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IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION
CONTACT:
Melissa George Bowman
Director, Media & Public Relations
Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce
www.montgomerychamber.com
mbowman@montgomerychamber.com
Office: 334-230-8300 ● Cell: 334-207-3197
Dec. 8, 2016
Montgomery Chamber celebrates 2016 successes at 144th Annual Meeting
Prior to meeting Chamber held news conference to expand on economic and historic significance of F-35s at Dannelly
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Hundreds of business and community leaders gathered Thursday evening to celebrate economic milestones of 2016 at the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce’s 144th Annual Meeting at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre.
The timing of the event coincided with the Air Force’s announcement that Montgomery’s 187th Fighter Wing made the Top 5 cut to house the new F-35 stealth fighter jets. Prior to the start of the Annual Meeting, the Montgomery Chamber held a news conference to discuss the significance of the announcement. Speaking at the event were Col. Randal K. Efferson, Commander of the 187th Fighter Wing, and Col. Roosevelt J. Lewis Jr., President of the Tuskegee Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., who both discussed how receiving the F-35 mission will protect the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. Remarks were also given by elected leaders and Chamber officials. Representatives for the Alabama Congressional delegation also attended.
“Landing on the short list for the F-35 is like landing on the short list for a major new industry in our community. Montgomery’s 187th Fighter Wing, which employs over 1,400 people, has a unique legacy in the Red Tail heritage of its 100th Fighter Squadron. Being selected for the F-35 will ensure that their legacy continues to fly high. Montgomery loves the military and delights at the possibility of hearing the F-35 jets flying high in Alabama skies,” said A. Bruce Crawford, 2016 Montgomery Chamber Board Chairman.
At 6 p.m. Crawford opened the 144th Annual Meeting by recognizing the companies and volunteers who have helped support the programs and mission of the Chamber.
“The Montgomery Chamber annual meeting is not only a time to celebrate the year’s economic achievements, it’s also an opportunity to thank Chamber members for the role they play in making success possible. These business and community leaders and our elected officials work together to keep our vibrant city moving forward,” Crawford said. “This was certainly a great year, and we know even more great years are ahead for Montgomery.”
Crawford then thanked the City of Montgomery and Montgomery County for their partnership and noted that Montgomery County celebrated its 200th birthday in 2016. He recognized the members of the Montgomery County Commission for their leadership and dedication and presented a plaque to Commissioner Jiles Williams for his 16 years of service to Montgomery County.
Among the evening’s events was the presentation of the Chamber’s Point of Light Awards. The Point of Light awards honor outstanding minority or female-owned businesses for their achievements and contributions to the community. The award for a business that has been operational one to nine years went to Paul Dallas, owner of Wishbone Café. The award for a business that has been in operation for 10 or more years was presented to Martha Hawkins, owner of Martha’s Place.
Another honor presented at the Annual Meeting was the distinguished Chairman’s Award, given to Lt. Gen. Steven L. Kwast, commander and president of Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base, who also delivered the evening’s keynote address. Kwast was recognized for going above and beyond in furthering the work of the Chamber.
The meeting concluded with Crawford passing the Chairman’s Gavel to 2017 Board Chairman David B. Reed, Executive Vice President, Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood, Inc. Other members of the Chamber’s 2017 Executive Committee are Chairman-elect Judge Charles Price, Senior Advisor to the Mayor of the City of Montgomery; Willie Durham, Agent, State Farm Insurance; Riley W. Roby, Managing Partner, Balch & Bingham LLP; Michael Hart, Market Leader, Regions Bank; Immediate Past Chairman A. Bruce Crawford, Montgomery CEO, BBVA Compass; and Randall L. George, President, Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce.
Presenting sponsor of the 144th Annual Meeting was BBVA Compass. Gold sponsor was Aronov Realty Management, Inc. Silver sponsors were Alabama State University; Blue Cross Blue Shield; Industrial Development Board of the City of Montgomery; LEDIC Realty Company, LLC; Southeast Alabama Gas District; and Troy University.
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Committed to exceptional service, the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce works to improve the economic well-being of the business community and enhance the quality of life of the area through the creation and preservation of jobs.
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