Chamber Board Elected

RG Williams
The Valley Voice

n the evening of February 18, 2010, a cold Thursday, the 18 member businesses of the Wears Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, met to elect a permanent board of officers. This however was not to happen, as many left with blank ballot forms.
This latest in a monthly series of meetings was held in the comfortable spaces offered by Sevier County glass and Mirror on Lyon Springs Rd.
After the usual introductions, Mrs. Melody Hardin Interim President of the Chamber Thanked Wears Country Market and Grill for the use of their Business for the last meeting. Discussion also centered on the chambers potential sponsorship of next falls Oktoberfest celebration, as well as the use of Chamber funds already in the bank. While some favor a more conservative “lets build the Nest-Egg” approiach, others are more concerned with seeing results from their investment in the Chamber.
Due to the relatively small numbers of elegible voters present, it was moved to nominate a 9 person board, who would conduct the election of officers from within its own ranks. The motion was passed and a board was nominated. The lack of all members to elect the Officers disappointed some, including President nominee,Mr. Al Wilson(Wears Valley General store), who was selected as a board member. “ I feel that Chamber business should be voted on by the full membership, not just a select few.”
Other board members selected include: Mr. Frank Guevara ( Wears Valley Carpet & Blinds), Mr. Scott Street( Sevier County Glass & Mirror), Mr. Marty Huddlestein ( Great Cabins), Mr. Jerry Sandifer( East Tennessee Realty Group), Mrs. Wanda O’Connell ( Wears Valley Country Store), Mr. RG Williams (The Valley Voice), Mr. Darryl Smith ( Oil & Antiquities Tycoon), Mrs. Mona Whitfield(Monell Designs).
The newly nominated board retired to fill the offices of President, Vice-President, Secretery and Treasurer from its ranks. Mrs. Nell O’Connell, and Mrs. Mona Whitfield were unaminously elected to the posts of Treasurer and Secretary, repectively. With Wilson and Street both nominated for President it was decided the board should vote by ballot, with the man receiving less votes becoming VP. The results will be announced at the next meeting which takes place the 3rd Thursday in March at the Wears Valley General store.