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Gavel Changes Hands At Plant City Chamber

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By DAVE NICHOLSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 25, 2008

PLANT CITY - Paul Hackney of Sunshine State Federal Savings and Loan Association formally took the reins of the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce in a ceremony that included celebration of the organization's accomplishments of 2007.

Hackney took the gavel Thursday evening from Doug Gibbs at the 26th annual chairman's banquet.

"Paul has some big shoes to fill and he'll do an outstanding job," said John Dicks, a former mayor and master of ceremonies.

Hackney told the crowd that he was honored to be chairman and said he expected an active year for the chamber, including an outreach to Hispanic business owners.

Hackney said Plant City is a great place to live and work, and praised its residents for such values as love of family, love of God and living up to their word.

In his farewell speech, Gibbs touted some of the successes during the past year, including recruiting new businesses, its leadership program and sponsorship of events that drew a total of 200,000 people. He also complimented chamber President Marion Smith and her staff for making the chamber a "well-oiled machine" and praised the many people who donate their time.

The chamber couldn't be successful "without the volunteers in this room and around Plant City," Gibbs said.

Other officers installed at the banquet included Ed Verner, chairman-elect; Gibbs, immediate past chairman; Charles Harris, treasurer; Kerrie Gafford, community and governmental affairs division; Gail Lyons, growing business division; Rick Lott, membership division; and Doug Driggers, economic development division.

Board members for 2008 include Al Berry, Rick Bunnell, Matt Buzza, Jimmy Carapezza, Jennifer Closshey, Hugh Gramling, Nate Kilton, Steve Nierman, Gary Pike, Bruce Rodwell, Chris Sparkman, Bob Tanner and Lee Williams.

Jodi Smith was named chamber ambassador of the year and Rodwell and Betty Tower headed the chamber ambassador team of the year. Driggers received the chairman's award and Berry received the chamber support award.

Reporter Dave Nicholson can be reached at (813) 865-4432 or dnicholson@tampatrib.com.

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