Two Edgecombe County residents received state honors at N.C. Community Action Association 2011 Annual Conference held May 12 at the Raleigh Marriott City Center.

Pinetops native James H. Collins and Tarboro resident Randolph Lewis were among many North Carolina residents celebrated at the Black Tie Gala for meritorious service and accomplishment.

James H. Collins, the current Chairman for the Nash-Edgecombe Economic Development, Incorporated, (NEED, Inc.) Board of Directors was inducted into the 2011 NCCAA Hall of Fame and Randolph Lewis, Family Development participant, received the 2011 Lonnie D. Burton Achievement Award.

Collins was re-elected in 2009 after having served as the board vice chairman in 1996 and chairman in 2001, serving two terms. His tireless dedication of time, commitment, leadership and insight to the Community Action Agency and his Edgecombe County Community are distinguishing attributes.

A 20-year lifetime member of the N.C. Community Action Association, Collins’ leadership is exemplified through his thirty years of employment with ABB Power T&D as a Quality Control Technician, Supervisor/Team Leader; his church activities at Pines Chapel Baptist Church, Pinetops, NC as a member and former trustee, as well as his civic contributions.

Collins is a 1969 Graduate of G.W. Carver High School, current President of the local G.W. Carver Alumni Association and Sergeant-at-Arms of the NC Association of Black High School Alumni.

He ranks as a 32nd degree Mason Roanoke Consistory with executive offices in Banner Cry Masonic Lodge No. 625 and Eastern Light No. 680, Order of Eastern Star.

Collins is a member of the P.A.I.R. — Parents Against Irresponsible Recreation. He initiated a youth basketball league in the Pinetops Community to offer positive male recreation, sponsors a Scholarship program for area high school students and a strong advocate for the concerns of Senior Citizens.

He is the father of one daughter and has three grandchildren.

Randolph Lewis came to NEED, Inc. for help to rebuild his life and his business. Released from prison in Nov. 2010, Mr. Lewis focused on the past successes of his 11 years in business as a tree service provider.

In less than three months, Lewis obtained a tax identification number and became bonded. He called on former customers for business and new referrals. His efforts worked.

He generated tree service estimates but didn’t have the tools to complete the job. Mr. Lewis called the office stating with urgency he has work that he could be doing if he had some help with getting equipment.

NEED, Inc. case managers Rosilyn Kee and Belinda Williams assisted Lewis with securing work equipment that included one 14-inch saw, an 18” saw, one single cotton saddle, and a climber. In addition, he received business cards and flyers to promote his business.

Lewis used his earnings to purchase a dependable used truck and employ two helpers. He is a father and grandfather.

NEED, Inc. serves Edgecombe, Nash and Wilson counties.

Barbara C. Hunter is the Executive Director. For more Hall of Fame information, visit www.nccaa.net.