Poynor accepts Jemison Award with fist bump

Three hundred, twenty people stood up to honor Wilmer Poynor as he walked up to the podium at The Club on Jan. 15.

Poynor isn't able to speak well after having a stroke, but he was about to state "thank you" to accept the Jemison Visionary Award, followed by his signature fist bump.

His wife, Carol, gathered her tears to speak after him.

"This is really an honor, and I can't thank you enough," she said.

Also at the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Emmet O'Neal Library Director Sue DeBrecht awarded the library's Tynes Award to Dr. John Poynor. DeBrecht said Poynor has been a "pillar of support" to the library beginning with serving on the building committee in the late '90s. She also recognized how his generosity has placed art installments in the building to make it "a destination of art an culture" and enabled the installation of the arbor outside the building.

City Manager Sam Gaston awarded the city Employee of the Year to Steven Gay, a public works supervisor. Gaston recognized his dedication and hardwork as a part of the Public Works department.

"I wouldn't be up here if it weren't for the great employees who work for us," Gay said when he accepted the award.

Later, Ben Hudson and Amber Benson of Mountain Brook High School recognized the students in the Leadership Mountain Brook class. Mike Royer of Alabama's 13 emceed the event, and Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange addressed the crowd about the importance of leadership and the merits of leadership in Mountain Brook. Incoming Chamber President Will Haver also recognized outgoing President Kaye Emack for her service.