Published: July 30, 2007 10:08 pm         

Chamber announces Hamby as new chair at annual meeting

The changing of the guard. The passing of the torch. It seems every profession participates in some form of it. The Crossville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce is no exception.

At the annual membership meeting, Janice Hamby was recognized as the incoming chairperson for the Chamber. The official succession took place following Hamby's honoring of the outgoing chairperson, Jane Powers, by commending her hard work and presenting her gifts.

Following that, Hamby recognized the remaining board members, officers and staff, which included the following: Charles Daugherty, Randy Graham, Jerry Harris, Dorine Hatler, Tonya Hinch, Roy Howard, Charlotte Medley, Mike Metts, Steve Rains, Bill Startup, Ben Sweeney, James Perry, and Jane Powers. Bill Schmic and Pepe Perron were recognized but were unable to attend. Ex officio members are 4th District commissioner David Gibson and 5th District commissioner Sharon York.

Powers introduced outgoing Chamber board members and officers, who each received plaques for their service. Outgoing members include Mike Dalton, Matt Daugherty, George Marlow, Bill Oglesby, Sonya Rimmer, and Roger Thackston. Ken Stephens and Walt Hitch did not attend.

Members of the Leadership Cumblerland Class of 2007 were presented plaques after class spokesperson Kathy Vanlandingham gave remarks, saying through this opportunity the class was "allowed to develop relationship and responsibility to the community." Among the leadership class are:

• Steve Baisley, Cumberland County Bank

• Patty Dalton, Art Circle Public Library

• Patricia Fields, American Red Cross

• Tom Houston, First National Bank of Tennessee

• Shelia Knight, City of Crossville

• Nick Mayberry, Mayberry's Home Furnishings

• Kristen Tabor, Cumberland County Mayor's Office

• Debbie Thurman, Tennessee Tech University at Roane State

• Frances Carson, coordinator; and

• Karen Gibson, Artist Corner, who did not attend.

The event also included a presentation to Jim Purcell in recognition of his 38 years of service to the community while working at the Tennessee Technology Center. Purcell said the experience was "really rewarding," and joked of going into retirement mode since his departure from TTCC.

Dale Henry acted as the guest speaker for the event. Known as a seminar leader, author, businessman, and educator, Henry has presented to companies in the Fortune 50 as well as government agencies. In his talk, Henry encouraged the audience to tell people of the good things others do for them in order to build a stronger, more tightly knit community.

Elected officials recognized for their attendance were state Representative Eric Swafford, Crossville City Mayor J.H. Graham, and Crossville City councilman Earl Dean. Cumberland County Mayor Brock Hill was on business in Kentucky.

Hamby made mention of the Chamber staff, calling them "the glue that keeps everything together." Staff members include Melissa Vallad, Jeanny Davenport, Beth Alexander, and Linda Daugherty.

This year's membership meeting took place at Forte's at Tansi.