By Staff
Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
"Think Hartselle First" is a message Doug Moss left with Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce members April 19 as he stepped up as chairman of the organization's board of directors.
"As a consumer, I will try to buy in Hartselle first. "I'm not saying that Hartselle has everything you need, but I am asking you to give local merchants the first shot," he pointed out.
He also encouraged business owners to join the chamber. "We have a good team working and we're here to help you," he stated.
In addition, he invited chamber members to attend board meetings at 7 a.m. on every third Tuesday of the month. "We always welcome your comments and suggestions," he added.
Outgoing board chairman Larry Hannah gave a brief overview of the chamber's work in 2004-05 and thanked fellow directors, staff members and the community at large for their support during his two-year tenure.
"What we've been able to accomplish is all about teamwork," he added.
Several individuals were singled out for special recognition.
Nancy Busby, a real estate agent with Coldwell Bankers Team Hartselle Real Estate, was singled out as recipient of the Ambassador of the Year Award. It is awarded annually to the Ambassador who attends the most chamber functions and recruits the most members, according to Susan Hines, president.
The E.R. Roberts Business and Civic Award went to Bob Francis. It was presented by Ferrell Vest, Hartselle Utilities general manager. Francis was recognized for his dedicated efforts to attract commercial and industrial business prospects to Hartselle. He is a retired engineer who serves as chairman of the Hartselle Development Board and is a member of the Veterans Memorial Parkway committee.
Dr. Bob Sittason, a retired dentist, was singled out as recipient of the Dr. Thomas M. Guyton Humanitarian Award. It was presented by J.P. Cain, a close friend. Sittason was honored for many years of service to First United Methodist Church, youth recreational and sports programs and civic, business and community affairs.
The John J. Sparkman Citizenship award went to Billy and Catherine Ann Sims. It was presented by Libby Watson. They were recognized as a couple who work closely together to make Hartselle a better place in which to live.
Special appreciation awards were presented to three retired city employees, former police chief Ron Merkh, former fire chief Rickey Joe Smith and former superintendent of education Dr. Lee Hartsell.
In addition to Moss, officers for 2005-06 were identified as Russell Woodruff, chairman-elect; Geremy Segars, secretary-treasurer; Larry Hannah, immediate past president; and Susan Hines, president. Directors are Mike Preuitt, Connie Drane, Mac Beard, Scotty Maples, Tommy Stafford, Dr. Brad Drake and Anna Wilson.
Outgoing directors recognized were Lynn Warren, Leigh Chappell and Bob Francis.