The post so good it took two months to write

So our Annual Meeting was the bomb. You know how I know for sure? Because it was two months ago and I’m still impressed by it.  (I already apologized for lazy blogging, so let’s just move on)

Over 900 folks (a record and sell out crowd) came together to celebrate our local economy.  The UCA HPER center provided an awesome setting.  Our in-house design superstar @chamberjamie transformed the gym into a really classy setting.  Our keynote speaker was Johnelle Hunt, co-founder of trucking industry giant JB Hunt.  We’ve never had a better speaker.  She was honest, funny and thoughtful.  We took a look back at some of the exciting things that took place during 2009: Kris Allen, building the HP facility, our biggest business expo ever, launching the Conway2025 process and of course…starting TheChamberLife.com

We also took time to honor some standout businesses and individuals.  Our Good Neighbor Award went to lifetime servant, do-gooder and business owner Mary Acklin.  Our Distinguished Service Award went to First Security President Johnny Adams for a host of reasons.  One big reason was his work as the “architect” of the financing package for HP.  Our Business Executive(s) of the Year were Mike Coats and Mike Kraft for changing permanantly the evening scene in downtown Conway with Mike’s Place and Michelangelo’s. 

The Chamber’s Annual Meeting seriously gets better every year.  It sold out in record time this year.  The speakers have been world class.  Very soon, we will start working on next year’s event.  I would love to hear some suggestions on speakers.  Til then, enjoy this video that shows the transformation and hard work that took place getting ready for the event.