By Jamestown Sun staff report
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JAMESTOWN — Shirley Jackson was named the Outstanding Citizen of the Year at the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet on Thursday, Jan. 23, at Harold Newman Arena.
Matthew Perkins received the Above & Beyond Award for leading the McElroy Park field renovations project and other work.
Jackson’s work with the chamber, Rotary, University of Jamestown Booster Club, and other local organizations exemplifies a lifelong dedication to Jamestown, the chamber said.
The criteria for the Outstanding Citizen of the Year award that Jackson received includes services that go above and beyond excellence in one’s professional or business; be a resident of the Jamestown area who has worked to improve the quality of life in the community; and be well-known and respected, with a focus on the welfare of the community and accomplishments within the last five to seven years, though lifetime achievements may also be considered.
Jackson has been the manager of Riddle’s Jewelry for more than 26 years and the nomination package noted she has won numerous awards through the business, keeping the business running smoothly while connecting with other local businesses “for the betterment of Jamestown and its residents.”
Jackson’s nomination said she is “synonymous with Jamestown and you would be hard pressed to find an event, a charity or a service organization she hasn’t been involved with.” She serves as an ambassador for the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce and is present to celebrate a business’ or an individual’s accomplishments. She is a longtime member of the chamber, including serving as president and on committees.
Jackson is a longtime member of Jamestown Rotary, working with Camp Rokiwan cleanup, helping with Mill Hill tree preparation, volunteering at the group’s annual Wine and Brewhaha, assisting with the club’s Coats for Kids collection and other activities. She has served on the board of the Jamestown Community Foundation since 2009. She also supports Jimmies and Blue Jay sporting events, the nomination said.
Matthew Perkins
The Above & Beyond award that Perkins received has a number of criteria, including exceptional leadership within the business community, is based on activities from the current year and the nominee’s actions go beyond the person’s day-to-day responsibilities. The individual should demonstrate a commitment to serving the community, foster strong relationships with peers, employees and the community and actively share knowledge to benefit others.
Perkins’ nomination for the award said he has demonstrated “an unwavering commitment to the youth of our community by volunteering his time and resources to ensure the success of the McElroy Park Field Renovation Project.”
Along with his responsibilities as president of Jamestown Area Youth Baseball, he took on additional responsibility of heading a capital campaign and “critical” construction project to improve the community’s facilities.
Perkins has worked to raise the necessary funds for the project, writing grants, organizing fundraising evens and seeking donations, the nomination said. That work has been “instrumental” in securing the financial support needed to bring the project to fruition, it said.
Perkins has also volunteered numerous hours to participate in the construction process, ensuring it’s completed on time and within budget, the nomination said. He also serves as a role model for young athletes.
Other awards
The chamber also presented several other awards:
Young Professional of the Year: Allison Limke. Limke is the visitor experience manager for Jamestown Tourism, driving engagement and improving visitor experiences. The nomination said she was “the driving force” behind the city of Jamestown renaming of 3rd Avenue Southwest to Jamestown’s Historic 3rd Ave., with the route featuring seven historic places in the community. Her extensive work at Frontier Village was also cited including obtaining grants for playground equipment and the village’s information center and managing the village’s transformation into a 501(c)(3).
The criteria for the Young Professional of the Year award is to be employed or self-employed in the Jamestown area; be 40 years old or younger or have less than five years of experience in their field; and embody the mission of Young Professionals Jamestown to connect, empower and inspire young professionals to make a positive impact on the community.
Business of the Year: Otter Tail Power Co. The company received the award for exemplary service during the 2023 ice storm, “restoring power with dedication and care.” The nomination noted the power outages from the storm affected multiple communities and the employees worked to make repairs.
Continuing Beautification Award: Solien-Denault Sensory Garden
Spot of Beauty Award: Jamestown Shriners, for their Mill Hill Christmas lights, and Drift Prairie Brewing Co., for their “inviting” entryway.
Best Landscaping Award: St. John's Academy
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