Billy Mays Day in Valparaiso – One Year Later

September 4th, 2009

Posted in 2009 ERA D2C Convention, Billy Mays

On September 4th, 2008, Billy Mays planned a little trek out to the little Chicago suburb of Valparaiso, IN to shoot a little video. Below is the result of that effort.

What he didn’t plan on was, well, everything else. After the video shoot, Mays and the livemercial video team traveled up the commercial park road to attend the livemercial-hosted party.

Surrounded by industry members, area tech companies, media, and friends and fans, Mays listened along with everyone else as livemercial CEO Johnny Mathis thanked everyone for coming to the gala before handing the podium over to Matt Murphy, director of economic development for Valparaiso, IN.

Murphy initially talked about the prosperity of the Region’s technology companies before surprising Billy Mays with an award.

The award: Valparaiso city Mayor Jon Costas declared September 4th “Billy Mays Day,” in Valparaiso.

Then something rare and beautiful happened, Billy Mays was humbled speechless.

As Murphy handed him the official certificate which declared the day in his honor, Mays struggled to collect himself amidst the cheering crow and camera flashes. And for those who thought Billy Mays was less than sincere in that moment, all one had to do was listen to him fumble over the end of the closing line he scraped together on the spot.

“ billy mays receiving his I’m shocked and surprised and touched,” Mays said. “I wish I could stay longer, but this is a clean city.”- (source – NWITimes.com)

livemercial will continue to celebrate the life and legacy of our friend, Billy Mays. Our affection and support will forever go out to his friends and family.

Heaven has never been so clean.