ABA Seeking Nominations for Annual Community Service Award

The Austell Business Association is seeking nominations for the M. L. Lamar Award, which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exemplary service to the Austell and South Cobb community.

In 1999, members of ABA, which Lamar founded in the 1950s, were set to present Lamar with a special award of $250 for his chosen charity. The award was to recognize his many years of community service in Austell.

However, right before the award was presented, Lamar passed away.

Lamar opened Lamar’s Clothing store in downtown Austell in 1950, and his family continued to operate the store until 2010. During the 1970s, Lamar’s apparel stores took up an entire block in downtown Austell.

Austell Mayor Joe Jerkins remembers Lamar. “I used to buy my Levi’s from him when I was 13 or 14. He was a good businessman, a good guy. He was always involved in the Austell Business Association and helped with Austell Day.”

Nomination forms are attached to this article and can be emailed by the March 1 deadline to Felicia Jones at felicia@servproswcobb.com. Nominations given to any ABA board member by the deadline will also be accepted.

What do you remember about M. L. Lamar? Tell us below in the comments.