Celebrants, staff and steak fete A.P. Merritt
By KATHRYN MARTINEZ News1@kilgorenewsherald.com

Approximately 150 people gathered to honor an admittedly humbled A.P. Merritt for the contributions Merritt Tool, a company founded by his father and since nurtured by his own hard work and dedication, has made to Kilgore and all of east Texas.

Merritt was recently named Small Business Person of the Year for the Small Business Administration (SBA) Dallas / Ft. Worth (DFW) district, which covers 72 counties of north Texas and SBA officials were among those on hand.

The reception drew many from near and far, including: Louie Gohmert, U. S. congressman; Tommy Merritt, state representative; Janice Hancock, Kilgore mayor pro tem; Harvey McClendon, and Ronnie Spradlin, Kilgore City Council members; Bill Stoudt, Gregg County judge; Bob Barbee, Gregg County Pct. 3 commissioner; Mike Coston, president Kilgore Chamber of Commerce; Bill Adamson, Kilgore Economic Development Corporation Board president; and Kilgore College and Kilgore SBDC officials. Herbert Austin, director for the U. S. SBA, DFW district office, also made his first visit to East Texas, to visit Merritt.

"Thanks everybody; I am humbled," was all Merritt managed to muster before turning the floor over to Gohmert.

"I never considered Merritt Tool a small business," Gohmert said. "I always thought it was a big business."

Merritt Tool has grown a number of times over the years and recently signed another economic development contract with KEDC. Less than a year ago the firm signed a significant five-year contract with Boeing to manufacture components of the V-22 Osprey. About 60 percent of the company's work is tied to the aerospace industry; the balance of the firm's work is related to the oil and gas industry.

Gohmert congratulated Merritt and reminded the crowd that Kilgore is lucky to have a son like Merritt.

"A.P. is not just a business man and a neighbor, but a true friend in the community," Gohmert said.

Tommy Merritt, while there in his official capacity, could not pass up a chance for some brotherly banter and thanked his sibling for his hard work that has allowed the state representative to spend more time on the golf course.

On a more serious note Tommy Merritt congratulated his brother and commented on the partnership Merritt Tool has formed with Kilgore, KEDC and Kilgore College, allowing Merritt Tool and its employees to compete in a global economy.

"The support of KEDC, the city and the college only make Merritt Tool that much more viable for our community," Tommy Merritt said. "A.P. is brave and works hard to set a good example. He receives this honor on behalf of the rest of the Merritts and we all appreciate it."

Adamson said passers-by do not realize the lives that are touched and the people that work at Merritt Tool.

"It is when you come in side that you realize," Adamson said. "Then you see the dedication."

According to Adamson, Merritt - a former KEDC board member - is the one who got him involved in KEDC.

"You have been on both sides and we cannot thank you enough for what you have done for Kilgore," Adamson said. "I can't think of a man in Kilgore with a bigger heart."

McClendon read a letter to Merritt from Joe Parker, Kilgore mayor, who was unable to attend. Parker called Merritt Tool a vital part of the community.

McClendon's own words were meant to ensure Merritt that the community, as a whole, values Merritt as a leader.

Stoudt proclaimed May 16 A.P. Merritt day.

Gohmert also honored and thanked Susie Merritt, A.P. Merritt's wife.

"A.P. is fortunate to have a wife that keeps him on the straight and narrow," Gohmert said, before presenting her with a special, embossed paper weight which contains a magnifying glass.