Chamber marks 70 years; Jones lauded for work

By WALLYCE TODD
Staff Writer

The Greater Whiteville Chamber of Commerce commemorated its 70th anniversary Monday night, seven decades of being a “voluntary business membership organization – a non-sectarian, non-partisan, non-profit private business association.”

An estimated 320 people attended the chamber’s annual banquet, garnering its largest turnout. A number of past presidents came to the banquet meeting.

Jeff Etheridge, the Southeast regional president of BB&T, spoke about global, national and statewide trends that impact business. He stated that Columbus County, like all places, would be increasingly affected by globalization. He also noted that, “Free people are more creative and more productive.”

Chamber President Dr. Victoria Webster “passed the gavel” to incoming president Griff Garner, a local lawyer. Garner had an opportunity during the evening to explain the night’s theme: “Everybody Knows Your Business.”

He said he believed an advantage of living and working in a small community is that people can, indeed, know about everyone’s business, which was ultimately a benefit.

Approximately 30 businesses or organizations from around the area sponsored a table at the banquet, decorating it to reflect their goods and services. The event was held at Joe’s Banquet Center, the staff of which catered the meal.

Cathy Boswell is the administrative assistant of the chamber. Many know her as its “unsung hero,” the one who acts as the glue to keep all the chamber’s activities together. Boswell received a gift on Monday, recognizing her 25 years of service to the community via her role in the Chamber.

One of the highlights was the presentation of the Sol B. Mann Community Service Award to Anne Jones, long-time executive vice president of the chamber and former mayor of Whiteville.
Terry Mann said: “I’m pleased that Anne got it. She’s always done a lot for the community. A lot of the things she did are the extras that have made this county great, and that was the essence of the award that was started in Dad’s name.”

In addition, new members were recognized – 36 new businesses joined the Chamber in 2006. Also, the new directors of the chamber’s board were presented and two were sworn in.

The new members of the board are Kate Carter of Graka Builders, Mark Council of the SCC Small Business Center, Jim Mauldin, a certified public accountant, Coburn Powell, an attorney, and Lisa Richey of “Cheap Therapy,” an internet-based non-profit.

Janice Young is the executive vice president of the Greater Whiteville Chamber of Commerce. She said it was inspirational to see the number of past presidents gathered and joining in the banquet celebration.

“The interesting thing about celebrating 70 years with our past presidents was that so many chose to be a part of Monday night’s meeting,” said Young.

“It indicates that not only were they interested in the community when they were chamber presidents – but many of them have continued since their presidency to serve in leadership positions in our community.”

Young said good things were in store for the future of the chamber: “Contrary to what we normally do, we’re having an all-day planning retreat next week. We’ll not only be looking at ways the chamber impacts the community – but also at some goals for the community in general.”

Dr. Webster noted how the past year had been a good one for the chamber and for the community, as so many people pulled together to achieve so much.

“I’m delighted to watch the creativity in this county,” Webster said, as she highlighted the past and continuing projects accomplished by members of the Chamber. “We do such a good job in all we do here in Columbus County.”