FIFTY SECOND CHAMBER ANNUAL MEETING HELD

The 52nd Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce annual meeting was held at Cypress Cove Country Club on Thursday, February 23rd from 6 – 9 p.m. The event focused on “Celebrating Membership”. The 250 Chamber members enjoy unique benefits that help their businesses to grow and thrive. Executive Director, Teresa Beale noted, “Members are the vital foundation of this organization.” To honor their support they were treated to a special evening. Oone lucky attendee, Barky Wright, Wright Funeral Home won the even't grand door prize - 2 airline tickets compliments of Southwest Airlines. A highlight was the presentation of the 2005 Small Business of the Year Award sponsored by Hercules, Eastman & Geo. This year’s honoree is Floor to Ceiling which is located on Main Street in Franklin. 2005 Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce President, Vernie W. Francis, Jr., Sheriff of Southampton County and the City of Franklin officially passed the reins of leadership to R. Randolph Cook, ICA. Retiring director Peter E. Clark, Franklin Broadcasting Corp. was recognized for his service to the Chamber. New directors beginning their board terms were be Daniel K. Hoctor, MPT/ATC, Southside Physical Therapy and John J. Smolak, President, Franklin-Southampton Economic Development, Inc. Sponsors that made this event possible include: Prime Sponsors – Franklin Equipment Co., International Paper & Southwest Airlines; Gold Sponsors –Manry-Rawls Insurance, Mid Atlantic Dairy Queen, LLC, Parker Drug Co., Southampton Memorial Hospital and WLQM FM / WLQM AM; Silver Sponsors – Bank of America, BB&T of Virginia, Britt & Peak, PC, Bronco Federal Credit Union, Coldwell Banker Professional, Realtors, Comfort Inn, Floor to Ceiling, Southampton County Schools & Vic’s Signs & Engraving; Bronze Sponsors –The Bank of Southside VA & Sadler Auto Center of Franklin. The Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce has been serving the community since 1954.