It was the Chamber's 7th Annual Members Mingle with the Chamber announcing the Small Business Award of the year. This year's mingle was one of the first official functions that new Chamber President Evelyn Clay has presided over in the short time she has been at the chamber.

The Mingle was a chance for those who haven't had to opportunity to meet Evelyn and her family and to welcome them to the community. After being introduced by Chamber Board Chair, Dr. Suzy Bonifay, Evelyn recognized her family thanking her husband, Marty, for taking his new position at Bainbridge College creating the move to Bainbridge. The Clarks come to us by way of Florida.

Evelyn expressed her thanks to the Chamber Executive Committee, Board of Directors and also past-president Cile Warr. "An honest, humble thank you to her (Cile). She left this place in such wonderful shape." Evelyn stated. Evelyn said that she looks forward to working with Chamber members, "I want to see your businesses move forward, grow and add new businesses here in our community."

Part of the Membership Mingle is to announce the winner of the Chamber Small Business of the Year. Ryan Philips, Chair of the Chamber Small Business Committee stated that a new system to select the Small Business of the Year was put into place this year.

Left to right:Chamber President, Evelyn Clay with proud Ivey Funeral Home staff; Robert Smith, Bridget Collier, owner Dick Ivey and wife, Diane, Robert Givens and April McNair and Small Business Chair Ryan Phillips.

Businesses that were in the running for the award were: Dairy Queen, Godwin Jewelers, Griffin Sales and Service, Southern Triade Construction, Ivery Funeral Home and Polka Dots. The winner of the 2008 Small Business Award was Ivey Funeral Home.