MARIETTA — This week, the Marietta Area Council of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce awarded former Marietta Mayor Bill Dunaway with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dunaway was surprised with the award during the council’s final meeting of the year at the Marietta Hilton Conference Center.
According to Council Chair Kim Blass, the Lifetime Achievement Award can only be given once approved by the Cobb Chamber. Members of the community are welcome to nominate individuals and each area council votes on who they would like to present to the chamber for consideration.
“It is not an annual award,” Blass said. “It is as needed if someone is worthy.”
Dunaway was caught by surprise hearing his name being announced as the winner. He was brought to tears accepting the award as he thanked and embraced presenters Andy Gaines, executive director of The Strand Theatre, and S.A. White Oil Company owner Kim Gresh.
Dunaway told the crowd he was touched by the award and said he could not have gotten to where he is by himself.