Allen McLaurin (left) was installed as Laurinburg-Scotland County Chamber of Commerce Chairman during Tuesday's 70th Annual Chamber Awards Dinner and Membership Meeting. Harry Yeatman (right) was the chairman for 2008, and is seen here moments after the stepping down.
The guest list read like a who's who of local business owners and politicians, with a number of representatives from most of the 350-plus business affiliated with the chamber.
The installment of Allen McLaurin as the new chairman of the board and the presentation of awards highlighted the evening, which was kicked off by an hour of mingling and food.
It was current chairman, Harry Yeatman, who introduced McLaurin to those in attendance.
"My last duty as chairman of the Board for 2008 is to swear (Allen McLaurin) in for 2009," Yeatman said before turning to McLaurin and asking him whether or not he agreed fulfill the duties of the office to "the best of his ability."
"I now turn over the gavel and chairman's mic to you," Yeatman said before stepping aside.
McLaurin used his first moments as chairman to recognize the work of Yeatman and his wife, offering them both gifts.
"Harry, you have done so much for the chamber over the past year, and really accomplished a lot," McLaurin said.
McLaurin's comments were brief, and were punctuated by his personal commitment to making sure the chamber will "continue to be the premier advocate" for business in the county. McLaurin also thanked the chamber staff for their continued efforts before adjourning guests to their cars.
Awards
Victoria Morrow was announced as the winner of the 2008 Dormagen-McLean Community Youth Service Award, named in honor of two late Scotland County youths. Morrow was presented the award by Joseph Dormagen and Steve McLean, fathers of the two young men after whom the award is named.
Morrow was nominated for the award by what the presenters called an "unprecedented" 18 individuals, from teachers to clergy.
Those individuals called her "a rare teenager with a beautiful spirit," and described her as "bright, energetic and compassionate".
As a graduate of the chamber's Junior Leadership Scotland student program, the Morehead Scholarship semi-finalist has come full circle in accepting the award, which recognizes her as a student who has gone to great lengths in serving the community.
Volunteer of the Year Winner, Charles Jenkins, was recognized for leading the effort during the chamber's application for reaccreditation from the United States Chamber of Commerce. Yeatman described the effort as one involving "massive amounts of paper work" and said that on more than one occasion Jenkins "was mistaken for Chamber of Commerce Staff" due to the hours of service he put in.
Just as Charles Jenkins is a first year member of the chamber, so too was the winner of the Ambassador of the Year Award, Vic Celadon, who Yeatman described as "the first to volunteer" whenever help was needed. "He was always willing to offer advice," Yeatman added of Celadon.
For the second year in a row two people were announced as winners of the Dunbar McCoy Quality of Life award, with Carol and Stewart Thomas being recognized for their work in raising money for cancer research. Yeatman said, before presenting the award, which was established in remembrance of the late Wade Dunbar and Mary McCoy, that the Thomas' "efforts reflect the passions they both bring to cancer awareness".
Offering his final remarks to the chamber, Yeatman thanked the chamber staff and volunteers for all that was accomplished during his tenure. Among those recognized was Brenda Gilbert who went "above and beyond the call of duty" by working for eight months as the interim chamber president before Theresa Lamson took over the duties. Lamson was also recognized by Yeatman, who said she "challenged us to think about our future a little differently" by considering it in the context of the changing world.
Yeatman's legacy, he said, will also be defined by his efforts to reach out to and cultivate the base of minority business owners in the community.
"I think we scratched the surface this year with a successful minority breakfast, and we need to do more to support all of the businesses in our community."
He also spoke fondly of the chamber's "Chamber on the Half Shell" event, which was held for the first time last year.
"I'd like to think we accomplished a lot while having a little fun," Yeatman said in closing.
Upon taking over, McLaurin also recognized Drew Williamson, Mike Vinson, Steve Cole, Wayne Cromartie, Kirsten Dean (who planned the awards dinner), Guy McCook and Brenda Gilbert for their efforts throughout the year.
As dinner was being eaten, raconteur Bil Lepp, the five-time winner of the West Virginia Liar's Contest, offered a humorous tall tale, inspiring laughter from the wine-sipping audience.
John H. Horne served as MC for the evening, successfully moving the proceedings along with improvised jokes and audience banter.
Post a Comment
