Isn’t our great city an incredible canvas?
Each year at the Chamber, I learn more about our community and what makes it tick. Nothing has stood out to me more during this time than how this business community, and the member leaders who serve the Chamber, seemingly rise to any challenge.
Whether it’s the tremendous support they provide for the Big Country’s chief business advocacy organization or arriving early and staying late at any number of Chamber-sponsored programs or events, their deep passion for our city is nothing short of amazing.
We are fortunate to have so many caring, dedicated, talented, and engaged leaders who make a difference in our community’s future each and every day.
It’s been a lot of fun to watch these folks come together to help our professional staff implement the strategy set forth by our board members. Most recently, I’ve had the opportunity to sit with just a small group of these folks to further plan this year’s annual Membership Meeting & Awards Celebration.
You know the annual Celebration as our traditional member celebration - an evening of recognition and appreciation for the progress the Chamber makes each year, and equally, those who step up to make good things happen for all of us.
This year’s annual Celebration theme is “Our Members Paint a Bright Future”, and the special night will take place on Sept. 21 at the Abilene Convention Center sponsored by Taylor Telecom with an expected crowd of 750 of your fellow business owners, friends, and community leaders.
At the event, our current Chair, Laura Moore, will welcome incoming board Chair Kelly Jay (Texas Media, Inc.) and together, they will recognize those who have truly risen to the occasion over the last 12 months.
They will also present the coveted Outstanding Abilene Citizen of the Year Award to an individual who has made long term and lasting contributions to our community. Please send your nominations for the 2023 recipient to the Chamber at P.O. Box 2281, Abilene, Texas 79604 by August 4, 2023. Or, click here to submit your nomination.
It will be a truly special night. I hope you will join us.
Finally, I want to thank our staff and the dozens of member volunteers who have made my time in leadership a great experience.
We look forward to seeing you in September. Onward!