CHERAW — The Greater Cheraw Chamber of Commerce Officers and Board of Directors held its annual retreat at Cheraw State Park last week to plan initiatives for 2009.

York County Regional Chamber President Rob Youngblood facilitated the meeting.

Out of the meeting several opportunities were identified, such as: attracting, educating and involving young professionals through Leadership Cheraw, enhancing the Chamber High School scholarship program for graduating seniors, continuing partnership development with Cheraw town officials and promoting tourism.

“I am very excited about the upcoming year and honored to be working with the fine group of individuals that make up our board and staff,” said Incoming the Greater Cheraw Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Charles Skipper.

Board members serve on committees to implement Chamber initiatives. Chamber committees are: finance, membership, education, economic development, small business and special projects. Interested chamber members are welcomed to participate on committees and should contact the chamber if interested.

Members of the Greater Cheraw Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for 2009-10 year are: Charles Skipper, chair, Jones Furniture; Sam Hancock, American Stainless; Kappie Griggs, retired; Dr. Jimmie Williamson, Agape Hospice; Kevin Light, Palmetto Brick; Donna Bilby, Bilby Construction; City Councilman Robert Benton, retired; Lois Burr, Chesterfield County Voters Registration; Dr. Ron Bartley, Northeastern Technical College; Patti Rollings, Carolina Canners, Inc; Gregory Sanderson, First Citizens Bank; Teresa Owen, The Country Kitchen; Joel Dyson, Cheraw Healthcare, Inc; and Wendy Wagner, Chesterfield General Hospital.

The Greater Cheraw Chamber of Commerce exists to promote the civic, commercial and industrial interests of our area to educate, inform members, and to work closely with city and county government to promote business in our area.

For information, call President Patsy Hendley or Assistant Administrator Kathy Smith at the Greater Cheraw Chamber at 537-7681. You may also e-mail to cherawchamber@bellsouth.net.