Stripling and Bond were named man and woman of the year for 2007, respectively, at the banquet, which drew a large crowd despite the threat of ice and snow in the weather forecast.
“Despite our knack for annually picking the coldest night in January to hold our banquet, we had a very good turnout,” incoming Chamber President Linda Elrod said.
And the highlight of the evening was the selection of Stripling and Bond for the top awards.
Stripling was described as a man with the “gift of graceful eloquence” by presenter Jim Little, the 2006 man of the year.
“Eloquence is ‘vivid or moving expression,’ and this Big Spring native is a speaker of unparalleled eloquence,” Little said. “And if you pay attention, you will certainly learn something, because he is intelligent and insightful.”
But Stripling was lauded for more than just the ability to spin a yarn.
Little noted Stripling’s many community activities, including directorship positions with the North Side Community Center, Boy Scouts, Howard County Appraisal District and Howard County Bible Class and being active in his church and the local Rotary Club.
True to his nature, Stripling had little trouble composing some remarks after receiving his award.
“I promise I’ll hold my closing remarks — and opening remarks, for that matter — to under 25 minutes,” he cracked.
After several minutes of jokes, however, Stripling, turned serious.
“On this floor are literally legions of men who I couldn’t bring their sneakers to the tennis court,” he said. “That is my way of saying that I don’t feel like I honestly deserve this award.
“May God bless you, may you mount on wings of eagles ... may he make you to shine like the morning star and may he hold you in the palm of his almighty hand,” Stripling concluded.
Bond was comparatively close-mouthed in accepting her award, leaving 2006 woman of the year JoBeth Corwin to speak for her.
“She has touched the lives of so many through her contributions,” Corwin said in her presentation. “Contributions to the Heritage Museum, Salvation Army, CASA, the Big Spring Rotary Club, Delta Kappa Gamma, the Big Spring Education Employees Federal Credit Union, Chamber of Commerce and Big Spring Symphony Guild.”
Bond also was lauded for her activities in her church and as a member of the state board of directors for the Retired Teachers Association.
“This is a quite an honor and I will sincerely cherish it,” Bond said.
Contact Staff Writer Steve Reagan at 263-7331, ext. 234 or by e-mail at
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