Brent Cornelison, former Elkin Parks and Recreation director, was the recipient of the Rebel Good award, presented during the annual Hugh Chatham wine auction on Friday night.

“Cornelison warrants this award for his many endeavors that have advanced tourism for the Yadkin Valley and for Elkin,” Laurette Leagon, Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce president and CEO said. “Some of these successes were job-related; others were from his passion to grow our tourism industry.  He was instrumental in the Elkin Greenway project. He helped bring recognition to the Overmountain Victory trail with the creation of the wayside adjacent to the Elkin Municipal Park. During his tenure his department hosted the USTA men’s professional tennis tournament, giving Elkin the distinction of being the smallest town in the country with a tour event. He served two years as chairman of the Yadkin Valley Wine Festival committee, which I am sure Rebel will tell you is no small task in of itself. Our honoree has held several positions in the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Association, has a degree in Parks and Recreation administration, is an elder at the Elkin Presbyterian Church, an avid golfer and has never met a stranger.”

Wine, food and camaraderie abounded at the HCMH auction on Friday night. The auction benefits the hospital’s capital campaign and community programs. Donations are made to the auction from the local vineyards, artists, authors and craftsman.

A silent auction offers patrons the opportunity to bid on works of art, gift baskets, jewelry, wine, and other items. A live auction allows patrons the opportunity to bid on individual items.

The Rebel Good award was created five years ago by the Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce to recognize superior work in promoting the Yadkin Valley. The award was to honor Good for his continued dedication to civic activities and promoting the community in the areas of economic development, education, and tourism

“Rebel had a vision of what a wine festival could do to promote tourism in the Yadkin Valley, chairing the first two wine festivals and setting the stage for what is recognized as the state’s premier wine festival,” Leagon said.

“This award honors Rebel Good, longtime editor and publisher of The Tribune and other newspapers and publications, now editor of YadkinValleyWineCountry.com, whose mission is to deliver maximum exposure of the Yadkin Valley for areas wineries, vineyards and other tourism related businesses.”

The award, given to Cornelison on Friday night has previously been bestowed upon Ed and Charlie Shelton, Jack Kroustalis, Frank and Lenna Hobson, Derrill Rice and last year, Sean and Patricia McRitchie.