Bibb Chamber Banquet
By Mike Oakley
The Bibb County Chamber of Commerce, sported a near record attendance Thursday, Jan 24, at its annual banquet held at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in West Blocton.
Jerry Levert, past president, served as the MC for the evening. Levert opened by thanking those in attendance for braving the chilly weather and introduced locally elected officials who were in attendance.
Levert, and many others, believe elected officials should support organizations whose primary existence is to promote their areas. One person in attendance said, “If you run for public office but fail to show up to events that promote your city, county or state, then what is your main motivation for holding that office?” These comments were made after several elected officials failed to show up to support this all-important organization.
But those who did show up had a fantastic time and were treated to a fantastic evening.
Rev. Chuck Allen gave the invocation which was followed by a delicious meal catered by Berteleone’s Italian. The meal, consisting of two types of lasagna, partnered with fresh, tossed salad, Italian bread with their famous dipping oil.
Following the meal, Valerie Cook, executive director of the Bibb County Chamber took the stage. Cook, who has worked extremely hard to recruit and hold onto existing members, recited the highlights of the past year. Chief among them were monthly “Chamber Coffee’s,” held at various businesses across the county as well as some after-hours gatherings and meetings at the historic Chamber office. There were also important meetings with industrial development officials and the staffs at the Alabama Development Office (ADO) and the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), as well as help from Brian Rushing and Nisa Miranda from the University of Alabama as well as our Bibb Medical Center and the Bibb County Health Care Authority.
Cook talked of new businesses, ribbon-cuttings and jobs that have come to Bibb County over the past year. Bibb is the 45th largest county in Alabama, but is ideally located in the center of the state with interstate 59/20 and Highway 82 running along and through it. Chief among attractions is the Cahaba River, one of the nation’s longest natural and pristine riverways beloved by fishermen, kayakers and tubing enthusiasts.
Cook encouraged members and attendees to patronize each other and to “shop locally.” She also talked about the new Chamber website, bibbchamber.org with links to attractions, businesses and key contacts throughout the county.
Outgoing Chamber President Steven Carroll swore in the incoming Board Members. A complete list of the Chamber board members may be found at this link: [click here].
Incoming President Joseph Marchant introduced TV Personality/Meteorologist Guest Speaker Fred Hunter. Hunter who produces the hit TV show Absolutely Alabama entertained guests with his friendly personality. You can see the full video below:
