82nd Chamber Annual Meeting Award

Jackson County’s Business Community turns out for annual event.

By Sid Riley

A banquet hall full of beautiful ladies dressed in their finest, accompanied by their adoring dates, was the scene at the National Guard Armory on Friday night as the Jackson County Chamber held it’s annual meeting. Music for the evening was provided by the gifted Anita Pizza on the piano.

The guest speaker was Dr. Dale Brill, President of the Florida Chamber Foundation. He spoke of the need for personal and professional innovation to solve our economic problems, not government solutions. He stated that society must not cling to the past but must instead embrace the future. He used the communications revolution and the impact it has had on our lives and on business as an example.

Next came the coveted annual service recognition awards. The “LJC Excellence in Leadership Award” was given to Chuck Hatcher for his many accomplishments as Director of Jackson County Parks and Recreation, including his service on boards of directors for the spring and fall festivals, the music in the park series, and his many improvements to all county park facilities. The “Wayne Mixon Economic Leadership Award” was given to Melvin Engineering for their active participation in economic development activities in the county, and the “Citizen of the Year” award was given to Lanet James in recognition of her work in breast cancer awareness, including organization of the highly successful, “Breast Cancer Symposium” which has become an annual event.

Finally, outgoing President Jamie Streetman reflected on the accomplishments and events of the past year during his term, and then he formally “passed the gavel” to the incoming President, Dr. Sarah Clemmons. Her theme for her term will be “Get Connected”. The focus will be on education and innovation to foster business success.

So, a new year begins for the Jackson County business community. Let us all give them maximum support and hopes for a successful year.