By David Meade
During their meeting Tuesday, Greater Williamston Business Association (GWBA) members elected new officers for the upcoming year.
Elected to serve in 2015 are: President-Robin Tucker; 1st Vice President-Mike Simpson; 2nd Vice President- Tammy Pitt; 3rd Vice President-Lee Cole; Treasurer- Nancy Sisk; Secretary-Paula Payton.
Board Members at Large include Tony Wright, Caroline Alex, Jim Simpson and Bobby Winburn. Wright and Simpson will serve one year terms while Alex and Winburn will serve two year terms.
Ex officio will be outgoing president Chris Trotter.
Trotter thanked the members for their support during his term as president. “It takes a vision and everyone supporting the vision,” he said.
During the meeting members discussed the recent golf tournament held at Saluda Valley Country Club. The tournament had 20 teams registered and the most sponsors they have had. Organizers said participants were very pleased with the hospitality of the local event.
Under Trotter’s two year leadership, the organization has increaseed triple membership and increased sponsored events.
The GWBA is ending the year with approximately 90 members.
Over the last year, the GWBA held the annual Easter egg hunt, participated in Main St. Williamston program, helped with funding for branding with Main St. Williamston, held three Party in the Park events, helped with funding for upgrades in Mineral Spring Park, participated in Boo in the Park, purchased insurance for officers/events, purchased shirts for event volunteers and sponsored two business training luncheons.
They are also planning a Christmas Dinner Party which will be held at Sullivan’s Metropolitan Grill in Anderson on Dec. 7. Entertainment will include a ventriloquist and a DJ.
Members approved a constitutional change regarding the structure of the executive committee and terms of officers and at-large executive committee members.
The wording states that the Executive Committee shall consist of the President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Third Vice President, four at-large Executive Committee members, Secretary, Treasurer and ex-officio members.
Also, the Secretary and Treasurer shall each serve a one year term, and shall be re-nominated for successive terms each year unless they are unwilling or unable to serve.
In 2015, two at-large Executive Committee members shall be elected for two year terms, and two shall be elected for one year terms. After the initial terms of each at-large Executive Committee member, each at-large member shall be elected for a two year term, and members may be elected for successive terms.
The Third Vice President shall be elected for a one year term. At the conclusion of the Third Vice President’s term, he shall be nominated for Second Vice President.
The Second Vice President shall be elected for a one year term. At the conclusion of the Second Vice President’s term, he shall be nominated for First Vice President.
The First Vice President shall be elected for a one year term. At the conclusion of the First Vice President’s term, he shall be nominated for President.
Williamston Mayor Mack Durham said that new events and organizations are contributing to a more vibrant downtown and community.
He also talked about the project H.O.P.E. which he said is helping unemployed and underemployed people in the coummunity.
Helping Others Pursue Excellence (H.O.P.E.). is a new local partnership initiative which organizer Cindy Robertson said will reach out to community needs and provide a pathway to excellence.
According to Robertson, the purpose of the faith partnership initiative expo was to help the community understand what skills are required by local employers, training opportunities available to upgrade their skills so they are qualified for area jobs, and the resources that are available to help pay for that training.
H.O.P.E hosted a successful job fair last Thursday in Williamston.
Sixty-two people participated in the job fair with 35 candidates being referred for job interviews, Robertson said.
The project is co-sponsored by Anderson Interfaith Ministires, Tri County Tech, Anderson County Sheriff’s Office and The Town of Williamston.
