The Barrow County Chamber of Commerce has named the matriarch of Winder’s best-known banking family as the 2010 Barrow Businesswoman of the Year.
Betty Jo Maddox is being recognized not only for her dedication to The Peoples Bank but also for her contributions to the community, according to a chamber press release.
“Mrs. Maddox has been a constant presence and supporter of charitable and civic organizations for many years, including the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, Highland House, Red Cross, and many others,” states the press release.
She also has held leadership positions in the Winder Downtown Business Authority, the Garden Club, Winder Woman’s Club, and Girl Scouts of America, and she is a member of the Winder First Baptist Church, where she has sung in the choir, taught Sunday School, and worked in Vacation Bible School.
The low-key announcement was at the Magnolia Estates assisted living facility because it is the residence of Charles O. Maddox, the retired president of The Peoples Bank and husband of Mrs. Maddox. After the announcement by chamber president Tommy Jennings, Mrs. Maddox expressed appreciation for the award.
She will make an official acceptance speech at the 2nd annual Women of the Year luncheon Nov. 10 at the Georgia Club.
Chris Maddox noted after the ceremony that his mother was the last member of the family to leave her position after Peoples’ recent takeover by regulators. For most of her five decades with the bank, she was involved in marketing.
“She’s the toughest woman I know,” he said, explaining that she has been the backbone for both his father and him while they ran the downtown banking institution.
This year’s award is sponsored by the Women’s Pavilion at Barrow Regional Medical Center. Hospital officials were present for the announcement, along with last year’s honoree, Gwen Hill, and some family friends.
The other women nominated for this year’s award were Linda Easterly, chief nursing officer of Barrow Regional Medical Center; Tina S. Brooks, area manager for Georgia Power Co.; Dottie Coffman, general manager of WIMO radio; Auburn Mayor Linda Blechinger; Stephanie Sorrells, vice president — service culture manager for Community and Southern Bank; Faye Manders, owner of The Hostess House and Illusions Hair Salon; Pam Veader, owner of Veader State Farm Insurance; LeAnne Akin, editor of
The Paper of Braselton; and Allyson Summerour, human resources director of Community and Southern Bank.
