CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce bid farewell to outgoing president Leah Bolin at its annual Chamber Membership Appreciation Cookout on Wednesday. The cookout was held in the breezeway outside the Chamber of Commerce with a free lunch provided by Stone Bridge Farms.
“Today is Chamber Appreciation Day for what you do for our community, for being a part of the Chamber so we can have that one voice for business so everyone can receive a blessing from that,” said Bolin. “I know I have received a blessing from each of you and I am so grateful for the time that we’ve been able to be together and develop relationships.”
Guests enjoyed live music from Derek Sellers while enjoying grilled hamburgers and hotdogs from Stone Bridge.
This year’s cookout was also a goodbye party for Bolin, who recently announced her resignation after serving as the Chamber’s president for the past seven years.
Many gave emotional speeches, including Chamber Chair Dr. T.J. Franey, who shared, “Cullman County is a better place to live, work and play because of the outstanding work of Leah Bolin and all that she’s done for the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Center. Her leadership, passion and enthusiasm over the past seven years has transformed our Chamber and our community.”
Pasts Chamber Chair Melissa Cartee added, “She exemplifies the commandment, ‘Love thy neighbor as thyself.’ Everybody she talks to or comes into contact with feels like they know her and that she has been a dear friend to her forever. She has brought this Chamber to where it is, number four in the nation, by sheer dedication, commitment and drive. She loves this Chamber; she loves our community and she has worked relentlessly to get it to the success that it is today. It is the most successful this Chamber has ever been in the history of the Chamber.”
The Chamber staff presented Bolin with a touching gift signed by the guests of the cookout. Magan Bartlett explained the significance and thought behind the gift. As guest arrived, they were asked to sign a painting of trees. Guest signed their names to the many branches prominent in the painting. At the bottom was a favorite quote of Bolin’s: “Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.”
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