RECORD TURNOUT
Chamber votes in new board members, officers
By Lori Mellinger editor@bullardnews.com

Both new and current board members and new officers are shown after last week's chamber meeting. From left, board members Larry Morgan, Darline McKay, John Alexander and Teresa Adams-Wilks; vice president Brian Capps; President Mike Alexander, board member Chad Davis; secretary Sue Hornbuckle and board members Joe Gentry and Craig Gardner were present at the meeting.

In what proved to be a record turnout, the Bullard Chamber of Commerce elected officers and new board members last week.

More than 50 people attended, with ballots totaling about 42. This is out of a membership of about 115.

Newly elected president Mike Alexander said he was pleased with both the turnout and the direction the chamber is headed.

"Danny Ray (former president) did a great job, and I hope to continue to be able to do what he's done for the chamber," Alexander said. "A chamber of commerce - especially in a growing city like Bullard - is an essential part of the community."

Alexander said with more and more people moving into the area, the chamber's mission is two-fold: to be a source of information for visitors and prospective residents and to promote a good relationship for members.

And while individual members are welcome, most chambers focus on fostering a strong business climate.

"The chamber is the organization that pulls both businesses and people together through shared information, networking and other programs," Alexander said.

But in a smaller town, it can be more difficult.

"We have no paid staff, so without the dedication of our volunteers, we couldn't function," he said.

This year's election brought more than one change to the roster of those serving.

While Brian Capps will continue to serve as vice president, Sue Hornbuckle is taking over as secretary and Tom McDonald will serve as treasurer.

Also on the ballot was the election of board members.

Four seats were up - one being that of Mayor A.W. Hines - who resigned his seat on the board - with two years left on his term.

"While resigning isn't something I wanted to do, I felt it best," Hines told the group Thursday. "Being mayor is more labor intensive than I first thought, and I don't want the chamber to suffer for that."

Hines said he believed it better to resign the post than to only be able to serve in a limited capacity.

"The chamber deserves someone who can devote more time to the job than I can, and that's my reasoning behind the decision," he said.

Newly elected board members are: John Alexander, Jay Abercrombie, Teresa Adams-Wilks and Chad Davis.

"This is a good group of people," Alexander said. "And a good mix of professionals who will - working with the current board members - help guide the chamber and its members in the coming year."

The chamber is holding its annual Christmas parade beginning at 5 p.m. Monday, and the annual banquet is set for Jan. 21 at Eagle's Bluff Country Club.

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 parade or the banquet, call the Bullard Chamber of Commerce at 903-894-4238.