VIENNA — Dooly County Chamber of Commerce named the local Georgia Power office its business of the year at the annual Chamber meeting this past Thursday night. Office Manager Mike Roper accepted the award.

State Representative and motivational speaker, Brooks Coleman entertained the audience with his sharp wit and funny stories.

During the meeting in the Dooly County High School cafeteria, new Chamber officers for 2010 were recognized as follows: Stephanie Langley, chairman in charge of organizational development; Mike Roper, vice chairman in charge of tourism; Valecia Sales, vice chairman in charge of community development; and Brad Ray, vice chairman in charge of governmental affairs.

Directors are Neil Joiner, Randy Ford, James Ray Irwin, Cathy Speight, Nancy Daniels, Charles Speight, Robert Cooke, Marlene Kimball and Larry Ulery. Representing the various governing entities in the county are Terrell Hudson, county commissioners; Emerson Lundy, City of Vienna; Charles West, City of Unadilla; Arthur Roney, City of Lilly; Walter Blount, City of Pinehurst and Kenneth Lester, Town of Byromville.

Langley introduced the Chamber’s theme for 2010, “Lighting the path to the future.”

“We have chosen an oil lantern to signify this task for the year,” she said. Citing the darkness that has enveloped the country in the form of “financial uncertainty, educational deficits and increasing joblessness,” the chairman said “the future is indeed in need of ‘light.’”

What can the community do to ensure that the paths of its citizens are lit with success, she asked?

“We must remember that the task ahead of us is never as great as the power behind us. We will continue to gain strength through the support of our colleagues and fellow businessmen and women by working as a collaborative.

“We will use each other as resources and continue to fill our lanterns with knowledge, strength, communication and dedication, and in return, we will have the fuel to light the path of success for our community, cities, county and state.”

Prior to dinner, the Dooly County High School JROTC presented the colors and led in the pledge to the flag. Donald Beall sang the National Anthem.

In addition to the business of the year, Langley and Chamber Executive Director Rhonda Lamb-Heath recognized the 2010 STAR students, Dakota Glenn Carmichael from Dooly County High and Dylan Moak from Fullington Academy and their STAR teachers, Deborah Heckwolf from DCHS and Dr. Bob Latimer from Fullington.

Nancy Daniels who works with Flint Humane Society received the Chairman’s Award.