Ann Mercer Is Named ‘Citizen of the Year’
Ann Mercer was named Citizen of the Year at the Monticello-Jasper County Chamber of Commerce (COC) annual dinner held last Thursday at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in northern Jasper County.
Mrs. Mercer is a retired educator, having run the Head Start program here for many years. She is married to Weyman Mercer and they have two adult sons who live in the community with their families.
Mrs. Mercer’s volunteer activities include working with the 4-H Club, Jasper County Leadership, the COC and many other civic committees.
“However, her work with the Jasper County Historic Foundation will have the greatest impact on our community and be the legacy she leaves for future Jasper County generations.
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“She has served as a board member, President and Chairman of the Board and is currently serving as project chair for the school restoration project of the Jasper County Civic Center,” the nomination said. “She is the driving force to write, obtain and manage grants, work with state and federal architectural guidelines, get abatements removed, work with obtaining state prison workers, and ‘attend to tons of other details’ on this million dollar project that would have stopped in its track without the guidance, dedication, hard work, and hard-headedness of our honoree.”
When completed, the old school will offer a theatre, community rooms, convention and banquet facilities, handicap accessible and modern rest rooms and will be an real asset to attract new industries, businesses and jobs to the community.
Mrs. Mercer appeared to be very surprised and overwhelmed by the announcement. She was also surprised by family and friends who were on hand to congratulate her.
Anna Mickle, executive director for the COC, said she got Mrs. Mercer to agree to attend the dinner by asking her to speak on the project. Those remarks came later in the evening after dinner and after Mrs. Mercer composed herself.
Other remarks were made by State Rep. Susan Holmes, Monticello Mayor Bryan Standifer, and COC vice-chairman Bob Ferrante. The mayor commented he was looking forward to associating with many other elected officials at the dinner, but it turned out he was the only one there besides Rep.Holmes.
Both outgoing chair Angela Spivey and incoming chair Amanda Tyler Crews were called away at the last minute and unable to attend the dinner. Rounding out the executive board of the COC will be two returning officers, Laura Tyler as secretary and Tibia Williams as treasurer.
New COC directors, Sage Edwards, Carol Ann McMichael and Jackie Pate, were recognized, and other directors continu ing their service were also named— Wes Chester, Kathy Mudd, and . Also, Linda Simmons, Mike Newton, and Bob Schwartz, who serve as ex-officio members by virtue of their position.
Retiring member Russell Bennett ws given aplqque recognizing his serveice. He was chairman two year ago and last yer served as ex-officiio member who helps the new chairman, a position Mrs. Spivey will fill this year.
