Pictured is Lumberton Area Chamber Executive Director Cindy Kern at the Chamber Gala with past Chairperson Debbie Branyon, Branch Manager/Vice President of First Bank in Lumberton congratulating the incoming 2025 Chairperson Crystal Collins, Business Development Officer/ Vice President of First Bank in Lumberton.
CHAMBER GALA AN OVERWHELMING SUCCESS !!!
The annual Chairman’s Gala sponsored by the Lumberton Area Chamber of Commerce was held on February 1st at Adelio’s Restaurant. Adelio’s was transformed into an elegant dining/dancing/networking venue. The stunning flowers used for decorating were sponsored by Flowers By Billy and The Secret Garden. Scotty Thompson worked his magic designing all the arrangements for the tables as well as the buffet room. This picturesque event was a huge success due to the support of numerous businesses with corporate tables. Over 180 individuals were in attendance for this evening of celebration recognizing Chamber members and volunteers who have impacted our community over the last year.
This year’s gavel was passed from Past-Chairperson, Debbie Branyon, Branch Manager/Vice President for First Bank in Lumberton to the new Chairperson, Crystal Collins, Business Development Officer/Vice-President of First Bank in Lumberton. Chair Collins stated “the event was awesome with numerous Chamber supporters in attendance and I am looking forward to an exceptional year!”
Cindy Kern, Executive Director of the Chamber stated, “The Gala was an inspiring success and a fantastic way to start the New Year.” Highlights of the evening included the recognition of retiring Board Members, newly elected Board members, Committee Chairs and our many dedicated volunteers. The Gala also provided time to meet and network with other Chamber members.
Retiring Chamber Board members are Jennifer Stephenson, Denise Prutzman, Linda Branch, Rose Avant, Latricia Freman, Libby Davis and Adrian Lowery. The retiring committee chairs are Beth Hunt and Merle Summers.
Newly elected Chamber Board members are Suzanne Abbott-Abbott Insurance Services, LLC; Bryan Bitt- Retired; Amy Campbell-Campbelton Grove Luxury Events and Campbell’s Used Cars; Stephen McIntyre-McIntyre Law Office, PLLC; Sandra Oliver-Retired; Chelsea Biggs-Biggs Park Mall; Jay Britt-Robeson County Farm Bureau; Josh Jackson-Edward Jones Investments; Tim Little-Robeson County Partnership For Children and Brandon Ventura-Sign City Prints, Inc.
Committee Chairs for 2025 are: Membership/Ambassadors-Amy Shooter, Special Events-Scotty Thompson, Golf Chairman-Suzanne Abbott, Education-Sandra Oliver, Travel/Tourism-Angela Sumner, Community Development-Sarah Beth Ward, Legislative-Bo Biggs, Chaplain-Jay Britt, Image Committee-Suzanne Abbott and Agriculture-Miles Mercer.
Following these introductions, Suzanne Abbott of Abbott Insurance Services, LLC was presented with the 2024 Fundraiser of the Year Award. Suzanne is Finance Chair for the Lumberton Christmas Parade and The Chamber Golf Classic. Her work ethic is exceptional and she is dedicated to making each of these events successful. Suzanne is also Chair of the Image committee which works tirelessly to promote “All Things Good” in Lumberton and Robeson County. Please be sure to “LIKE” the Chamber’s Facebook page Trending In Robeson and share with your contacts.
Denise Prutzman, owner of Denise’s Culinary Creations, LLC was recognized for her dedication to the Board of Directors. Denise has attended almost all of our of Chamber Ribbon cuttings in support of Chamber businesses.
This evening of celebration concluded with guests continuing to enjoy delicious food and entertainment by the well-known band of Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot. The dance floor was rocking with dancers until the band stopped playing.
Because of the support of our Chamber Members and volunteers, I am so proud to say WE ARE A VIBRANT CHAMBER! The best is yet to come.