|
Leaders, businesses noted at banquet
By Connie Beard
Published October 28, 2009
No matter what size a community, the rules for a Chamber of Commerce never change, keynote speaker Art Roberts told a packed audience at Love Civic Center on Tuesday at the 105th annual Lamar Chamber of Commerce banquet.
“Chambers of Commerce should engage in projects with an economic impact. Their projects should create jobs,” said Roberts, who has served in communities from 10,000 residents to more than half a million.
And outgoing Chamber president Pike Burkhart summarized the strides the community has made in beginning the implementation of a strategic plan — noting the importance of downtown renovation, the work of the Diversity Task Force of Paris and the near-completion of Texas 24 as a major highway connecting Paris and Lamar County to an interstate highway.
“We’ve just got eight or nine more miles to go,” Burkhart said.
Burkhart highlighted the many areas the chamber has progressed during the past year in bring people from all areas of the community together.
“We all have a common purpose — a good place to live,” Burkhart said.
“We’re going through a great recession, but we’re not feeling it here. It’s due to good jobs, an economic base and our visitors. And it’s not by accident.”
Roberts, who has worked in chamber-related jobs for almost 40 years, focused on two aspects — volunteers and the purpose of a chamber of commerce.
Volunteers generate a unique enthusiasm, Roberts said. They offer their services for a serious personal reward — a psychological paycheck.
“Whatever your choice (of volunteer work) is not the issue,” Roberts said. “The value is to those who benefit and what you get through the process.”
The speaker applauded the volunteers in this area for work on such projects as reading to first and second graders, Leadership Lamar County’s efforts to assist Meals on Wheels, and the Certified Retirement Community recognition.
“You can make it happen in Lamar County, instead of standing on the side of the street and watching it go by,” he said.
The evening recognized the changing of the guard from outgoing chairman Burkhart to incoming chairman Kenny Dority. It also served as a time for award presentations.
The Collegiate Street branch of Liberty National Bank received the 40th annual traveling award for civic beautification.
The Ambassador of the Year was presented to Betty Deterich, who attended 36 ribbon cuttings and volunteered at various major chamber events such as the Southwest Shootout and Tour de Paris.
The Small Business of the Year award went to Angela and Drew Crawford, owners and operators of Hole in the Wall cafe, who created 10 jobs when the couple opened their business five years ago.
The Industrial Appreciation Award was given to Campbell Soup, a corporate citizen who has had a presence in Paris since 1964, adding a juice line this past year and creating 50 additional employment opportunities.
Dr. William Hayden was presented with the Community Service Award for his tireless work focusing on the historic achievements of the area since he moved to the area in 1957. Hayden was unable to attend the banquet, so a video of the presentation was shown.
“We’ve got a super little town right here. We need to take care of it,” Hayden said upon receiving the award from Burkhart.
City of Paris Historic Preservation Commission Chairman Arvin Starrett further recognized Hayden for his part in making sure Paris history is carried forward to future generations. Beginning in 2010, Starrett announced The Visionary Award would be named the William Hayden Award for Historic Preservation.
Completing the awards ceremony, the Friends of the Maxey House were presented with The Visionary Award.
Directors who are retiring from the board, Tammy Huffman and Aaron Jenkins, were recognized for their service. Also noted were banquet gold sponsor J&L Paving and silver sponsors Paris Regional Medical Center, Turner Industries, Guaranty Bond Bank of Paris, First Federal Bank and Campbell Soup Co.
Share |
Save |
Mail |
Print |
Letter
|
|
 |
|
|
