My friend Janet Kelly wins Business Person of the Year Award

Verde Valley Pride Awards

Chamber President & CEO Lana Tolleson,

Janet Kelly and Verde Independent Publisher Pam Miller

I am so grateful for my friend, Janet Kelly, who won the Business Person of the Year Verde Valley Pride Award on March 8, 2012. This Business Person of the Year Award was open to any Verde Valley business person, owner, manager or employee who dedicated his or her spare time to benefit our community while maintaining a rigorous standard of work excellence.

Since 2008, Janet has been a Banking Center Manager for the Cottonwood Branch of National Bank of Arizona. She is a bank Vice President. Her job includes overseeing all aspects of a large, profitable Banking Center. Janet’s day-to-day duties include operations, lending, creative marketing, community development, business development, property management, reporting, networking, and compliance. At National Bank of Arizona in Cottonwood, Janet provides human resource and leadership development for a successful team of 12. She’s been instrumental in developing and implementing successful campaign strategies, bringing multiple businesses to do business with the Banking Center.

Prior to serving at National Bank of Arizona, Janet was a Real Estate Broker. For five years, 2002 to 2007, she worked at Coldwell Banker Mabery, and became an Associate Broker in 2006. She was recognized for being a top 20 agent out of 600. She received the Diamond Club Award from Coldwell Banker Mabery. In 2000, she obtained her Series 6 Securities License with Bank of America.

In September, 2006, Janet was instrumental in obtaining a charter of Verde Valley’s The Compassionate Friends. This is a support group for parents and siblings who have lost children. She is currently the Chapter Leader.

In 2008 Janet graduated from Verde Valley Leadership, Class III. Class III was the first class to do a legacy project by organizing, fundraising, and constructing a gazebo and tether balls at the Cottonwood Boys and Girls Club. Legacy is now a program requirement and has become part of the curriculum for each graduating class.

She has been a board member from 2009 through 2011, serving as President of VVL which inspires individuals into action. As president, she has been able to network and gain exposure to a variety of individuals and organizations from the public and private sectors of our community and state. Janet says, “It is a highly rewarding experience that encompasses increased knowledge, confidence, public speaking skills, and all-around joy in knowing that what you are giving to others, is guiding them to grow and self-discover.”

Current VVL CLASS VI member, Bobbie Gooslin, says of Janet, “As I nervously walked into the room for my interview with the Verde Valley Leadership board members, I immediately felt at ease with the woman in charge. It was my big moment to impress with first impressions. I could not help myself—I was sizing up the woman in charge. I felt she possessed qualities that I desired for myself—a sunshine smile, calmness, compassion, zest for life, laugh, with a touch of sorrow that said, "I have weathered much, so therefore I understand." These were just a few qualities from her spirit that spoke to me. My first impression was correct and my LEADER has inspired me to this day. I call her my leader because I take pride in her for taking time to listen and give feedback. Janet always gives encouragement, is positive and diplomatic—with such grace. Janet Kelly is the leader that I am so proud to say is in charge of the VVL family and mentoring my class. Someday I hope to possess some of the qualities that naturally shine through her genuine, strong spirit that shines for all to see.”

Regional Sales Manager for National Bank of Arizona, Debra Carbone, says of Janet, “I want to personally recognize Janet for the impact she has made in the community through her role with Verde Valley Leadership and other organizations she serves. A few years ago Janet had the opportunity to participate as a class member for Verde Valley Leadership and this became a life changing event for Janet. The decision to participate with VVL was not taken lightly as her first responsibility is to her team and the role she serves at National Bank of Arizona as the Branch Manager for our Cottonwood office. One thing Janet knew for sure is she wanted to give back to the community and participating with VVL was going to be a good partnership. I commend Janet for her ability to manage both her responsibilities to NB|AZ and her responsibilities to VVL as current President with outstanding results on both fronts. Janet has proven herself to be a leader not only in our organization but in the community she serves and loves.”

Friends Janet Kelly and Diane Joens

Why I submitted Janet for the Verde Valley Pride Award: My experience and observation has been that Janet’s leadership, dedication, intelligence, kindness and commitment to community—all wrapped up in one individual—is extremely difficult to find. It is obvious that Janet is a very hard worker and applies herself diligently to anything she sets out to accomplish. I can speak highly of Janet’s character. She is dependable. When she says she’ll do something, she keeps her word. Janet shows personal concern for others. Life’s challenges have instilled an ability to empathize with those who experience loss. She is enthusiastic, giving each task her best effort. She is creative, always looking for new perspectives. In my dealings with Janet, she has always conducted herself with honesty, accountability and integrity. She has donated countless hours to her community’s betterment as President of Verde Valley Leadership and Chapter Leader for The Compassionate Friends. She is also a member of the Professional Women’s Group and received their “Making a Difference Award” in 2010.

Janet is adept at positive relationship building and I believe that she elevates National Bank of Arizona to the very top of public perception as one of the best banks in our community. Not only does she do a magnificent job at the bank, but she also spends countless hours in dedicated service for the betterment of the community. Besides work and community service, Janet enjoys spending time with her husband of 35 years, Rick Kelly, her sons, and grandson. Someday, she would like to open a Verde Valley butterfly garden (park) in memory of her daughter, Jennifer.

                                                                                                                                             --Diane Joens

Read the article in the Verde Independent:
http://verdenews.com/main.asp?SectionID=74&subsectionID=1409&articleID=46674