Friday, January 24, 2003

New Chamber chairman pledges to support convention and hotel industry

The 2002 South Fulton Chamber of Commerce held its annual meeting last Wednesday featuring a stirring inspirational keynote address and special recognition awards. A crowd of over 200 people filled the jungle-themed room at the Georgia International Convention Center for the event.

Outgoing Chair for 2002 Myrna White, Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport, proudly spoke of the highlights of her year of leadership, including the successful negotiation of the terms of independence from the Metro Atlanta Chamber.

Additional landmark accomplishments include the publication of the first membership directory, establishment of health insurance programs for members and a successful membership campaign.

Incoming Chairman Bill Davenport of Georgia Power presented White with an award honoring her contributions and spoke to the goals of the Chamber for 2003.

The major initiative of 2003 will be "Emerging South Fulton", a program to coordinate existing efforts of the cities, county and citizens that creates a plan with quality growth and preservation of green space at its heart.

He also pledged to support existing efforts of the convention and hotel industry of South Fulton which drew cheers from representatives of that sector. The chamber will also be increasing its support of the important small business base of South Fulton.

Judge Paschal English, a finalist on last year's CBS "Survivor" television show, enraptured the crowd with his experiences on "Survivor: Marquesas" in the South Pacific. His message was of the bedrock importance of our relationships with others and how we fundamentally must work together and cooperate to survive, yet alone thrive.

No one in the audience stirred as Judge English calmly spoke of an experience that affected him and his fellow "survivors" like nothing else, including, in his case, the Vietnam War.

Retiring board members George Allen, David Long, Sherole Thrash, Clarence Williamson, Jr. and Denise Winston were recognized for their leadership efforts during the past three years. David Long was also feted as "Board Member of the Year" and George Allen and Sherole Thrash won "Special Achievement" awards for their extra contributions.

The attendees were treated to an exotic Thai-oriented lunch that complimented the South Sea island decorations, palm tree and tiki hut theme that made Judge English feel that he was "back on the island".

Sponsors of the event were Georgia Power Co., GreyStone Power Corp., Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport, Shannon Mall and South Fulton Medical Center.