By Karen Hall

Editor

A record-breaking crowd of 240 was in attendance when the Marshall County Chamber of Commerce held their annual dinner and meeting on Dec. 2 in the conference room at the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association headquarters on North Ellington Parkway, Lewisburg.

The Chamber attributes the increase in attendance to several factors, including their partnership with the county and city, increased visibility in the community, growing membership, and an improving economy.

Prior to the dinner, the Chamber held a Meet and Greet, sponsored by TWHBEA. A variety of cheeses and hot wassail were served and Pickers Creek Winery had their local wines available for sampling. "The Bird and the Bear" -- Garry and Mirthe Wood -- provided musical entertainment.

Chamber President Vicki Cain, welcomed the crowd. Presentations were given by Lewisburg Director of Economic Development Greg Lowe; Mike Wiles, executive director of the Joint Economic and Community Development Board; and Tracy Boyd, executive director of the TWHBEA. A meal prepared by Dannie Holmes Catering was enjoyed by everyone.

The highlight of the evening was the Membership Awards, determined by votes from Chamber of Commerce members.

* In the category for Business of the Year, there was a tie between Allstar Trophies and Marshall Medical Center

* The Industry of the Year was Walker Die Casting

* The Individual or Non-Profit of the Year was In His Image Pregnancy Resource Center

The Best-Decorated Table contest is judged before dinner. This year the Best-Decorated Table Award went to First Farmers Bank, while the People's Choice Award for the best-decorated table went to the City of Lewisburg. This award is voted on by the people attending the dinner after they have had the opportunity to walk around and view all of the tables.

Members of the Chamber Board of Directors was recognized for their years of service. The four directors rolling off of the board for 2013 were given awards: Glenn Brannon, Chris Richter, Robert "Pepper" Biggers, and Diane White, who was also recognized as Outstanding Director.

Seven new board members were endorsed by the membership, and they will begin their service in 2014. They are: Glen White (Marshall County Solid Waste), Doug Fagan (Lewisburg Electric System), Sally Kania (Lewisburg Gas Department and owner of Victory Fun Park), Gaye Wilson (Marshall County Senior Citizens), Jim Garrison (Garrison Honey Farms and Investment Strategies), Jennifer Allen Cheatham, (First National Bank); and Sergio Youmans (Ace Bayou).

Serving with the newly endorsed seven are Scot Bush (State Farm Insurance), Mike Tatum (Tennessee Technical Coatings), Ann Tears (Teledyne), Geraldine Gassaway (Heritage South Community Credit Union), Carol McCormick (CB&S Bank), Luke Buckley (First Commerce Bank), Phyllis Brown, (Marshall Medical Center) and Vicki Cain (Century 21).

The evening ended with an array of door prizes given out by Jennifer Perry, 2013 Miss Marshall County.