We’re in the home stretch of my term as your Chamber Chairman and as I reflect back on everything the business community has been through over the past year, the words “challenge” “gratitude” and “perseverance” come to mind.
The challenges that COVID and SNOVID brought our community can at times overshadow the year, but if you look around, Abilene is thriving, and progress is everywhere.
Take a look at the development that continues in both North and South downtown, to the newly developed Allen Ridge, to thriving new small businesses spread out all across town. “Perseverance” from partners just like you are everywhere.
Take a look at what was accomplished at your Chamber. From our Leadership Abilene Alumni jumping in and helping our Healthcare Heroes in their moment of need, from the business community’s largest and arguably most successful Small Business Week, to the execution of the largest Young Professional Leadership Summit in West Texas, and the storied Children’s Art and Literacy Festival returning.
Each of you played a role in our continuation of mastering the basics of service to the business community.
This year’s annual meeting of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce is around the corner. And dare we say, one of the most important ones to date.
For 113 years, people like you have been helping our Chamber lead the business community. Last year we celebrated the resiliency of business, and this year we celebrate the hope that lies ahead.
The 2021 Chamber Celebration will be held on September 23 at the Abilene Convention Center. Bigger than ever, let’s get back to celebrating our accomplishments and looking forward to what’s on the horizon.
I hope you will join us in celebrating by helping to underwrite a component of the event where you feel your business can best benefit. A rundown of sponsorship opportunities is attached.
Whether you are able to financially support, I do hope you will mark your calendar at minimum to attend. As we have in year’s previous, the Chamber will recognize leaders from the business community who have made a mark in this chapter of our rich history.
Additionally, we will be honoring the Abilene Outstanding Citizen of the Year. Please send your nominations for the 2021 recipient to the Chamber at P.O. Box 2281, Abilene, Texas 79604 or to Stephanie Burke.
Reach out to our Director of Member Development, Ashley Knowlton, to purchase your table or to sponsor the event by July 23 so we can recognize you in the invitation and the banquet program. Should you have any questions please don't hesitate to reach out to a member of our team.
Let us come together and celebrate all of the accomplishments of the business community!
Sincerely,
Marshall Morris
First Financial Bank
Abilene Chamber 2020-2021 Board Chair