The Chamber Corner 1/15/09

The 81st Annual Chamber Banquet and Gala will be held on Friday evening January 30th beginning with an opening reception at 5:30pm in the recently renovated National Guard Armory on Hwy 90 west of Marianna.
The evening opens with an exciting networking reception from 5:30pm - 6:30pm., featuring live music plus refreshments for every taste. An outstanding fine dining experience awaits you with personalized service at your table beginnings at 6:30pm.
Seating is limited so act NOW to purchase your tickets or secure a sponsorship. Individual tickets are available at the Chamber’s office in the historic Russ House and seating preferences are on a first come, first serve basis.
Following dinner, the main program starts with a keynote address from our guest speaker, Susan Story, President & CEO of Gulf Power Company, and one of the most prominent executives in all of Florida. The program continues with presentations of the Citizen of the Year Award and the Wayne Mixson Economic Leadership Award, and concludes with the "ceremonial changing of the gavel" from 2008 Chairman Tommy Lassmann, to 2009 Chairman, Jamie Streetman. An after-banquet social and more networking will top off the evening’s activities in the Armory.
Our featured speaker, Susan Story, President & CEO, Gulf Power Company, is an extraordinary leader and dynamic communicator. Susan joined Southern Company in 1982 as a nuclear power plant engineer and has served in a number of capacities including:
♦ Executive Vice-President of Southern Company Engineering and Construction Services
♦ Vice-President of Southern Company Supply Chain Management
♦ Vice-President of Real Estate and Corporate Services at Alabama Power Company
Her civic accomplishments rival those of her corporate achievements. She currently serves as Chair of the Florida Council of 100, is the Immediate Past Chair of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the Past Vice-Chair of Enterprise Florida, and the Chair of the Enterprise Florida Strategic Council.
Make plans now to attend this exciting evening of networking, dining, learning, and socializing, as we unite together as a business community to address the challenges of the coming year and find new ways to create success for our business community. Tickets are available at the Chamber’s office in the historic Russ House for $48 each. All tickets must be purchased and paid for in advance. For more information, call the Chamber at 850-482-8060.
Citizen of the Year Nominations Due January 23
A highly anticipated part of our annual meeting and banquet is the announcement of the recipient of the Citizen of the year award. The nomination process is underway right now, and the deadline for nominations is Thursday, January 23rd at 5:00pm. If you wish to nominate someone, just write us a letter and tell us why they are a deserving candidate. Contact the chamber for award criteria, or check the article about the Citizen of the Year in the Jackson County Times.
Recent recipients of the Citizen of the Year Award include: Voncille Williams, 2007; Floye Brewton, 2006; Juanita Sanson, 2005; Clara Hudnall, 2004; John Alter, 2003; Royce Reagan, 2002; Mark Henry, 2001; Annie Bradwell and Jim Harkins, 2000; Rex Wimberly, 1999; and Isaiah Morgan, 1998.
All nominations should be submitted in writing and in a sealed envelope to the Chamber office by 5:00pm, Thursday JANUARY 23, 2009. Late entries will not be accepted or considered in the selection process. Nominations may be submitted by mail to the Chamber, or hand delivered. Contact the Chamber at 482-8060 if you have any questions.