By Charles Romans
Carter County Times
The Grayson Chamber of Commerce started off its regularly scheduled meeting for the month of May by stating that membership is officially up to 215 members. Mike Nelson also welcomed the newest members to the chamber, 606 Bar and Grill and Casey’s Lanes, 410 Functional Health and Moore Wellness, and Arrick’s Propane.
Treasurer Betsy Fannin reported that it had been a busy time for the chamber, especially with Memory Days right around the corner.
“We have had so much great cooperation from our businesses,” Fannin told the chamber. “We have collected, between vendor fees and sponsor fees, about $40,000, which is a record.”
Fannin reported that the income for the past month (April) was $10,638.60, with expenses calculated at $4,941.68 and a net operating income of $5,696.92. For the year, including Memory Days, profit was at $41,777.27, though that did not include expenses for Memory Days, Fannin told the chamber.
“But we are in great shape,” she said. “The money in the bank including our checking and investment accounts is $127,082.67.”
Fannin concluded her report by thanking everyone involved and saying that Memory Days was something exciting to look forward to this year.
Memory Days Chair Michelle Boggs addressed the chamber and said the first thing she wanted to do was thank the chamber for sponsoring Memory Days.
“Without you all, this could not happen,” Boggs said. “And I hope that when this weekend is over you are really excited and proud of the way we spent your money.”
“We have really focused on kids this year,” Boggs continued. “These are some new things we are doing. We have an art contest that will be displayed, and there are about 40 registered for the Gala as of this morning.”
Boggs said that everything planned for Memory Days is on the Memory Days Facebook page, and she encourages people to look through the events and see what they might want to be involved in; whether it be donating for the door prize giveaways or whatever else they might wish to support.
“There are signups for the beauty pageant, the dog jog, the 5K run, and a lot of other things,” Boggs said.
Business Cultivation Foundation (BCF) project administrator Amber Samons also spoke to the chamber, making them aware of the things BCF has planned in conjunction with Memory Days. BCF is located in the cabin in Grayson and has recently set up a volunteer garden.
“I have a green thumb.” Samons said. “So, we decided it would be a good idea to start a volunteer garden here. And what better place than next to the cabin?”
“We got permission and set up six raised garden beds. Our Grand Opening is on May 24, right after the parade,” Samons told the chamber. “And we will be dressed up,” she said, in line with Memory Days encouraging people to show up dressed in period outfits from their favorite era.
“We will have flowers and a nice planter for the kids,” Samons said. “And of course there will be bluegrass music on the cabin porch.”
Samons said that since BCF decided to go with the pioneer theme there will also be a little skit performed at the cabin.
“I’m not an actress,” Samons said. “But it’s going to be a lot of fun. And there is a schedule for upcoming events at the garden that you can check out on our website.”
Upcoming events, Samons said, include ‘Gossip in the Garden’ and ‘Tea in the Garden,’ as well as other events.
Contact the writer at charles@cartercountytimes.com
