East Brewton council members agreed to offer a helping hand to the Greater Brewton Area Chamber of Commerce for the 2013 year — to the tune of $2,500.
Chamber representative Keith Horton, accompanied by Executive Secretary Judy Crane, made the request Monday. “The Chamber of Commerce has never asked for financial help before,” Horton said. “But, there is a shortfall in the budget this year and we need some help in that area.”
Horton explained that work done by the chamber included assisting East Brewton businesses and government as well.
“In the chamber directory, there are joint messages from both mayors,” Horton said. “The chamber hosts the annual Christmas parade which now starts in East Brewton and moves into Brewton. That began 16 years ago when Mayor Terry Clark and I worked together to bring that to East Brewton. It’s a tradition and it continues to be that way. The Chamber contributes every year for the annual July 4th celebration held each year in East Brewton. The Youth Leadership, which is sponsored by the chamber, provides an opportunity for seven students from W.S. Neal and seven students from T.R. Miller a chance to participate at no cost to the student.”
Horton continued by saying both Brewton and East Brewton businesses are given the same benefits, regardless of location, by the chamber staff and members.
“We are asking that the city of East Brewton make a pledge of $2,500 for the coming year,” Horton said.
Councilman Byron Palmer made the motion seconded by Bob Arrant with a unanimous vote to approve the one-time pledge of $2,500.
“The chamber has been well run and I think they have been a help to the city,” Palmer said. “I believe this is the right thing to do.”