January monthly luncheons are always festive and exciting with the announcement of the annual awards for Murphy Chamber Ambassador of the Year, Member of the Year, Board Member of the Year and Business of the Year. 

The January meetings are also when the gavel (and mailbox key) is passed from the current Chairman to the incoming Chairman and the new Board of Directors in presented. 

Another “changing of the guard” that took place at the January 8th meeting involved the responsibilities of overseeing the Chamber’s website. Bob Russell was recognized and thanked for developing the Chamber website several years ago and maintaining it from its inception. Now, with a complete redesign, Rick Stephens, RG Stephens & Assoc. takes over that task. You may visit the website at www.murphychamber.org.


After Chamber Chairman Jon Lashbrook reviewed the goals set for 2007 and cited the many accomplishments and successes that the Chamber experienced over the past year, he extended his thanks to those who helped make 2007 a banner year. He also announced that the Chamber would be sharing in the purchase of a large clock for Murphy Marketplace – a signature piece that the Chamber and City will be contributing to the community’s newest development.







The presentation of awards and plaques followed with Ron Donelson, Sonic, being named Chamber Member of the Year;
 






















Sammie Hampton named Ambassador of the Year;













Deb Proctor, Chamber Vice Chairman, named Board Member of the Year
 











and Diva Publications named Business of the Year. 














Diva Publications is the joint venture of four Chamber members, (Sherry Searcy, Deb Proctor, Holli Banks and Marcia Jowers), who for the second year produced the Murphy Chamber Directory. This fundraising project netted the Chamber $3500 in 2007 and $5200 in 2008. The official check presentation will take place at the February 21st luncheon meeting.






Following the awards, the gavel changed hands from outgoing Chairman, Jon Lashbrook to Deb Proctor, the 2008 Chairman. Deb’s first act of business was to introduce the 2008 Board of Directors:


Vice Chairman – Don Wilson
Secretary – Bill Reaves
Treasurer – Bob Russell
Director of Ambassadors – Nathan Nakamura
Director of Communications – Marcia Jowers
Director of Counsel – Jon Lashbrook
Director of Education - (PISD)  Nancy Long
Director of Education - (WISD) T. J. Theisen, PhD
Director of Events – Joe Gordon
Director of Membership – Rhonda Ptak
Director of Safety – Sgt. Kyle Kucauskas

A number of donated door prizes were handed out to lucky ticket holders before the meeting was adjourned.

The next luncheon meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 19th at Woodbridge Golf Club Pavilion at 11:30 a.m. This meeting will be a networking event and each member is asked to come prepared to deliver a 30 second commercial about their business.  Please visit the Chamber website for more details and to make your luncheon reservation: www.murphychamber.org

Photos by:  Marcia Jowers and Andre Guerin