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Junior Achievement of Georgia inducted its two newest laureates into the Savannah Business Hall of Fame on Monday evening.
Citing their business accomplishments and contributions to the community, the nonprofit selected Savannah-Chatham School Board President Joe Buck and local business leader Eugene Cartledge as its 2014 inductees.
About 500 people attended the 15th annual black-tie event at the International Trade and Convention Center on Hutchinson Island, which included a cocktail reception, silent auction and three-course dinner.
Buck was chosen for his commitment to the educational needs of students. Besides serving eight years as school board president, Buck spent 40 years as an administrator at Armstrong State University and is also president of the Leadership Savannah program. Johnathon Barrett, vice president of Junior Achievement of Georgia, said both inductees serve as positive role models in the community.
“With Dr. Buck, he just embodies everything that is good about Savannah. His heart is in building the leadership and educational base of the city,” said Barrett. “Mr. Cartledge, he’s really quietly put himself into the forefront of community development and nonprofit support.”
The night’s other inductee, Eugene Cartledge, came to Savannah after serving as president of Union Camp, the largest paper manufacturer in the United States. The businessman has served on the boards of Delta Airlines, Sunoco and hosts charitable events at his home at The Landings.
For the past six years, he’s also served on the endowment board of Bethesda Academy.
“It’s wonderful to have the recognition, but it really makes folks happy to give something back,” said Cartledge. “For both of us, there’s
something about being recognized by your community that is somewhat overwhelming in a community of really deserving people,” said Buck.
Junior Achievement connects the business and education communities, providing in-school and after-school programs focused on entrepreneurship, financial literacy and workforce readiness. It has six district offices located in Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Dalton, Gainesville and Savannah.
In addition to the inductees, Junior Achievement gave out three other awards on Monday:
• John F. Hodges Volunteer of the Year was given to Frank Smith at Memorial Health.
• Teacher of the Year was given to Amy Denty, curriculum coordinator for Wayne County Schools.
• Business Partner of the Year was presented to Jesup manufacturer Rayonier Advanced Materials.
