2020 AWARDS & RECOGNITION
This year ’ s recipient of this prestigious award is solidly rooted in the Camellia City . Born at Stabler Hospital ’ s Oak Street location and the oldest of three children born and raised in Greenville , Nancy Miller Idland , attended school at W . O . Parmer , Greenville Junior High and Greenville High School , being among the first in 1972 to graduate from the School Highlands Road campus .
Nancy is a familiar face to so many in the community , both as a respected business owner and as an active and enthusiastic volunteer in the arts community .
Nancy owned and operated one of Greenville ’ s long-established retail fixtures , Elizabeth Wilson Florist , from 1981 until 2002 before taking the helm of Greenville ’ s Main Street Organization , where for five years she served as an enthusiastic and tireless voice in promoting the beauty , charm and history of her hometown .
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
This award is an honor in which is bestowed upon a a local individual that makes a positive impact on the community and its government and who aims to maintain community projects that support the well-being of others .
During her tenure as Main Street Director , Nancy was instrumental in Greenville ’ s television debuted for ABCs pilot episode of “ My Kind of Town ” which aired in the summer of 2005 . Residents of Greenville , Alabama traveled to the station ’ s New York City studio to compete for prizes in games and pranks that relate to the quirks and history of their “ small town .” One resident won a brand new tractor , while others won cash prizes and even a toilet , a fancy toilet at that ! All 200 residents in attendance were gifted brand new motor scooters to toodle around town . In 2007 , Nancy took on a new role , the executive directorship of the Greenville Area Arts Council , a position she currently holds . She puts in many hours serving as the director of the annual GAAC spring musical fundraiser , “ Putting on the Ritz ,” proudly following in the footsteps of the city ’ s legendary grande dame of the arts , Roberta “ Bobbie ” Gamble . Nancy also works with the after-school service program at Greenville Middle School , helping educate and motivate students in the importance of giving back to their community .
In 2019 Nancy served as Grand Marshal for the city ’ s annual Christmas Parade .
Nancy says that she believes that a community that is willing to work together , grows together . Nancy and her husband Ronnie have two children , Olivia ( Russell ) and Rhett ( Jennifer ), and grandchildren , Elise Autrey , and Carlie and Reid Burkett .
Nancy is one of three generations of Greenville ’ s Miller family , including mom , Barbara , and daughter , Olivia , who cheered , chanted and rallied crowds for their beloved Greenville High School Tigers . While she may not wear the cheer uniform or carry the Pom Poms anymore , Nancy is always cheering for her team – TEAM GREENVILLE !
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