By By Paul Keane
Publisher
Facing challenges, grasping opportunities and enjoying the rewards were the themes of the outgoing and incoming presidents of the Atmore Chamber of Commerce during Tuesday night's 57th Annual Membership Meeting.
Alan Bell, outgoing president, told the audience that the past year has been rewarding for him.
"It's been both challenging and rewarding," he said. "I owe a great amount of debt to both Emilie Mims and Shelly Williams for all they've done to help me, and I have to thank all of the volunteers for all they've done to help us be successful."
Bell then pointed out that the Chamber is active in building businesses and making Atmore a better community.
"Each year, the Chamber works hard to make Atmore a nice community," he said. "One of the big things I would point to that was completed this year was the significant improvements made to Heritage Park, something that has become a true source of community pride for our area."
Bell then presented appreciation plaques to outgoing directors Keith Castleberry, Joel Lambert, Dr. Tommy Moore and Rusty Miller.
Peggie Byrd, local manager of Alabama Power, then was installed as the new president of the Chamber. After introducing her Board of Directors, Byrd stressed that pride in the community will be a key to building a better Atmore.
"Community pride is the key," she said. "That has been the theme for the Chamber, and how fitting a theme when you reflect on the many accomplishments of this past year and the past few years.
"Heritage Park has developed into a nice facility, the Main Street beautification project has been embraced and continues to develop, strategic planning meetings have been held, and there are a number of other accomplishments that have helped make Atmore a wonderful community."
Byrd said those accomplishments must be built upon, though, in order to make Atmore even more attractive, both to the residents and potential businesses and industries.
"The concept of community pride must be embraced by everyone in order to be successful," she said. "We need everyone to consider volunteering, which means giving of your time and your energies.
"You have made a difference in this area, and you can continue to make a difference.
"Atmore is your community. Let's all make a commitment to make Atmore a community we can be proud of. Together, we can make Atmore a better place for our children and our grandchildren."