Jim, Carolyn Baggott named N.A. Citizens of the Year

Carolyn and Jim Baggott, moments after being named as the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce's "Citizens of the Year," acknowledge their family as a tremendous reason for their ongoing civic involvement. Photo by Bill Bengtson

Jim and Carolyn Baggott are the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce Citizens of the Year, having been introduced as "Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus" during the Chamber's annual meeting.

The lifelong CSRA residents, whose roles include consistent participation in North Augusta's annual Christmas parade and tree-lighting, were announced by Ray Fleming, who shared last year's honor with his wife, Lyn.

He announced Jim first, and then "noticed" a second page of material to read to the assembly, which included Carolyn as the co-honoree.

"Talk about a shock," Carolyn said, with a laugh. "I knew this was coming, but I certainly had no idea it was a dual honor, and I am so honored, and I love North Augusta."

She acknowledged having known that her husband was going to receive the award, but was kept in the dark that she, too, was to be honored.

Her husband, fighting back tears, noted that he and his wife are frequently asked about why they continue, year after year, such a high level of civic involvement. Part of the answer is the Baggotts' family, he indicated, pointing to their children and grandchildren in the crowd.

"We have to do our best, because one of the little fellows over there has got my name ... and the rest of them have my last name," he said.

Carolyn added, "I've got one over there with my maiden name and his middle name, so they carried it on."

Jim's roles include having served on the Aiken County Planning and Zoning Commission for 18 years, as well as having served for two terms on the Aiken County Council and 21 years as a state constable.

A note from the Chamber pointed out, "He spent countless hours with the North Augusta Jaycees, where he was president in 1971," and also noted that the Baggotts have both been active for 20 years in activities at Living History Park as colonial re-enactors.

Carolyn Baggott is a North Augusta City Council member, having been first elected in 1991 and re-elected ever since.

She is a charter member of the Old Towne Preservation Association and was heavily involved in the development of the Living History Park.

The evening's honors also included Ambassador of the Year, recognizing an outstanding representative of the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce. Brett Turner is the new honoree, having served on the organization's board of directors since 2008.

Turner, an employee of Rhodes Financial Services, is a member of the North Augusta Rotary Club and the National Association of Mortgage Brokers.

"Succeed Inside the Box" author Rick Grandinetti was the evening's keynote speaker. He emphasized the need to "serve best," in terms of reaching out to customers of the present and future.

"To serve is to rule," he said. "You watch your thoughts - they'll turn into words. You watch your words - they'll turn into actions. You watch your actions - they'll turn into character. Watch your character turn into habits. Watch your habits - they'll become your destiny."

Concluding his remarks, he said, "I'm not going to wish this group good luck. I'm going to wish you nothing but continued success."