Randy Garrison

Hartselle Enquirer

Susan Hines spent her last afternoon as president of the Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce at a reception honoring her service with the chamber. Hines has served as president of the chamber since February of 2002. She also served on the board of directors prior to becoming president of the chamber.

The chamber held the farewell and good luck event Fri., Jan 29, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.  Local business folks, chamber members, and government officials representin city, county, and state came by the chamber to wish Hines good luck and to thank her for her service to the chamber and to the City of Hartselle. Also joining in the celebration were members of Hines’ family, many friends, chamber board members past and present and chamber Ambassadors. Finger foods and desserts were served at the event with punch and cider also available. Members of the chamber Ambassadors handled the set-up and planning of the receptions and served as hostesses for the event as well. Kathy Summerford of It’s Your Day provided the centerpiece for the food table.

Senator Arthur Orr presented Hines with an Alabama Senate Resolution honoring her service to the chamber. The Hartselle Area Chamber also presented Hines with a framed resolution honoring the service and leadership she

has provided to the chamber for the last 14 years. Mentioned in the resolution from the chamber were the growth of Depot Days, addition of Cotton Pickin’ BBQ Cook-off, Spring Fling, Networking at Noon and other programs that Hines has worked to develop, and or grow during her tenure. Rob Payne, current chamber board chairman read the resolution.

The Hartselle Chamber also presented Hines an engraved silver platter. The text on the platter read as follows:

Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce Recognizes Susan Shelton Hines Fourteen Years of Distinguished Service

Those attending the event were also invited to sign a mat with a message to Hines wishing her well. The mat will be framed and given to Hines.

After the presentation of the resolutions and the platter, Hines, through tear-filled eyes thanked all for attending the event and mentioned how she was not leaving Hartselle and would still be involved in Hartselle as well as the chamber, just not as president. She also mentioned all of the friends she has made during her time with the chamber.

Danielle Gibson was hired by the board of directors to take over the presidency and began work at the chamber Jan. 19.