2008 Annual Dinner
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The 2008 Chamber Board of Directors and Ambassadors |
With Judge Steve Wilson serving as master of ceremonies, the Annual Dinner program was filled with praise and excitement regarding the successes of 2007. Mary Cohron, 2007 board chair, remarked on how pleased she was with the many accomplishments during her term as board chair. "From new and expanded industry announcements to new partners to our new Chamber building, we had a fantastic year in 2007 and Annual Dinner was the perfect opportunity to celebrate all our successes with our partners.
"I couldn't have imagined the success we've experienced when I decided on my theme of Strong Partners. Powerful Solutions," said Cohron. "In total, we announced 1,602 new jobs and nearly $77 million in economic investment in 2007. We raised our partnership to more than 1,300 partners. And more than 200 partners committed more than $3 million to our capital campaign. Those are truly amazing results."
Chamber President & CEO James N. Hizer, CEcD, presented a gift of appreciation to Immediate Past Chair Mary Cohron. |
The Chamber recognized its South Central Kentucky regional partners for their commitment to regional economic development. Chamber President and CEO James N. Hizer, CEcD, said, "This year we celebrated three new industries who located in Barren, Butler and Edmonson Counties, just three examples of how our regional approach is succeeding. We also revised our South Central Kentucky marketing plan, results of which will surely be impressive. Our regional partners are key to our success in economic development and to our efforts to enhance the business environment in South Central Kentucky."
Hizer introduced the Chamber's new mission statement during the program, saying that because of the Chamber's task force, led by Chair-Elect Todd Davis, the Chamber's mission adequately reflects the work accomplished by this organization. "We now have the statement on paper of what most have known our Chamber to do for a long time-we provide valuable services to our partners, advocate a positive business environment and stimulate economic development for South Central Kentucky."
President's Club partners were recognized for their support of the Chamber at its premium investment levels. "Fifty-seven partners participated in the President's Club during 2007," said Chamber Director of Partnership Development Dana Matukas. "Nine partners joined the President's Club and four existing President's Club partners increased their level of support. Their financial support is truly a salute to their commitment to economic development in South Central Kentucky."
Chamber Vice President of Operations Tonya Matthews, IOM, recognized the retiring board members and presented special awards to Chamber volunteers, saying, "Our volunteers are the very best in Bowling Green! With commitment, drive and enthusiasm, they're a constant source of inspiration for our Chamber."
Retiring from the board of directors were Joe Davis, Rick Kelley, Sam Rzepka and Lawrence White. Craig Browning was named Chamber Board Volunteer of the Year, and Tim Goss and Regina Webb were named Volunteers of the Year. David Wiseman was Ambassador of the Year.
After the awards ceremony, Mary Cohron selected the prize winners for the special online registration drawing, coordinated by the Chamber to encourage partners to register for Annual Dinner by visiting bgchamber.com. Aaron Cox from the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives won the $500 watch from Morris Jewelry, and Kelly Wiseman from Liberty won the $300 spa gift package from Regina Webb Salon & Spa.
David Wiseman, who served as president of the Ambassadors Club in 2007, passed the Ambassador's gavel to Bill Waltrip, who now serves as president of the Ambassadors. "The Ambassadors are an integral component to the Chamber," said Waltrip. "We're liaisons between the board of directors and the partnership, and I'm excited to take on this role in 2008. I look forward to a great year."
The Chamber then inducted its 2008 Board of Directors and Ambassadors. After Judge John Grise swore in these board members and ambassadors, Cohron passed the gavel on to Doug Gorman, chair of the 2008 Chamber Board of Directors. Outlining his plans for the year, Gorman unveiled his theme: Building a Better Tomorrow...Today!
"My vision is to build on the momentum that my predecessors have created for me," said Gorman. "The board chairs of the past-including Mary and Rick Kelley-have done an outstanding job. They've laid the foundation for me to have an outstanding year in 2008, and I look forward to all that we're going to accomplish this year."
2008 Annual Dinner
Local business leaders celebrated the previous year's achievements and helped kick off the Chamber's goals for the new year at the Annual Dinner in January.
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| David Wiseman (right) handed over the Ambassadors Club Gavel to Bill Waltrip, 2008 Ambassadors Club President. | Mary Cohron handed over the Board of Directors Gavel to Doug Gorman, 2008 Board of Directors Chair. | President & CEO James N. Hizer presented 2007 Chair Mary Cohron with a plaque showing the Chamber's appreciation for a successful 2007. |
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| Retiring Board Member Joe Davis | Retiring Board Member Rick Kelley |
Board Volunteer of the Year Craig Browning |
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| Ambassador of the Year David Wiseman | Charlie Moore Jr. accepted the Volunteer of the Year Award on behalf of Tim Goss | Volunteer of the Year Regina Webb |
