A crowd gathered at Bella Luna Events Thursday evening to enjoy the Childersburg Chamber of Commerce annual banquet.This year’s theme was “Jazz it Up with the Chamber.” Instead of having a guest speaker, entertainment was provided by the Childersburg High School choir, led by Sam Ellis.
The group sang “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” and “Total Praise.”
Chamber President Mort Moody thanked chamber members and partners for their support, saying they had been able to do more than they dreamed of thanks to their support.
Moody gave a report and announced awards for New and Established Businesses of the Year, Industry of the Year, Teacher of the Year and Policeman of the Year.
These awards went to City Limits for New Business of the Year (one to five years), Childersburg Truck Service for Established Business of the Year (more than five years), Coosa Valley Medical Center for Industry of the Year, Al Barnett of Childersburg High School for Teacher of the Year and Lt. Shane Burnette for Policeman of the Year.
Following the presentation of these awards, 2006 Hall of Fame inductee Jane Allen recognized Hall of Fame members and 2007 nominees, and then announced the 2007 Hall of Fame inductee, Mayor Billy Joe “B.J.” Meeks.
Meeks described the induction as an honor.
“The past members inducted laid a foundation for the city, and it is an honor for my family to be included,” Meeks said.
Meeks was born in Titus on April 27, 1943, to Bertha and Joe Meeks. The family moved to Childersburg in 1947.
Meeks graduated from Childersburg High School in 1963 where he was active in sports, including participation in basketball, baseball and track.
He married his high school sweetheart, Delores Meeks, in 1967, and they have two daughters, Wendy and Michelle.
Wendy is married to Jerry Burpee, and they have one daughter, Bailey, and reside in Madison. Michelle is married to Paul Brakefield, and they reside in Oneonta.
Meeks served in the U.S. Marines Reserve for six months active duty and six years reserve duty.
He is retired from Kimberly Clark Corporation and Bowater Newsprint with 35 years of service. He has been a member of First Baptist Church of Childersburg since 1973.
Meeks is an avid sports enthusiast, coaching Childersburg youth league basketball and football, Little League, Babe Ruth League and Senior Little League baseball for more than 35 years, carrying his teams to many district, state and regional playoffs.
He was elected to the Childersburg City Council in 1980 and served as liaison to the Childersburg Parks and Recreation Board for many years. Elected as mayor of Childersburg in 1984, Meeks is now serving his fifth term.
He currently serves on the Community and Economic Development Committee with the Alabama League of Municipalities. Meeks also serves on the East Alabama Planning and Development Commission Board of Directors; Childersburg Planning Commission; Childersburg Waterworks, Sewer and Gas Board; Citizens Advisory Council; and ex-officio to the Childersburg Tree Commission and the Childersburg Historic Preservation Commission.
Meeks also serves as the chairman of the Childersburg Local Redevelopment Authority for the Childersburg Industrial Park. He has earned the designation of Certified and Advanced Municipal Official.
Throughout his 23 years serving the citizens of Childersburg, Meeks has significantly contributed to the quality of life and growth of the city, its surrounding communities and Talladega County. He has been actively involved with senior citizens and the youth of the city for many years.
Meeks was nominated by Sandra G. Donahoo and seconded by Willie J. Ham.
During the banquet Elaine Greer and Laney Blackerby were recognized with certificates of appreciation for their work at the chamber. Today will be their last day to work there as Sherry Box will be the new administrative assistant.
