New Plant City chamber chairman sees better times ahead

The new chairman of the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce predicts a better year ahead as the economy shows signs of improvement.

Lee Williams, president of the family-owned Felton's Meat and Produce, took the gavel Thursday from 2010 chairman Charles Harris. In a brief speech, he said businesses face some challenging times but "overall, we've done pretty well."

The chamber has had to cut back but continues to grow, including plans to add more festivals downtown.

He said the organization is a guiding force in economic development and tourism.

"We're still the ambassadors for Plant City," he said.

He echoed remarks from Harris, who said, "there's probably not a person in this room not affected by the economy."

Harris praised chamber President Marion Smith and her staff for helping make his year a good one and gave her credit for making it "look easy." He also thanked chamber volunteers and committee members for their help.

Harris, vice president of the local Holiday Inn Express, called his term, "one of the greatest opportunities I've ever been given."

Williams praised Harris for his leadership, and called him a good businessman and friend.

He presented the annual Chairman's Award to Nate Kilton, of Sedita Kilton & Co. CPAs and Sedita Kilton Life & Wealth Management for his outstanding service to the organization. Kilton founded the chamber's Lunch and Learn, a quarterly series featuring business tips over lunch.

Besides Williams, the chamber also installed other members of its executive committee, including Chairman-elect Matt Buzza, Immediate Past Chairman Harris, Treasurer Jim Scott, Community Programs Division Janet Kelly, Membership Division Gary Pike and Economic Development Council Doug Driggers.

Directors on the chamber board also taking the oath included Rick Bunnell, Michael Cameron, Paul Davis, Edwena Haney, Jason Jones, Kilton, Gail Lyons, Steve Nierman, Roy Peterson, Ed Verner, Phil Waldron and Brian West.