TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Plant City Chamber's New Leader Calls For Volunteers

ADVERTISEMENT

By DAVE NICHOLSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 23, 2009

PLANT CITY - The new chairman of the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce called on members to volunteer to help the organization weather the economic uncertainty.

Ed Verner, whose business interests include part ownership of Tampa's Dallas Bull nightclub, said the chamber needs help to maintain its membership of about 700 as companies make cutbacks. Business owners may need convincing that chamber membership is a worthwhile investment.

Verner said Plant City has a wonderful spirit of stepping up to help in times of need.

"There's nothing more powerful than the heart of a volunteer because they give with passion," he said at the 27th annual chairman's banquet.

"You are part of the reason it works," he said.

Verner took the gavel Thursday night from Paul Hackney, telling the outgoing chairman, "Your shoes are too big for me to fill."

Hackney said he appreciated his term as chairman and saw the American dream come true for many people who started their own businesses. He thanked chamber President Marion Smith and her staff for their hard work, and his wife and his boss at Sunshine State Federal and Savings Loan Association for tolerating the many hours he spent on chamber business.

Awards presented during the banquet included the chairman's award for outstanding service, which went to Tom Daramus, whom Hackney called a tireless worker at his church and chamber special events.

"It's just been great being a part of Plant City," Daramus said. "I just enjoy working with all the people."

The ambassador of the year award went to Jodi Smith, physician development specialist at South Florida Baptist Hospital. Ambassadors provide public relations for the chamber and help ensure members are aware of chamber services.

Other officers installed included: Charles Harris of Holiday Inn Express and Suites, chairman-elect; Hackney, immediate past chairman; Matt Buzza of Sunshine State Federal Saving and Loan, treasurer; Lee Williams, Felton's Meat & Produce, community and government affairs division chairman; Gail Lyons of Regions Bank, growing businesses division chairwoman; Kerrie Gafford of Wal-Mart, membership division chairwoman; and Doug Driggers of Tampa Electric Co., economic development division chairman.

Directors include Al Berry, Rick Bunnell, Michael Cameron, Jimmy Carapezza, Jennifer Closshey, Hugh Gramling, Nate Kilton, Rick Lott, Steve Nierman, Gary Pike, Bruce Rodwell, Jim Scott and Brian West.

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

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT