More about Maury…..      continued from page 1

Our 2005 Partner in Progress received his bachelor of arts degree from Mount Mercy College and earned his master degree in public administration at Park College.  His common sense approach to living, coupled by his education, set the foundation for his life of public service….both personally and professionally. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce to you tonight the 2005 Partner in Progress, Maury Thompson.
Maury has been the executive director of Tri-Valley Developmental Services, Inc. since April 2001. Prior to coming to Chanute, he worked in the developmental disability field in Johnson County. Currently, he oversees the operation of Tri-Valley's offices in Chanute, Fort Scott, Iola and Yates Center.
In addition to his dedication to Tri-Valley, Maury has served as president of the Chamber of Commerce and is currently an Ambassador for the Chamber and just recently completed his term on the executive board. During his term as Chamber president, Maury was instrumental in revitalizing the Economic Development Committee collaboration between the Chamber and the City of Chanute. He also serves on the boards of Interhab, the Southeast Kansas Respite Services, is a member of the Kiwanis and is serving his first year as a Chanute City Commissioner. He has also taken on a leadership role in the Chanute Community Building Project with Kansas Communities LLC and Terry Woodbury. Maury is a man of strong faith and family values. He, and his wife, Angie, have two daughters, Taylor and Morgan, and they are active in the Ambassador Christian Church where Maury serves as an Elder and Trustee.
Father Theodore Hesburgh, former president of Notre Dame once said, "The very essence of leadership is that you have to have a vision." Maury Thompson possesses those very important qualities…. and he willing shares his leadership and his vision for our community. That is why I am very pleased this evening to present the Chamber's most prestigious award to our 2005 Partner in Progress, Maury Thompson.