank all of you," Leer said. 

After Glow Aesthetics won the Rookie Business of the Year award, which is given to a business that has been around for two years or less and employs less than 50 people. 

In receiving the award, owner Kayla Brennan said she started her dream in 2017 and saved every penny to open her business in 2022, starting with one room, before quitting her full time job in 2023 and putting everything into After Glow Aesthetics. Since then, the business has expanded into a third room, a mobile unit and the addition of two machines to offer more services to clients. 

The Amazing Dedication Award went to Isaiah House 117, which serves as a "beacon of hope for children facing uncertainty," according to chamber officials. 

The Business Leader of the Year award went to Crown, while the Director of the Year award went to Matt Owens, of Athletico Physical Therapy. 

**Look for further stories on each Putnam County Chamber of Commerce award winner **