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Slaton celebrates years with wife, company
Slaton pic1
Roger and Loretta Slaton at their 50th wedding anniversary party in June. - photo by For the Dawson Community News

It has been a year of anniversaries for Roger Slaton.

In June, Slaton celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary with his wife, Loretta, and followed that by celebrating 30 years as a State Farm Insurance agent Aug. 1.

"The good Lord has really blessed me," Slaton said. "I've been fortunate to be born and raised [in Dawson County], graduate from Dawson High School, attend the University of Georgia, and come back to my home town to raise my family."

In addition to being an insurance agent, Slaton is in his 28th year as a member of the Dawson County Board of Education.

Superintendent Keith Porter said that Slaton's advice and direction as a part of the school board has been invaluable.

"[Slaton] understands the needs of our students and community," Porter said. "It is truly amazing the number of positive educational changes that he has led through the years."

Slaton said that serving on the board of education is one of the most important aspects of his career as a community servant.

"Being on the school board has been a big part of my life," Slaton said. "Everything starts with the children, and the only way to give them every advantage in life is to start with a strong education."

Slaton has also served on the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and has spent 10 years on the Lanier Technical College Board of Directors.

"State Farm encourages community involvement," Slaton said. "And since this is the community I grew up in and love, getting involved was something that I deeply wanted to do."

Slaton said that gaining employment with State Farm was a thing of chance that just as easily couldn't have happened.

"I was looking for a job and just happened to be in the right place at the right time, thank the Lord," Slaton said. "I had a friend who knew a man that needed an [insurance] agent and one night my friend and I went to a restaurant. That man just happened to be there eating.

"He offered me a job, I accepted, and I've been with State Farm ever since."

Slaton began by opening a small office on the square.

"Some of the customers I got that first year are still my customers," Slaton said. "I've still got the first policy I ever wrote.

"It's just been a tremendous honor and pleasure to represent State Farm in Dawsonville," Slaton added. "I'm just thankful for the loyal customers I've had these past 30 years."

Despite the many community roles that Slaton fills, he said he has no plans to retire.

"I plan to work until I can't work anymore," Slaton said. "I have a great staff, a great job, I work every day and I'm still active, so I'm happy with where I'm at and what I'm doing."

Slaton credits his wife for his continued success.

"She's my strength, the force that keeps me going," Slaton said. "She's certainly the wind beneath my wings."

Slaton's staff will be serving refreshments in his honor from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 9 at the State Farm office on Hightower Parkway.