Fryer retires Dec. 31 after nearly 30 years as executive director and president of the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce. Her successor will be appointed next week.
Board Chairman Ginger Booton announced that a Jane L. Fryer Award will be presented each year to someone who demonstrates a “work ethic, dedication and commitment to the community.”
Accolades came from Gov. Sonny Perdue, U.S. Sens. Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson, and U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland, among others, and a flag was flown over the nation’s Capitol in Fryer’s honor.
County Commission Chairman Ricky Wolfe, whose grandfather was married to Fryer’s mother, and LaGrange City Councilman Bobby Traylor read proclamations for a job well done.
“Nobody in my family do I hold in higher esteem than Jane Fryer,” said Wolfe, who said their relationship goes back to the early 1960s on South Lee Street.
Among those on hand for the event were fellow chamber presidents and close friends Peggy Chapman of Statesboro, Willie Paulk of Dublin and Nancy Kinsey of Walton County.
Elvis impersonator Van Barnett fittingly sang “Blue Hawaii” and “My Way,” after which former board chairman Patrick Crews presented her with a trip to Hawaii.
“I’m so overwhelmed with everything,” Fryer tearfully told the crowd. “There’s no way I can show my gratitude and appreciation. … I didn’t do anything by myself. I always had a wonderful team to work with. The only word that comes to mind is love.”
She expressed thanks to chamber staff members Mellody Reaves, Dianne Levesque, Sheila Rowe, Tiffany Payne and Susan Ferguson, saying, “They did the hard work and I got the credit.”
“I have so many friends and all of you mean so much to me,” Fryer said. “… I give all of you credit for making my career what’s it’s been and for what the community is today.”
Fryer, 66, will stay on for a year as secretary of the LaGrange Development Authority.
Joel Martin can be reached at jmartin@lagrangenews.com or (706) 88407311, Ext. 235.
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