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At the Clark County Extension Office on Thursday afternoon, a large gathering of individuals was present.

Many of them were businessmen and women and other prominent figures around town.

The Winchester-Clark County Chamber of Commerce had its annual meeting, highlighting its strengths from the past year while describing its plans moving forward.

“Our downtown has so much to appreciate…The amount of potential that this community has to grow and move forward [is great]”, said Darryl Terry, President of Winchester-Clark County Chamber of Commerce.

The Winchester-Clark County Chamber of Commerce was first established in 1940.

It celebrates membership with over 400 active members through ribbon-cutting ceremonies each year and more.

According to its website, the organization’s values include free enterprise, long-term vision, initiatives and action, long-range planning, networking, and more, aiming to improve all aspects of the community.

Former Chamber President Tammy Moberly spoke of how the Chamber has seen growth and success this year.

“Our annual banquet this year had 47 more attendees than last year…It takes a lot of work from our volunteers. They pull that off,” she said. “In 2022…our membership went up…and our drop rate was [lower].”

The organization also utilized its website and social media to present various informational items.

“We did partner with BCTC for a job fair that we did. We do a lot of events that aren’t ours, but we do sponsor a lot in our communities,” Moberly said. “We have sent out…newsletters [and] we have a quarterly orientation.”

Numerous individuals from the community showed up to the event.

Among them was Phyllis Abbott of Lady Veterans Connect, Matt Smith of Clark Regional Medical Center, Brett Cheuvront of Greater Clark Foundation, and Bruce Manley of Bluegrass Community and Technical College.

Board members such as Josh Wood of Freedom Realty and Property Management, as well as Alisha James of Boonesboro Trail Senior Living, were present too.

Former Clark County Judge Executive Henry Branham, former Winchester Mayor Ed Burtner, and current Mayor JoEllen Reed made an appearance.

Several individuals spoke of current developments within their organizations.

“We’re back to masking. We are in a highly sensitive rate in the county,” said Matt Smith, who is the Chief Executive Officer for Clark Regional Medical Center. “Please come and see your loved ones, but we’re asking you to wear your mask…Transmission rates [are] based on the CDC.”

Area schools were also represented at the meeting.

“We’re rolling out the Clark County Hall of Fame,” said Dustin Howard, Superintendent of Clark County Public Schools. “We’re really focused not just on athletics…but in academia and what our graduates go on to do after high school.”

Businesses that have become part of the Chamber more recently – including Mountain Comprehensive Care Center and E.J.’s Appliance Repair – were also welcomed.

City Commissioner Kitty Strode was thanked for organizing events such as the Beer Cheese Festival and Pioneer Festival.

When all was said and done, a positive message going forward came to mind.

“When we care, good things happen for the community,” Terry said. “It’s not a perfect world…but we’ve got a lot of great things happening.”