Community leaders recognized at Chamber Banquet

Several people who helped Jackson County shine in 2011 were recognized at the 84 th annual Jackson County Chamber of Commerce banquet Friday night. Honorees included those who served the arts, the economy, the spiritual aspect and the image of the community.

Judy Brooten, a key player in the arts, was named Citizen of the Year. Brooten was called a “tireless professional, driving force,” who immerses herself in the making Jackson County “a better place to work and play.”

Many people nominated Brooten for the award, most of them speaking of her as the champion of such events as the Sunday Afternoon with the Arts event at Chipola College. Under her leadership as event chairman, this year’s event saw it largest number of exhibitors and drew its largest crowd ever. She is also a charter member of the Northwest Florida Artists’ Guild, and was its first president.

Brooten co-authored a book, The History of First Presbyterian Church of Marianna that saw publication in 2011 after two long years of meticulous research by Brooten and co-author Rachel Christopher.

In 2011, she also found time to co-chair a Marianna Woman’s Club plant sale, to organize the “Instant Archivist” workshop that helped individuals learn techniques in archiving business and personal histories, and to coordinate the Art in Public Places Exhibit at the Jackson County Library.

Through it all, her many nominators said, Brooten’s overall goal was to unify the community in an embrace that brought creative, entrepreneurial, and educational forces closer together. She was described as a compassionate individual who brings an inclusive spirit to all that she touches.

Brooten said she was grateful for the support she has felt from the community she adopted as her own when she moved here several years ago. As she looked across the banquet room, she returned the compliment. “I have so much gratitude for the support in our endeavors. Every single person I’ve seen in this room tonight has volunteered to do something to contribute to the community. This is a truly wonderful place to live; it embodies everything one could want in a hometown, and I thank you for embracing me.”

Five other nominees for the award were also recognized at the banquet, including Jacquelyn McArthur, Angela McFarland, Jonathan Fuqua, Byron Ward and Peggy Yon Mills.

Several other awards were bestowed at the banquet.

Jean Wiggins took home the Frances Ratzlaff Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year award. One of the Chamber’s longest serving volunteers, she was described by Chamber leaders as a person who willingly steps in to do extra work anytime she’s needed, in addition the half-day of service she gives each week.

The Wayne Mixson Economic Leadership Award, and the $1,000 check that goes with it, went to Briget Merrill, a retired Vice President of Rural Development for Enterprise, Florida, a chief economic development engine. Former Gov. Wayne Mixson was on hand to present the award to her Friday night. Before she worked for Enterprise, Fla., Merrill served with the Department of Commerce. She was a major force in the community’s effort to draw big job-creators like Family Dollar Distribution Center, and Green Circle BioEnergy, Mixson said, and was a very effective advocate throughout her career and beyond.

Merrill said she found Jackson County a community filled with “creativity and positivity” as she worked with the community on various projects. “Without your help, we wouldn’t have been successful,” she said. “You believed in yourselves, you made the investments required to move forward, you put actions to your beliefs.”

The Chamber’s Excellence in Leadership Award went to Paul Smith, senior pastor of Rivertown Community Church. Smith was described as a person who helps others find and use their gifts for the betterment of the local community.

Smith said he was surprised and grateful for the award, and that Rivertown is just getting started. “Two years ago, we launched a campus here in Jackson County, and it has been quite a journey. I do have a vision to se our communities become more livable again. In a rural community, there is so much heart. Often, I watch communities stop believing in themselves. Our mission is to raise up great leaders who believe in rural communities. When RCC came to launch, I saw the heart of this place. You welcomed us in, in ways that are beyond belief. Many of you became champions for us.” Smith said the next year should be a busy one for his organization; Rivertown has been given the old Woolworth’s building on Lafayette Street in Marianna, and plans to renovate the space into a sanctuary for the church.