Page 18 - LRCC July 2022 Focus

LRCC

ANNUAL

DINNER

An Award- TURNER

Winning Evening

to recognize the regions most prestigious awards.
Carmen Turner of the Boys & Girls Club of Lansing was
presented with the Community Service Award. Carmen,
who has served as president & executive director of
the Boys & Girls Club for 20 years was recognized for
her commitment to the community, particularly her
commitment to enriching the lives of youth. not only allowed us to support our community but
also our customers and all of the initiatives they are
“Running the Boys and Girls Club is my mission. It is my passionate about.”
ministry,” said Turner. “It fuels me because I get to work at
a place and hear kids in the building and understand why The A. Dean Watkins Company was presented with
I am doing what I am doing.” the LRCC Legacy Award, which recognizes a company
for their longstanding investment with the LRCC. A.
The Outstanding Small Business Award was presented to Dean Watkins Co. was honored for its 66 years as a loyal
the Rathbun Agency, a well-known name in the region’s LRCC member. The company started as a provider of
insurance industry and has served customers for more calendars, pens and matches, and is now providing
than 66 years. The company has been recognized for its conference bags, apparel, office supplies, tech gifts,
excellence in business, commitment to its customers, awards, speaker gifts, certification pins and incentive
innovation, and community service. Company president gifts. A. Dean Watkins provides ad specialties and brand
Ben Rathbun is the third generation owner of the identity products for various purposes and with more
company, ascending to that position following the variety than ever before.
untimely death of his father Paul in 2021.
“We’ve established relationships in many different
“Community is at the fabric of what we do at the agency,” industries over the years,” said Bob Watkins, president,
said Rathbun. “It was always important to my father who works alongside his wife Jayne and son Shawn.
to give back to the community. We can now spend all “We enjoy working with people, which is probably what
our advertising funds each month supporting local has made us successful. We love taking care of our
initiatives instead of traditional advertising – that has customers.”

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