Stone Workman Is Named Citizen of the Year
Stone Workman was named Citizen of the Year last Thursday at the Monticello-Jasper County Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner.
Last year’s citizen, David Dyer introduced Mr. Workman to the large crowd who attended the dinner. He began by listing a handful of Mr. Workman’s accomplishments which include bringing the idea to put together the agreements that lead to the creation of the Jasper County campus of what was then known as Griffin Technical College, presently Southern Crescent; he also shepherded the idea through the entities of local, state, and federal officials all while soliciting the private industry donations that made it possible.
He also worked to reinvigorate Monticello’s town square and began a utilities upgrade, also while working hard to the find money to do it.
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Mr. Workman has been on the Rural Development Council, representing our community, the Municipal Gas Authority, the Georgia Academy of Economic Development Board, the Georgia Cities Advisory Board, and the Georgia Agritourism Association Steering Committee.
Mr. Workman was the person who was instrumental in gaining funding for Monticello to become the trail head for two scenic byways. He was also instrumental in gaining approval for approximately $10 million in competitive grants for Jasper County for things such as infrastructure projects that you can’t necessarily see, but that have to be available to ensure the future of our city.
He is also an active academic booster and treasurer of the high school Band Boosters at Jasper County High School. He is a church elder at Monticello Presbyterian Church, an adult Sunday school leader, and prepares and delivers children’s sermons. He also leads Gospel Singing Shout-outs at his church.
Even with all of this, Mr. Workman still finds time to cook and prepare meals for people in our community that may be having a rough time.
Mr. Dyer noted that it was enjoyable to name the citizen because of the unveiling of the contributions that have been made to our community by that person. He says that everyone sees a face around town, a name or a photograph in the paper, but do we really know how generously a person has given of their time and talents. Mr. Dyer said that Mr. Workman has been and continues to be a fabulous ambassador for our community.
State Representative Susan Holmes was asked to say a few words, and she congratulated Mr. Workman and read a proclamation from Governor Nathan Deal that was then presented to Mr. Workman.
Mr. Workman said that it was a great day, a Workman day where he referred to his son also being recognized earlier that day as the STAR student for Jasper County. He said that he has enjoyed the love and support of the entire community, and knows that the community will indeed be behind decisions even if mistakes are made.
He said that some of his role models in the community are on the list of prior citizens of the year, and that he was honored to share this honor. He said that Paul Holmes, Mary Lou and Jimmy Jordan, Mr. Dyer, and Mrs. Margaret Jordan are all on that list, and “Miss Margaret” taught him, and was the best example of what a citizen should be.
He said that he was thankful of his continuous family support.
The Chamber announced the citizen at the beginning of the dinner this year, opposed to previous years. They then had an invocation lead by Dr. Robert Whitmire, and dinner was served.
The guests had time to socialize and then outgoing COC chairman Russell Bennett announced recognition of some specific board members and presented them plaques. Mr. Bennett recognized Amanda Crews, and said that he had worked with Mrs. Crews and that she had wisdom beyond her years. He also recognized Jeff Greeson, being a representative for Central GA EMC, noting that Mr. Greeson could always be called upon for anything, be it a Chamber issue or a computer problem. Mrs. Crews and Mr. Greeson have fulfilled their terms and are no longer on the Board of Directors.
Mr. Bennett then recognized Lori Gray for stepping up and helping through tough times, and said what a great asset she was to have around. He said that the Chamber was very appreciative of her. He also said that Judy Nelson was a big help to the Chamber this year as well.
He named current board members who include, Laura Tyler, Tibia Williams, Rick Williams, Bob Ferrente, and Mrs. Nelson. He then introduced the two new board members—Wes Chester and Kathy Mudd.
Mr. Bennett then said as it was tradition he was to pass the gavel to Angela Spivey, the new chairman. He said that his year of service went well overall, and that he was honored to present Mrs. Spivey and welcomed her and the ideas for the new year.
Mrs. Spivey then thanked and recognized Mr. Bennett for all of his contributions over the last year. She then introduced the new Chamber Director, Anna Mickle, whoh was featured on the front page of last week’s Monticello News.
At the conclusion of the dinner, door prizes that were donated from local businesses were given out, and music was played for dancing and more socializing.
