Jackson Chamber of Commerce gives top honor

LABEL: Fulenwider award

By Sam Blackwell ~ Southeast Missourian

JACKSON, Mo. -- Carl Talley, who began his career with the city of Jackson as an employee in the street department and went on to serve as city administrator for 22 years, is the 2002 recipient of the R.A. Fulenwider Meritorious Community Service Award.

Mayor Paul Sander, a past recipient of honor, presented the award to Talley Monday night before 218 people at the Jackson Chamber of Commerce's annual banquet at the Knights of Columbus Hall.

In introducing Talley and listing his many community activities, Sander said he represents "what Jackson is all about: hard work, dedication, friendship, Jackson pride."

Talley's family moved to Jackson when he was 2. His first job in town was at Wib's B-B-Q Drive-In. He began working for the city in 1956 and became city administrator in 1972. He retired from that position in 1994.

He was known to drive around the town with his wife, Mary, on Sunday evenings with a pencil and pad on the seat between them for writing down things in the city that needed fixing.

Talley was surprised by the Fulenwider honor. "I'll always be touched by the sincerity of this community and the hardworking people in it," he said.

At the beginning of the evening, Sander asked for a moment of silence in honor of the Rev. Walter Keisker, the first Fulenwider award winner in 1978. Keisker, who long gave the invocation at the chamber banquet, died in September at age 102.

New president

Cape Girardeau County Presiding Commissioner Gerald Jones installed his daughter, Gina Bader, as the chamber's new president. Bader recalled being a shy fifth-grader who tried to convince her teacher, Martha Stickler, that she shouldn't be forced to give an oral book report because she would never have to speak before a large group of people.

Stickler made her give the report but stood in front of Bader to give her courage. "I called Mrs. Stickler and asked if she could come and stand in front of me tonight," Bader said.

Other awards given by the chamber Monday were:

To Bob Cranmer of Dalton Florist for Business of the Year.

To Andy Killebrew, vice president of human resources, for Rubbermaid as Industry of the Year.

To Gene Penzel for his 24 years of service to the Jackson Industrial Development Corporation.

Jackson High School teacher Janet Ludwig presented Chamber of Commerce executive director Ken Parrett with the sketch that became the Indian sculpture now in front of the chamber. The artist, Jackson high school student Megan Thiele, was present.

In closing the ceremonies, Bader thanked everyone for their contributions to the chamber programs. "I'm so glad their are lots of Mrs. Sticklers out there," she said.

sblackwell@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182