Presenting Sponsor: BBVA Compass
The Chamber’s Annual Meeting took a look back at the progress made through the Imagine a Greater Montgomery strategy and a look forward at a promising 2017.
A Good Year
The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce held its 144th Annual Meeting on Thursday, December 8, 2016 at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. More than 750 community leaders, elected officials and Chamber members attended the annual event that highlighted the accomplishments under the Imagine a Greater Montgomery strategy.
- More than 9,415 announced jobs and over $2 billion of capital investment
- 12,000 entrepreneurs and small businesses mentored, counseled and trained
- More than 1,000 employees at 65 companies trained through the new Montgomery Regional Workforce Training Center
- 2,100 jobs protected at Maxwell/Gunter Air Force Bases
- $1.4 million being spent by visitors every day
Speaking to SUCCESS
Every year, the Annual Meeting includes a keynote address and last year’s came from one the city’s greatest assets, Lieutenant General Steven Kwast. He has a unique gift of leadership that has transcended the gates at Maxwell and Gunter and forged a bond with our community that has inspired us all.
Kwast stressed the importance of capitalizing on innovation within the region by unlocking and tapping into the magic of the Montgomery Internet Exchange. By taking lessons learned from the past and mixing them with the new opportunities of the future, Montgomery will be a city that doesn’t exist anywhere else in America. Powerful things happen in the least likely of places, and they are happening in Montgomery.
After his speech, Chamber 2016 Chairman Bruce Crawford recognized General Kwast with the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s Award for his leadership and the impact he’s had on our city and the region. The award honors those who make a lasting difference to others and provide positive, progressive growth within our community.
Crawford also acknowledged another significant milestone in our community last year, the 200th Birthday of Montgomery County. “To our County Commission, here is to 200 more years of growth and good leadership,” he said. Acknowledging the importance of leadership, he also recognized Jiles Williams, who has served on the Montgomery County Commission for 16 years and has always been a strong advocate for business and community growth.
At every annual meeting, the Chairman’s gavel is exchanged. This symbolic gesture signifies a “passing of the torch” of leadership and the good work to be continued into the coming year. 2016 Chairman A. Bruce Crawford, CEO, BBVA Compass handed the gavel to 2017 Chairman David B. Reed, Executive Vice President, Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood.
