Hank Stephens Named 2016 Citizen of the Year, Mike Clagg Selected as Volunteer of the Year

Longtime Effingham civic leader and entrepreneur Hank Stephens received the 2016 Effingham Citizen of the Year award. The honor was presented at the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce Business Recognition Gala Saturday night. The award is sponsored by the Effingham Daily News.

Mike Clagg of Ballard Nature Center was honored with the new Volunteer of the Year award sponsored by the Effingham and Teutopolis News Report.

Hank Stephens speaks during the groundbreaking of the Workman Sports and Wellness Complex

Stephens served a term on the Effingham City Council before being named Effingham City Attorney. He helped with the original establishment of Effingham's TIF Zones and City/County Enterprise Zone. He also was an early supporter of EJ Water Cooperative. Stephens is probably best known for his almost 40 years of work on behalf of a sports complex for Effingham that is finally taking shape, as the Workman Sports and Wellness Complex is nearing completion. He's also a businessman with holdings in the Effingham and Metro East areas. He and his wife Debbie live in Effingham.

Also recognized Saturday night were J&J Ventures Gaming and Probst Auto Body as Chamber Excellence in Business Award recipients. Joe Forbes of Versatech was recognized for his work as 2015 Chamber Board Chairman, as was Jeff Fritchtnitch of Altamont Unit 10 Schools as the 2016 Chairman.