By Joseph M. Morgan

joseph@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.—The Rainsville Chamber of Commerce has chosen D.L. Stiefel as its next Rainsville Person of the Year. The award will be presented at the Chamber’s annual meeting in January. The Chamber has recognized an outstanding citizen through the award each year since 1990.

“Rainsville and north Alabama are fortunate to have a person with Mr. Stiefel’s experience, poise and intelligence working behind the scenes to help make this a better place,” says Tim Eberhart, executive director of the Rainsville Chamber. “Those things along with his background in the business world have made him a true asset to the city for a long time now.”

Eberhart said Stiefel’s willingness to serve the community behind the scenes in a variety of capacities is one of the main factors that led to his being selected for the award. Stiefel is an active leader on the Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama board, and the Rainsville Industrial Development Board. He helped lead the efforts that led to Rainsville being designated as one of the Alabama Communities of Excellence in 2015.

Rainsville Mayor Nick Jones said Stiefel is an excellent choice as the recipient of the annual award.

“D.L. Stiefel is a pillar of the Rainsville community,” Jones said. “He has spent decades working to grow and improve our city and it’s economy. His leadership and work in industrial and economic development and community improvement over the years is second to none. On behalf of the city, I would like to offer my congratulations. We are grateful for his service and appreciate all he has done to improve the lives of our citizens.”

The Chamber’s annual meeting will be Thursday, Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m. The event will also feature a steak dinner and live entertainment featuring singer/songwriter Jacob Stiefel. Seating is limited and tickets must be purchased in advance. The cost is $25 per person. For details, contact the Rainsville Chamber at 256-638-7800, or chamber@farmerstel.com.