LAKELAND —
Projections on future growth and the presenting of community awards were the main highlights of Thursday night’s 12th Annual Lakeland-Lanier County Chamber of Commerce Banquet Dinner.
Rhonell White, 2011 Chamber president, opened the evening by thanking and recognizing the group of students from Lanier County High School for their participation in the 2012 event.
“With this being National Career Technical and Agricultural Education month, let’s recognize these students for volunteering their time by serving tonight,” White said, followed by a round of applause by the room of elected officials, chamber members and community supporters.
Following a buffet-style dinner, Ben Copeland introduced the speaker of the evening, Dr Ray Perren, president of Wiregrass Technical College. Copeland said, under the leadership of Perren, Wiregrass has become a “flagship technical college.”
In his speech addressing the importance of guiding the next generation, the president first said that the best thing about Lanier County is the people in the community.
“At Wiregrass, we appreciate the support we get from right here in Lakeland-Lanier County,” Perren said.
He noted that many in Lanier County have either attended the college or made some sort of donation.
He then laid out the five strategies in preparing the next generation of leaders:
“We need to up-end the pyramid,” Perren began. “This is where we build our relationships. We need to flip the pyramid upside down and put the emphasis n leading others through service we do ourselves ... this should be instilled in our children. We also need to raise the bar ... blaze the trails for children by removing the phrase ‘you can’t’ and set them on the right path ... build on strengths .... and run with purpose. The world will step aside for a person who knows where he or she is going. These strategies are designed to help build the next generation ... they ensure that more prosperous days are still ahead.”
After the presentation of awards to the top six individuals/businesses in the county, 2012 Chamber President Cindy Pullen recognized the hard work and dedication shown by 2011 President Rhonell White.
In her future outlook for Lanier County, Pullen noted the following is in the works:
• Increased focus on membership involvement, asserttive efforts by Chamber Director Sandy Sanders, other chamber members and herself included, more focus on Moody Air Force Base families and a newly created website, just to name a few.
“We are on a great path for growth in 2012,” Pullen smiled. “Let’s get involved and encourage others to volunteer.”
AWARD WINNERS
Superior Health Care Services— Bill Wilson
Restaurant of the Year— El Carrisal
Outstanding Community Volunteer— Brian Sirmans
Business of the Year— Lakeland Drug Company
Chamber Member of the Year— Sheldon Hurst
Appreciation Award— Ruth May
