Celebrate Meridian Blog – Idaho’s Brightest Stars

Community service always plays an important part in our lives as we help one another in times of need and celebration. Just a few weeks ago, Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter and First Lady Lori Otter recognized 103 volunteers from throughout Idaho in front of approximately 400 guests during the annual Governor's Brightest Star Awards ceremony held at Boise State University. Meridian citizens, businesses, and organizations received several honors during the ceremony that night, giving us much to celebrate.

• Meridian honorees in the Individual Category were long-time civic leader and volunteer Terry P. Smith, who was honored posthumously; Brian Simer who is driving force behind many of Meridian’s youth sports programs; and Janelle Johnson who works tirelessly on projects benefiting the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Make-a-Wish, and the Idaho Food Bank.

• Meridian High School student Janelle de Weerd was recognized in the Student Category for her leadership, advocacy, and long-term community service efforts, including lobbying efforts behind Meridian’s recent ban on texting while driving and her leadership in a variety of youth-driven initiatives.

• UltraClean, owned by dynamic Meridian entrepreneur and small business advocate Brandon Wright, was recognized by the Governor and First Lady as one of the top candidates in the Small Business Category for its numerous contributions to the community.

• The Meridian Kiwanis, who champion a large variety of programs and projects benefitting Meridian’s family and youth, including the K-Kids Club at Meridian Elementary School and the Builder’s Club at Meridian Middle School, took the top prize in the Organization Category.

• Blue Cross of Idaho and Bodybuilding.com were both nominated for the extraordinary amount of time and talent their staff members donate to our community. And Meridian’s Mountain States Equipment gained the top award in the Corporate Category, due in large part to their extraordinary efforts in collecting food for the hungry.

Is it any wonder that Meridian continues to be Idaho’s brightest star, a shining example for other communities in this great state to follow with such wonderful people and companies calling Meridian home? As Mayor, I have the high honor and privilege of working with these individuals, and many others who are just as wonderful, on a daily basis. We are truly blessed here in Meridian and I applaud all of our citizens for your continuous effort to help make our city the premier community to live, work, and raise a family.

Now the Holiday season is upon us and our minds turn to that for which we are most grateful. During this time you no doubt will be spending time with family and friends, perhaps exchanging gifts and expressing your love. As a city we will be celebrating this season in a variety of different ways and I invite you to join us so together, as a community, we can indeed show our unity and appreciation for one another. It is each and every one of us that makes Meridian special.

Every morning I humbled at the opportunity to serve as your Mayor and am truly grateful for your trust to serve you well. If you would like to share with me who your brightest star is and why, email me at MayorTammy@meridiancity.org and together we can continue to celebrate Meridian.