New Boston Chamber honors locals at banquet
The New Boston Chamber of Commerce held its annual banquet Tuesday evening in the fellowship hall of First Baptist Church of New Boston.
New board members were introduced, outgoing board members were recognized, and award winners were named.
The chamber’s new president, Sue Anderson, who is also chairman of the Welfare Board, oversaw a well-planned and noteworthy event with approximately 225 chamber and board members in attendance.
“Our goal is to promote our merchants, our businesses and our town,” Anderson said. “Any money we receive goes to that purpose. We’re not a money making organization.”
Following the presentation of the new Miss New Boston court, entertainment was provided by Dale Cummings, known as “The C” from Winnsboro. Cummings sang some of his favorite songs of the 1970s and 1980s to recorded classic music tracks.
Tommy Earl Burton, of Tapp United Methodist Church, gave an address expressing his appreciation to law enforcement and told his inspiring story of how he became a minister.
Recognition was given to the six board members whose terms of service ended. They are President Bill Eggenburger, Linda Eggenburger, Andy Crater, Juanell Cagle, Betty Piece, and Barry Conditt.
The new board members who were welcomed into the Chamber are Kristi Black, David Daniels, Darla Dike, Tammy Foster, Darla Faulkner, Alyson Pebsworth and Paul Parker.
And board members who will remain for the next term are Vice President Carl Butler, Kellie Smallwood, Paige Brock, Jetty Duffer, Wanda Looney, Alyson Rodger and Lori McCuller.
“The United Fund is a national organization that arranges fundraisers to support the different nonprofit organizations in our town,” Anderson said.
They stage events like the Pioneer Days Festival, Bunco and domino tournaments in order to raise funds for their local charitable organizations.
The recipients of the United Fund this year are two Girl Scout troops, two Boys Scout troops, Red Cross, New Boston Public Library, Daily Bread For Kids, New Boston Volunteer Fire Department, Manna Kitchen and Bowie County Child Protective Services.
“Every penny they raise goes to the nonprofit organizations in town,” Anderson said.
Rosalie Oliver was awarded the Lloyd Wilson Outstanding Citizen’s trophy. Her grandfather, H.H. Russell, started the First National Bank in New Boston. Later, Lloyd Wilson oversaw the operations of the bank.
“When she got nominated for the Lloyd Wilson Zward, I was so excited for her because (Wilson) had that bank here and her grandfather started that bank. So to me, it was just such an honor for her to receive it,” Anderson said.
Kenny Mitchell, editor/publisher of the Bowie County Citizen’s Tribune accepted the Business of the Year award for the newspaper and praised his employees for their contributions.
The Doyle Corley Award was given to the New Boston Police Department in recognition of their involvement, protection and service they give to the community. Several officers attended the event and received a standing ovation.
The 2017 Miss New Boston Court includes the following young women: Miss New Boston Emily Atkinson,Teen Miss Savanna Ward, Junior Miss Hannah Crook, Young Miss Lila McKay, Little Miss Whitley Johnston, Petite Miss MaKaylan Berbig, Tiny Miss Anna Rivas, Toddler Miss Cloee Obenoskey and Baby Miss Alayna Rivas.
Rick Rothwell gave the well-received invocation and benediction.
Author and missionary Mike Hawron and his wife, Annette, were on hand to answer questions about his two books, “Entertaining Detours” and “The Little Town with the Big Heart” which is written about his experiences in making New Boston his home.
It was this book that gave Anderson the inspiration for the theme for this year’s banquet.
“I was so impressed and amazed and excited,” Anderson said of the banquet and program. “I was really happy with it.”
Anderson was pleased to note that proprietors from several businesses approached her wanting to either join or renew their membership in the chamber.