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 Martha Bivins Dr. Bruce Boyles Larry Corry Darlene Davis Charlie Holtzclaw Dr. Linda Hopper Kitty Hoyle Allen Langley David Schweppe Seth Stevens Sandy Tallant Dr. Steve Thornburg Rick Washburn John Young

Text Box: InterAction Text Box: This is the time of year we celebrate America’s independence.  We enjoy the July 4th holiday, fireworks, picnics, vacations, and many other activities of summer.  But do we really understand the significance of this holiday?  What were the men who created and signed the Declaration of Independence thinking?  Who were they really?   Not only were these men putting their signatures to an explosive document that would revolutionize political thinking for generations to come but, in the view of Britain’s rulers, they were literally signing their own death warrants.  This event was of national and worldwide importance but it held disastrous consequences for many of the individuals involved.   As each man took up the pen to sign his name, even the most courageous must have wondered what lay ahead.  For most of them, trouble was inevitable.  The only question was how serious the trouble would be.   Nevertheless, the delegates signed the parchment bravely and in most cases, cheerfully.  There was surely a mixture of feelings:  anxiety, pride, anguish, and grief.  Perhaps there was even some excitement experienced by each of the fifty-six signers after he had left his indelible mark on this great page of history.   I ask again:  do we really understand the significance of this holiday?  Can we appreciate the sacrifices these men made for our freedom?  Do we appreciate the sacrifices of our brave men and women in the military today who are making more sacrifices for our freedom?   Let us never forget the significance of the famous date of July 4, 1776. Steve Padgett 2008 Chamber Chairman                  

Text Box: July 2008

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Leadership Cleveland
Letter from the Chairman
Business After Hours

Tourism News

Blue Ridge Safety Council Meeting

Cleveland Women's Network Tea

New Members Spotlights

Boiling Springs
Farmers' Market
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Referral Summary
Thank You Corner

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