| By DAWN BOWEN Staff Writer Honored for his enthusiasm and his commitment to the community, Tommy Scroggin was named Artesia's Citizen of the Year at the annual Artesia Chamber of Commerce awards banquet last week. Scroggin said the honor caught him completely by surprise, thanks to the creative efforts of his family and friends who gave no indication that the accolade was coming his way. His wife, Donna, prepared an impressive biography about his life, family and community involvement which was included in the event program and presented to everyone who attended last Thursday's event. Scroggin said it was a unique and special experience to be honored in the presence of his children, his family and his friends. "A person's success is a lot bigger than himself. It's their faith, their family and the people who are their good friends," he said. An active community member, Scroggin is excited about recent changes and improvements in the community. "There's a tremendous amount of optimism in Artesia," he said. "Not only are we seeing a phenomenal facelift but businesses are investing enormous amounts of dollars to build new buildings here in Artesia." Scroggin says that investment is an indication of the direction that business and community leaders believe the city of Artesia is going. "I think a primary reason we are seeing such a beautiful facelift with all the improvements is due to the vision and continuous hard work of Peyton Yates," he said, adding that he has been continually amazed at Yates' energy. As a member of the Chamber of Commerce Train Depot Renovation Committee, Scroggin said he has thoroughly enjoyed working on the exciting project. "For over three years this has been a dream in the making for our city," Scroggin said as he discussed the project that he said is near and dear to his heart. Renovation of the train depot is complete and construction continues on the new Chamber of Commerce building. The facility is expected to be complete and open in June. Scroggin pointed out that the Chamber of Commerce is going from at 1,580-square-foot building to a 6,000-square-foot facility that is "highly unique to the region." He believes that the unique facility will become "a magnet to travelers and a showplace for our community." "One of the real benefits of working on this project has been working with such quality people who are so motivated to better this community," he said. Scroggin said it has been a pleasure to work with Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Richard Price, Steve Anderson, Mike Butts and Janis Champion on the Train Depot Renovation Committee. The feeling is mutual. Price, in an interview Wednesday, said Scroggin has been instrumental in accomplishing the project. "You call him up and he's there. ... It's been a pleasure to work with him," Price said. "We have had a tremendous amount of assistance from Artesia MainStreet in making this project work," Scroggin said, adding that it would not have been possible without the assistance of Peyton Yates and Jeff Bowman. Bowman has provided the Train Depot Renovation Committee with legal expertise throughout the project. "He has been much too kind to us in hours billed ... and that's just this project. He does more of the same for the MainStreet project," Scroggin said. The experience has been rewarding for Artesia's Citizen of the Year. "I've sure gotten a lot more back than I've put in, just by knowing how special this is going to be for the community and by working with great people," he said. One of those great people is Suzanne Puckett who works as an office manager for Scroggin. "Her loyalty and commitment to her job duties are absolutely second to none," Scroggin said. Those who know Scroggin best would probably agree that his greatest success is his family. "Our family shares a common bond with God as our focus. That helps us put everything else into perspective," he said. Scroggin and his wife, Donna, have two children, Scott, who is a sophomore at Lubbock Christian University, and Lara, who is a senior at Artesia High School. "Donna is my best friend. She keeps up with how busy our family is, is a wonderful mother to our children and a precious wife to me," he said. Scroggin's brother, Jim, has stayed in his hometown as well. "He's six years older than me and doesn't look a day older than me," Scroggin said. Jim Scroggin also works in the oil and gas industry, selling oil field equipment for Phillips Casing and Tubing. Scroggin's parents, Jay and Grace Scroggin, continue to live in Artesia and continue to encourage their son. "I have very sweet parents. They have always encouraged me to succeed to whatever degree that I have in mind," Scroggin said. |