140 Community Members Attend Annual Chamber Dinner

The Breckinridge County Chamber of Commerce recently held its Annual Dinner at the Breckinridge County High School on Tuesday June 15, 2010 and all in attendance received a fantastic meal and very encouraging words from guest speaker, Wayne Perkey. The dinner replaces the customary morning breakfast that the chamber has on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 CST at different locations across the county. 

The night started with a meet-and-great from 6:00 to 6:30, followed by superb catering by Moonlight Barbeque of Owensboro.  Following the dinner, the group moved into the high school auditorium for an Awards Ceremony and a motivational speech from Wayne Perkey.  The chamber honored Lougene Moore from Desiree’s and Glen Payne from Preservation Services and Technology Group as the Volunteers of the Year. Lougene has helped executive director, Sherry Stith, in various ways throughout the Chamber's existence and Glen recently helped the chamber with its website. The chamber also honored Jonathan Boyd from Breckinridge County United (BCU) as the Business of the Year due to his outstanding work with existing and future businesses within the county.  Janet Meeks, board member since 2009 and president-elect, was recognized as the board member of the year for her work within the chamber. Also four board members were recognized for their service to the chamber as they will be leaving their positions: David Buchanon (since 2005), Tom Wheatley (2007), Tabetha Walz (2007) and Donna French (2009). But just as recognizable faces leave the board new faces appear to continue the dedicated mission.  These new board members are Nick Carter, assistant principal for Hardinsburg Elementary, Rebecca Davis, with National Cooperative of Healthcare Networks, Kevin Kasey, Irvington Gas Company and Mike Cooper, CEO of Breckinridge Memorial Hospital.  Current president, Ints Kampars, also thanked executive director, Sherry Stith, for her work and commitment to the chamber.  She handles the day to day operations and has done so since 2002.  Int’s identified her as the face of the chamber and a great person to represent it as well as the county.

Mr. Perkey, the guest speaker, provided many laughs and smiles intertwined with uplifting stories from his past experiences as a WHAS radio personality and his involvement with various volunteer efforts. His message was about continuing to move forward despite minor setbacks, to dedicate yourself to your beliefs, be prepared for the ups and downs of life and be ready for the next move. There were approximately 165 chamber members and guests in attendance. The annual dinner is an opportunity for chamber members and others to discuss local issues facing our community and to discover ways to help Breckinridge County evolve into the future, as well as a celebration of the Chambers fiscal year ending. It is also a time to catch up with old friends and make new ones leading the charge toward the future.  The chamber greatly appreciates all the support it receives from its members and from others inside and outside the county.  We hope that all in attendance enjoyed the evening and look forward to the annual dinner in 2011.