ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, September 29, 1996 TAG: 9609300014
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: Guest Column
In response to a letter published in the Current on Sept. 15 ["Blacksburg chamber's direction criticized"] from an alleged concerned Giles County resident [Barry Evans], the Executive Committee of the Blacksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce would like to thank its members for their unstinting support of the direction of the chamber. In particular, the board would like to thank the executive director, Harvey Shephard, for his tireless work for the betterment of the business community throughout the New River Valley.
It is a remarkable feat that the Blacksburg chamber has risen from a weary, struggling and underperforming organization in the early years of this decade to the point where it purchased its own building last week. This building will house the chamber well into the 21st century and be a symbol of the vitality of the business community in the New River Valley.
It is even more astounding to realize that in four years:
*The membership has increased from less than 390 to more than 550;
*The membership has expanded geographically from its Blacksburg core to Narrows in the north, to Floyd in the south, and from Pulaski to Roanoke;
*There is now a strong voice for the business community unafraid to ask the tough questions locally, in Richmond and in Washington;
*The executive director's office has been ably filled in contrast to the years of chaos.
All this testifies to the failures of the past in contrast to the success of the present and the promise of the future.
Thanks to all the members who have generously supported the Blacksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce during this exciting era. Your legacy will be a strong chamber working for the prosperity of all its members and thus the citizens of the New River Valley.
Patti Cowley, president; Morris Stowers, president-elect; Taylor Cole, Brad Denardo, Dean Fisher, vice presidents; Todd Halwas, past president
LENGTH: Short : 41 linesby CNB