Contributed report

On Tuesday, Jan. 21,over 100 members of the Powhatan Chamber of Commerce gathered at the Mill at Fine Creek for their annual meeting. The theme for the evening was “Looking Back and Moving Forward” as the Chamber thanked the outgoing board members and welcomed the new.

Ray Dewey unveiled 25 black and white reproductions that will be part of a larger collection that is designed to heighten awareness of the county’s rich historical and cultural heritage, and increase tourism. The photos will be offered to Chamber members to display in their businesses to increase visibility. He is requesting anyone who has iconic photos to get in touch with him.

In addition, the criteria for the Kathy Budner Award of Excellence, which was presented at last year’s meeting, was shared with attendees. Moving forward, nominations will be taken until October of each year and the committee will pronounce the winner at each annual meeting. However, this year, the committee decided there was an obvious business person who has exceeded excellence for many years and actually was the significant force behind establishing the Chamber in 1988. Ralph Larry Lyons, President of Central Virginia Bank, humbly accepted the award and was honored with a clock and a $1000 donation that will be made to the Powhatan charity of his choice.

Outgoing board members, Sheila Sowell, Sandy Duncan and Joe Walton were thanked for their years of service. Incoming board members were sworn in by Judge Paul Cella. The new board, Mary Kay Gates (Elizabeth Randolph Lewis Powhatan YMCA),  Michael Potter (Southern Builders),  and Dr. Heather Williamson(Transformation Group LLC)  join Ray Dewey (Dewey & Associates Insurance), Coley Eckenrode (Virginia Asset Management), Kathy Grasty (New Horizon Bank), Dan Jones (Central Virginia Bank), Christy Polster (Cartwheels Tumble Bus), Tuck Pulliam (Village Bank), Ron Smith (Capital Management Advisory, Inc.) and Sherry Swinson (Dept. of Economic Development).

Dan Jones, outgoing President, focused on the significant strides the Chamber made in 2009 including the new 4th Fridays events, Chamber After Hours at a different business each month, Regional Chamber Collaboration, 7th successful Festival of the Grape, Ambassador Program, new community map, educational seminars and luncheons, two new websites.  Dan stated that from his approximation, nearly 90 different businesses have partnered with the Chamber in 2009 through sponsorships and partnering.

Dan Jones passed the gavel to Christy Polster as incoming President. Christy looks forward to another successful year with even more benefits to aid members in not only surviving the current economy, but to thrive.

If you have questions about the Chamber or would like be part of a great team of businesses that promote each other, please call Diane or Tina at (804) 598-2636 or visit www.powhatanchamber.org.