Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce named Elly Dalton, an Edward Jones financial advisor and community volunteer, as the winner of the 2012 Jerry Barboe Small Business Person of the Year and recognized the contributions of local small business owners who have made a difference in the community.

Dalton exclaimed, upon being recieving the award, "Oh, this is right up there with when my husband proposed to me."

"I’ve had the opportunities to be in three business communities in my life – Illinois, Ohio and here. By far, I’ve been the happiest and most satisfied here in Conyers," she said.

She said although this was small business month, every day was small business day at her office. "If Conyers was a person, the small business community would be the heart," she said.

This year's three finalists this year were: 

 Dotti Bala, Copy Central
Elly Dalton, Edward Jones
Dr. Fred Hedrick, Hedrick and Dodson Family Dentistry

The nominees for the award, chosen by other Chamber members, were:

Dotti Bala, Copy Central
Qader Baig, M. Qader A. Baig & Associates LLC law firm
Elly Dalton, Edward Jones financial advisor
Dr. Fred Hedrick, Hedrick and Dodson Family Dentistry
Foy Mainor, Rockdale Youth Soccer Association
Cheryl Pritchard, Simply Dun
Cal Rueping, Jr., Reuping & Associates (CPA)
Robert E. “Mo” Talley, Talley, French & Kendall P.C. law firm

Dalton is the 24th person to be presented the award after it was named for owner of Citizens Office Supply Jerry Barboe, who died in 1987. Barboe's widow Jackie attended to greet the finalists and winner.

All nominees were recognized at the March 29 Business After Hours event at the Corner Market, emceed by Superior Court Judge David Irwin. For more information on the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce, go to www.conyers-rockdale.com or 770-483-7049.