April showers will bring May flowers but the showers that occurred during the annual banquet did not dampen the spirits or party atmosphere of the participants.  The event was entertained by the musical ukulele youth group called the “Door Slammers” and they were a hit.  A record number of businesses sponsored tables who were; A-1 Pest Control, Allen Law Office, Average Joe’s Gym & Fit 4 Life, Capital City Bank, Central Florida Electric Cooperative & Fiber by Central Florida, City of Fanning Springs, Edward Jones, Florida Fitness, Fun 4 Kids, Gilchrist County Farm Bureau, Layfette State Bank, Seacoast National Bank, Sansei Shuri International, and the Watson-Milton Funeral Home.  We Thank you for your sponsorship! 

There were also many tables filled by individuals that made the evening a hit. A special Thank you goes out to Stoney Smith who roasted the pig, and to the Gathering Table personnel who catered and served the meal. In addition, there were businesses and individuals who supplied gifts during the drawing who were: Tri-County Metals, Average Joe’s Gym, Lafayette State Bank, Seacoast National Bank, Forever Flowers & Gifts, Capital City Bank, A-1 Pest Control Inc., Jones & Son Fire Extinguisher Service Inc., Watson-Milton Funeral Home, Central Florida Electric Cooperative Inc., Gilchrist County Farm Bureau, David Lang Jr. Attorney, and the Honorable Sheree H. Lancaster.  Your donations made the evening a hit with many.

Then the annual election of board members took place, and they are: Denise Hudson, Michael McElroy, Michele Taylor, Tommy Langford, & Natasha Allen.  Marc Micale was appointed to fill a one-year vacant position and Madison Redd was recognized for her years of service to the chamber as an outgoing board member. 

The evening capped off with the presentation of the yearly awards which came from input from the community, and they were: Business of the Year – Sansei Shuri International, Citizen of the Year – Mrs. Dawn Marsh, Civic Organization of the Year – Tri-County Nursing Home, J. Min Ayer’s Lifetime Achievement Award – Charlotte Kearney. Congratulations to all the Award Winners!

During the April 11 regular meeting the election of new officers took place, and they are: Chamber President Charlotte Pedersen, Vice President Michael McElroy, Treasurer Karen Jones, and Secretary Bill Levy.  The new board went right to business by creating the yearly committee assignments. Which are: Annual Banquet – date to be set, Maxine Parrish Garden & Homestead Sale – date to be set, Christmas Parade of Homes “Holiday House Hop” – date to be set, and the Downhome Christmas – Scheduled for December 8, 2023, from 6 pm to 8:30 pm.  Several members have signed up to help on a committee. However, the board is still looking for additional assistance. A special “Thank you” goes out to Layfette State Bank for providing a delicious lunch during the meeting. 

On April 12 the chamber participated in the Grand Opening of Tri-County Internal Medicine & Family Practice.  Welcome to the community and we wish you the very best. 

 

Please help welcome our newest members: Point of View Antique and Gifts, The Dairyman’s Daughter, Deen Lancaster Realty Inc, Soul Sisters Digital Design, Off The Beet, and ABT Trusses. I would also like to give a special “Thank you” for those members who have renewed their annual membership. Please continue to support and shop locally! By working together, we build a stronger community.

 

Here are some future events.

  • Chamber meeting – May 9th, 2023, 12 noon, Trenton Community Center, 214 SE 3rd Avenue
  • Lunch will be provided by Seacoast Bank
  • Downhome Christmas – Friday, December 8, 2023, from 6 pm to 8:30 pm, Trenton Train depot. 

 

May 2023, find you healthy and happy as we work together to build a stronger community.

And as always, if you are new to the area, visiting or just want to know what the area has to offer – checkout our web page at: www.gilchristchamber.com or our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/GilchristChamber