On behalf of the Chamber Board of Directors and Chamber staff, I want to thank everyone who supported the annual award banquet.

The dinner was a complete sell out.  Not only were there friends and family in support of the winners, Commissioner Ron Sparks definitely had supporters.  I was very impressed with the points made in the remarks by Commissioner Sparks.

Our city and state have benefited from his term as the Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries.  He has met with national and international leaders to help open new markets for Alabama farmers. Trade with Cuba has increased tremendously.

Commissioner Sparks currently serves as the President of the national Association of State Departments of Agriculture.  This honor speaks highly of his leadership capabilities.

Whatever the future holds for this native son, Ron will approach it with the same enthusiasm seen when he was first elected to the County Commission as the young age of 24.  I look forward to working with him to accomplish his list of dreams for Fort Payne and the surrounding area.

Gratitude is expressed to the Chamber’s dinner servers.  We could not have done it without Rita Shirley, Kristi Biggs, Charlotte Gentry, Pam Clay, Eric Shankles, Julie Mewes, Pam Ostgard, Susan Shankles, and David Beddingfield.

I look forward to viewing the talents John Dersham, Director of Tourist Association, and Robert Moehr, President of Landmarks, in capturing the night on film.

While watching the presentation of awards to each winner, I realize just how lucky I am to live in Fort Payne.