Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.
The Monticello-Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce is a thriving organization that has had steady and significant growth over the past several years. Since 2019, the membership has grown from 180 to 299, with 33 new members joining in the past year alone. In recognition of such an active organization, “Monticello Momentum” became a theme for the annual dinner.
Livingston Place, now operated as a conservation property by Tall Timbers, provided a lavish setting for the Chamber's annual dinner on Thursday, Sept. 22, an occasion for members to gather, celebrate and recognize the many significant accomplishments of the fiscal year ending Sept. 30.
The evening began with cocktails and time for members and their guests to wander among the stately sitting rooms in the mansion, enjoy appetizers and make bids on silent auction items displayed in the formal dining room. Silent auction items were donated by North Florida Wildlife Center, Jefferson County Schools K-12, ktcreative, Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Oh Happy Day, BeYOUtiful Skin Spa, All Realty Services – Lynette Sirmon, Jefferson Arts Gallery, Duke Energy – Danny Collins, Trophy Creek – Roger Champion, Big Bend Eubanks Termite & Pest Control, Capital City Home Loans, Jefferson Country Club, Monticello-Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce and Robinson Gunworks & Range.
Dinner, catered by Covington, was served on tables spread across the back lawn, a high point on the property with a breathtaking view of the natural surroundings toward the east. The menu included roast pork loin, rice, seasonal vegetables, rolls and a choice of Coke cake or caramel cheesecake for dessert. Reserved seating near the podium recognized the following table sponsors: Capital City Bank/Capital City Home Loans, CWR Contracting, Simpson Nurseries, The First Bank, MLD Architects, Kelly & Kelly Properties and Trulieve.
The program began as dusk deepened the hues across the landscape. Chamber President Tami Lester thanked Livingston Place for serving as the venue, recognized distinguished guests and sponsors, and acknowledged the members for their contributions to the Chamber and the communities across Jefferson County. Rev. Jonathan Brewster gave the invocation.
After giving the Annual Report, Chamber Executive Director Katrina Richardson announced that she will be retiring a year from now, and that the application process for her position would open in January. Treasurer Dori Collins presented the Financial Report, followed by a Bylaws Amendment presented by Lester.
Next the Chamber elected and swore in its officers and directors for 2022-2023. The elected officers include Roger Champion, President; Floyd Faglie, Vice President; Lynette Sirmon, Secretary; Dori Collins, Treasurer; and Tami Lester, Past President. Directors for 2022-23 include Executive Director Katrina Richardson; voting Board Members Sean Vickers, Geri Ann Driggers, Ron Cichon, Pat Inmon, Sean Gray, Sonja Brock, Eydie Tricquet, Julius Hackett, Bob Davison, Danny Collins, Michele Arceneaux and Buck Bird; and non-voting Board Members Gloria Cox as City Representative and Chris Tuten as County Commission Representative.
Five awards were presented to Chamber members for outstanding contributions to the community during the past year.
The Fred & Valinda Williams Award for Outstanding Service by an Elected Official was awarded to Superintendent of Schools Eydie Tricquet for her leadership during the process to regain local control of the Jefferson School District and the ongoing work to rebuild.
The Corporate Citizen Award is presented to a Jefferson County business with noteworthy contributions to the Chamber and the community. This year's recipient was Leslie Wilkinson and North Florida Abstract & Title, recognizing especially the company's hands-on sponsorship of the Watermelon Festival Kick-Off Dinner.
The Mack & Grace Morris Service Award also recognizes a Chamber member for their outstanding contribution to the community. This year's recipient was Chris Tuten, who has been a Jefferson County Farm Family of the Year, chairs the Jefferson County Economic Development Team and serves as the District 1 representative on the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners.
The President's Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the Chamber, was presented to Geri Ann Driggers, who has worn many hats in service to the Chamber for many years, supporting every event, providing financial know-how and assisting with the organization of many Chamber efforts.
Finally, the Slice of the Good Life Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Watermelon Festival went to Teri Naylor.
Winners of the silent auction items were announced, followed by the raffle. During dinner, raffle cards were sold for $50 each for a chance to win a variety of high-end prizes. The first card drawn was held by Sammy Gray, who chose the $1,000 cash prize. The next card drawn was held by Chris Tuten, who chose the prize of membership and ammunition from Robinson Gunworks & Range. Katrina Walton, who held the third card drawn, chose the envelope containing three tickets for Duke Suite seats at the UF Homecoming game. Donna Champion, who held the last card drawn, received bottles of Blanton's Bourbon and Caymus wines.
Closing remarks were delivered by incoming Chamber President Roger Champion.
Are you interested in becoming a member of the Chamber of Commerce? Membership means owning a stake in community betterment and being an active part of what makes a community thrive.
For more information, contact Executive Director Katrina Richardson at (850) 997-5552 or info@monticellojeffersonfl.com. A directory of members and applications to become a member are available at www.monticellojeffersonfl.com.
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