Santa Claus was applauded; Mr. Brundidge was named; a community servant was recognized and the Man and Woman of the Year were honored at the annual Brundidge Business Association (BBA) Banquet Thursday night.

Jack and Kate Taylor received the prestigious Man and Woman of the Year Awards for their longtime commitment to Brundidge and its people.

What the couple has done and continues to do for the betterment of their community does not go unnoticed. The packed house stood as testimony to that when their names were called.

She wiped tears as they accepted the awards from BBA President Dixie Shehane and he expressed appreciation with an emotion-choked voice.

The list of accolades for the Taylors was long.

Taylor served on the Brundidge Industrial Development Board for 20, 14 of those as president. He is a Mason, a Rotarian, a past chairman of the American Cancer Society, a Relay for Life sponsor, a 11-year member of the Alabama National Guard, an active member of Brundidge United Methodist Church and a longtime Brundidge businessman.

Together the Taylors owned several businesses in Brundidge, including Taylor Shoes, O.K Corral, Brundidge Electric and Taylor Realty. She is co-owner of Abe's Antiques and he owns Jack V. Taylor Electric.

Mrs. Taylor was labeled a workaholic who always finds time to

help others.

In addition to visiting area nursing homes on a regular basis with her husband, she is an active member of the BBA which she helped organized. Each and every BBA activity and event bears her stamp. She is a Rotarian who always puts service above self.

Mrs. Taylor was characterized as a person who can't say no when there are those in need.

Others honored by the BBA were Buren Thompson who attended the banquet without his red suit and white beard, Mike Parish who uses his talents to promote Brundidge, Lynn Braumbaugh for her leadership in the Miss and Little Miss Brundidge pageants and Police Chief Moses Davenport.

Davenport received the Community Service Award for his many longtime commitments to the community. He has served as Scoutmaster, a volunteer fireman, on the E-911 board, a member of the Rotary Club and the 900th Maintenance Company of the Alabama National Guard and a supporter of the House of Ruth.

Davenport is also a deacon in the Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church.

The new slate of officers for the year 2003 was introduced. Lamar Steed will serve as president; Delatha Mobley, vice president; Rue Botts, secretary and Kathy Steed, treasurer.

Certificates of appreciation were presented to outgoing president Dixie Shehane and board of directors members Johnny Garrett, Jimmy Hollis, Delatha Mobley, Glenda Gunter, Robert Bullock and Jim Medley.

Mayor Jimmy Ramage gave a state-of-the-city address that was filled with good news - new industries bringing new jobs, a new high school building on the drawing board, an expanding library, a community theater and new opportunities on the horizon.