Text Box: 2009 Chamber Officers, Directors:   Chairman  Mark Hudson   Chair-Elect  Shannon Kennedy   Secretary Allen Langley   Treasurer Kitty Hoyle   Past Chairman Steve Padgett   Board of Directors Suzanne Amos Martha Bivins Dr. Bruce Boyles Cameron Corder Larry Corry Darlene Davis Larry Hamrick Jr. Eddie Holbrook Charlie Holtzclaw Dr. Linda Hopper Michael Johnson Debbie Kale Rick Murphrey David Schweppe Seth Stevens Sandy Tallant Dr. Steve Thornburg Rick Washburn John Young

Text Box: InterAction Text Box: For over 50 years the Cleveland County Chamber’s icon has taken form in a smiling faced, warm hearted lady who was always there to greet you and answer any questions you could possibly have.  This lady has been the backbone for the Chamber and a constant for all in the community.  For those of you who have never worked with someone who selflessly gave, always went above and beyond, and yet simply thought of it as doing their job missed out on learning a valuable lesson.  The Cleveland County Chamber and all the staff that have passed through its doors were taught this lesson by Office Manager, Jean Bettis.  On January 30, 2009 Jean Bettis retired from her lifelong position.   What is typically an exciting day of the week was somber for Chamber staff Friday, January 30th.  As everyone gathered for a special called meeting, excitement was in the air from Thursday night’s successful Annual Banquet.  This excitement turned quickly to tears as Jean Bettis informed the staff that she had decided to retire.  Knowing this day would come made it no easier.  One month earlier when she turned in her notice to Chamber President, Michael Chrisawn, Jean requested that no one know of her retirement plans until her last day of work   As staff sat in shock and disbelief Jean explained, “She didn’t want anyone making a big fuss because the Chamber and community has done enough for her already.”  Jean was honored in January 2008 with 50 years of service at the annual meeting.  Past presidents and Board members were on hand to congratulate and relive moments of their time with her.  This humble attitude is one of the many reasons everyone who came in contact with Jean loved her so much.   During her tenure Jean remained a loyal and committed employee serving under 7 Chamber Presidents and through countless staff changes.  Jean moved successfully from mimeographed newsletters to the computer age with great enthusiasm.  Jean is the epitome of selfless dedication to this organization and its members and might even be considered a poster-child for dependability.  She’s been known to walk over a mile in the snow to open the office.  Because of her significant impact an award was established by the Cleveland County Chamber in Jean’s honor, to pay tribute annually to support staff whose corporate loyalty and attitude have made an important and constant contribution to their organization’s transitions and growth.   A walking archive of community and organizational knowledge, she has been the core of consistency that we’ve all grown to rely upon.  A good portion of the Chamber’s success over the past fifty years is rightfully due to how this very special lady endeared herself to so many.   Jean Bettis is a shining star, not only at the Chamber, but in the heart of Cleveland County and will truly be missed.  

Text Box: February 2009

Text Box: Quick Links Text Box: Chamber Bids Farewell to Lifelong Icon

Text Box: In This Issue:

Chamber Homepage

Chamber Calendar

Community Calendar

Business Directory

Member Services

 

Annual Banquet
Letter From the President
Tourism News
Kings Mountain Business Showcase
Chamber Ambassadors
Leadership Cleveland County
Chamber Prize Patrol

Chamber Bids Farewell to Lifelong Icon

Event Pictures
Referral Summary
Thank You Corner

Upcoming Events