Bullard chamber members are in the final stages of preparing for the year's annual banquet, and members are encouraging the community to celebrate with them.

"This is a time for the chamber to really showcase itself," said President Danny Ray. "And we want all the community to join us."

The annual banquet, set for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 28, will be held at Eagle's Bluff Country Club.

A committee has already picked winners for the annual awards handed out by the organization.

"It was a tough decision," said committee member Brian Capps. "We believed each and every candidate for an award was deserving, but we had the difficult job of counting ballots and picking winners."

Each year the chamber recognizes a Man of the Year, Woman of the Year, Chamber Member of the Year and Business of the Year.

Last year a new award was started.

The Cecil D. Harper Humanitarian award, named for the late Cecil Harper, goes to any person in the community who has made significant contributions to the welfare and benefit of Bullard.

Last year's award went to humanitarian award went to Hazel Mason, founder of FUMC's Mission House.

The chamber elected new officers and new board members in December.

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.

Alexander will officially take the reins at the banquet.

`Danny Ray did a great job, and I hope to continue do 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.

The election brought more than one change to the roster of those serving.

While 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. `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.'

Tickets are on sale at the chamber office for $25. For more information, call the Bullard Chamber of Commerce at 903-894-4238.

BANQUET

Tickets for the annual banquet, set for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at Eagle's Bluff Country Club, are $25. They may be purchased at the office, 114 N. Houston St. For more information, call 903- 894-4238.