Chamber Banquet full of good cheer
By FRANK BRADLEY Sentinel Writer

Sentinel photo/Frank Bradley Erik Brinke, left, the Chair-Elect for the Chamber Board of Directors, talks with Charles Jenkins.

For a cold blustery, Blairsville night, there was plenty of warmth and camaraderie at this year's Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce Banquet.

Although the cold and threatening weather kept some older folks from attending, there were close to 100 members and spouses who showed up for a good meal, some Sinatra singing and a chance to network with other local business men and women.

Among the dignitaries attending were: Representative Charles Jenkins; District Attorney Stan Gunter, and Commissioner Lamar Paris.

Cindy Williams, who has completed her first year as president and Jason Karnes, chairman of the chamber board, spoke following the meal hitting some of the high points of accomplishment for the past year.

Among them were a 15 percent in membership bringing the chamber total to 580 members. The selection of the Blairsville- Scottish Festival & Highland Games as a Top 20 Event by the Southeastern Tourism Society, a first for Blairsville. The launching of a new chamber website, which has been acclaimed by folks far and near.

"Yours (website) is far superior to any other I've seen," a frequent chamber website browser told President Williams.

In addition to these highlights, the chamber assisted almost 10,000 visitors, mailed out almost 2,000 information packets promoting the county, showcased 12 businesses in the chamber office, coordinated 10 Business After Hours affairs, and held 70 Ribbon Cuttings and Open Houses for members.

Chairman Karnes recognized outgoing board members and introduced and welcomed new members to the 2008 board.

Outlining its strategic plan for this year, Williams provided a broad array of activities for the chamber. Among the new additions to networking, communications member services and education.

Williams said the chamber will bring back one program that had recently fallen by the way side. That being--Eggs and Issues, an opportunity for chamber members to listen to and converse our political representatives. This appears to be an especially brilliant move in that we are in a presidential election year.

Also, the chamber will be communicating with its members via e-mail and a weekly e-mail chamber newsletter.

Another goal is to participate in the Georgia Work Ready Program and hold two business expos at North Georgia Technical College.

Following the business portion of the banquet, members and guest were entertained by Adam Komesar, a singer who belted out favorites including "You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You," "Fly Me to the Moon," and "My Way."

An accomplished Atlanta singer, Komesar only struck one sour note when he did a rendition of "Mac the Knife."

It seemed a bit off key following so soon the tragic death of Meredith Emerson.