Michelle Long

Contributing Columnist

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We had a record attendance at last Thursday evening’s Chamber annual meeting and banquet. We enjoyed scrumptious food, a beverage bar sponsored by Mike Meadows (Mike’s Bartending), and a humorous, yet realistic look at the changing generations in the workplace. Thank you to the presenting sponsor, Newberry Electric Cooperative Inc., for helping bring this program to you.

I am delighted to announce the election of five new board members. We look forward to working with Dr. Tara B. Layne (District 1), Billye E. West II (District 3), Brandon Koon (District 4), Mike Meadow (District 5), and Laura Kneece (At Large). Ted was presented gifts from current and previous board members and staff who have worked with him, Scott Cain presented a resolution from the county, and Ted then endured a bit of roasting by Jimmie Coggins, former board chair, and George Routon, current board chair.

Bruce S. Wilkinson was entertaining, insightful and thought-provoking as he presented “Why Change? That’s the Way We’ve Always Done It!”

We welcomed the following members during the month of January:

• Allees

• Williams Express Courier Service

• Pelican Snoballs of Newberry

• Southern Life Properties, LLC

• Selective Properties, LLC

• Self Regional Health Care

• Service Master Restoration by GB Johnson

We look forward to our Annual Legislative Breakfast on Feb. 2. From 7:30 a.m. until 9 a.m., we will enjoy breakfast and hear from Sen. Ronnie Cromer and Rep. Walt McLeod about the issues facing our state. Space is limited, so please contact us soon to reserve your spot at $10 per person. Sponsors for this event are Duke Energy Progress, AT&T and Liberty Tax Service.

Young Professionals in the area: Mark your calendar for Feb. 8. Beginning at 6 p.m., there will be a social at Pour Richard’s. Drop by and mingle with other folks ages 21 through 39-ish who live and work in Newberry County. You are going to be seeing and hearing a great deal more about and from this group throughout this year.

We love to talk to people about business, community, Chamber and how it all works together. Visit Liz and me at the Chamber at 1209 Caldwell St. in downtown Newberry, or call us at 803-276-4274.

Michelle Long is executive director of the Newberry Chamber of Commerce. Contact her at michelle@newberrycounty.org.