|
WISHING YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Big changes are in store at the Hope Area Chamber of Commerce! As announced in a recent edition of the local newspaper, the Chamber will be opening a new office in a shared complex with The Hope Star-Journal at 615 Harrision Street. While the official opening will take place in early 2010, Chamber tourism and membership materials will be available immediately at the new location. We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
2009 ANNUAL CHAMBER BANQUET
The Hope Area Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Banquet on Thursday, March 26, 2009 at Strawberry Fields Mercantile. The highlight of the evening was an update on the Flat Rock - Hawcreek School Corporation building project. Featured speakers were Terry Burnworth, Bill Burnworth, Ed Johnson, and Dr. Phil Deardorff. The agenda also included the election of Officers and Directors, as well as the Adoption of the Revised Bylaws.
 NEWS REGARDING FRHC SCHOOL SYSTEM
The Flat Rock - Hawcreek School Corporation received voter approval on November 4 to proceed with their $18.7 million construction and renovation project. Years in the making, project plans include closing Cross Cliff Primary and absorbing those students into the new facilities on State Road 9 just south of downtown Hope. The overall project is designed to create a better learning environment for all students in the district. Needed repairs and upgrades in current facilities will be addressed under the renovation portion of the project. The new cosntruction will involve adding a "connector" between Hope Intermediate and Hauser Jr./Sr. High to establish the "one campus" concept. On January 13, approximately 270 people braved the winter weather to take part in an official groundbreaking ceremony. The project is expected to be completed in 18-24 months.
HOPE AREA CHAMBER ANNUAL MEETING 2008 RECAP
The Hope Area Chamber of Commerce held its 2008 Annual Banquet at Strawberry Fields Mercantile on May 15. Dozens of business owners, organization representatives, and community leaders were in attendance. The featured speaker was Charles L. "Shorty" Whittington.
Whittington graduated from Purdue University in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. During his trucking and agriculture career, he has been employed in various industries pertaining to the transportation of agricultural commodities and fertilizers.
Mr. Whittington currently owns and operates Grammer, Ind.-based Grammer Industries, a common-carrier trucking company specializing in the transportation of fertilizer materials. He also operates and manages a CSX Bids Terminal in Lafayette, Ind., that provides transfer service of fertilizers from rail to truck for further local distribution. In his most recent venture, Whittington serves as president of Integrity Biofuels - an alternative fuel producer. In this role, Whittington has held counsel with top US and foriegn government officials, including US President George Bush.
The following photographs were taken at the banquet. Chamber members enjoyed dinner provided by Strawberry Fields Mercantile, entertainment by the Hauser Jazz Choir, and a brief update of Chamber activities by president Jeff Washburn.
|