A banker, a newspaper executive and a veteran automobile saleswoman will be inducted into the 2008 CSRA Business Hall of Fame on Tuesday.
This year's inductees, H. Monty Osteen, Paul Simon and Ann Taylor, will be honored at a black-tie-optional dinner sponsored by Junior Achievement at Augusta Marriott Hotel.
Mr. Osteen had a career in Augusta's banking industry, serves as the president and CEO of Financial Holdings of Augusta and is a member of the Georgia Board of Economic Development.
Mr. Simon, a longtime executive with Morris Communications Co., the parent company of The Augusta Chronicle, played a key role in building the company, which includes newspaper and magazine publishing, visitor publications and online services, among other services.
Ms. Taylor has semiretired after a 25-year career as the owner and dealer for Taylor Auto Group, in which she built a successful business on both sides of the Savannah River and was one of only a few female owner/operators in the Southeast.
Junior Achievement created the Hall of Fame six years ago.
"We're focusing on the achievements and excellence that exists in our community. These people, every one of them, are wonderful role models for our youth to aspire to," said Laurie Cook, the executive director of Junior Achievement.
The inductees have traditionally been honored in three categories: "active," for business leaders working in their desired field; "retired"; and "historical."
This year, all three inductees fall in the active category, Ms. Cook said.
"I think each one of them brings to the table great inspiration," she said.
Mr. Osteen is a "visionary" and was instrumental in starting Augusta Tomorrow, an organization that shaped development in downtown Augusta, Ms. Cook said.
Mr. Simon is "not only an incredible businessman, but he's philanthropic and has done so much to help our community as a whole," she said.
Ms. Taylor, who is the second woman to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, "broke a lot of glass ceilings getting involved in the automobile industry."
All proceeds from the event will benefit Junior Achievement, which provides economic and business education programs for students.
Reach LaTina Emerson at (706) 823-3227 or latina.emerson@augustachronicle.com.

