By F. Elaine Olsen
BENSON – The Benson Chamber hosted its annual Citizen of the Year Breakfast on Wednesday, June 15 at the Benson Conference Center.
The event was an opportunity for the newest citizen of the year, Leon Tart, a retired pastor and former owner of radio station WPYB, to mingle with former recipients of the award.
In addition to enjoying a delicious breakfast catered by Sheryl’s Catering, attendees had the privilege of hearing from Butch Lawter, Chairman of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners.
Commissioner Lawter reviewed some of the main focuses of the Board of Commissioners that include: infastructure, financial stewardship, funding the educational system, budget issues, land use plan, and taking care of county employees. A brief Question and Answer time followed the Commissioner’s report.
Topics explored included the I-95 corridor, natural gas expansion as well as water-sewer issues, the exponential growth and Johnston County, and the preservation of open spaces and agricultural areas in Johnston County.
Matt Moore, Benson Chamber Board Chairman, memorialized four former Chamber members by presenting their family members with special interest books that will eventually reside at the Mary Duncan Public Library.
Harold Medlin, Helen Smith, Dr. Larry Williams, and Shirley Byrd were committed members of the community and will be fondly remembered for their many contributions to Benson.
The Citizen of the Year breakfast is a long-standing tradition of the Benson Chamber. Each year, honored citizens from the past and present gather around the breakfast table to reflect upon and renew their love for the town of Benson.
This year’s event was another reminder of the life-long investments from a special group of people who have both individually and corporately strengthened the foundations of the Benson community for generations to come.
