Outgoing Chamber Chairman of the Board Stephen Wright, president of Wright Brothers Construction Company, will highlight the 2012 program year and recognize volunteers at the 87th Annual Meeting of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce. The meeting will convene Tuesday, Jan. 29, at 6:30 p.m. at Life Care Centers of America Professional Development Center on Keith Street.
“The Chamber of Commerce annually outlines goals and determines action steps to guide its day-to-day operations, which reflect a commitment to the economic and community development of Bradley County,” Chairman Wright said. “The Annual Meeting gives us an opportunity to present the outcomes of those efforts and to recognize the leadership team that ensures progress in each program area.”
He added, “The continued financial support and commitment from the business community make it possible for us to offer new programs and opportunities and to provide ongoing support for our members as well.”
Incoming Chairman Steve Robinson, president of Cleveland Plywood Co., will introduce the Chamber’s focus on “Year of the Member” for 2013.
Directors completing terms on the Chamber’s Board of Directors also will be honored: Barbara Baxter, FSG Bank; Tom Cate, Cate Brothers Development; Coleman Foss, SkyRidge Medical Center; Duane Gilbert, Gibco Construction; Neil Groothius, Homestead Lawn & Tractor; Mike Thomasson, Andrew Johnson Bank; and Dicky Walters, Whirlpool Corporation, Cleveland Division.
Other highlights of the evening will include presentation of the prestigious M.C. Headrick Free Enterprise Award and the Robert W. Varnell Jr. Leadership Award.
The Headrick Award commemorates the ideals of the late M.C. Headrick and recognizes a businessperson who exemplifies the best of the free enterprise system. Last year’s recipient was Robert Wright, chairman of the board for Wright Brothers Construction Company Inc.
The Varnell Award, named for the late Robert W. Varnell Jr., honors selfless leadership in professional, religious and civic endeavors. Bill Creech, retired agent with Allstate Insurance, was the 2012 recipient.
To purchase tickets, which will be available through Jan. 25, members may call the Chamber of Commerce at 472-6587.