Several hundred people gathered to celebrate 75 years of history of the Habersham County Chamber of Commerce on Friday. The Chamber now has 544 business members, including Habersham Electric Membership Corporation, host and sponsor of the luncheon.
Former Chamber Chairperson Ed Nichols read a proclamation from the Habersham County Board of Commissioners which recognized the Chamber’s 75 years of existence and saluted the Chamber’s “continued commitment to the betterment of Habersham County.”
The proclamation also said that the Chamber has been led by “60 different board chairpersons starting in 1940.” Twenty-four of those leaders or their family members were present at the luncheon.
A number of former chairpersons spoke at the luncheon about the highlights of their years of leadership, and 2014 Chairperson Wade Rhodes spoke of the Chamber’s future.
“Be ready for what’s coming,” he told the group.
Former Chair Charles Sherwood noted that during his time of leadership in 1979, a number of local charities were placed “under the umbrella of United Way.”
Chairperson in 2006, April Reed James said that increasing membership was the focus during her time of leadership, and the Chamber grew by 70, to a total of 617 members and member representatives. Several previous leaders commended Dr. Judy Taylor, who was first hired as Chamber President under Janice Barden’s leadership, in 2008.
Joey Duncan, Chairperson in 2010, said that his greatest memory as leader was the work the Chamber members did to achieve accreditation for the Chamber – which was recognized with “4-Star” accreditation. The Chamber now holds “5-Star” accreditation.
Dr. Judy Forbes, Chairperson in 2012, said that her year of leadership saw the Chamber Board of Directors “become stronger and more committed” to leadership in the community.
The Proclamation of the Board of Commissioners stated that “many community-minded citizens have contributed to the success of the Habersham County Chamber of Commerce.”
Feature photo: Habersham County Chamber of Commerce President, Dr. Judy Taylor (left, back row) joins past chairpersons in a photo op. Sixty people have served as chair, twenty-four attended Friday’s luncheon.
