2008 DSA Service Award Recipient (Jul-Aug-08)

Most awards are given for outstanding achievement in respective fields of endeavor. Whether it is the Academy Awards, CMA Awards, J. A. Piper Award (NRCA) or other recognition of performing above what's expected.

If you happen to be in the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, you will notice among the array of South Carolina famous people, a plaque by John F. Kennedy that states "A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces, but also by the men it honors - and the men it remembers." This is true not only as a nation, but as an Association. Our Carolinas Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors' Association has been awarding the Distinguished Service Award since 1965. The Award is named "The Gordon M. Waters Award," as he was the first president of the CRSMCA. The Award has not lost any strength or effectiveness as to the requirements, as is typified by the recipients wearing the Gold DSA nametags. No one that I know of sets out to win this award, because the price is too high up front. Our recipient this year has, and still is, performing in effective leadership in his community.

Sammy Spann of Spann Roofing and Sheet Metal, Inc. in Conway, South Carolina was born in Columbia, SC on June 16, 1948. His family moved to Myrtle Beach in 1957. He has two sisters. His brother works for their namesake business. He started enterprising early on when he caught and sold turtles when growing up. He played sports in high school. When he was a junior, he made the winning shot for the State Basketball championship. He graduated from Clemson in 1970. He joined the Air Force, but left in 1973 when his father became ill, to help with the family business. He has served as president of the business since 1975. He and Page have two children, Tripp and Catherine. On February 14, 2007 his world changed when he became a grandpa to Little Sam. He was president of our Association in 1990.

His interest in our Association continues through one of his employees serving on the Board now. A few of the areas of leadership are:

• Active member of Trinity Episcopal Church.
• Past President and currently serving on the Board of the Horry County
• United Way, of which he has been a member for over 20 years.
• Myrtle Beach Rotary Club member for 23 consecutive years with perfect

attendance.

• A Director of Beach First National Bank since its formation in 1995.
• Serves on the Wall Board of Visitors - Coastal Carolina University.
• Past President - Dunes Golf and Beach Club.
• Member of Board 5280 council for Johns Manville Advisory Board of

Roofing Contractors.

All the above along with his business responsibilities make him a busy person.

CRSMCA thanks Sammy Spann for all of his dedication to the Association and the roofing industry.