Denson Freeman 42nd Annual Walton M. Vines Free Enterprise Person of the Year

By Jessica Vaughn / jessica@gulfcoastmedia.com
Posted 9/21/18

FOLEY – Denson Freeman, owner of Freeman’s Collision, located at 225 E Laurel Ave in Foley, was named the 42nd Annual Walton M. Vines Free Enterprise Person of the Year on Friday, Sept. …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Subscribe to continue reading. Already a subscriber? Sign in

Get the gift of local news. All subscriptions 50% off for a limited time!

You can cancel anytime.
 

Please log in to continue

Log in

Denson Freeman 42nd Annual Walton M. Vines Free Enterprise Person of the Year

Posted

FOLEY – Denson Freeman, owner of Freeman’s Collision, located at 225 E Laurel Ave in Foley, was named the 42nd Annual Walton M. Vines Free Enterprise Person of the Year on Friday, Sept. 21.

“I’m kind of short on words,” Freeman said as he accepted his award surrounded by family, employees, and friends. “Thank you for giving me this honor, one of the best honors of my life. I spent years in the military and in city organizations, and have never been honored like this. Thank you.”

Freeman thanked his family, friends, the community, and especially his wife of more than 50 years, for helping him achieve the award.

To become the Free Enterprise Person of the Year, a recipient must be active in business affairs, have a good moral reputation, be active in civic and community affairs, and be committed to helping others grow.

“[Freeman] is an exceptional member of the South Baldwin Community,” said Charlene Haber, 2017 Free Enterprise Person of the Year and owner of Wolf Bay Lodge Restaurants. “He clearly exemplifies the virtue of being an outstanding entrepreneur and contributor to the free enterprise system with countless accomplishments as a business owner and a community leader in Foley.”

Freeman’s Collison was founded over 41 years ago, and was started after Freeman and his wife moved back to Foley following his time in the Air Force and in Vietnam. Freeman has three children and seven grandchildren.

“Those who know him always speak of his phenomenal character, one of honesty, integrity, and philanthropy,” said Haber. “He has contributed to numerous organizations and those who are less fortunate without ever wanting or expecting anything in return.”

The event is hosted by the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, and has recognized numerous business leaders in the past.

“I want to encourage everybody to keep the free enterprise system alive in Baldwin County,” said Donna Watts, chamber president and CEO. “I hope our students are being taught what it means to live in a country where you have the ability to become, be, and do anything you want to do. Anything. Our country was founded on that premise, so I hope you value it as much as I do.”

To learn more about the South Baldwin Chamber, check out their website at www.southbaldwinchamber.com.