Buffalo Chamber celebrates 30 years
The Buffalo Chamber of Commerce celebrated thirty years by honoring its founders. Receptients of crystal buffalos were: (L-R) Patsy Interman Day, Judge Linda Grant, Judge Byron Ryder (representing his father, Bill Ryder) and Jeannie Davis (representing her father, Gene Lee). Van'Go'photo The Buffalo Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual awards banquet on Thursday, January 15 at the Buffalo Civic Center. This year's banquet also marked the 30th anniversary of the Chamber and therefore included special recognition of four individuals who were instrumental in initiating the Chamber back in 1979. Special guests Patsy Inderman Day, now of Lubbock, and Linda Grant, now a Freestone County judge. travelled to Buffalo for the occasion. Founders W.H. (Bill) Ryder and B.E. (Gene) Lee were also honored, and members of their respective families were present. Judge Byron Ryder accepted a plaque on behalf of his father, and Jeannie Davis received a plaque in her father's honor.
A highlight of the annual banquet is always the announcement of the year's honorees. This year the title of "Business of the Year" went to Larry Lynch Construction. Larry and Ruby Lynch accepted the plaque, presented by Donna Melasky. Jerry Ansley was named "Citizen of the Year", and Reitha Hullum expounded on the many ways Jerry gives of his time and talents to this community. Finally, the Leon County 4-H Horse Club was selected as "Civic Organization of the Year", and a good group of their members were present to accept that award along with leaders Sandy and Randy Hennesey. Joyce McGhee made that presentation. Glenn and Laura St. John's bookstore, The Horse's Mouth, was recognized as the "Best Dressed Business" during the 2008 holiday season.
"Citizen of the Year" Jerry Ansley accepts his plaque from Chamber VP Reitha Hullulm. Van'Go'photo The banquet also included the introduction of the Chamber's 2009 officers and directors. Officers are: Leah Pruitt (President), Reitha Hullum (Vice President), Donna Melasky (Secretary/ Treasurer). Directors include Martin Housler, Bob Winn, Royce Dawkins, Joyce McGhee, DeAnna Ezell and Kevin Raboin, with M. J. Bridges, Shelley Mosley, Sherry Hanley aned Dianne Ryder serving as Alternate Directors. Chamber Secretary JoAnn Cockrell was also recognized for her service to the organization.
"Civic Organization of the Year" honors went to the Leon County 4-H Horse Club. (Back row L-R, Mikayla Cox, Chamber presenter Joyce McGhee, Club President Sara Ewing, Jordon Millar, Haylee Brewer, Sarah Burchfield, Ally Patterson and Bailey Hennesey, and (front row ) Bradley Crowley and Maddey Hennesey. President Leah Pruitt wrapped up the evening with a preview of the Chamber activities planned for this coming year. A delicious dinner was provided by Dennis Mizell and his crew, and door prizes were awarded throughout the evening. Finally, all Chamber members were in a drawing for the buffalothemed table decorations (but you had to be present to win -- don't miss out next year!)
 Larry Lynch Construction was chosen "2008 Business of the Year". Pictured, L-R: Presenter Donna Melasky, Ruby and Larry Lynch.  The Buffalo Chamber of Commerce's 2009 Officers and Directors were introduced at Thursday's nights Awards Banquet. Pictured (L-R): Director Bob Winn, Director Royce Dawkins, Director Martin Housler, Secretary JoAnn Cockrell, Vice President Reitha Hullum, Alt. Director Dianne Ryder, Secy/ Treasurer Donna Melasky, Director Joyce McGhee, President Leah Pruitt, Director DeAnna Ezell, Alt. Director M. J. Bridges, Director Kevin Raboin. Not pictured: Alt. Directors Shelley Mosley and Sherry Hanley. Van'Go'photo |
