Tricia Armistead Is Named Citizen of The Year

Tricia Armistead was named Citizen of the Year by the Monticello-Jasper County Chamber of Commerce at its annual meeting Tuesday. Norton Packaging was selected as business of the year.

In letters nominating Ms. Armistead, several qualities showed, particularly her compassion and her love for others. One person wrote that if Ms. Armistead had met the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz, she could have given him her heart, because it is so big. Others wrote about the many ways Ms. Armistead opens her arms and the doors of her home to anyone in need, and to so many worthy causes.

Ms. Armistead is very active in Monticello Baptist Church, leading a women’s Bible study, teaching Sunday school and singing in the choir. She hosts parties for church groups in her home whenever an occasion arises. She is a mentor to the young people in the church, and helps the elderly with shopping, visits, and meals.

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Ms. Armistead has built a reputation hosting the Polar Express each Christmas for the Mercy, Love and Joy fund for needy children at Christmas. Children get a goodie bag, train ride, visit with Santa and photo, and all she asks in return is that the children bring a gift for a needy child. She has hosted this for the last five years, opening her home to all, and funding the entire operation. Last year the Polar Express collected some $3,000.

As one letter said, Tricia has a heart for others. She will not only pray for any need, but takes action whenever she can. When Ms. Armistead hears of a need, she responds, period, the letter said. Ms. Armistead is a role model in so many ways, one wrote, and shows the love of Jesus every chance she gets.

One person wrote that when they commented to Ms. Armistead about how helpful she is, she responded, “The Lord has blessed me, and it is my gift to Him to help others.”

Mrs. Pat Whitman was one of the nominators for Ms. Armistead, and she made the presentation at Monday’s dinner meeting.

In nominating Norton Packaging, the nominator reviewed Norton’s successful plant here in Monticello. The company that has had headquarters on the west coast since its founding in 1901, decided in 2012 to come to Jasper County. During the 2013 groundbreaking ceremony, Scott Norton said, “We were drawn here by the advantageous business climate, and we look forward to becoming an integral part of the community.”

“Norton has, indeed, become an integral part of the community and has had a phenomenal rate of growth. On March 24, 2014, the Monticello facility began production with a five year goal of hiring 42 employees. By June 2, 2014, Norton had begun operating 24 hours per day, seven days per week. And the end of 2016, Norton Packaging in Monticello has 66 employees. Sixty of the employees live in Jasper County,” the nomination form said.

Norton’s employees also enjoy a benefits program, bonus program, incentive program, annual safety award program and a 401K profit sharing program.

Norton’s community participation includes Chamber of Commerce membership; Deer Festival scholarship program, Deer Dash sponsorship, support of local schools, and the development of an internship program for students.

It is committed to using local service providers for product rucking, plumbing, building maintenance, and landscaping.