Velvin is chamber's new chairman
By KATHRYN MARTINEZ news1@kilgorenewsherald.com

"The Challenge will always come," Earnie Turney said during invocation at the 77 annual Kilgore Chamber of Commerce Chamber Banquet. "Who will fill the vacuum?"

Last night's event was dedicated in loving memory of Jim Oubre, a transplanted Kilgorite who touched the lives of many, from the day he arrived.

Tourney reminded those in attendance if Oubre's never-ending dedication to Kilgore.

"God bless Jim Oubre," he said.

As Kilgore grows the vacuum Turney mentioned will begin to fill.

Margie Hall was voted ambassador of the year and Diana Ponder was named volunteer of the year. Both women were given cut leadcrystal bowls, as a token of the chamber's gratitude.

Hall attended nearly every chamber event last year. She made it to grand openings, ribbon cuttings and many other special chamber events.

Ponder pitched in on decorating, organizing and promoting for chamber activities.

Bobby Beane was named Kilgore's citizen of the year. Bean said he has enjoyed serving Kilgore.

"It's a wonderful place," He said. "And simply because of the people."

Roland Velvin, 2008 chamber chairman, gave thanks for the leadership opportunity bestowed upon him and he spoke briefly of the difference between management and leadership and said that people need to un- derstand what leadership is all about.

Quoting Norman Schwarzkopf, Velvin said "Leadership is not managing an organization. Organizations are made up of people. Leadership is motivating people. Leadership is about people."

Velvin said, the key to leadership can be found in two Schwartzkopf rules: Rule 13: When placed in command, take charge; and Rule 14: Do what's right.

"I can assure you rule 13 and 14 both will be carried out," velvin said.

Mike Coston, chamber president, took time in the whirlwind of festivity to thank two key players who have only worked for the chamber for a short time: Barbara Garret, chamber secretary; and, Carol Hinton, membership and tourism coordinator.

The night's guest speaker was Rev. Dan Carroll who has been preaching and officiating football for more than thirty years. The two subjects were married in his statements to the crowd.

"We plan. We talk. We Pray. But, we never produce," Carroll said. We have spent too much time in the huddle. It is time to make america great again."