The Walker County Chamber of Commerce named Judy Jackson the 2011 Chamber Member of the Year on Thursday, Jan. 26.

Always willing to lend a helping hand, Jackson served in a variety of capacities during 2011. As a member of the Chamber’s ambassador committee she was instrumental in the Chamber’s 20th birthday celebration, which took place during the membership appreciation cookout.

When storms hit Walker County and the surrounding areas on April 27, she immediately asked what she could do. During the days that followed the storms she helped to prepare hundreds of meals, organize donations and register volunteers at the emergency relief center at the Walker County Civic Center.

During the golf tournament she watched patiently to find a hole-in-one winner, even when “deserted” and in the pouring-down rain. At the Balloons & Tunes Festival she worked in the financial office, where she stayed until the last pennies and tickets were counted.

She attends many ribbon-cuttings, representing the ambassadors committee, Chamber and her former employer, Cohutta Banking Co. She is always a smiling face at the membership luncheon registration table and willing to give up her seat to anyone without question. During Senior Citizens Day she helped to serve over 300 meals to the senior citizens of Walker County.

In advance of the Best of Walker dinner she counted thousands of votes to help determine winners. Not only did she represent Cohutta Banking Co. at the actual event, she helped to set up the tables and chairs where attendees sat throughout the evening.

During 2011 she also served as on the executive and general boards as the treasurer where she helped to maintain the Chamber’s budget and records.

Her community service wasn’t only performed for the Chamber during 2011. She is also a member of the Kiwanis Club of Fort Oglethorpe, serves on the Freedom Counseling board for Walker and Chattooga counties, and the Family Crisis Center board. She is also a mentor of children in the Walker County school system.

The Chamber Member of the Year is selected by a committee based on these criteria: attendance at Chamber events, involvement that resulted in community and organization gain rather than personal gain, participation in Chamber fundraising endeavors, involvement in the implementation of the immediate year’s Chamber business plan, and one who encourages unity not only in the Chamber but also in the community at large.

Chris Davis, winner of the 2012 Chamber Member of the Year Award, said, “No matter what program or event is occurring at the Chamber, if you look long enough you will see Judy diligently working – many times in the background and without recognition. She gives selflessly of her time to the Chamber and for that and so many other reasons, we are all very thankful to call her a wonderful friend.”