SANFORD - Ed Garrison likes being involved in organizations that help people help themselves. He said that's what attracted him to Central Carolina Community College.

For the past eight years, Garrison, who is vice president/branch manager of Davenport & Co., in Sanford, served on the college's board of trustees. That included one term as board chair in 2010-11 and seven years on the Finance Committee, including five as chair.

"CCCC is the economic engine that drives our communities in conjunction with the Economic Development Corporation in each county," he said. "It enables people to get marketable skills - and our transfer students do very well when compared with University of North Carolina students who start at the university."

At the end of June, Garrison's term on the board of trustees ended. In recognition of his service to the college, he was honored at a July 25 dinner by the board.

"Ed's service to CCCC has been exemplary," said Julian Philpott, chair of the CCCC Board of Trustees. "When he was elected board chairman, he stated that '(we) need to make sure that our college is abreast of the changes in the economy in order to provide students with the necessary curriculum for the job skills for a changing society.' As we review the expansion of CCCC's programs and facilities during the time Ed has served, I believe we can all agree that he has helped CCCC meet that stated goal."

In gratitude for his service to the college, Garrison was presented by CCCC President Bud Marchant with a Jerry Miller limited edition print of the original buildings on the college's Chatham, Harnett and Lee campuses.

"It has been my privilege to know and work with Ed since I came," Marchant said. Turning to Garrison, he added, "It has been my privilege to work with you to move this great college forward."

Garrison, a Sanford resident, was appointed to the board of trustees by the Lee County Board of Commissioners in 2004 and reappointed to a second four-year term in 2008.

"It's been truly an honor to represent the college," Garrison said. "I appreciate the commissioners for appointing me to the two terms."

Looking back on his eight years on the board, Garrison said one of the actions that he is most proud of as a member was convincing a Lee County commissioner to vote to approve the county's providing $102,000 to complete funding for the purchase of 56 acres adjacent to the college's Lee County Campus. That 2006 purchase more than doubled the size of the campus, from 48 to 104 acres.

"Purchasing that land changed the future of the college for the next 100 years," Garrison said.

He added that he was also pleased to be part of the board of trustees in 2008 when it selected Marchant as the college's fifth president.

"I have been very pleased with the qualities he brings to our college," he said.

During Garrison's term as board chair in 2010-11, the college opened three new buildings in Chatham County: the Siler City Center, and the Sustainable Technology Center and Chatham Community Library on the campus in Pittsboro.

Garrison has stepped down from the board, but not from his service to the college. He is now in his eighth three-year term on the CCCC Foundation Board of Directors. He served as chairman for a year and led the annual fund drive twice.

At the recognition dinner, past trustee chair Bobby Powell spoke of Garrison on a more personal level.

"I've been really fortunate to have Ed as a friend," Powell said. "Ed, if you have any flaws, I would have seen them by now. I don't think you have any. You have given over 22 years of service to the college and never asked for credit or acclaim. The trustees will continue to seek your expertise as you continue to serve on the Foundation board."

Garrison holds a degree in economics from the University of North Carolina. In 1970, he moved to Sanford from Charlotte and became an active member of the community. His service over the years includes: founding member of the Lee County Committee of 100, Lee County Elections Department Board of Directors, Lee County Foundation Board of Directors, president of the Kiwanis Club of Sanford, member of the Sanford Area Chamber of Commerce, and St. Luke United Methodist Church Board of Trustees.