V. Hugh Lewis II/Jefferson Jimplecute
The Marion County Chamber of Commerce presented their annual awards last Saturday, and discussed upcoming changes to how the Chamber operates and focuses.
Beje Foster is the 2024 Marion County Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year for her dedication and volunteering spirit to support the Marion County community.
Hamid Habibelahian of Bulldog Pizza was presented with the James Goolsby for his enterprising spirit and dedication to Jefferson.
Habibelahian said he was overwhelmed by the honor and has always felt the community gave him opportunities he wouldn’t have gotten anywhere else.
Seth Buckner, of Heritage Baptist Church, was named the Volunteer of the Year for his work in working to help clean-up Jefferson. Buckner organizes an every-other month cleanup day to pickup trash and debris around town.
The First Responder of the Year was awarded to Joshua Cox for his service on the Jefferson Police Department.
Riverport Barbeque, and Stephen Joseph were named the Business of the Year.
Chamber Board Member Jim Kale said “You can’t think of Jefferson without thinking of Riverport Barbeque.” Joseph said he was thankful for all the support from his dad, Ed Joseph, and the community over the last 30 years and that “I’ll be here until you tell me to leave.”
Changes are coming to how the Chamber operates this next year as they face the continuing issue of available resources.
“We’ve gotten some traction over the past year and overcome a lot – but we are still not quite thriving financially. However, hope is on the horizon,” said Buckner, acting board president. “We will be adjusting our open hours and reducing expenses, and we are reallocating our resources. We as the Chamber, are making plans to thrive – and appreciate your continued support.”
The City of Jefferson chose not to provide funding to the Chamber this next fiscal year, as they supply the Chamber with office space free of charge. The City also opted not to renew their membership with the Chamber.
The Chamber is getting access to software to help make things easier for members, and help the Chamber gain a more stable footing.
The system will provide a new website; event management and online ticketing; the ability for members to easily onboard themselves and the Chamber membership directory will automatically update; and there is an option for monthly membership payments, as low as $19/month for a business membership.
The new system is expected to be up and running over the next couple of months.