Welcome to the new year! I hope everyone had a great Christmas, and I hope the new year is a happy one as well.

As I look back on the past year, I am reminded of the loyalty that is present in this great city. The Chamber would not be able to do what it does without the support of the residents and business owners of Durant. With your help, the Chamber was once again able to sponsor Junior Achievement, the Golf Outing, the Durant Night Out at the Ballpark, the City-Wide Garage Sales, the 4th of July fireworks and this fine publication, News and Views, and much more. Because of your support we had a successful auction back in November, and we will be able to continue to do these things in this new year. I would like to thank all of the Durant businesses and residents for their tremendous support.

The Annual Banquet is approaching quickly. This year the banquet will be on Monday, February 6 at the Community Center. It should be an enjoyable evening, and I look forward to seeing everyone there.

As I finish out my term, I want to thank my fellow board members for all of their help and for putting up with me for the past two years. I look forward to continuing to contribute to the success of the Durant Chamber in 2012 as Past President.