The Chamber of Commerce, Serving Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County, recently presented the 2023 People’s Choice Awards on November 15, 2023.
The People’s Choice Awards recognize some of the outstanding individuals, organizations and business in Rockbridge County across five categories: Volunteer of the Year, Humanitarian of the Year, Educator of the Year, Employer of the Year, and Citizen of the Year. Nominations are submitted by local civic organizations, the Chamber Board of Directors and the community at large.
Brent Buswell (Beta Eta–Oklahoma ’09), Director of Communications, was named Volunteer of the Year for his volunteer leadership in numerous organizations.
Residing in Lexington since 2014, Brent Buswell has been a volunteer leader in several organizations. He was first involved with Lexington-Rockbridge Jaycees (Junior Chamber), serving as Vice President of Communications, two terms as President, Virginia State Jaycees Membership Vice President, Virginia Jaycees 87th President, and as one of six National Vice Presidents for 2022 for the United States Jaycees (JCI USA).
In 2017 Brent was selected by Rotary District 7570 to be a team member for Rotary International’s Group Study Exchange and visited a dozen cities in Western India for four weeks, promoting Rotary and United States service club culture.
Additionally, Brent is a member of Mountain City Masonic Lodge No. 67, where he also volunteers as a past officer, Past Master (lodge president), the current Treasurer, and as chair of the Christmas Party & Officer Installation Committee and Masonic Home Fundraiser Committee. He is a member of Rockbridge Royal Arch Chapter No. 44 and Moomaw Commandery No. 27, also serving as Treasurer of both.
Brent has volunteered with several organizations, including Rockbridge Community Festival (board of directors and event execution), Rockbridge Church (services and events), the Chamber of Commerce (several events), Yellowbrick Road Early Learning Center (Tasters Choice), and more.
He continues to serve as the volunteer Director of Finance for the Fraternity Communications Association, a national industry association.
