cutline for 2-col. photo, Johnsons:

Sarah Johnson, president of the Park County Board of Realtors, left, awards Margie and Mike Johnson of Cody the State Business Persons of the Year plaque from the Wyoming Assoication of Realtors. Courtesy photo/Wyoming Assoc. of Realtors

Mike and Margie Johnson of Cody received the State Business Person(s) of the Year for 2005 for the Wyoming Association of Realtors during the RealtorsState Convention in Cheyenne the week of September 12th.

The Browns founded and created Cody Trolley Tours, which showcases the story of Buffalo Bill Cody and his town in the Rockies. Additionally, the Johnsons conceived and created a public transportation service for the City of Cody.

The Johnsons also purchased a run-down low-income trailer park and turned it into a very desirable rental community. With their investments, repairs and upgrades this trailer park has now become the nicest low-income rental community in the Cody area.

The Johnsons are heavily involved with tourism in the Cody area and have done much to promote and impact that industry. Their positive contributions with their trolley, Audio Tour Company and their authored "Things to Do in Cody" help keep tourists in town longer, pushing visitors into dozens of other businesses.

The Johnsons are constantly dreaming up and implementing new programs that help numerous entities and charities in Cody. They are the best and most active entrepreneurs in the Cody area. Based upon their numerous successful enterprises and constant stream of civic and business contributions, they serve as an inspiration to others. For these reason, the Johnsons were enthusiastically recommended for the 2005 State Business Person(s) of the Year award.