By Staff
From Staff Reports
Since 1978, the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce has honored a Citizen of the Year, nominated by peers, selected by peers.
This year, the Citizen of the Year Award will be presented on January 10, 2002, during the Chamber's 56th Annual meeting at the Atmore Lions Community Center. This year's banquet will feature nationally known motivational speaker and family humorist, Dr. Charles Petty
Area citizens are invited to nominate someone they feel exemplifies the best Atmore has to offer. "The title implies that it goes only to someone who has done something significant in that year, but it is also is given to someone who has been active in the community and contributed in some way over a period of years," said Emilie Mims, executive director of the chamber.
Atmoreans honored since 1978 are Nathan Gross, Mayor Patricia P. McKenzie, William F. Farr, John Garrard Jr., Raymond L. Bolden, Sarah S. Fayard, Leslie Miles Horn, Ellen H. Maddox, Ben L. Haley, G.R. Swift Jr., Ulay K. Wise, Charles C. "Bud" Mayson (posthumously), Alice R. Mayson (posthumously), Mary Grissett, Virginia King, Judith and Randall Adams, Benjamin C. Maxwell M.D., John Henderson (posthumously), Elise S. Crook, James F. Corman, Frances E. Dunn, Robert R. Jones III, Sally Pitts, and Bishp E. Lyons
While the Citizen of the Year Award is presented annually, the Lifetime Achievement Award is presented as warranted.
Four have received this honor since the award's inception in 1996 – J.B. Thomas M.D. (posthumously), Hugo Esneul, J.B. Swift Jr., William F. Corman.
To nominate someone for either award, send a nomination letter stating the nominee's contributions to: Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce, 501 South Pensacola Ave., Atmore, AL 36502. Nominations must be received by 4 p.m., Friday, Jan. 4.