Chamber discusses its year, honors residents during annual banquet

While 2020 was not a fun year, Jacksboro Chamber of Commerce officials “faced their challenges and held their own.”

The thoughts of Executive Director Valerie Monk before a full house at the annual banquet Saturday night at Jacksboro High School spoke volumes but Monk said she and the board are ready to face whatever 2021 throws at them.

Emcee Mike Smith, himself a longtime Chamber Director who will be leaving the board, thanked Board President Charlotte Haston and Monk for their work this year. Smith, along with Hanna Reynolds and Joe Mitchell, will be leaving the board this year.

In an off year, there was still plenty of humor during the 2 1/2 hour affair. Smith presented Police Chief Scott Haynes with a commemorative snow shovel for his and the department’s work in keeping businesses available and clear to customers during last week’s snow and ice event.

The board awarded a trio of $500 scholarships to Taylor Gunter, Araceli Ochoa and Zach Sharp.

In her final remarks as president, Haston said she thought the year would never end but considered it an honor and privilege to serve as board president.

The challenges that were brought before the board were met in a new way, Hasten said.

Incoming President Mason Spiller said the board knows the challenges of the past year and the past board came together and pulled together in a difficult time.

He wants businesses to know they are truly essential and said the board is tasked with helping businesses become better and he ensures that this board will.

A number of awards were handed out. They will be discussed and honored in next week’s Herald-Gazette.