ABAC President, Dr. David Bridges Each year the Colquitt- Miller County Chamber of Commerce banquets just keep getting better and more fun for all those who participate.

The 23nd annual banquet was held at the old Miller County High School Cafeteria on Thursday, January 21, with a full house. If you missed the 23nd annual Colquitt-Miller County Chamber of Commerce Dinner Meeting, you missed a real treat.

Normally, a meeting of this type can be more of a duty than an enjoyable evening but not so for this event. An evening of good fellowship, great food, entertainment par excellence was enjoyed by all who attended.

Anthony Cobb called the meeting to order and asked Rev. David Thompson, pastor of Colquitt United Methodist Church to open the meeting with prayer and a blessing on the food.

Serving the delicious meal were members of the FBLA Club.

The large crowd was invited to enjoy the din ner prepared by the Tarrer Inn.

Martiele Pickle accepts gavel from Anthony Cobb. Anthony Cobb then gave the official welcome to all COC members and their guests. He recognized elected officials from the city and county, BOE, State Representative Gerald Greene, members of the Downtown Development Authority, Leadership Colquitt participants, and past board members of the chamber of commerce. The 2009-20010 Mayhaw queens were also recognized. They are Tiny Miss, Lyric Moore; Little Miss, Carlie Maxwell; Young Junior Miss, Alyson James; Junior Miss, Lizzy Stanford; Teen Miss, Beth Burkett; and Miss, Courtney Brownlee.

Chairman Cobb then asked MCES Principal Tina Brooks to start the awards part of the program. Ms. Brooks started by naming some of the attributes for a teacher and why the one receiving the award was so deserving. She then called Ms. Suzanne Wolfe, fifth grade teacher, to the stage to receive the coveted award. “Suzanne has earned respect from the students and the faculty and is very deserving of this award,” stated Brooks, who then presented the Teacher of the Year Award to Suzanne Wolfe. come to all COC members and their guests. He recognized elected officials from the city and county, BOE, State Representative Gerald Greene, members of the Downtown Development Authority, Leadership Colquitt participants, and past board members of the chamber of commerce. The 2009- 20010 Mayhaw queens were also recognized. They are Tiny Miss, Lyric Moore; Little Miss, Carlie Maxwell; Young Junior Miss, Alyson James; Junior Miss, Lizzy Stanford; Teen Miss, Beth Burkett; and Miss, Courtney Brownlee.

(L-R) Ray Grimsley, Georgia Grimsley, Tina Brooks, Donald Brooks and Anthony Cobb. The Grimsleys received the Community Volunteers of the Year Award. Chairman Cobb then asked MCES Principal Tina Brooks to start the awards part of the program. Ms. Brooks started by naming some of the attributes for a teacher and why the one receiving the award was so deserving. She then called Ms. Suzanne Wolfe, fifth grade teacher, to the stage to receive the coveted award. “Suzanne has earned respect from the students and the faculty and is very deserving of this award,” stated Brooks. She then presented the Teacher of the Year Award to Suzanne Wolfe.

Valarie Mock (L) accepts Chamber Volunteer of the Year Award from Russ Henley (C) while Anthony Cobb looks on. Mr. and Mrs. Donald Brooks, the 2008 Community Volunteers, then presented the Community Volunteers of the Year 2009 Award to Ray and Georgia Grimsley. Mr. Brooks thanked the couple for their many volunteer efforts in our community.

The Chamber Volunteer of the Year Award was presented by the 2008 recipient, Dr. Russ Henley. The 2009 Chamber Volunteer of the Year Award went to Valarie Mock for her many hours of volunteer work for the Chamber.

(L-R) Suzanne Wolfe, Teacher of the Year, Principal Tina Brooks and Chamber Chairman Anthony Cobb Anthony Cobb then presented the Chairman’s Award to Joe Sloan. Due to illness, Joe was unable to attend. His sisters, Joy Jinks and Betty Miller accepted the award for him.

The new 2010 officers are Martiele Pickle, chair.; Joe Sloan, first vice chair.; Robert McIntosh, second vice president; Lisa Stewart, secretary; Tracy Pickle, treasurer; and Anthony Cobb, past chairman.

Chairman Cobb then presented the gavel to the incoming president, Martiele Pickle.

After giving the annual report, the new chairman went over some of the 2010 Program of Work. She urged all members to volunteer for as many of the chamber projects as possible, but especially for the National Mayhaw Festival. “It takes all of our help and support to make these projects that benefit our county and the people that are served by the COC.”

Chairman Anthony Cobb presented Joe Sloan with the Chairman’s Award. Accepting the award for him are Joy Jinks (L) and Betty Miller. The program for the evening was Dr. David C. Bridges, president of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton.

Dr. Bridges, a native of Parrott, attended ABAC after graduating from high school. From there, he transferred to Auburn University. After obtaining his degree from there, he transferred to Texas A&M where he received his PhD. He later went on to teach at the University of Georgia.

Bridges is the first ABAC alumnus (Class of 1978) to serve as president of the college. He began his tenure as the 10th president in the history of ABAC on July 1, 2006.

After attending Auburn, Texas A & M, and teaching at the University of Georgia, Bridges was quick to say that, “I”m just an ABAC fan.”

The ABAC president gave a most enjoyable and entertaining talk, and was presented with some of Miller County’s favorite products.

After an enjoyable evening of great food and great fellowship, Chairperson Pickle thanked COC president, Veryl Cockey for her help, along with her administrative assistant, Donna Weeks.

With no other business, the meeting was adjourned with fond memories of people who strive to make Colquitt and Miller County a better place to work, live and rear our children and all those who appreciate them.