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The Eden Chamber of Commerce hosted its 54th Chairman's Meeting and Leadership Recognition Dinner at the Whistle Jacket Grille on January 26.
Approximately 132 people attended and the management and staff of the Whistle Jacket made sure everyone was well treated. The food was delicious, the service was outstanding and everyone had a very enjoyable time. Our thanks go out to Bobbie and her staff at Whistle Jacket Grille for a great job!
Invocation was given by Rev. Patrick Hamrick of Leaksville United Methodist Church.
Our speaker was Kelly Swanson, award-winning storyteller, comedian, author and motivational speaker. Kelly is nationally known for her one-woman shows that make people laugh, remind them of their values, show them how to see beyond the obstacles in life and teach them how to be unforgettable in business. Her topic was "Who Hijacked My Fairy Tale - How to hang on to humor when life doesn't go your way". Her talk was both inspirational and hilarious: but her mannerisms were just too funny to describe. She said to me later that it really is not about her.
She is just the vessel for the message they need to hear. She spends a lot of time asking God to put on her heart what the people need to hear - and she is firmly convinced that He does just that. She says, "Call me wacky - but it is what it is." Thank you, Kelly !!
All outgoing Board members were recognized with a plaque: Eddie Barker, Reece Pyrtle, Kathy Hale, Grayson Whitt and Steve Williams. Cammie Hall was unable to attend. New Board members were introduced: Barbara Brown, Sandi Adkins, Seth Woodall, Mike Dougherty, Pete Crouch, Jorges Flores, Charlie Hall, Randy Hunt, and Linda Wyatt. Jodi Lester was unable to attend.
Congratulations to all our very deserving award winners:
Member of the Year: Home Savings Bank
Director of the Year: Ed Holbrook, Jr.
Volunteer of the Year: Steve Williams
Eden Appearance Award: (three way tie)
Eden History Museum
Santana's
State Farm Insurance
Distinguished Citizen of the Year: Peggy Good
Chairman's Star Award: Will Flynt
President's Award: Cindy Adams
A special "thank you" to all our sponsors:
Autumn Creek Vineyards
CenturyLink
Eden Drug Healthmart
Fair Funeral Home
Home Savings Bank
Layne's Family Pharmacy
MillerCoors Brewing Company
Morehead Memorial Hospital
My E-Batch
News & Record
Also, a special thanks to Glenn Denny of G & D Recording for the sound system and beautiful dinner music. Thank you also to Ted Haapala who is our unofficial chamber photographer for all the great pictures of this event.
To everyone who was involved to make this Annual Dinner the huge success that it was, we sincerely say "thank you". | 
ANNUAL DINNER A HUGE SUCCESS!