CLEVELAND, Tenn. (Jan. 6, 2009)—Outgoing Chamber Chairman of the Board Cameron Fisher, Church of God International Offices, will present highlights of the Chamber’s 2008 program year and recognize volunteers at the 83rd Annual Meeting of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce. The meeting will convene Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 6:30 p.m. at Life Care Centers of America Professional Development Center on Keith Street.

 “Members of the business community continue to recognize that it makes good business sense to be a part of the one organization that strives on a daily basis to make our community a better and more economically sound place to live and work,” Chairman Cameron Fisher said. “Our efforts and accomplishments in 2008 reflect this commitment to Cleveland and Bradley County.”

He added, “The continued financial support and commitment from the business community make it possible for us to move forward with programs and services to enhance our economic and community development efforts.”

Incoming Chairman Carl Hite, president of Cleveland State Community College, will introduce the Chamber’s goals and plans for 2009.

Directors who are completing terms on the Chamber Board of Directors will be honored: Chip Dockins, Dockins Graphics Inc.; Christy Griffith, Bank of Cleveland; John Hawk, Lubing Systems LP; Taylor Howard, Southern Heritage Bank; Brenda Lawson, Brenda Lawson & Associates LLC; and Bill Varnell, Hilliard Lyons Inc.

Other highlights of the evening will include presentation of the M.C. Headrick Free Enterprise Award and the Robert W. Varnell Jr. Leadership Award.

The Headrick Award commemorates the ideals of the late M.C. Headrick and recognizes a businessperson who exemplifies the best of the free enterprise system. Last year’s recipient was George R. (Bobby) Taylor, chairman of the board for Bank of Cleveland.

The Varnell Award, named for the late Robert W. Varnell Jr., honors selfless leadership in professional, religious and civic endeavors. Dr. William F. Johnson II, general surgeon with Surgical Associates of Cleveland, was last year’s recipient.

To purchase tickets, which will be available through Jan. 15, members may call the Chamber of Commerce at 472-6587.

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