Suzanne Timmons was awarded the Richmond County Chamber of Commerce‘s sixth annual Office Professional of the Year Award in April.

She has dedicated 30 years of her life to making sure the local law firm of Deane, Williams and Deane runs smoothly, and Wednesday was her opportunity to be recognized for these efforts.

During those 30 years, new technologies have emerged in her field of work, and people’s manner of dealing with each other have changed as well. Yet, she has remained a stalwart of hard work, determination and a can-do attitude.

“It was certainly a surprise,” she said. “I’ve just been blessed to work for this firm, and these three wonderful men. When I began working there, Jason was four. Now he’s 34, so that gives you some kind of perspective into how long I’ve been there. It’s a wonderful place to work, wonderful people to work with and a rewarding job.” “I have always found Mrs. Timmons to be a Timmons loyal, proficient person,” Attorney Charles Deane said in the nomination form for Timmons. “I have witnessed her as she performed the functions to keep three lawyers where they need to be, and taking time to handle correspondence, public telephones and other clerical work needed to keep their office running efficient and professional.” He said he’s never called the office and been told she was too busy to handle anything that comes up.

“Suzanne is truly my definition of a lady that proves to others that she is a Professional in all ways,” he said.

The banquet was sponsored by Progress Energy and Richmond Community College and UNC-Pembroke, and prizes were contributed by many area businesses and nonprofit organizations, notably the flowers and plaque donated by Maness Tire and Automotive.

“It was a very successful event,” Chamber President Emily Tucker said. “This is our sixth year doing this, and we hope to continue. The community’s very supportive of this, and we couldn’t do it without our sponsors.” In her speech, she noted the award has a history of over 30 years, but it was once called the secretary of the year.