BY CARLA WILSON
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
In the open air under the pavilion at Lanark/Alabama Wildlife Federation, new Executive Board members and Directors for the Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce took the Oath of Office for the coming year, sworn in by Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley.
The incoming Executive Board includes President Jamie Brown, MAX Credit Union; Vice President Penny Nichols, Advanced Appraisals; Treasurer Yvette Robertson, SouthPoint Bank Home Mortgage; and Past President Sarah Stephens, Elmore/Autauga News.
Directors are:
Brannon Bowman, Millbrook Presbyterian Church; Bryan Holman, River Region Vision Source; Eric Smith, The Wash; Steve Mullins, Liveoak Agency; Janet Krantz, Robinson Springs United Methodist Church; Robert Fales, Family Home Furniture; Scott Lee, Central Alabama Electric Cooperative; Vice Principal Brad Mann, representing Stanhope Elmore High School as Ex-officio member; and Ann Harper, Economic Development Director, representing the City of Millbrook as Ex-officio member.
Joining the board is Ingrid Graves, The Sweet Cart; Kim Anderson, Rehab Associates; Jennifer Cassebaum, Springhill Suites; Kevin Kelley, Garner Electric; and Tyson Elrod, Walmart Millbrook.
Mayor Kelley thanked the board members and directors for serving in these volunteer positions and working to support Millbrook businesses.
This year the Chamber also recognized four businesses that have been awarded in four categories.
Those businesses were:
Family Home Furniture for Emerging Business of the Year.
Central Alabama Electric Cooperative, Small Business of the Year with 51 to 100 employees.
The Wash, Small Business of the Year with 11-50 employees.
Front Porch Grill, Small Business of the Year with 1-10 employees.
Mayor Kelley spoke of each business highly, saying that each gives back to the community in so many ways, that might go unnoticed. “They are huge parts of our community and they support this community in good times or in bad. I am glad they are receiving these honors today, and I hope they know how much we appreciate them. This City will stand strong behind you, and we are thankful for you all.”
Outdoing Chamber President Sarah Stephens spoke to the crowd about the past year, and the challenges that have been presented on so many levels.
“If we could all go back to January of this year, how many of would have believed that we would be where we are now and in these times of COVID-19?” Stephens said. “It has been a tough year and we are only in June. I am reminded of a saying, ‘Man Plans and God Laughs.’ But this Chamber has stepped up and stepped out working to support our local businesses through some very hard times. I have so much faith in the board coming up and in President Jamie Brown. I think a lot of growth is coming our way, and the Chamber will remain strong and here to support all of our businesses. When disasters happen, you have some people that step up and lead. There are some that find reasons to complain. The Chamber is a group of true community leaders that are active and involved. I am very excited to see what the rest of this year brings. This group is up to the challenge.”
See more photos below.
