Richardson Honored with Varnell Jr. Leadership Award

CLEVELAND, TN – Dwight Richardson, Affiliate Broker with Bender Realty and owner/designer of Fenimore’s Floral Design Studio, has been selected as the recipient of the 2023 Robert W. Varnell Jr. Leadership Award.
 
            Richardson has spent many years impacting the growth of the community in a variety of ways. None more so than the arts community. He has been an active member of the Allied Arts Council of the Chamber of Commerce for several years and is a charter member of Art Is Here Partnership. His passion for arts and the uniqueness of the history of this community has allowed him to partner with and help grow awareness for the Museum & Cultural Center at 5ive Points and Chair-ries Jubilee which brings in thousands of dollars for local arts in education. His keen sense of decor has also made him a “go-to” figure in the decorating community, specifically for weddings and anniversary celebrations.         
 
            Dwight’s passion for community is what drives him to remain involved. In addition to his other art-driven endeavors, he has also served with civic groups and organizations that bring life to this community. He has served as the President of the Rotary Club of Cleveland, is an active member of MainStreet Cleveland, and a longtime member of the Church of God of Prophecy denomination. His proven track record of being a servant to this community is why his name comes up as nominee. One nominator said, “Dwight has spent a lifetime cultivating the character and qualities which have made his leadership within his family, church, profession, and community both meaningful and impactful. Most notably, he has embodied the teaching of Jesus, who said, “The greatest among you must be a servant.””
 
Presented in memory of the late Robert W. Varnell Jr., the award recognizes a person demonstrating excellence in leadership and profession, commitment to community, religion, high morals and ethical standards.
 
            Richardson and his wife, Londa, attend Peerless Road Church of God of Prophecy. They have two children; Jeremy (wife Amy) and Tyler (wife Kennedy). They also have three grandchildren; Ariah, Shalom, and Noa.
  
For more information, contact Aaron Weatherford at AWeatherford@clevelandchamber.com or 423-472-6587.
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