Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Successful year expounded by Chamber at banquet

Laurie Pilgreen, Gurdon Chamber of Commerce President for 2003, opened Tuesday night's Chamber of Commerce banquet by thanking the citizens of Gurdon and the businesses for working together to make the Chamber what it is.

"I have really enjoyed working with everyone. It hasn't always been easy getting everything planned and together, but with the help of everyone, it just makes things easier," said Pilgreen.

She then recapped the year for those present.

"This was our second year to have the Chamber Auction. It is for such a good cause, not just us, but an auditorium for the school and community to enjoy. The first year we were so excited to have raised $7,500, but you can only imagine what we were like this year when the auction was over and we raised $8,500. Half of that amount is the Chamber's to use for the parade and other special events in the community, and the other half goes in the auditorium fund. We hope to increase our amount each year, and with the help of this community, I think we will.

"We also, held our annual Christmas in Gurdon parade again this year. I think it was a huge success. Al Brown served as our Grand Marshal. His daughter Dinah decorated his vehicle beautifully.

"We started a new tradition this year with our Special Edition Christmas ornaments. This was a last minute idea by Autumn (Pennington). It has turned out well for us. We plan on using the Old Gurdon High School for next year's ornament.

"We are still selling some of them at First State Bank in Gurdon," said Pilgreen.

Gurdon Primary School Principal Rita Roe was then called to the podium to present this year's Teacher of the Year award.

This year's recipient has taught for more than 20 years for the Gurdon School District.

"I could say so many nice things about this year's teacher. She is a joy to work with, liked by all and enjoys what she does. I am glad to present this award to Pam Runyan," said Roe.

Pilgreen then presented the Citizen of the Year award to Jimmy Caldwell with the Gurdon Street Department.

"I don't know what we, the Chamber, would do without Jimmy and his crew. They are always willing to give us a helping hand when we need it. Especially during Christmas in Gurdon. They block off streets for us, they clean everything, they decorate the city beautifully and I just think he deserves this award for keeping Gurdon looking so nice," said Pilgreen.

Last year's recipient of the Chamber Member of the Year was Pilgreen's sister Connie Wells with USBank in Gurdon.

Wells gave a small speech and then awarded Pilgreen with this year's award for all the hard work she and her husband Bobby have put into the Chamber's events in the past year.

This year's special guest was Head Coach Jesse Branch from Henderson State University. Branch was recently inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. He has worked with the likes of Ken Hatfield, Frank Broyles, Lou Holtz and many others.

"First of all I would like to congratulate all of the winners of tonight's awards.

"I have spoke in Gurdon before. I was the guest speaker for the Rotary Banquet one year. Anita called me the other day and asked if I would interested and I couldn't turn it down.

"I love to speak to people about setting goals and having an agenda.

"I myself set lots of goals. If I do something I do it the best of my ability.

"It is sad, but only 5 percent of the people in America set goals and only half of that percentage write them down. If people set more goals and wrote them down they would be better off.

"You should set them in your profession, family and anything you do. You feel so much better when you accomplish something.

"If you have to start with one room in your house and clean it up. I started with my garage and the feeling I had when I was done was wonderful. It's not like trying to beat Ouachita or anything, but it's a good feeling.

"I think many people are afraid of failure so they don't want set goals."

Branch went on to say he set physical, spiritual, and financial goals. He said it isn't the setting of the goals that is important it is the day to day fight to accomplish them.

"I have stood on the shoulders of many giants and have been blessed. I feel it is because of the goals I set. I have a job that makes me come alive. I challenge you to do the same," said Branch in closing.