Bonner planning banner year

New chamber president outlines programs for action

By Bob Belcher

Aric Bonner’s voice was confident and optimistic Thursday as he spoke of his plans for the year as new president of the Corsicana/Navarro County Chamber of Commerce.

Bonner gathered chamber board members for a workshop to form committees and outline the goals and objectives he wants the chamber to strive for in 2009, including a new event designed to reach across cultural lines in the community.

“The objective for me is to make sure the chamber is encompassing the entire community,” Bonner said. “I don’t think we’ve done a very successful job in the past of including all segments of the community.”

His goal of reaching out to all is consistent with the theme Bonner has set for the year — Breaking New Ground.

Bonner plans to hold events in the city’s eastside and southside this year to encourage participation among all segments of Corsicana. His hope is to make everyone feel they are a part of the chamber, and “become a part of the process of improving the community.”

Bonner’s vision for the chamber and the community goes beyond his presidency this year — he’d like to get the ball rolling to establish a convention center for Navarro County.

“I started working on (it) last year ... at least having some groundwork laid and some plans drawn,” Bonner said.

Bonner has also set the stage for long-range planning for the chamber board itself. A new committee formed Thursday was challenged with developing a “five-year plan” for the organization, something that has been a needed tool for chamber leadership to grow the organization, he said.

The chamber’s first big event for 2009 takes place Feb. 12 with the 91st annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony being held at the Corsicana High School Commons. The event’s theme — Denim and Diamonds — encourages “elegant western wear” and will feature entertainment by Doc and Mike Blakely, known as “The Swing Riders,” with music, humor and an inspirational message.

For ticket and reservation information, contact the Corsicana/Navarro County Chamber of Commerce at (903) 874-4731.

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On the net: www.corsicana.org

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Bob Belcher may be reached via e-mail at belcher@corsicanadailysun.com

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