Terry McMichael Is Named Top Citizen; Monticello Drugs Takes Business Honors

Terry McMichael, who created Monticello Kart Racing (MKR) is this year’s recipient of the Monticello-Jasper County Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year award. The announcement was made at the COC’s annual dinner meeting held Tuesday at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center.

Also at the meeting, Monticello Drugs was named business of the year.

Valorie Mitchell announced that Terry McMichael was the Citizen of the Year.

“The dedication he and his family have shown with Monticello Kart Racing to bring the community together is evident. Mr. Terry organizes, promotes and prepares events to help fill a need to community members. He has grown MKR from a family event to a community event with the expansion of a stand-alone Go-Cart Track,” she said.

“Mr. Terry” was very surprised to receive this deserved award. “Mr. Terry” wants MKR to be a family friendly environment that provides something for families to enjoy.

In the past two years, MKR has given $30,000 to people that need assistance. He also stated that kids at the race track don’t walk around with cell phones in their hands….they walk around with go cart parts. He thanked the MKR staff, community and family for helping him see his vision through and is excited to see what this year holds.

Don Parrot announced that Monticello Drugs was the recipient of this year’s Business of the Year Award. He spoke about how Monticello Drugs is community minded and very supportive when there is an area of need. The new location is accommodating to all community members with the addition of the drive-thru. The new facility is evident of their dedication to improve and enhance the town and county.

Monticello Drugs Pharmacist, David Leach, accepted the award. He spoke about how the community has been supportive in the move to the new location. He also spoke about the community coming together to help finish the new location after the sudden passing of his father-in-law, who was a key leading in the renovation of the building. Mr. David thanked this staff for their dedication and the community for their support.

The COC also held a brief business meeting during which the new directors were inducted. The COC this year will be led by Tom Joye, with vice-chair Robert Cumbie, secretary, and Leah Campbell, treasurer.

Other directors include Ben Perry, Susan Denney , Jeff Greeson, Russell Hicks, Tamala Alexander, Rob Andrews, Renae Watts, Mike Benton, Ty Snyder. Roger Harrison and Linda Simmons .

The COC board meets the second Tuesday of each month at noon at the Visitors’ Center on the Square.