2025 Valdosta Distinguished Citizens Dinner

Our Honorees:

Clinton and Jeana Beeland are the founders of CJB Industries, a chemical manufacturing company headquartered in Valdosta, Georgia. After earning engineering degrees from Georgia Tech, they gained valuable industry experience before launching CJB in 1997. What began in a small pole barn has grown into a multi-plant operation with over 310,000 square feet of industrial space. The Beelands are deeply involved in their community, supporting education, economic development, and civic leadership through organizations like Leadership Georgia, the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce, and more.

Our Guest Speaker:

Dr. Sonny Perdue is the 14th chancellor of the University System of Georgia. Prior to becoming chancellor, Perdue was the 31st Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from 2017 to 2021. He also served two terms as the governor of Georgia, from 2003 to 2011, and was a member of the Georgia Senate from 1991 to 2001. 

Born in Perry, Georgia, and raised on a farm in Bonaire, Perdue is a veterinarian and agribusiness owner. He is also a veteran, serving four years in the U.S. Air Force. He and his wife, Mary, have four children, 14 grandchildren, and have served as foster parents for eight children awaiting adoption.

Event Details 

• Date: September 11, 2025 
• Location: Rainwater Conference Center
  • 1 Meeting Place, Valdosta, GA 31601

The Distinguished Citizen's Award honors individuals who exemplify the values of the Scout Oath and Law through outstanding civic service, moral integrity, and dedication to others. Recipients are not necessarily Scouting volunteers but are recognized for their impact on the community.

Proceeds benefit local Scouting in South Georgia.

Table Sponsors: Guest list due to Sam McCord at sam.mccord@scouting.org or (229) 300-0649 by Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Ticket Sales Close: Thursday, September 4, 2025

For questions, contact Sam McCord, Assistant Scout Executive
sam.mccord@scouting.org | (229) 300-0649

Click here to purchase tickets, become a sponsor, or donate to the event in honor of the Beelands.

Previous Recipients and Presenters

Honoree	Year	Presenter
W. Ed Crane	1993	Senator Sam Nunn
Loyce W. Turner	1996	Governor Zell Miller
Dr. Hugh Bailey	1998	Dr. Stephen R. Portch
W. Parker Greene	2000	General Michael Ryan
H. Arthur McLane	2002	Senator Saxby Chambliss
Joe Cordova	2004	Governor Sonny Perdue
William G. Eager, III	2006	Senator Johnny Isakson
Dr. Ronald M. Zaccari	2008	Representative Jack Kingston
Jerry Jennett	2010	Columnist Dick Yarbrough
James McGahee	2012	Dr. Kevin Barrett
Col. Clarence Parker	2014	Senator Saxby Chambliss
Nell Roquemore	2016	Governor Sonny Perdue
Tyson McLane	2018	Larry Hanson
Ashley Paulk	2019	Governor Brian Kemp
Ben I. Copeland	2021	Gary W. Black
Dr. William R. Grow	2023	Dr. Kathleen Toomey