Annual Chamber of Commerce banquet is slated for Jan. 19

PENNY REYNOLDS

Plans are in the making for the annual Rusk chamber of commerce banquet scheduled for 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, at the junior high school cafeteria. Tickets are on sale at the chamber office.

During the evening's festivities Teresa Langley will take over the reins as president. Executive board members to serve with Mrs. Langley are Stoney Thompson, president- elect; Penny Reynolds, pastpresident; Greg James, vicepresident; Toni Meador, treasurer; Judy Faye Garner and Kelly Wilcox, executive board members.

New directors include Anita Woodlee, Harold (Buz) Parrish, Glenda Long, Leslie Hassell, Gary Epperson, Penny Reynolds, Sarah Welch and Toni Meador. Steve Norton will replace Laila McCalister, who resigned.

Holdover directors are Mrs. Langley, Mr. James, Tara Crosby, Roy Reynolds, Ted Debbs, Walter Preble, Mrs. Garner, Austin Young, Larry Long, Sandra Sanders, Mr. Thompson, Mrs. Wilcox, Janet Cavazoz and Harl Brannon.

Incoming President Mrs. Langley said, "I would like to start by saying it is such a great honor to serve as president of the Rusk Chamber of Commerce. I am really excited to work with so many wonderful people. Rusk is such a fantastic place to work and raise a family.

TERESA LANGLEY

"My family has owned and operated Harry's Building Materials for many years. We started our business in Rusk and have now expanded to several other towns. This would not have been possible without the support of the fine folks of Rusk.

"The unity I see of our chamber members, business owners, service organizations and all of our citizens, shows that everyone is willing to do what they can to continue to make Rusk a great place to live, work and raise a family. I appreciate the opportunity that has been given to me and I will strive to continue to make Rusk a place we can all be proud of. We want to welcome our new chamber members for 2008."

Outgoing president Penny Reynolds said, "It's hard to believe that another year has come and gone. When I became chamber president in January 2007, I thought the year would go on forever, what with everything I hoped we could accomplish. But, as the saying goes, 'The older you get, the faster the time goes by.' Has it ever.

"Our year started out with a bang. 2007 brought the first platinum members, Harry's Building Materials, Citizen's 1st Bank, Texas National Bank and Lexington Place Nursing and Rehabilitation.

"This year saw the chamber work with the Texas State Railroad Authority, planning and serving lunches onboard the trains for prospective buyers. After the bid was awarded to American Heritage, members were there, working, when 'Thomas the Tank' came to town.

"Members attended the East Texas Film Commission's conference in Austin. As a result, Rusk had its first-ever casting call Saturday, Dec. 22 for children, ages 10-14 at the Cherokee Civic Theatre. Because the chamber forged a strong bond with KOA campgrounds, it was allowed to showcase Rusk and what the town has to offer, at their trade shows in Dallas, Austin and Houston. Through the year, the chamber built a working relationship with area chambers of commerce. They were there to help when volunteers were needed for 'Thomas the Tank.' Chamber members will be there for them, when needed.

"Festivals are larger than ever. One Rusk council member said, 'There hasn't been this many people downtown since the 50s.' Just recently, the annual Christmas lighting festival and parade was the largest that Rusk has ever seen. And, what would spring be without 'Fair on the Square?'

"There is still work to be done by the chamber, such as moving a caboose to a location in front of the Weston Hotel, on U.S. Highway 69. Tracks have already been laid. It will be a 3D billboard, stating 'Home of the Texas State Railroad.'

"It's sad to say 'good-bye' so soon, but the chamber is in great hands, and the work will proceed with the new board of directors and the 2008 President Teresa Langley.

"Thank you all, everyone I worked with and so many new friends I have made, for a year of pure enjoyment. As I said when I accepted the position a year ago, 'I love this town.'"

Directors and our 2008 President, Teresa Langley.