The Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce is making plans for the annual membership banquet.
The following is the monthly “Chamber Chat” article by Suzanne Williams.
We would like to invite everyone to attend the 2010 Chamber Annual Membership Banquet. This event will be held on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at Elizabeth Chapel Baptist Church, 1850 Allen Ferry Road, Smithville. The special evening begins with a “Silent Auction” at 5:30 PM; the dinner and program start at 6:00 PM. Wonderful background music will be played during the evening by pianist, Tomomi McDowell. Our singing entertainment will be provided by local talent, Mercedes Luna.
Our keynote speaker will be Coach Watson Brown, head football coach of the Tennessee Tech University Golden Eagles. Coach Brown returned to his hometown of Cookeville as the 10th head football coach in Tech history. A proven veteran in the coaching profession, Brown is known as one of the best offensive minds in football. The 2010 season will be Coach Brown’s 38th year of coaching collegiate football, and his 26th year as a collegiate head coach. Brown’s many achievements as a student-athlete and later as a coach in the state of Tennessee have not gone unnoticed. In 2003, he was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.
In addition, the Leadership DeKalb Alumni group will present their winners for “Community Leader of the Year” and “Legacy” awards. Our newly-elected Chamber Board members will be introduced and our retiring directors will be honored.
Tickets are $20 per person and may be purchased from any of our board members or can be picked up at our office located at 301 N. Public Square, Smithville. We are accepting “Silent Auction” donations, so if your business would like to contribute an item or service, contact the Chamber at 597-4163. We will be glad to pick it up. We hope you can join us as we celebrate our 47th year as a Chamber of Commerce.
Welcome New Chamber Members:
•Dale Hollow Marketing Group, 8500 Hwy 111, Suite 50B, Byrdstown , Owner – Terry Burckhard.
•Roses, 750 S Congress Blvd., Smithville, 215 -2015
•Heartland Café, 108 W Walnut St., Smithville, Owner – J. Ashburn – Serving BBQ and homestyle cooking, Available for catering special events. For more info, call 597-9449.
•Wheeler Veterinary Clinic, Dr. Scott Wheeler, 690 S Congress Blvd, Smithville, 597-3770
•Smithville Auto Service, 300 W Broad St, Smithville, 597-7800 – For all your auto service and repair needs
The Chamber Milestone Award was recently presented to Phillip “Fluty” and Marilyn Cantrell, owners of Cantrell’s Clothing celebrating 45 years in DeKalb County. Congratulations!
The Chamber would like to express gratitude to our retiring board members: Gina Denman, Denny Lamp; Elmer Ellis, Jr., County Commissioner, District 1; Kelley Garrett, Garrett Insurance; Charlie Parker, Smithville Builders Supply; and Chris Griffith, DeKalb Co. Farm Bureau. Their positive contributions to this organization have been invaluable. They have done an excellent job in their positions on the Board.
We would also like to acknowledge a job well done by our 2009 Chamber Executive Board: Robin Driver, President; Tim Hintz, Vice President; Kelley Garrett, Treasurer; and Valerie Laprad, Secretary; and Kerry Davis, Past President. They have served as a great team of advisors for me and supportive in every way possible. I am so appreciative.
We are excited to announce the new 2009-2011 Chamber Board Members: Tom Miller, Liberty State Bank; Keith Blair, Attorney-at-Law; George Oliver, Smithville Rotary Club; Jason Ray, Leadership Alumni – Class of 2009; Mike Williams, Sheriff’s Dept./DeKalb Fair Board. Newly appointed for resigned directors are Janna Gillard, DeKalb County Guide (serving out a 1-yr term) and Angie Meadows, Smithville Review (serving out a 2-yr.term).
The Chamber projects and events wouldn’t be possible without the devoted and talented people on the Chamber Board. They are such an asset in reaching our goals and objectives.
The Chamber would like to again express a very heartfelt thanks to Jim Finley and NHC Healthcare for sponsoring our Chamber Board of Director meetings. A wonderful meeting space and delicious lunch are provided monthly by NHC.
Good News Report!
•TN Roadscapes Grant – The Chamber applied for the Tennessee Roadscapes Grant in 2006 & 2008. Gov. Bredesen recently announced that DeKalb County has been awarded $20,000. This 80/20 matching grant will be used to create four beautiful, inviting entry signs into the county.
•Center Hill Lake Visitors’ Guide – A beautiful, full-color visitors’ guide highlighting our county businesses and Center Hill Lake plus stories of interest and information on accommodations, marinas, restaurants, shopping, events, and much more will be available in May, 2010. We are excited to have this beneficial marketing tool to highlight the positive aspects of our county.
The Chamber wants to help promote your news or special events. Please call our office at 597-4163 or e-mail us at dekalbtn@dtccom.net and we’ll help you spread the word.
Mark your calendars:
WJLE Chamber Chat Radio Program – 1st Wednesday of every month at 8:30 AM and filmed by DTC TV and aired on myDTC3.
Tuesday, February 16th – Chamber Annual Banquet, Elizabeth Chapel Baptist Church, Silent Auction begins at 5:30 PM, Program at 6 PM — Keynote Speaker: Coach Watson Brown, head football coach of the TTU Golden Eagles. Tickets-$20 – Everyone is invited.
Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County’s “Real Sock Hop,” Get out your poodle skirt & bobbie socks & get ready to rock ‘n roll! on Saturday, February 13 at the 303 North Public Square Building, Smithville – Dance & Hula Hoop Contest for 50+ crowd, Best Dressed Contest & Cake Walk for everyone, Classic Car Show, Radio Personality Ralph Vaughn, Minimum Donation of $5 – Refreshments available for purchase.