Jack Courson has played an important role in the recent history of Leeds and he continues to shape the future of the city through the various roles he plays. On Friday night he was recognized for his recent work, being named the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year for 2009.

For over 40 years, Courson has routinely been involved in local government. Most recently, he serves as a member of the Leeds Water Works Board, which has played an instrumental role in the growth of the city, including partnering with the city for projects like Bass Pro Shops and the future Grand River development.

Courson accepted the award in front of chamber members and guests who packed the Leeds First United Methodist Church’s Family Life Center for the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Banquet.

“I was pleased just to be nominated with the others who were selected. All of them have worked hard for many years toward the betterment of Leeds,” Courson said.

Courson has a long history of public service. He was first elected to public office as a city councilman in 1966. He served a term as mayor from 1968 to 1972 and later from 1980 to 1988.

“I am proud of the things we were able to accomplish during my time (as an elected official). We were able to get the city park, civic center, ballfields, sewer extension, and a lot of projects done,” he said.

Courson was instrumental in the restoration of the historical Rowan House and Bass House. As a member of Leeds First Baptist Church, he was on the building committee that worked to build the current facility on Parkway Drive. He also participated in Carpenters for Christ, which builds churches in Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio, as well as building handicapped ramps for the disabled in Leeds and Springville.

He has served on the Leeds Water Works Board since 2006. He has served two years as chairman of that board.

He also played a role in the construction of two new Leeds city schools, serving as the chairman of a Leeds Public Education Building Authority that worked to make a new high school and middle school possible.

Courson said any of his successes could be traced back to others who worked hard to get things done.

“I’ve been fortunate to work with really good people over the years and they deserve as much credit as I do for the things we accomplished together,” he said.

At the age of 77, Courson said he sees no reason to slow down now.

“I never plan to really retire,” he said. “I like being active.”

The chamber also handed the award for Business of the Year to Chick-fil-A restaurant owner and operator Scott Robinson.

Chick-fil-A was honored for its community service programs that benefit non-profit organizations and public schools.

“One of the great things about working in a small town is that you get to trade with your friends,” Robinson said. “The things we do for the schools are nothing that (others) wouldn’t do as well.”

Michelle Darabaris, a fifth grade teacher at Leeds Elementary School, was presented with the Teacher of the Year Award. Laura Barnes presented the award on behalf of Barnes, Tucker and Barnes law office, which provides $500 to the Teacher of the Year.

The guest speaker for the event was James Spann, a meteorologist with ABC 33/40 television station. He spoke about growing up and working in Alabama.

“I was away working in Texas for a few years, but I came back because I love this state,” Spann said. “We need good people to step up and be the leaders we need.”

He said the leaders of this state, whether business or otherwise, should possess three characteristics in order to be successful. Those characteristics, according to Spann, are to have passion, to possess integrity, and have a servant’s heart.

“By having these three characteristics, we will be successful in all we do,” he said.

Another highlight of the evening was the installation of new officers and board members. Hayes Parnell III, of Covenant Bank, took over the president’s post from 2009 president Bill Morris of the Leeds Water Works Board. Parnell said the chamber would continue to work in assisting businesses no matter the economic climate.

“For many businesses and the chamber, 2009 was a tough year due to the economic times. The officers worked hard throughout the year to ensure that our chamber met its charter, which is to support local businesses, create jobs, and boost our city’s tax base,” Parnell said.

Other officers sworn in by Leeds Mayor Eric Patterson were: Dewayne Taylor (Alabama Power), first vice-president; Scott Robinson (Chick-fil-A), second vice-president; Julie Ferrell (Curves), treasurer; Bill Morris (Leeds Water Works Board), immediate past president; Sandra McGuire (Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce), executive director.

Board members sworn in included: Vicky Dean (Laney’s Restaurant); Doug Neil (Daniel Corporation); Brad Pool (Farmers Financial Services); Jeff Ray (Barber Motorsports Park); Anne Glidewell (Covenant Bank); Dave Harre (Bass Pro Shops); Cindy Posey (Hubbell Power Systems); Jeff Hudson (Standard Furniture); and Kevin Fouts (City of Leeds).

Ex-Officio members are Alabama State Representative Owen Drake; Jefferson County Commissioner Jim Carns; and Kevin Fouts with the City of Leeds.

Also on hand for the event were Miss Leeds Area Jamie Brooks and Miss Leeds Area Outstanding Teen Chandler Champion.

Leah Faith Knotts who performed the song “Red, White, and Blue Night in Georgia” provided entertainment.