RICHMOND — Dr. Paula Maionchi, a physician and attorney known for civic contributions as well as her professional achievements, received the Wallace Maffett Citizenship Award from the Richmond Chamber of Commerce on Thursday evening.

“She believes in using her education in both medicine and law to provide and advocate for all those in need,” her award citation reads.

Maionchi, who has practiced medicine in Richmond for 37 years, “is devoted to positive and effective change and creates this change” through her leadership on the boards of public agencies and charitable organizations, the citation continued.

Among those are the county planning commission, county health board, county emergency management board and board of directors for the former Pattie A. Clay Regional Medical Center as well as the board of Liberty Place Recovery Center for Women.

The chamber also presented several annual business awards as well as honoring volunteers for the community and the chamber.

Business of the Year

TDS Restaurants, which owns and operates McDonald’s Restaurants in Richmond and other central Kentucky cities was named business of the year.

Owner Tom Snyder moved to Richmond and opened his first restaurant here in 1972. Since then, TDS has opened two additional Richmond stores, the latest on Lexington Road earlier this year.

Over the years, TDS has acquired four Lexington stores as well as one in Irvine, two in Somerset and five in the London/Manchester area.

TDS has served as the underwriter of the fireworks for Pops at the Park since the event’s inception. It has also been a proud sponsor of Madison Central High School and Eastern Kentucky University Athletics, as well as a sponsor for Kentucky Riverkeeper.

Small Business of Year

Soft Shoe was named small business of the year.

“The people at Soft Shoe have a passion for giving back to the community, through participating in local fundraising events for charity,” according to its citation. “For Soft Shoe, engaging the community through service is an important part of its mission.”

Also, “Soft Shoe is known for having a huge selection of brands to choose from. For years Soft Shoe has exemplified the level of service, wide selection and competitive prices that make a local shoe store great.”

Minority Business of Year

Bella’s Cupcakes, co-owned by Kathy Bowers, received the minority business award.

The business has experienced upward trends since it opened in April 2011 and has exhibited “the true meaning of community spirit and cooperation,” according to its citation.

This business is owned by two sisters who were inspired by watching their mother produce amazing creations in the kitchen.

Agriculture Award

Harold Bucher, who has raised cattle on his Red House Road farm for nearly 40 years and since 2000 has led his family’s plant sale to benefit Relay for Life, received the agriculture award.

Beautification Awards

Purdy’s Coffee Company, which restored the oldest commercial building on Main Street earlier this year, and Rodney Davis who renovated a building on North Second Street for his law office, both received the Bernease Walters Beautification Award.

Educator of the Year

Tina Barrett, technology integration specialist, for the Madison County School District, was named educator of the year.

Her role has involved extensive work with students through the Student Technology Leadership Program and the district’s annual Technology Extravaganza, according to her citation. She provides professional development for teachers and library media specialists each month and last year obtained grant funds to establish collaborative, interactive learning studios at both district high schools.

Community Service Awards

Anthony Lowery, founder of God’s Outreach Madison County Food Bank, Nancy Wray, chair of the Richmond Tourism Commission, and the Pattie A. Clay Infirmary Association Board of Directors all received community service awards.

Chamber Ambassador Award

Jennifer Napier received the Doris Manor Chamber Ambassador of the Year Award.

Colyer Dedication Award

Jerian Shaw, outgoing chamber president, received the organization’s Howard and Neal Colyer Dedication Award.