Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.
The annual Christmas Party of the Monticello-Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce had an extra infusion of the holiday giving spirit this year. As Chamber members enjoyed drinks and appetizers on Monday,
Dec. 9, a group of special guests arrived to make a presentation to the Chamber's Junior Leadership program. Partway through the party, conversations quieted as everyone's focus turned to family of the late Judson Freeman, several of Freeman's former colleagues at ISF, Inc., and Floyd Faglie, who facilitates the Junior Leadership program.
Faglie explained that the program strives to encourage the kids who participate to become “people of significance in their community.”
“Hopefully that's our community” said Faglie, “but it may be some other community. We just want these kids to do great.”
Faglie went on to share that after Judson Freeman passed away, the Judson Freeman Foundation had made a $1,500 donation to the Junior Leadership program in memory of his interest in youth activities in the Monticello community.
“As luck would have it,” continued Faglie, “his employer, ISF, found out about Junior Leadership and contacted us and said, 'We want to do something also.' That's why they are here today.”
Next, ISF CEO Jonathan Conrad addressed the party crowd, saying, “We're honored to be here. We asked the ISF team if we could participate in celebrating and honoring Judson and what he was passionate about. As mentioned, he was passionate about kids. He was passionate about teaching leadership skills and opportunities to benefit them in the future, to give them opportunities that could strengthen them and give them experiences that they may not have otherwise.”
Conrad had asked his team if they could make a donation in honor of Judson for their Christmas charitable giving this year. The staff rallied behind the idea, said Conrad, and the company matched their contributions. The final collection amount was a stunning $17,600.
“It's really an honor for us to be able to do this,” continued Conrad, presenting the symbolic check to Faglie. “We support Judson's passion. We believe in building leaders. We believe in giving opportunities to our youth. We think it's an amazing program, so we are more than happy to be a part of this... We hope to continue to be a part of this in the future. This is a great way to show our care for Judson.”
Faglie then announced that the funds would create a Judson Freeman Scholarship Award.
Judson's wife, Lori, then commented, “I can't help but think that Judson is smiling that this is happening. I know that he would be happy and very grateful for what has happened here.
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