Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce officials areexcited about this year’s annual meeting, saying it will be acelebration of the year’s victories and a hopeful outlook on theyear to come.

Chamber Executive Vice President Cliff Brumfield said a crowdupwards of 250 people is expected this year at the annual event,which takes place Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Thames Center atCopiah-Lincoln Community College.

“It will be fun,” he said. “We’re expecting a high energy,positive agenda that moves fast, and we’ll be highlighting thechamber’s events of the past year.”

Another reason to celebrate, Brumfield said, is the 75thanniversary of the Chamber of Commerce. There will be specialpresentations and awards to go along with that.

Among the awards given are some yearly favorites, such asIndustry of the Year, Educator of the Year, Agribusiness of theYear, Ambassador of the Year and the Contact Club Award.

“We’ll celebrate our successes by looking forward to the tasksat hand, as well as ringing in our new leadership for 2008,”Brumfield said.

And Brumfield said he feels the new leadership will have somegood momentum to build upon.

“This is my third annual meeting since being the director, andI’ve been pleased from day one about how things are going,” hesaid.

He said another exciting point is that after 75 years, thechamber now has 600 members.

“And in a town of this size, that’s outstanding,” he said.

Incoming Chamber President Rob McCreary said he is lookingforward to his chance to serve the community.

“I’m looking forward to continuing our growth as a chamber,” hesaid. “There are a lot of things we’re proud of and that we canbuild on.”

He said members of the chamber are always willing to improve anddevelop the community. For that reason, he is excited about beingable to graduate to more leadership.

“So many things this chamber does are not in the public eyes,and it comes when those in the community step in and help,” hesaid. “Sometimes their dedication is revealed through their work,and it’s not even always recognized.”

Both McCreary and Brumfield said the chamber is grateful toCopiah Lincoln Community College for the outstanding job they dohosting and catering the Chamber Annual Meeting every year.

“It’s always a great meal – Co-Lin does a great job with theirhospitality, and their facilities are excellent,” Brumfield said.”They always have a delicious meal along with great service anddecorations.”

Tickets to the event are available for $30 from the Chamber ofCommerce.