Mom-daughter duo spread Chamber message

Toni Ferguson, center, and Theresa visit with Linda Haskins at Curves. Kilgore Chamber of Commerce, in addition to 19 other busy ambassadors, has one dynamic due. Toni and Theresa Ferguson are the only motherdaughter team involved in ambassador work.

Toni and Theresa love volunteering for the chamber," Mike Coston," chamber president said. "The thing is with those two is that we have two generations that spent time in Kilgore and what one doesn't know the other does."

Coston said the two try their best to make each and every visit with member businesses and potential member business pleasant and productive.

"Those two have a great relationship with each other and with each and every business they call upon," Coston said. "The relationships they build bridge any generation gap and make each visit a homecoming."

Toni works full time for Aramark of Kilgore College as a baker; and Theresa is an banking specialist at Citizens Bank.

In addition to their chamber work they have also supported troops fighting in the Middle East, by collecting items and making care packages.

"Our first packages hit the ground today," Toni said on Wednesday. "It is an amazing feeling to know we have helped to make a troops day a little better."

Not only the troops get a boost from the mother-daughter duo; so do chamber members.

"It is such a joy to visit with these two," Linda Haskins, of Curves, said. "They come in here to see us and let us know about chamber events and we get to catch up on old times too."

Among events promoted by chamber ambassadors, are Business After Hours, ribbon cuttings, grand openings, and the up-coming Mt. Kilgore Snow Hill.

"Our members like to stay personally informed of chamber events and happenings," Theresa said. "We take pride in every visit that we make."

Toni said she looks forward to making visits, especially the ones she makes with her daughter.

"It is a wonderful opportunity for us to share a part of ourselves with our members," Toni said. "I enjoy these visits; they are more personal."

So far in 2008 Toni has been named ambassador of the quarter and Theresa has been named ambassador of the month three times.

Last month Theresa logged 10 hours on her own and Toni chalked up 50 for the quarter.