The Lumberton Area Chamber of Commerce now has new leaders in place following an official passing of the gavel at their annual awards banquet held on Jan. 26 at Adelio’s Restaurant in Lumberton. 

Over 150 people attended this night of celebration that recognized Chamber members, businesses and individuals who have impacted the Lumberton community over the last year.

The gavel was passed this year from Past-Chairperson, Jennifer Stephenson, owner of Speech Pathology Services of Robeson, Inc. to the new Chairperson, Debbie Branyon. Branch Manager/Vice President of First Bank in Lumberton. According to the Lumberton Area Chamber of Commerce newsletter, Branyon was quoted as stating: “The event was great with numerous Chamber supporters in attendance and I am looking forward to an exceptional year!” 

Cindy Kern, Executive Director of the Chamber stated in the newsletter: “The event was an incredible success and one to be remembered.”  Highlights of the evening were the recognition of retiring Board Members, newly elected Board members and the many dedicated volunteers. The Gala also allowed time to meet and network with other Chamber members in a relaxed atmosphere. Retiring board members are: John Franklin, John Hendren, Dr. Phillip Stephens, Josh Jackson, Allen Elks, Suzanne Abbott and Bebe Wright-Williams.

The newly elected Chamber Board members are Tito Massol Centerwell Home Health, James Bass-UNCP Givens Performing Arts, Eric West, Attorney, Dwight Gane-Pine Crest Golf Club, Jennifer Hickman-Flo-Tite, Inc./Max-Seal, Mark Peterson-Robeson Pediatrics, P.A., Latricia Freeman-Southeastern Life Center and Libby Davis-Jernigan’s.

Committee Chairs for 2024 are: Membership/Ambassadors-Beth Hunt, Special Events-Scotty Thompson, Golf Chairman-Suzanne Abbott, Education-Merle Summers, Travel/Tourism-Angela Sumner, Community Development-Sarah Beth Ward, Legislative-Bo Biggs, Chaplain-Jay Britt, Image Committee-Suzanne Abbott and Agriculture Miles Mercer. The Chamber Ambassadors were also recognized for their support.

The Lumberton Area Chamber of Commerce presented Suzanne Abbott of Abbott Insurance Services, LLC with the Spirit of the Chamber award during the Chamber Gala. This award goes to the member who best carries out the chamber’s values and mission. The honored individual exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism and going above and beyond for the success and growth of the Chamber. Suzanne has been the Chair for the Golf Tournament and Lumberton Christmas parade committees for several years. She also serves as chair of the Chamber Image committee. 

Editor’s Note: this story was pulled from information released in the Lumberton Area Chamber of Commerce’s News & Bulletin Newsletter. You can read the full story and the most recent Chamber stories here.