Johnny B. Lastinger has been out of the Valdosta Chamber of Commerce business almost as long as the 23 years he was the Chamber's executive director, yet still got an enthusiastic and lengthy standing ovation at a Centennial luncheon to honor all former Chamber presidents/chairmen of the board and other long-time leaders and employees.

The standing ovation and especially its length was a surprise to everybody, but especially for one person.

"It was a complete surprise to me, but greatly appreciated," said Johnny B. "My 23 plus years with the Chamber were the greatest and to share the accolades with all my friends was a real highlight for this old man," said Johnny B., who turned 80 years old in January.

Current Chamber President Myrna Ballard said since the luncheon last Monday, she's had many calls and comments saying that the recognition the standing ovation represented made her realize just how much Johnny B. accomplished for Valdosta in the 23 years he led the Chamber.

Myrna said she'd always known Johnny B.'s time at the Chamber was significant, but told him "I don't think I fully grasped the enormity of your influence on the community until I systematically went though all those issues of Progress Magazine."

When asked what first comes to mind as he looks back on his years at the Chamber, Johnny B said, "The slogans." Alltogether Better. There Are No Strangers In Valdosta. Winnersville USA. Proud Past - Promising Future. As one in the audience at the luncheon noted, "Our secret to success would be living our slogans."

Johnny B. and his volunteer committee members also had a knack for attracting big-name speakers for Chamber events. Notables such as Ronald Reagan, Sam Nunn, Paul Harvey, Debra Norville, Griffin Bell, Pat Paulsen and Douglas Kiker were onstage at Chamber Annual Dinners between 1970 and 1993.

Johnny B. is the owner/publisher of Valdosta Magazine, a quarterly publication that has operated continuously since the first issue in April 1997.