GAINESVILLE - Mar-Jac, a Gainesville poultry processing company, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary by presenting checks totaling $100,000 to two youth-oriented agencies in Hall County.
The company presented Challenged Child and Friends with $70,000 and Eagle Ranch with $30,000 and pledged another $100,000 toward Eagle Ranch's new school.
Also at a reception and luncheon at Chattahoochee Country Club, the company recognized former owners or family representatives including Jack McKibbon, Jr., son of one of the original "Mar" and "Jac" McKibbon brothers (from whom the Mar-Jac name was derived); Paula Heard Gault; Ellorie Smith, Terry Smith, Homer Wilson, Bernice Bruce; Alton Bruce; Max Ward; and, Tom Cromartie.
Other special guests included poultry farmers who have continually grown chickens for Mar-Jac for 30 years or longer - Melly and Bob Williams, 31+ years; Mary and Ben Martin, 30+ years; and, Mary and Tom Poole, 30+ years. Also recognized but unable to attend were Mike and Toni Buffington, second generation growers for Mar-Jac for more than 40 years.
Mar-Jac employees with over 30 years of service were also singled out. They are James Wood, 35 years; Merita Smith, 30 years; Barbara Middlebrooks, 34 years; Hugh Tinsley, 47 years; Garnett Whitmire, 45 years; Sandra Wood, 41 years; Edith Sisk, 42 years; and, Dianne Robinson, 33 years.
Government representatives of the state of Georgia, Hall County, and Gainesville, Lula and Maysville were in attendance as well as a number of local business leaders.
Following the reception and luncheon, Congressman Nathan Deal gave the keynote address.
Thursday
April 3rd, 2025
5:02PM
