Laurens County Chamber

February 2008 Chairman's Message

by Jim Firmin, Chairman, Chamber Board of Directors

First, I wish to thank Dr. Bud Marchant for his excellent leadership in 2007! With his leadership and vision, your Chamber of Commerce had a very productive and successful year! The role of President of the Chamber is often challenging and demanding and I will certainly have some big shoes to fill in 2008! I do ask that the next time you see Dr. Marchant, please join me in expressing a PERSONAL word of ’THANKS’ for his dedication to making Laurens County a better place! We have ALL benefited from his tenure as President of the Chamber and we will never forget his guidance, perseverance, and his friendship.

Thanks also to those Board members who have fulfilled their term of service. They are: Mrs. Dixie Prickett, Mr. Danny Cook, Mrs. Patty Crain, and Mrs. Bessie Williams. They too have dedicated numerous hours of meetings and events to enhance our Chamber of Commerce. Please express your appreciation to these members as well for their years of outstanding service.

We also are excited and delighted to welcome new Board Members for 2008. They are: Rep, Jeff Duncan, Dr. Karen Pollock, Mr. Mundy Woodruff, Dr. Seth Reynolds, and Mrs. Deb Conrad. We are expecting great things from these individuals and look forward to their service.

Last year, Dr. Marchant revitalized the committee structure and participation. These enhancements are paying great dividends. Our committees are active and continue to provide tremendous support to the entire chamber staff and board. In 2008, committees will have an even more crucial role in the activities of the Chamber. With membership now OVER 500 and with more than 30 years of service as a Chamber, we plan to continue emphasizing the benefits of Chamber membership. It is this growth that will help Laurens County to continue to prosper!

Participation is key at your Chamber of Commerce! Please be more of a member than one who simply sends your dues; it is your involvement and participation that we need! I invite you to be a part of all Chamber events and encourage you to get involved, get excited, and help spread the message that great things that are happening at the Chamber and in Laurens County. It is with your involvement and active participation that will make us better… “together we can accomplish great things.”

Please feel free to contact me personally if you have any feedback, ideas or suggestions that would make your Chamber better. My e-mail address is j-firmin@dealeremail.com and my phone number is 682-3111.

Finally, please keep me, your Board and this organization in your prayers as we continue to make things "GREAT IN ’08" .

Jim Firmin
2008 Chairman
Laurens County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors