SAN ANGELO, TX — The San Angelo Chamber of Commerce named radio station personality Jay Michaels as its “Citizen of the Year” Tuesday evening at its annual banquet.
His real name is Rick Mantooth and he has worked in radio in San Angelo for 34 years. He is currently the Vice President and General Manager of Foster Communications, Inc., a small, four-station cluster in town.
Mantooth has gained recent notoriety as one of three football game announcers who have chronicled Coach Brent Davis’ football team’s rise to statewide notoriety.
His wife of more than 36 years is Danna Mantooth, Director of Staff Development and Education for Shannon Health System. His daughter, Elizabeth, married to Levi Calhoun, is a graduate of Howard Payne University and founder of San AngeLocal. They have a daughter, Jemma Kate, born in July 2014 and a son, Dean Taylor, born in March 2016.
Last year's Citizen of the year Elta Joyce Murphey McAfee introduced Mantooth. In her presentation, as she read off every organization Mantooth has served, she quipped, "This man is going to have the longest obituary in the Standard-Times."
“Elta Joyce, if I had known, I would have worn a sequined gown too,” Mantooth said as he accepted the award.
“Every year, I make a little list in my head of who would deserve this award. I was never on that list!” he said.
Mantooth said before he arrived in San Angelo, he was a nomad, moving from job to job, and city to city looking for the next great thing. “What I found when we arrived here is that this really is the next great thing.”
The Chamber also recognized:
Special Merit Awards
The City of San Angelo and Tom Green County, accepted by: Mayor Brenda Gunter and County Judge Steve Floyd
The Chamber noted both the City and County have committed to improving the business climate in San Angelo, to strengthen our relationship with Goodfellow Air Force Base.
Chairman’s Awards
Dr. Brian May, Angelo State University, and Congressman Mike Conaway. The City of San Angelo received nationwide attention for our West Texas Legislative Summit. This was made possible thanks to Congressman Mike Conaway and his staff who was instrumental in arranging to hold the Agricultural Live Legislative Listening Session. Because of Dr. Brian May’s leadership, the Chamber and congressman were able to attract the finest panelist in the agriculture industries.
Board Service Award
Presented for three years’ service (2015-2017) to board members who have fulfilled their terms at the end of 2017.
Awarded to and accepted by:
- Jamie Akin, Angelo State University - Office of Development
- Mikala Brownfield, Paul Brownfield Swimming Pool Maintenance
- Louis Perez, Concho Bail Bonds
- John Austin Stokes, Concho Valley Council of Governments
Innovation Award
Awarded to: EnPleinAire TEXAS and accepted by Howard Taylor, San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts; Barbara Rallo and Treva Boyd from EnPleinAire TEXAS
The award is in recognition of outstanding contribution to the arts in San Angelo.
To quote Mr. Taylor, “We have artists coming here from all over the world. And they’re painting us!”
Special Recognition Award
Awarded to: Sharon Langley, Concho Cadre president
Spirit of San Angelo Award
Awarded to: San Angelo Regional Manufacturers Alliance, a new organization. Accepted by Michael Looney, vice president of Economic Development for the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce and Heather Kumpe, economic development specialist
Created in 2017, The San Angelo Regional Manufacturers Alliance serves as the voice of our Manufacturing, Fabrication and Energy Services sector businesses. SARMA’s mission is to create a home for industrial sectors that make up the backbone of our regional economy.
2017 Chairman of the Board Plaque and Gavel
Presented by: C.J. Muniz, BlueCross BlueShield of Texas and 2018 Board of Directors Chair
Awarded to: Chuck Shore, outgoing Chamber Chairman of the Board.
The theme of the evening was “Coming Together in 2018.” Incoming Chamber Board Chairman C.J. Muniz said of the theme:
“The theme I have chosen this year is “Coming Together.” Henry Ford, we all know who he is. An American captain of industry and business, founder of Ford Motor Company, once quoted, “Coming Together is a beginning; Keeping Together is progress; Working Together is success.” Imagine putting a puzzle together, and as the pieces are attached, the picture becomes more evident. I see this year as a puzzle, where more pieces will be added, and the picture gets clearer.
"As you will notice, the center pieces on the table represent the three signature buildings in the City. Tom Green County Courthouse, City Hall and the Visitors Center. The three components, City, County and Chamber must continue to work together for our businesses, chamber membership and for all citizens who want to do business. We all want San Angelo to be a place that is easy to do business in."
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