By By Adrienne McKenzie
The Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce 62nd Annual Meeting was a hit Thursday night with the VOICES of Mobile performance, the announcement of the renewal of the city’s financial contributions to the Chamber and the unveiling of the Chamber’s new Resource Guide
Executive director Emilie Mims agreed.
Walston served as Chamber vice president last year and took over the reigns for past president Nancy Helton at the beginning of 2008.
Walston mentioned Rivercane and the Wind Creek Hotel and Casino as two of the exciting growth opportunities for the Atmore area.
Walston has served different roles in the Chamber for five years and has an appreciation for what the organization does for the community.
Some of the contributions made by the Chamber that enhance Atmore’s quality include the new Resource Guide, which was given to all in attendance at the event, Mayfest, Williams Station Day, Business Before and After Hours, Leadership Atmore and Youth Leadership Atmore.
An exciting announcement Thursday night was that the City of Atmore has renewed its financial contribution to the Chamber.
This year’s meeting was different from past meetings in that the Chamber invited musical entertainment to the event instead of a guest speaker.
The VOICES of Mobile performed for the crowd, who clapped along with the group’s songs and gave them a standing ovation after their performance.
Mims said she was pleased with the VOICES group also.
The VOICES of Mobile is one of the 19 performing ensembles from the University of Mobile’s Center for Performing Arts.
Dr. Roger Breland, the university’s director for performing arts, said he was happy to bring the ensemble to the Chamber meeting and he left the crowd with a message of inspiration.
VOICES members Phillip Jewell and Nick Weaver said the Atmore audience was great.
The corporate sponsor for the Chamber this year is First National Bank &Trust and bank president Shep Marsh said he is “pleased to be this year’s partner.”
Turtle Point Environmental Science Center founder and director for several years Shirley West was awarded the Citizen of the Year 2007 award recipient and was honored at the meeting.
Helton added a few remarks about her time as Chamber president and about her confidence in Walston.