By By MaryClaire Foster
In the introduction speech for the 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Lisa Reynolds defined a hero saying, “An everyday person that can change the world.”
Reynolds went on to say that a person changes the world, “by living a life of service and always having interests of others over their own…by making sure the quality of life in our corner of the world continues to represent our values.”
In recognition of her lifetime of achieving and exemplifying these qualities, lifelong Atmore resident Emilie Mims was chosen as the lifetime achievement recipient at Thursday night’s 63rd annual Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet.
Mims has served the community in various ways, more notably as executive director of the Chamber of Commerce and more recently as Escambia County Probate Judge.
Mims said she was caught off guard when Reynolds described in her speech that the recipient’s mother had previously been awarded the Citizen of the Year Award and at that point knew Reynolds was speaking about her.
Mims said Friday that the award was not only gratifying, but affirming for her.
Mims said making the moment even more meaningful was being able to share it with not only her family who surprised her, but also the many friends and colleagues in attendance.
In Mims’ introduction speech, Reynolds recognized the impact she said Mims had made on the lives of so many in attendance that night as well as countless others in the community.
Chamber president Cindy Lee too acknowledged Mims’ influence on the lives of those in the community.
Tray Smith, who was the Citizen of the Year recipient, said his experience was heightened by being honored alongside Mims.
Mims said that this award brings a closing to her contributions to the community.
Mims said she is especially grateful to the Chamber for this recognition.