Chamber honors members, looks to 2018 at banquet

The Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce held its annual banquet Saturday, highlighting a few area businessmen and women while also raising funds for 2018.

In the run up to the annual banquet, the chamber generated plenty of fervor with plans to give away a truck, a $1,000 door prize, raffling dozens of items, including out-of-state vacation packages as part its annual fundraiser. Those that showed up before the meal saw a performance by stunt pilot David Martin.

“Everybody seemed really happy with the new format,” said Rhonda Crawford, chamber director.  “We’ll try to go back to the 6 p.m. time from last year, but we had to do that so we could allow for David Martin.”

As hundreds filled a hanger at the Stephens County Airport, Crawford recognized board members, whose terms expired at the end of the year.

“Everyone on our board is a volunteer and they face and tackle tough decisions. It takes a special person to volunteer and do what we do as a chamber,” Crawford said.

While thanking Ronnie Calsoncin, Luke Grider, Kayce Smalley, Jodie Usher and Parker Wylie for their efforts, Crawford later recognized incoming board members Turner Baugh, Anna Ezell, Amy McKnight.

“We are looking forward to a great year,” Crawford said. “It takes a village. It takes a lot of time and effort. We appreciate all of you being here tonight and the board of directors that have signed on to help us remain chamber strong.”

Monday morning, Crawford dropped off the keys to the 2018 Chevy Silvarado to Cindy Barr Creager, whose husband won the truck.

“It’s a lot of pressure putting on an event like that,” Crawford said. “It is your grand finale and the one event the chamber does that is all about the chamber. We host events benefiting groups all year round, but this was our event. To see people come out and support the chamber and what we’re trying to do is always encouraging.”