Text Box: 2008 Chamber Officers, Directors:   Chairman  Steve Padgett   Chair-Elect  Mark Hudson   Secretary Larry Fox   Treasurer Shannon Kennedy   Past Chairman Roger Holland   Board of Directors Ted Alexander Suzanne Amos Janet Berry Dr. Bruce Boyles Lisa Carpenter Larry Corry Darlene Davis Eric Gay Charlie Holtzclaw Dr. Linda Hopper Kitty Hoyle Mark Hudson Michael Johnson David Schweppe Seth Stevens Dr. Steve Thornburg Rick Washburn John Young

Text Box: InterAction Text Box: 350 local business leaders enjoyed an evening of reflection and fun at the 2007 Annual Banquet of the Cleveland County Chamber on January 10, 2008 at Triple D Publishing in Shelby.  This evening was possible thanks to our sponsors: Fox Distributing Company, Duke Energy, Triple D Publishing, First Charter Bank, Wellington Hamrick Concrete, First National Bank, Cleveland Regional Medical Center, Shelby Savings Bank, Time Warner Cable, Holiday Inn Express, Shelby, Westmoreland Printers   The “Hemi Guy” Jon Reep entertained the crowd with his southern comedy.  Hickory native, Jon was the winner of NBC’s show Last Comic Standing and can also be seen in Dodge commercials asking the infamous question “That thing gotta Hemi?”  The banquet brought a ceremonial end to a successful and productive year, and included the traditional "passing of the gavel" by 2007 Chairman Roger Holland (Holland and Hamrick Architects) to 2008 Chairman Steve Padgett (Gateway Properties).   This year marked the 50th anniversary for Chamber Office Manager, Jean Bettis.  She was recognized for her honor, dedication, and service with gifts and letters from the community.  Many past Chamber chairmen were in attendance to share stories of Jean’s years with the Chamber. Jean was also presented with the Jean Bettis Support Staff Award which was initially started in her honor. Each year at the banquet, several community members are recognized with special awards.  This year, the Athena Award (presented to an outstanding businesswoman) was given to Denise Stallings of Cleveland County Health Department.    A new set of awards were giving this year to recognize the area's fastest and strongest growing small businesses for their exceptional achievements in the area of business development.  These 10 companies were selected for their contributions to the region's economy and for how they have positioned themselves toward continued success.  The highest ranking company of those 10 selected will be honored with The Carson L. Fox Entrepreneur of the Year Award.  This year’s Emerging 10 are: RE/MAX Select, owner Stephanie Williams, Champion Communications, owner Jeff Champion, Walker Woodworking, president Travis Walker, Pharr Technologies, president David Pharr, Ultra Machine, president Frank Stewart, Shope’s Shoes, general manager Brack Ward, Holiday Inn Express, general manager Tiffany Mullis, Maco Inc., president Mike Melton, Broad River Coffee Company, owner Seth Stevens, and Sewell Contractors, owner Ronnie Sewell.   The Carson L. Fox Entrepreneur of the Year Award was presented to Ultra Machine, president Frank Stewart.   The Volunteer of the Year Award is a tribute to the memory of Paul P. Limerick and is given to the person who has made the most significant contributions of time and energy to Chamber programs and events.  This year, the Volunteer of the Year Award, was presented to Krystal Hall of Telerx.    The Bridge Builder Award was established to honor someone who is committed to bringing the community together.  Brenda Page of First National Bank received this year’s Bridge Builder Award.  A lifetime achievement award, the Zenith Award, was presented to Sarah Strain.      The Duke Energy Citizenship Award is presented to an individual or group who demonstrates one or more of the following values: Integrity, Stewardship, Inclusion, Accountability, Teamwork, and Initiative.  This year’s recipient was Allen Langley of H&H Pest Control.    One other award is given during the banquet to recognize the contributions of the Chamber's Ambassadors, a group of volunteers who assist in the recruiting and retention of members.  The Ambassador of the Year Award was presented to  Glenda Drum of Baskets from the Heart.  

Text Box: January 2008

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Text Box: In This Issue:

Chamber Homepage

Chamber Calendar

Community Calendar

Business Directory

Member Services

 

Annual Awards Banquet
Leadership Cleveland
Tourism Tips

New Visitors Center
at Cleveland Mall

Business Showcase Scheduled

January Business After Hours

Banquet Award Winners

Event Pictures

Renewals /
 New Members
Referral Summary
Thank You Corner

Upcoming Events