Adrian Chamber names Person of the Year
Celebrating 10 years...
By Michele Burris
In just one decade since its reorganization on April 9, 2001, the Adrian Chamber of Commerce has achieved significant success in helping an already strong community thrive even more. Members of the Chamber gathered on Saturday, March 19 to celebrate the accomplishments of 2010, and of the past 10 years. Fifteen new members joined the Chamber of Commerce this past year, for a total of 99 members to date. A few 2010 Chamber sponsored programs included: Monthly Business Highlights, Welcome packets for new residents, Main Street banners, Farmers Market on Main Street, Sight & Safety Night with the Adrian Lions Club, City Wide Garage Sale and the 1st Annual Christmas Parade.
Each year the Adrian Chamber of Commerce honors a Person of the Year who has made a tremendous impact on the community. In a genuine and sincere introduction of this year’s Person of the Year, Andy Enos described a man of great character who has dedicated his whole life to molding and shaping Adrian’s youth, a man who served his country in Vietnam, a man who is the champion of the Adrian spirit, a man none other than George Bruto. True to his nature, Head Football Coach Bruto accepted the honor filled with emotion and gratitude. Bruto said that everyone wants to be like Adrian because people put their differences aside and make things happen and get things done. The same is true of the Adrian football tradition. Bruto is proud to be on the sidelines with a dedicated group of assistant coaches and a stadium full of fans who love their Blackhawks.
Lori Haskins passed the torch to the 2011 Adrian Chamber of Commerce President Kip Yoss. Kip spoke about his hopes for the Chamber and for local businesses in the coming year, beginning with the first ever Business Expo on April 16, 2011 at the Adrian Optimist Building. Inside booths are sold out, but outside booths are still available.
Right: Chamber member Andy Enos presents George Bruto, AHS Head Football Coach, with the prestigious Person of the Year award.
Middle: 2011 Adrian Chamber of Commerce President Kip Yoss speaks to the crowd.
Far right: Kevin Huckaby from SCORE talked about Internet Marketing.