Published: August 07, 2008 04:44 pm         

Chamber recognizes leadership class at annual meeting

According to an old Chinese proverb, "If you want one year of prosperity, grow grain…If you want 100 years of prosperity, grow people."

The Crossville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce understands that the key to having a prosperous community is to nurture and educate the leaders of tomorrow. During its annual membership meeting, held at Forte's at Tansi, the Chamber presented the Leadership Cumberland Class of 2008 and the success they have experienced this past year.

"We are very proud of our Leadership Cumberland program," said Jane Powers, vice chair of the community development division. "I believe with the success of this type of program we are preparing young people to be members of our board and committees and eventually serve on our county commission and city council. I think we had had one of the best classes this year that we have ever had."

Powers introduced each member of the leadership class and presented plaques for their participation:

•Margo Brown, Art Circle Library

•Patrick Shane Erickson, Cumberland County Bank

•Danny Gibbs, Roane State Community College

•David L. Hassler II, Progressive Savings Bank

•Pam Hofmann, Third Tennessee Realty and Associates

•Pat Kerley, Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development

•Tommy Lee, Fairfield Glad Community Club

•Brian K. McLaughlin, Vol First Telecommunications Services

•Kristin Morris, Kids on the Rise

•Jason L. Sitton, Mortgage Investors Group

•Tammy Thacker, Third Tennessee Realty and Associates

•Terri Curran, coordinator

•Melissa Grant, Third Tennessee Realty and Associates

•Donna Parker, Crossville Housing Authority

•Aaron Dale Elmore, Farm Bureau Insurance

Each year the leadership class chooses a project that will give back to the community. This year the group worked on a fundraiser with the Fairfield Glade Community Club, noted Board Chair Janice Hamby.

"They sold tickets and worked extremely hard pulling together a great event, and this took place in conjunction with the grand opening for a new convention center out there," she said. "So we had a business network and community network that again raised a lot of money that will stay in Cumberland County and benefit a lot of charities, and we are so grateful. We expect to see a lot from this leadership class…and, hopefully, they will go on to do great things."

The class spokespersons, Hofmann and Hassler, spoke highly of the Chamber and their experience with the leadership program.

"You really leave this class knowing so much more than when you came in," commented Hofmann.

Hassler stated he also gained valuable knowledge from the class, especially from a group of individuals he considered to be "true masters of Cumberland County."

"I truly appreciate the opportunity [to do this]," he said.

Another highlight of the meeting was the recognition of outgoing board members and officers, such as Charles Daugherty with Charlin Hollow Tree Farm; Randy Graham, First National Bank of Tennessee; Charlotte Medley, Medley’s Carpet; Mike Metts, Frontier Communications; and Bill Startup, Cumberland County Bank.

Remaining board members and officers were recognized including Dorine Hatler, Tonya Hinch, Roy Howard, Janet Kluender, Pepe Perron, James Perry, Jane Powers, Don Sadler, Bill Schmich, Ken Stephens, Ben Sweeney, Cindy Turner and Jerry Wood. Jerry Harris, Ben Sweeney and Steve Rains were recognized but were unable to attend. Ex officio members present were Crossville City Manager Ted Meadows and County Commissioner David Gibson, and ad-hoc members were Don Alexander with the Crossville Housing Authority; Charles Daughtery, chair of the agri-tourism committee; and Randy Graham, vice chair of the economic development division.

Hamby also showed appreciation to the individuals making up the chamber staff, calling them "the heart and soul of the Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce." The staff consists of Beth Alexander, Jenny Davenport, Gail Langen, Melody Norris and Linda Daughtery, who is a volunteer staff assistant.

The event concluded with entertainment by Sam Venable, a well-known author, columnist, comedian and storyteller from Knoxville. Popular on the after-dinner speaking circuit, Venable delivered his bizarre look at life, covering everything from the insanity of warning labels to the perils of growing older.

"I do appreciate you having me over here, and I congratulate the folks in the leadership class," he said. "I hope you all continue to propser this year."