2009 Chamber of Commerce Awards Luncheon

by Barry Bauer

The 2009 Chamber of Commerce Awards Luncheon was held Thursday, October 15, 2009 at the RESA building in St. Johns.

Dave Hudgens, President of the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce, and Carol and Sam Smith of the Smith Family Funeral Homes – recipients of the 2009 Outstanding Small Business of the Year Award.

Dave Hudgens, President of the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce and Sharon Bassette – recipient of the 2009 Ambassador of the Year Award.

Dave Hudgens, President of the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce, and Mike Trebesh – recipient of the 2009 Volunteer of the Year Award.

Brenda Terpening introduced Joann Martis – 2009 recipient of the William Patton Award:

I am especially pleased to introduce you to this year’s William Patton Award recipient. Not only is she a true supporter of the Chamber, she has been a mentor and a great support to me since I have been with the Chamber.

Our 2009 recipient is Joann Martis. Joann and her husband Paul have been married for 55 years. They have four children; Paulette, David, Melissa and Christine and four grandchildren; Amanda, Megan, Madison and Mitchell. While her family is the most important thing to her, she is also very dedicated to her church.

She has been an active member of the First Congregational Church in St. Johns for 77 years and is a life member. She is a member of the Linda Scott Division Women’s Fellowship ministry team and an active participant in the Friendly Service ministry team which provides meals after funerals. Each year she chairs their annual Attic Treasure Sale (a huge fundraiser for the church) and is a member of the Chancel Choir. Through the years she has taught Bible School, Nursery School and Sunday School and was even the Administrative Assistant at the church for a time. She is currently on their 150th Anniversary team and is compiling the last 20 years of church history.

Joann has always been involved in her community. She was on the Committee that formed the St. Johns Relay for Life, she was on the original planning committee for the St. Johns Industrial Park, she worked with Bill Richards through CRV, and is currently on the fundraising committee of the Clinton County Senior Center. She has even supported her community and various organizations through her beautiful singing voice. During high school she participated in Minstrel Shows that were fundraisers for the Lions Club and since then she has participated in Clinton Capers and most recently in the Home Companions show for the St. Johns Sesquicentennial.

Joann was the Director of the St. Johns Chamber of Commerce for 11 years from 1982-1993. One of the reasons she was chosen for the position was because of her outgoing personality. Her first few years at the Chamber were rebuilding years. The Chamber had not been very active due in part to low membership. Joann was actually the first Ambassador for the Chamber. That group formed in 1983 with Skip Hughes acting as chairman. The uniform has always been a source of pride for Joann and the Ambassadors and that was very evident at Mr. Hughes’ funeral. Skip’s family hung his red jacket at his funeral because they knew of the pride he took in the group. When Joann spoke at the funeral she put $2 in his pocket to pay for his fine since he was not in proper uniform.

Joann is the individual that developed the idea of having a festival in St. Johns, which turned into the St. Johns Mint Festival. She gathered the needed individuals and with the help of a dedicated committee made it a reality. Those first few years were tough financially – in fact the first festival was funded through “loans” from Chamber members. Joann was the driving force of the Mint Festival – She was great at getting Chamber members and community members involved.

Joann has been an honorary member of the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce and it’s Ambassadors for several years. She has such a passion for her community and this Chamber and recognition of her efforts and support are truly deserved.

Joann talked about her family’s history in St. Johns. Her Parents and Grandparents used to own and operate Baker’s Restaurant at corner of State St. and Clinton Ave. in St. Johns where Hungry Howie’s is now located.

She has a lot of good memories from the restaurant.

Joann and Paul Martis surrounded by members of their family.