OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
ROCKFORD SPEEDWAY
Contact: Kevin Ramsell (kmrpr17@charter.net)
"JODY DEERY WEEK" IN ROCKFORD, IL
By:
Kevin Ramsell
Wednesday, November 23, 2005 (Loves Park, IL) - On Monday,
November 21, 2005, Rockford Speedway Owner and CEO Jody Deery
celebrated her 81st birthday. In honor of her special day, Rockford
Mayor Lawrence Morrissey proclaimed it "Jody Deery Week" in the City
of Rockford, IL.
For
Mrs. Deery, it is wrong to call her 81 years old but instead 81 years
young. Her energy level is either equal or at a higher level than most
of the young adults that work at the Rockford Speedway. Her resume
will back up this testimonial.
She is
the mother of seven sons and one daughter and has 18 grandchildren.
On October 9, 1948, she married the late Hugh G. Deery and together
they operated the Rockford Speedway since 1959. Hugh and Jody have
created a well-known and highly regarded entertainment venue. Since
Hugh's death in 1984, Jody has continued the tradition of a successful
and innovative race promotion. In 1994, she became the first female to
receive the Auto Racing Promoter of the Year.
Other
achievements include: Who's Who ? Female Executives, 2000 in
recognition of leadership abilities; Don Martin Memorial Award, 1999
in recognition of efforts to enhance the image of auto racing through
a spirit of generosity and dedication to the sport of auto racing;
NASCAR Team Player of the Year, 1998 in recognition of the spirit or
cooperation, sportsmanship and contributions to the NASCAR Winston
Racing Series; YWCA Connie Tremulis Award, 1995 in recognition of
female business owners.
Along
with being the Owner and CEO of Rockford Speedway, Mrs. Deery is also
the owner and CEO of Deery Companies Inc.; Owner of Forest Hills
Lodge, Inc.; Partnership in Midwest Motorsports, Inc.; Shareholder,
Board of Directors, Consultant of Byron Dragway in Byron, IL.
Mrs.
Deery received an RN Degree in May 1946 from St. Anthony's School of
Nursing in Rockford, IL.
The
competitors, staff, friends and families of Rockford Speedway are
proud to work under the leadership of Mrs. Deery and congratulate her
on this great accomplishment.
The
59th season of racing at the Rockford Speedway begins on April 1-2,
2006 with the Spring Classic. When you visit the Rockford Speedway, it
is most likely that the first person you will see and talk to be Mrs.
Deery, as she may be the one to personally hand you your ticket to an
evening of racing excitement at the Rockford Speedway.
