We're expecting a very exciting evening with our Governor here. It's not everyday that we have our Governor as our keynote speaker. We're very pleased and very interested in what he has to say.

Last night was a great night for the Chamber of Commerce and a great night for Atmore. Gov. Riley could not have been any more gracious and complimentary about our community. His message was so well said. He presented it in such an easygoing manner that was easily understood not to mention uplifting and inspiring. He left us with a sense of real hope for our state under his leadership.

When the committee started looking at Ellen's contributions, especially the Adopt-a-Tree program, the committee began to look at her upbringing. They then realized what a great impact her mother, Jane had made on her and the many contributions she had made for the community as well.

This is the first year we started it. Last year, we had four corporate sponsors at $2,500 each, but because the Chamber continues to have a deficit, even though we have made extreme cuts, we still have a gap to fill. So the board of directors decided that rather than going back to companies again this year and possibly next year that if we could get a single commitment then we wouldn't have to keep asking.

You never know, one of those might be the next Division II All-American, had we had taken the time to respond to (him). He could be the player that's going to turn this program around. I look at every single one I get as being a potential all-conference player, and we'd better respond to him. From there, we see what happens.

He went out with a lot of class.