The Chamber Beat

I want to thank Jeremy Rush, or for most of you folks who are devoted followers to “Pure Country” 92.7 & 100.7 FM WOXO, you know him as Jay Phillips. Jeremy spent three weeks helping promote and raise money and donations for Christmas for Kids & Teens prior to Christmas right here at the Chamber at 4 Western Avenue in South Paris.

He was here every Thursday and Friday from noon to 1 p.m., live over the airwaves pushing people to come in to give so children and teens would not go without having Christmas, and even though we may not have been able to reach every needy child, we certainly helped.

Many contributions, cash, checks, toys and articles appropriate for teens, were brought in during these broad casts and I am truly grateful for the support we received from Gleason Radio Group and Gleason Media Group.

They are fabulous partners of the Chamber and they made a huge difference in helping to keep the needs out there at the top of everyone’s mind during this season of giving. Thank you Jeremy and thank you Dick.

Annual Dinner 

Our 36th Annual Dinner and Award Ceremony will take place this year on Saturday, February 23, at Four Seasons Function Center in South Paris.

Allison Melangton will be the keynote speaker and to say that she is one of the most dynamic business personalities in the country is a gross understatement. Allison was the president and CEO of the 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl host committee widely regarded as the most engaging and successfully organized Super Bowl in history, and has been the associate producer for NBC Sports for the gymnastics coverage of the past seven Olympic games, garnering a prestigious four Emmy Awards.

To top it all off Allison was named president of the Indiana Sports Corporation in September. Melangton is a graduate of Edward Little High School in Auburn and Colorado University with a degree in Sports Administration.

Next week we’ll be hosting a press conference at the Chamber to honor our Business of the Year, The Oxford Casino; Employee of the Year, Steve Holbrook of the Oxford Hills Christian Academy; Rising Business Star of the Year, Service Master Clean; and Community Service Award Winner, Responsible Pet Care. What a great line-up for this year’s event.

Finally I want to wish everyone in the Oxford Hills a very happy and prosperous New Year. We will endeavor to do our very best to support and provide assistance to the 13 communities we represent as we move forward in 2013.

See you next week.