Chamber of Commerce

CHAIRMAN Accents From the chairman I think back on the time my family and I moved here over 11 years ago and it’s easy to reflect on all of the positive changes that have happened in this community over that period of time. During this period our community decided to coordinate a fragmented economic development effort by combining the local Chamber of Commerce with the Economic Development and Downtown Development organizations. The coordinated effort between those agencies and the partnership with city and county government has had many successes and has led to a vibrant local economy despite the current difficult times. Consider these examples: n Recently the community has landed one of the country’s largest plastic recycling plants. Also many forward-thinking business leaders, who pride themselves in leading the local business community by preserving our environment, have gone “green” in their local establishments. n Our coordinated efforts have grown our downtown. Visit our city center and see for yourself the 300 Hay building and the many local restaurants and entertainment establishments that this project has inspired. 2010-2011 Board of Directors Charlie Allen Breeden Blackwell Steve Blanchard Chris Bostock George Breece Tony Chavonne Tom Costello Dan Dederick Emily Dickens Darrell Handelsman Dale Iman TJ Jenkins Larry Keene Billy King Steve Mannell James Martin John Meroski Nick Perkins Doug Peters Mark Rice Tim Richardson Jeff Schumacher Floyd Shorter Col. Steve Sicinski Jimmy Townsend Terri Union Vinnie Venturella Greg West Karen Wrigley Natalie Young n Young professionals are locating to our community and thriving. A little over a year ago some young business men and women active in the Chamber had a vision of a young professionals group that would provide a way for their peers to network, learn from one another, and give back to the community. Today Fayetteville Young Professionals (FYP) is up and going and is almost 500 members strong. Look through this magazine and you will see details on these successes and learn other things that make Fayetteville- Cumberland County THE place to be in the Southeast. If you’re reading this and thinking of moving to the region we hope you decide to locate in Cumberland County – I know you will grow and prosper as my family has. If you just moved here or have lived here for awhile and are looking for something new to do I hope you will read through these pages – pick something – and check it out. I will be doing the same and will see you around town. Chris Bostock, Chairman Fayetteville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce 12 | Accents • 2010 - 2011

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