Chamber plans election; sets banquet
By Lori Mellinger editor@bullardnews.com

The Bullard Chamber of Commerce meets this week in one of the most important meetings of the year.

At this meeting - which begins at 6 p.m. at First United Methodist Church - the membership will decide new leadership for the coming year.

"I've enjoyed my two years as president," said current president Danny Ray, "But it's time for someone new to take the reins."

Chairman of the Board Joe Moody feels the same.

"This is a critical time for the chamber," he said. "And it's important that all the members show up and vote.

"Your vote will decide the fate for the coming year."

Both Moody and Ray have spent the last year working to bring a smalltown chamber into a more progressive one.

"As the city grows, the chamber needs to grow, too," Moody said. "We need to remember our focus and do what professional chambers do - promote our businesses and be a tool to attract new ones to be a part of our organization."

And while the road hasn't been easy, both Moody and Ray are satisfied that the chamber will keep heading the right way.

"We've got a lot of new members," Ray said. "And we cherish our old ones, too."

Up for election on Thursday are the seats of president, vice president, second vice president, secretary and treasurer.

The membership will also vote to replace board members whose terms have expired. Those include A.W. Hines, Jackie Kirgan, Tom McCall and Moody.

Staying on the board are Larry Morgan, Sherri Glover, Joe Gentry, Darline McKay and Craig Gardner.

Once the membership has voted on the board, the board itself will vote a new chair.

"Our nominating committee has received several nominations, and it's exciting that so many people are willing and open to serving," Ray said.

The chamber has also set the date for its annual banquet.

The banquet will be held Jan. 21 at Eagle's Bluff Country Club.

"This is a chance for the chamber to shine and recognize those who make a difference in the community," Ray said.

Members each year nominate someone for the position of Man of the Year, Woman of the Year, Business of the Year and the Cecil Harper Humanitarian award. Award winners are presented the night of the banquet.

For more information on the meeting or the banquet, call the Bullard Chamber of Commerce at 903-894-4238.