CHAMBER ANNIVERSARY PARTY
by
Maryann Miller

 

On Saturday, March 24, 2007, The Winnsboro Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 50th Birthday with a gala banquet featuring great food, great silent auction items, and entertainment. The theme was Mardi Gras, and the Winnsboro Civic Auditorium was decked out with lights, purple and yellow balloons, and of course, beads. Lots of beads on the tables along with Top Hats and masks and confetti. Over two hundred people enjoyed the festive evening and learned a bit of the history of the Chamber from Suzie Hamm, who was the first secretary when the organization formed in 1957. (Gosh, she must have been a talented five year old.)

The new Board of Directors of the Chamber was introduced, and Larry Merchant, manager of Keller's Creamery and Chamber Board President gave a talk on the vision of the Chamber and pledged his commitment to the excellence already established.

Jason Hightower of KMOO Radio was the Master of Ceremonies and said he always loves to come to Winnsboro, especially for a big celebration like the Chamber banquet. He was very entertaining, as he always is, but was upstaged by the "WES Stars" a dance troupe from Winnsboro Elementary School that delighted the audience with several amazing dance routines from country to jazz. The dancers are under the direction of Connie Browning, who also teaches P. E. at the elementary school. "This is our

first year," Connie said. "And the students are really enjoying it."

In addition to the delicious dinner donated by several gracious people: Doug & Colleen Elliott of The Outpost, Larry & Lee Ann Sparks, David Stevenson of Bodacious BBQ, Rosemary Moyers, Keller's Creamery, and Ozarka, there was a great array of silent auction items that had been donated by area businesses.

The highlight of every Chamber banquet is the awarding of special honors. The Phil Hart Memorial Teacher of the Year award was given to David Pinnell, English Four teacher at Winnsboro High School. Principal Susan Morton announced the award and presented a plaque to Pinnell, with Jason Hightower looking on. Pinnell seemed genuinely surprised and said he wasn't sure why he was chosen. "I certainly don't consider myself the best teacher in Winnsboro, but I do appreciate the honor."

Pinnell also said he was grateful for the opportunity to teach in his home town of Winnsboro.

Mitchell Livestock was chosen as the Agricultural Business of the Year, with the award going to Randy Mitchell. He was not available for a picture.

The Business of the Year Award went to Duckwall-Alco #232, that recently opened in the new location on East Coke Road. The General Manager, Bonnie Heinert, accepted the award on behalf of all the staff, "Who are really the people who earned this award." She also thanked her husband for his support as she advanced her career with Alco, necessitating a number of moves over several years.

The much anticipated Man of the Year and Woman of the Year awards went to Hardy and Suzie Hamm, who both expressed very gracious and humble appreciation. "Everyone who knows us, knows how much we love Winnsboro," Suzie said. "And we are just so grateful to a community that allowed us to have a business here and raise a family here and now retire here."

Hardy and Suzie are both East Texas natives, and bought Hardy's Auto Parts in 1974, when it was still located on Main Street. In 1991 they moved the store to the present west of town on Highway 11. Prior to buying the store, Hardy worked for the light company and Suzie volunteered as a youth director at several churches. "Working with young people is my first love," she said. "And I enjoy the middle school age children the most."

For a number of years Suzie was not involved with the store, then when Hardy had some health issues, she decided to be more active with the day to day operations. "I did everything from sweeping out and on up," she said.

The couple, who recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, are retired, but hardly retiring. They are both active with the Main Street Board, First United Methodist Church, any many other community organizations. And those who know the couple, don't wonder why they received this award.