Del City chamber to honor Gene Piper

The Del City Chamber of Commerce will honor longtime developer and community activist Gene Piper as the newest member of the Del City Hall of Fame during its annual banquet and awards ceremony.

The banquet is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, at the Del City Community Center, 4505 SE 15th Street.

Piper and his wife, Jackie, moved to Del City as a young couple and began a friendship with contractor Pat Henderson. In 1954, the Piper and his wife moved backs to Tonkawa as manager of the C.R. Anthony Store. He later returned to Del City and became the manager of the Anthony’s store in the Del Crest Shopping Center. Piper was the youngest manager Ray Anthony ever hired in the history of the company.

In 1960, Piper went to work for longtime Del City developer George Epperly as one of his property managers. He later helped build the largest building in Del City – the Del City Bank Tower. He also helped build the Holiday Square Shopping Center, which was the precursor of the modern shopping centers.

In 1976, Piper went to work for Sirloin Stockade as vice president of development, which led to his relationship with Golden Corral Corporation.

Community involvement

Piper was president of the Del City Kiwanis Club and president of the Del City Chamber of Commerce. He also served as the voice of the Del City Eagles for more than 20 years, and was emcee for many Miss Del City pageants.

When he wasn’t busy presiding civic meetings, Piper also volunteered to serve on the Del City Planning Commission, and was instrumental in the design and implementation of the city’s first comprehensive planning code.

Banquet recognitions

As part of the Feb. banquet, the 552nd Air Control Wing at Tinker Air Force Base will be honored as part of its 35th anniversary. In addition, the 552nd Honor Guard will post the colors at the beginning of the banquet.

In addition, the Del City chamber’s business of the year will be honored. This year’s award recipient is JGVE , an engineering firm owned by Don Vick. MTM Recognition also will be honored for its 40th anniversary in business.

Event notes

This year’s banquet will sport a newspaper theme with the title of “2011: A Newsworthy Year.” A video presentation will show the highlights that occurred the past year in connection with the city and the chamber.

This banquet will mark the first major community event at the newly renovated community center. It also will be the first time alcohol has been served at the annual chamber event. A cash bar will be available beginning at 6:30 p.m.

As part of the event agenda, the new executive board members will be installed. They are Connie Myrick, president; Will Gray, president elect; Sheila Thee, immediate past president; Brian Renz, treasurer; Dale Hawkins, vice president of business and economic development; Aarone Corwin, vice president of membership services; Susan Rogers, vice president of community affairs; and Ken Bartlett and Brian Linley.

Corporate tables still are available. A table of eight costs $700 and half a table costs $350. Individual tickets are $50. For more information about the event or tickets, call 677-1910 or email [email protected]. The deadline to purchase tables and tickets is Jan. 25.

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