A warm, sunny Saturday in August was the perfect setting for the Oconee County Chamber of Commerce to unveil its newly renovated building on Nancy Drive.
Chamber manager Sarah Caven gave tours of the expanded space while outside Random Roosters performed acoustic blues, folk and bluegrass music.
Guests were also treated to lunch by Fox's Pizza, Zaxby's, Buffalo's, Dominicks, Golden Pantry and Menchies.
Following a ribbon cutting ceremony, Watkinsville City Councilman Brian Brodrick read a proclamation by Mayor Charles Ivie designating Aug. 24, 2013 as Oconee County Chamber of Commerce Celebration Day. He also offered some remarks.
"Twelve years ago I moved back to Oconee County- I grew up here- and the first people I called was the Chamber of Commerce," he recalled. "My business started right here in downtown Watkinsville, and ever since then we've had employees and associates go through the (Chamber's) leadership program and been associate board members, and I've never seen an organization take its resources and stretch them so far.
"Walking in (the new building), I was just blown away and really proud," he continued. "I want to thank y'all for being in Watkinsville and being in the county seat."
The Chamber also has a redesigned website. Check it out at www.oconeechamber.org.
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