Atribute to Italy
By WALLY GALLIAN

DR. BOBBY SASSER IS NAMED 'PERSON OF THE YEAR' (All Photos by Jacquie Brasher)

Atribute to Italy was the theme for this year's Chamber of Commerce banquet held Thursday, Feb. 1 at the Swainsboro Country Club. The dining room was well decorated with lampposts, a running fountain and full wall backdrop depicting a quaint Italian street. Prior to the seating for the meal Alyssa Jae King, a violinist from Georgia Southern filled the hall with Italian songs. King has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and numerous other musical venues.

Executive Director Bill Rogers Jr., who has been president of the Chamber since September, updated the membership on accomplishments made since he took office. Rogers talked about the Chamber's role in promoting tourism and helping growth of the local economy. Georgia Power executive Kenny Griffin gave the invocation before the meal.

Following the delicious Italian-themed dinner, the annual awards were presented. Asa Garrett, owner of Custom Furniture won the award for small business of the year. Garrett, owner of the furniture and floor covering business accepted the award following a detailed introduction and business profile by Chamber President Ken Warnock. The winner of large business of the year was announced by Dr. Madison Dixon. The surprising winner was East Georgia College. EGC President Dr. John Black accepted the award on behalf of the college and recognized all EGC personnel as well as all educators in attendance.

DR. JOHN BLACK OF EAST GEORGIA COLLEGE RECEIVES AWARD FOR 'LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR'

The most prestigious award of the annual banquet is Person of the Year. Making the introduction was Rob Sasser, son of retired dentist and this year's winner Dr. Bobby Sasser. The younger Sasser spoke of his father's longtime commitment to civic endeavors in Emanuel County. An emotional Dr. Sasser graciously accepted the award and thanked everyone in the county who had helped him during his career in Swainsboro. Sasser spoke mostly of his family and told the crowd how his father had told him to give back to the community that was supporting him and his family.

President Warnock spoke to the membership about recent accomplishments including exceeding the membership goal. Warnock said the goal was 275 members and the chamber had 294 as of that day. Warnock stated that Swainsboro should eventually have 500 members. He also discussed other goals set last year that are now complete. They included hiring a well suited permanent Executive Director, completing renovations and moving into the new Chamber building, hosting industry dinners and holding 24 ribbon cuttings among other accomplishments

ASA GARRETT OF CUSTOM FURNITURE ACCEPTS THE AWARD FOR 'SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR'

Warnock also introduced new goals for the upcoming year. One major objective of the Chamber is to introduce a new state of the art information filled website open to anyone seeking information about Emanuel County. He said the website should be fully operational by April. Warnock also discussed the progression of the Huber Company moving to Emanuel County. He stated that Huber had purchased the property for the facility. The Chamber held numerous open meetings regarding opportunities for local businesses as a result of Huber coming to Emanuel County. Warnock also reported to the members that the Chamber was holding coffee and donut meetings with small groups on a weekly basis. The meetings are an open discussion of the Chamber's role in the community.

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