The Chamber held its 22nd Annual Meeting on June 5th, 2008. Michael Lee (Citizens Bank of Effingham) offered the following remarks as the organization's new President for 2008-2009:

The Chamber is celebrating another great year with record membership growth to more than 500 strong!

The successes that we celebrate are the result of the dedicated work of many who have served the Chamber over the years. We are fortunate to have a qualified staff in Ken Stoner and Linda McDaniel who work very hard to execute the Chamber's programs each year. We are thankful for the unique relationship we share with the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority, the IDA Board, John Henry (CEO) and his staff. Their support allows us to join in the quest for economic growth and progress in ways that we otherwise could not. Thank you to each member of the Chamber Board for volunteering to work toward a better Effingham County. Most importantly, thanks to each of you, our members, for making the Chamber a vital part of our community.

This year we will organize the Chamber into four divisions: Business & Industry, Community Development, Governmental Affairs, and Membership / Communications.

It is our purpose to serve the business and industrial community in an effort to enahnce their presence in Effingham County. We desire to preserve the image of Effingham County as a preferred destination by encouraging continual improvements to the aesthetics of our county. This year we will continue to move forward with the Chamber's legislative priorities. I hope each of you will join us in the life of the Chamber this year.

I am honored to serve as President of the Chamber's Board of Directors in 2008-2009 and I look forward to another successful year for the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce.

Sincerely,

Michael T. Lee