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From The Monticello News...
Michele Celani and Jasper County Small Engine were named Citizen of the Year and Business of the Year, respectively, during the annual Monticello-Jasper County Chamber of Commerce dinner held Tuesday evening in the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center banquet hall.
The festive event began with a social hour before naming the honorees of the evening. Loree Selman and Cory McMichael presented the Business of the Year award. Mr. McMichael noted that this year's honored business has been operating locally since 1986 and that the owner and the employees have been so important to the county and Monticello Kart Racing (MKR).In accepting the Business of the Year Award owner Brad Mercer thanked the Chamber of Commerce and MKR for the honor.
Pam Mayer and Sandra Carter then presented the award for the Citizen of the Year to Michele Celani for her dedication to preserving Jasper County history over the past two years with her work on the Smithsonian Institute project.
"Jasper County is the recipient of her passion and dedication to history," said Mrs. Mayer of Mrs. Celani while also noting that she raised more than $12,000 in donations for the Smithsonian project.
Mrs. Celani's work to preserve Jasper County history has earned her a Presidential Citation from the Georgia Historical Society.
"This was an unexpected honor," said the award recipient fighting back obvious emotions.
"I do not take this honor lightly," she professed.
Outgoing Chamber of Commerce President Tom Joye led the business portion of the meeting which included recognizing the board's current and forthcoming board of directors.
Jasper County Commission chairman Bruce Henry provided a State of the County address as Adam McGinnis gave a Downtown Development Authority update.
The Monticello Community Band, directed by Jehan El-Jourbagy, provided live entertainment. Rev. Jimmy Horton blessed the meal.
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