FOLEY, Ala. — Foley Mayor John Koniar has been named the South Baldwin Chamber of Commcerce Free Enterprise Person of the Year.

He received the honor Friday at the 37th Free Enterprise Luncheon held at the Foley Civic Center. Last year’s recipient, Glen Manning, explained Koniar’s selection before presenting him with the award.

“He has contributed greatly to free enterprise through his business accomplishments and through his community service,” Manning said.

Koniar moved to Foley in 1971 to work with Vulcan, which led to a 37-year career with the company. He served as chairman of the South Baldwin Chamber, president of Foley Optimist Club and treasurer of the South Baldwin Chamber Foundation. He served on the Foley City Council before becoming mayor in 2008.

“I’m very humbled,” Koniar said.

The yearly banquet is named in honor of Walton M. Vines and recognizes those in South Baldwin County’s business community who strive to promote its commerce.

“I’m extremely proud of my dad,” said daughter Mell Davis, who pointed out that since serving on the Foley City Council, he has worked to bring businesses into the area.

“I love this community,” --Koniar said after the presentation.

He also pointed back to his predecessors who received the honor each year since 1976, which indlude Frank Sanders, two-time recipient Arthur Holk, George Kaiser Sr., Roy Spivey, L.W. Brannan Jr. and fellow current City Councilmen Charlie Ebert and Wayne Trawick, a, just to name a few.

“You look at the list of other recipients and it’s very humbling,” Koniar said.