From the President’s Pen - July 2009
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As I write this letter, Monticello is busy getting ready for another great Watermelon festival. Countless hours of preparation have gone into preparing for this event. Thanks to Mary Frances Gramling, Liz Beaty and Lisa Reasoner and the many other people who put in countless hours to make this Festival a reality.
Your Chamber sponsored the annual kick-off dinner for the Watermelon Festival on June 5th. We had about 160 people at the Opera House for a delicious dinner. This was an amazing number when you consider that it was raining “cats and dogs” most of the time during dinner. This dinner is an important fund raiser for your Chamber. In spite of the rain the Chamber netted about $1,500 from this event. Many of our Chamber members worked to help make this event the success that it was. Special thanks go to Debbie and Ron Ussery for spending most of the day and evening doing a number of behind the scene things that had to be done to make an event like this succeed.
Our June membership meeting was held on Tuesday, June 9th. We had about 35 people present for lunch and interaction with other Chamber members. Our program this month presented by Lisa McGinley of Brynwood Center and Paul Kovary of Cross Landing Health and Rehab. Ms. McGinley was assisted in her presentation by Sarah Hofmeister. Mr. Kovary was assisted by Mae Cuyler. Both Paul and Lisa shattered the stereotype image of a nursing home. A major emphasis in both facilities is rehabilitation. We were surprised to learn the magnitude of the economic impact these facilities have on our community. The combined employment of these two local businesses is over 200 people.
Our monthly membership meeting is an important function of the Chamber. The July meeting will be Tuesday, July 14th. During this meeting we will share a delicious lunch, get updated on activities in the Chamber and meet all the Chamber members present.
Our June “After 5” was held on Tuesday, June 16th, at the John Denham House. Innkeeper Pat Inman was a gracious hostess. The 25 or so people present had an opportunity to tour her Bed and Breakfast. Everyone present also enjoyed the delicious treats that were provided for everyone to enjoy. Thanks go to Suzanne Peary and her committee for hosting the After 5’s on a regular basis.
The Chamber has been sending out e-mails on a regular basis informing members of upcoming events. If you are not receiving these informative e-mails, please call your Chamber office at 997-5552 and inform them of your e-mail address.
Your Chamber is actively working to help keep our community a great place to live and to make it an even better place to make a living. As a Chamber member let us do our part to help our Chamber and support our local businesses..
Until next time—
-Bob Davison