Our hats are off to the Thomson-McDuffie Chamber of Commerce.
In 2003, the chamber was busy.
Real busy.
Whether it was planning for the annual Beach Blast or Dinner by the Tracks or donating toys to needy children at Christmastime, the chamber was everywhere last year.
Special thanks are in order for Chamber Director Carolyn Gilbert, President Mary Anne Coussons, Executive Director of Forward McDuffie Don Powers, Tourism Board Director Gerald Baygents, the Chamber Board of Directors, and all the volunteers who worked to make McDuffie County a better community in 2003.
2004 is already shaping up to be a monumental year for the chamber. With Sweetwater Park and Pine Top Farm, among others, set to bring record crowds into McDuffie County, the time is now for the full-court McDuffie press. And Chamber officials are already ahead of the game.
Folks who may be interested in the community while here for their daughter's softball game, for example, will be met with a wealth of information at the chamber's main office in the depot, including a new promotional brochure showing off many things to do in McDuffie County.
And let's not forget Masters Week. Last year, local representatives were at the Thomson-McDuffie Regional Airport to meet with corporate bigwigs. This year, airport leaders have already lined up more jets to land at Thomson's airport. And, local leaders will step up their marketing efforts to those folks who may be just passing through McDuffie for the Masters.
A Chamber of Commerce should not only be around to generate dollars and promote local businesses. Sure, that's an important part of its job.
But there's more to it than that. It's about being part of the community and about creating positive energy while being proud of what we have here in Thomson, Dearing, and McDuffie County.
Without question, our chamber has not let us down.
