Beech Tree News Network

Following a rousing round of applause for the BCHS boy’s basketball team who, minutes before, had just finished their game in Frankfort Thursday, Chamber president, James Runion welcomed everyone to the first chamber luncheon of 2013. The meal was furnished by Green River Caterers.

First time guests included Amy Sutherland with the Butler County Boys and Girl Club, representatives from WKU Workforce Development Training, the American Red Cross and Suzanne Miles, Field Representative for Congressman Brett Guthrie.

“As everybody knows, the Chamber is in a little bit of transition right now,” Runion said. He thanked Amanda Hatcher for her 8 years of service to the Chamber and then spoke of the progress toward her replacement.

By way of explanation of the Chamber’s efforts for this year, Runion remarked, “What can we do for you as members, should be our theme. We want to make sure the members have a lot more value,” he added. Events such as Spring Fling, the Catfish Festival and Harvest on the Square are expected to continue this year according to Runion.

Garry McKinney, director of the Morgantown Mission, passed out copies of their 2012 activity report.

“We don’t get government grants. We don’t get help from any big organizations. It’s the local churches, the local businesses (and) the local people that support everything. Our building is coming up, we’re going to be in it, the Lord willing, by the first of March,” said McKinney. The other building has been remodeled into a children’s ministry building, according to McKinney. “Did you know that the radiothon done by WLBQ 1570AM (of Beech Tree News) raised $4,000 in four hours for food for people for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Baptists aren’t supposed to jump and hop but I got real close,” he added.

Miles announced that Congressman Guthrie will come to Butler County next Wednesday the 30th  11:30-1:00 to meet with constituents of the second district in the community room of the Butler County Extension office.

This month’s luncheon was sponsored by Jones Funeral Chapel, Logan Telephone Cooperative, Green River Feed Mill, Housing Authority of Morgantown, Blackhawk Composites, PBI Bank, Roger and Betty Southerland, Morgantown Mission, Donnie Drake’s Contracting and Wan’s Medical Clinic.