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Photo by William Zilke
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Art consultant and former Strawberry Festival director Mary Strope, Janet Millard and local artist Diane Eissinger celebrate Millard's retirement after 19 years as the executive director of the Belleville Area Chamber of Commerce.
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"I want to thank everyone," a teary eyed Janet Millard said at her official going away party at Douglas Carpets last Thursday.
It was a simple goodbye after 19 years of tireless service as Belleville's biggest booster, a goodbye that was uncharacteristically understated.
Known for her booming laugh and constant positive attitude, Millard was always visible at area events, whether lugging chairs for the Taste of Belleville or wrapping up last minute details at the Christmas Parade.
It is hard to imagine the Belleville Area Chamber of commerce without her.
In fact, among politicians and reporters, there is a saying, "Ask Janet."
If there were queries about events, local meetings, local people or if you needed a phone number no one else could find, Millard most likely knew.
In fact, she has contacts press reporters can only dream of having.
There are few in the community she has not directly impacted in a positive way.
"She's the one who hooked us up with WalMart when we became a 501(c)3 non- profit," the Friends of Michigan Animal Rescue's Pete LaFramboise said.
"Janet is awesome. She helped us find resources," FMAR co-founder Marcy LaFramboise said.
Jane Vesche, who has operated Main Street Flowers for over 20 years was one of many who could not imagine Belleville without Millard.
"It will be hard to fill her shoes," she said.
Mike Windiate of Belleville Pro Hardware is another longtime business owner who's come to know Millard well.
"She's a wonderful person. I've known her for 20 years. Enjoy retirement, Janet," he said.
The respect her professional colleagues have for her is amazing and a true reflection of her commitment to this area.
"You can never replace a person like Janet, only remember how much she's done in service to this community," Van Buren Twp. Supervisor Cindy King said.
Van Buren Twp. Clerk Joannie Payne said of Millard, "We're going to be sad to see her go. She is dedicated and one of a kind."
Sumpter Twp. Supervisor Johnny Vawters appreciated Millard's expertise as he stepped into the quick paced life of a township leader.
"She's been a wonderful and caring lady since the first day I met her," he said.
"She embraced me as a newcomer."
Carol Thompson of the Belleville Downtown Development Authority also has dealt with Millard in a professional capacity on a fairly regular basis.
"I really, really appreciate what she does," Thompson said of the human resource lovingly referred to as "Belleville's 411."
Joyce Rochowiak called Millard, "the right and left arm of the Chamber."
34th District Court Judge David Parrott may have summed it up best.
"She has her finger on the pulse of the community," he said.
But for Belleville's original Flower Lady, Michelle Gibson-Pierson, her connection with Millard was far more personal.
"Janet was like a surrogate mother to me. There's going to be a lot of people who are going to miss her," she said.
Millard's retirement party was put on for her by the Friends of Janet Millard Committee, Diane Wilson, Keith Johnston, Hazel Bigham, Darlene Wagner, Dina Sobocinski, Bob Stoner, Don Mason, Madelyn Pellegrine, Sharry Budd and Chesley Odom.
Contact Staff Writer William Zilke at 697-8255 or at wzilke@heritage.com.
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