Happy New Year!!!
The Hammond Chamber formally installed its new officers and Board of Directors at the Annual Installation and Awards Luncheon. Outgoing board members were recognized for their service, leadership and support; volunteers were recognized for the selfless giving of their time and the chamber launched its 60th Anniversary Celebration.
We are excited about our new leadership and the enthusiasm that they will bring to the chamber in 2010. Michelle Gallo, Child Advocacy Services, will take the helm as Chairman of the Board, Chris Moody, Moody & Johnson Attorneys at Law, will serve as Chairman-Elect; Grady Brame, Stirling Properties, will manage the chamber finances as Treasurer and Daryl Ferrara, Vice President Hancock Bank, will serve in an advisory capacity as Ex-Officio. Our new leadership brings with them a wealth of knowledge and experience that will take the chamber further along the path of progress and we look forward to another successful year.
Annually, we honor our members and volunteers for their outstanding service and support of the chamber. Awards are given to members, businesses and volunteers for their commitment to our organization and community.
Daryl Ferrara, Vice President Hancock Bank, received the Chairman of the Board Award for his outstanding leadership as the Chairman of the Board in 2009. Grady Brame, Stirling Properties, received the Chairman’s Award for the leadership role he played in handling Chamber business affairs. Hunt Brothers of LA, LLC, business member, received the Member of the Year award for their service, donations and continuous involvement with the Wireless Project. Erin Moore Cowser, Southeastern Louisiana University, received a Community Service Award for her excellent work with helping the Hammond Chamber with business-related legislation at federal, state and local levels. Reggie Harper also received a Community Service Award for his excellent guidance, research and analysis of Personnel projects. Ms. Frances Chauvin, Lifetime Achievement Chamber Member, received a Volunteer of the Year Award for her outstanding volunteer efforts. Year after year she continues to outshine everyone in ticket sales for our Chillin with the Chamber annual fundraiser. Many have tried have tried, but none have succeeded in selling more tickets than Ms. Chauvin. She is truly a shining star! Carl Herrick, Sandler Training/Herrick Consulting, also received a Volunteer of the Year Award for his excellent work with administering the Choices program to all Tangipahoa Parish Public Schools and training all presenters. The program was a huge success and will be administered again this year. For more information on the Choices program visit www.Choices.org or contact the Hammond Chamber at 985 345-4457 if you would like to volunteer to be a presenter.
As we begin a new year, it’s truly exciting times for the Hammond Chamber. The year 2010 marks 60 years of existence for us and we are launching our 60th Anniversary Celebration. This is not only a milestone and accomplishment, but if you were to look back over the years of chamber history you would come across many proud moments and achievements. It’s because of the vision, the insight, the belief and the fortitude of previous chamber boards and community business leaders that we have much to be proud of and throughout the course of the year the chamber will be celebrating this milestone anniversary in many ways. All the celebratory events will focus on the Chamber’s most important resource – its membership. It is the membership that created the Chamber 60 years ago and it is the membership that has supported and sustained the Chamber for six decades. It is also the membership that will keep the Hammond Chamber growing strong in the decades to come. Your business is our story and it is your history that makes up the history of the Hammond Chamber!
Join the celebration, join the fun, become a member of the Hammond Chamber and make a difference in the community! To find out more about the Hammond Chamber, visit our website at www.hammondchamber.org or contact our office at 985 345-4457.