The Richmond County Chamber of Commerce held its fifteenth annual Business and Industry Appreciation Dinner at the Rockingham Speedway on Wednesday evening.
According to Chamber President Emily Tucker, the dinner was well attended.
“We had around 200 in attendance,” she said. “The dinner is open to everyone. We started this tradition 15 years ago as our way of thanking area businesses and industries. Manufacturers have since faded away due to the economy, but we have a lot of major employers in the community. We just want to thank folks because they’re the ones that keep Richmond County moving forward and providing jobs for our community and for our citizens here.”
Keynote speaker for the evening was Jim Perdue, chairman of Perdue Farms, who discussed poultry business plans with the Rockingham facility — a major employer in Richmond County.
“Rockingham Mayor Gene McLaurin, Hamlet Mayor Jeff Smart and Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners Kenneth Robinette all offered remarks to Mr. Perdue,” Tucker said. “Each mayor then presented him with a key to the city.”
Other presenters included Richmond County Manager Rick Sago and the 2012 chairman of the Richmond County Chamber of Commerce, Terry Greene.
Seaboard Station provided catering throughout the evening.
“At this event, we see a lot of employers and industries — from top level management down,” Tucker said. “We’ve actually increased attendance by going to this dinner format. It’s just our way of saying thanks for the investment they all make to Richmond County.”























