Today’s media seem glad to report that Americans are more divided than ever. But you wouldn’t have known it if you attended the annual Chamber of Commerce dinner and experienced the friendly interaction, laughter, and applause last Thursday evening. Delicious food and drinks were served at the beautifully decorated Jones Crossing, and the evening was fast, fun, and celebratory.
A stirring invocation was given by past president Brian Culp, and current president Chrystal Rogers, emcee for the event, kept it moving. Our two main honorees were the Business Person of the Year, the ever-popular Mike Washington, and the awesome Susan Haynes was named Mooresvillian of the Year. Their friends and families had been secretly gathered to surprise the winners and celebrate with them. Both award winners are accomplished, well-known, and very involved in making this town such a great place to live. A special thanks to director Mindy Taylor, the heart and soul of the Greater Mooresville Chamber of Commerce.
I sat at a table with pastors from Thrive Church, a Paul Hadley Middle School history teacher, a director providing at-home care for senior citizens, a retired officer from First Merchants Bank (and former Mooresvillian of the Year), the director of the Boys and Girls Club, and a fitness instructor for the YMCA. (Full disclosure: I am married to the fitness instructor.)
I had many opportunities throughout the evening to visit with dozens of other attenders. As always, I was impressed by the variety of chamber members present: insurance companies, banks, realtors, schools, restaurants, charities, and business people from all walks of life. They may be competitors during the day, but that evening we were all fellow celebrants.
The dinner is over for this year, but the opportunities continue. Your Mooresville Chamber offers events throughout each month that serve different purposes, vary in size and location, and are scheduled at a variety of days and times—surely one of them would fit your schedule. Find out more at mooresvillechamber.com; it may be the best move for you and your business!
Mooresville will be hosting the Third House Session Recap on Thursday April 7th at Bran N Shorts Coffee House on Main Street from 8am to 9:30am. This is open to the public. We will be hearing from Representative Peggy Mayfield and Senator Rod Bray. Come join us and ask questions and be in the discussion. For more information call Mindy at 317/831-6509.
Jim Taylor, Chamber Director
