Jay Norton, owner of three Arkansas self-storage facilities, was recently awarded the “2020 Bud Cox Award” from the Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce. The honor was presented during the chamber’s annual banquet, Jan. 31, at a local high school. About 100 people attended, including guest speakers Joe Donaldson, who’s the president of Sam’s Furniture, and state representative Charlene Fite.
The award is presented annually to a community person who stands out, has great integrity and puts others above himself, according to chamber board member Bryan Snyder, who presided over the event. Norton “wears a lot of different hats, but no matter what he’s doing or where he is, he is the same person everywhere,” according to Snyder, who’s known the self-storage owner for nine years and had the “privilege to witness and experience many of these outstanding characteristics.”
During his speech, Norton said the desire to serve others was instilled in him by his father. “My father is always a good example for me as far as being a public servant where you live,” he said. “It’s a duty. You care for the community you live in and try to make it better. If you care about where you live, that’s what you do.”
Norton grew up in Morrow, Ark., and moved to Lincoln after marrying. He’s been with the Lincoln Fire Department for 43 years, serving as the administrator for 15. Norton is also a deacon at his church, Summers Missionary Baptist Church, and active in the community’s antique-tractor club.
Norton opened A1 Mini-Storage in Lincoln in 1993. The facility offers more than 370 units and vehicle-storage parking. He also owns a carwash and Lincoln Mini Storage in the city, and Pit Stop Storage in Prairie Grove, Ark.