M.A. Andrews
Thursday, July 26, 2012 8:44 am
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The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce held it’s annual dinner and meeting on Friday, July 20th at The Carolina Event and Conference Center in Forest City. In just seven months, the new Director, Clark Poole and company, brought out over 200 members to the meeting. It was quite a contrast to last years turnout of only 75! The dinner-meeting was indicative of the new attitude and positive thrust of the chamber which goes hand in hand with the county attracting new businesses.
If anyone can remember singer Al Jolson’s famous saying, it would seem to be most appropriate to describe the Rutherford Chamber of Commerce new direction! In his heyday Jolson was famous for dropping to one knee with open arms and saying: “You ain’t seen nothing yet!” This would appropriately describe Director Clark Poole’s beliefs and “the gospel according to Clark!” Without doubt, he deserves credit for already guiding the Chamber to new heights. It was very evident at the dinner-meeting.
The new 2012-2013 Chamber Officers were introduced as well as the Board of Directors. Cooper Flack of Main Street Financial Group is the new President, replacing Donna McCann of Northland Communications. Both having done and looking forward to doing a great job.
The entire evening, which started off with a social hour at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m., was reflected by the positive attitude of all attending. They were excited that the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce was now leading the way to a greater tomorrow for the county. In the welcoming speech, Director Clark Poole invoked phrases like “a new day . . . you keep the county alive . . . your leadership . . . be a part of the force . . . and that takes us where were going!” After the Community Gifts Program was presented, “Looking Back and Going Forward” was a continuance of recent achievements and projected future accomplishments.
The guest speaker for the evening was Terry Hines, the current Supply Chain Director for Tanner Companies. Prior to his current role, he was a leader in the Cone Mills Corporation for 31 years. He is very active in the community and presented a positive talk on how well things are now going in the county.
The entire program was upbeat and well received. Suffice to say, it was refreshing and projected a believability and “can do” spirit which, as we all know, is the necessary ingredient for success!