Chamber Continues the Eck Bass Community Service Award Tradition @ 24 Aug 2017

The Suwannee River Chamber of Commerce awarded two Eck Bass Community Service awards during the board meeting on August 22, which was hosted by Salt Creek Restaurant. Derry O'Quinn was presented the award for 2015 and Owen Prince, Chamber President, received one for 2016. Both were completely surprised, only wondering why their family and friends (those who normally do not attend a Chamber of Commerce meeting) started to show up. The group of 52 people were served salad, fried fish and shrimp with a twice baked potato. Everyone enjoyed the food and fellowship.

Derry O'Quinn's motto is to be involved with and supportive of every community in which he has lived. After moving to Suwannee, he served both as Director and President of our Suwannee Chamber; two terms on the Suwannee Water & Sewer Board; and as an active member of the Suwannee Fireworks almost since its inception. He has worked on all fireworks events, even standing in the road collecting donations after the show. He has also always helped George cook their famous chicken and rice and sides for fundraising and events. Always dependable, willing, and working to help our Suwannee community and citizens.

Owen Prince has been coming to Suwannee for over 30 years. It didn’t take him long to fall in love with Suwannee and in 1998 he bought Bill’s Fish Camp. His work and dedication, often in quiet ways, has made Suwannee a better place to live and play. Through Bill’s Fish Camp and the Chamber he has actively encouraged nature-based tourism in Suwannee. He currently serves as Chamber President, is a member of the Fireworks Committee, and a volunteer representative for the Dixie County Tourism Development Board.

The criteria for the Erick “Eck” Bass award is not big on strict, written rules or guidelines, but is instead big on heart. Erick “Eck” Odlund Bass was born on Odlund’s Island. She was a true Suwannee native and raised her family here. Mrs. Eck served others through her care and concern and gave her time to the Suwannee Water Board as a founding director. Only when her health began to fail did she finally give it up. She had one of the “greenest thumbs” and always had time to listen to others’ problems. She was a wonderful example of a good citizen, mother and friend. The annual award is given by the Chamber to a Suwannee citizen who exemplifies her example.