By the time my regular readers, all seventeen of them, read this column my time will be up.

Our 84th Annual Chamber Banquet and Meeting will be on Friday evening, January 27th, the last Friday evening in January, at the National Guard Armory on Hwy 90 west of Marianna.

Senator Bill Montford hosted a reception on the street in front of his new Madison Street offices in downtown Marianna on Tuesday evening. A large crowd of hungry well wisher gathered to enjoy the food and the companionship as everyone welcomed our legislator.

Ribbon cutting at new RFP location: Owner Ann Jones and Realtor Ora Mock held a Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting on Friday, Dec. 9, for the real estate office's new location at the corner of U.S. 90 and Jefferson Street, directly across from the courthouse. Jones, a broker/REALTOR, moved the location from 4425 Market Street. RFP can be reached at 850-482-0045.

This month's First Friday Power Breakfast was delayed until the Third Friday of the month in order for the occasion to feature the Lt. Governor of Florida, Jennifer Carroll. Free breakfast and an address by a State Leader, sounds like a worthwhile event for us all.

The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce conducted a ribbon cutting for the grand opening of Florida Commerce Credit Union at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 28, 2011. Following the ribbon cutting participants enjoyed live music, boiled peanuts, free hats, a great BBQ dinner, pumpkin painting for the kids, and visiting with friends under the big tents. The event concluded with 2 lucky winners, Ann Jones and Charles Mock, participating in a two-minute shopping spree at Winn Dixie! They both had a cart full! For more information on Florida Commerce Credit Union stop by their office at 4472 Lafayette Street in Marianna (next to Winn Dixie) or call Chuck Hudson or Rhonda Smith at 850-718-008.

The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce conducted a "Grand Opening" and Ribbon cutting ceremony for Williams Paint & Body Shop, 4909 Hwy 90 East (next to Hopkins Motors), at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 21, 2011. Their sponsor "CarQuest and PPG Paint" was there grilling and provided a great lunch for everyone. They also gave away a new Mossberg 12 Gauge Pump Shotgun and the winner was Tony Klappas. Owners Eddie and Theresa Williams invite everyone to stop by or give them a call at 850-482-0332.