Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

MURFREESBORO – It was evident from the annual Murfreesboro Chamber of Commerce Banquet that business is thriving in the town.

Local business leaders and community members turned out for the banquet, which was held on April 29 at 135 Events on Main. Restaurants from around town provided a buffet of food and drinks for attendees to enjoy while socializing with each other, and door prizes were given out at the end of the event. Several guest speakers were also featured, and annual awards were presented.

“I’m just so proud of the work we’ve done together, and I’m really excited to see what the future holds for the Chamber and the town,” said current Chamber President Sara Crowder as she welcomed the crowd Tuesday evening.

Chamber Director Daryl Williams recognized the Board of Directors members, and emphasized strong ongoing partnerships they have with the community. One of those partnerships included providing an internship for a Chowan University student.

Sreshta Puducheri is a senior accounting major, and a member of Chowan’s tennis and swimming teams. She spoke briefly about her internship experience with the Chamber of Commerce, explaining that she’s learned a lot about economic development and has seen how teamwork can make a big impact on the community.

As in previous years, representatives from Murfreesboro Town Council, Hertford County local government, and Chowan University took the podium to talk about progresses made in the past year.

Town Council member Jay Revelle was scheduled to speak but was unable to attend, so his wife Elicia read remarks on his behalf. She gave an overview of current town projects, which included various infrastructure repairs, and recognized the town’s Fire Department, Police Department, and Public Works for all their hard work.

“What does local government and business have in common,” Revelle asked. “I believe our job is to work together to provide a business-friendly environment that will attract new businesses, and allow our businesses to flourish.”

Hertford County Manager Oryan Lowry said, “It’s a pleasure to be here with so many individuals who make Murfreesboro and Hertford County such a vibrant and resilient place to live and do business.”

He noted that the county has seen progress thanks to public/private collaborations, infrastructure investments, workforce training, and other partnerships in the community. He also said they’re working to enhance services available for local businesses, and announced a plan for a “business incubator” which will be located at the old Ahoskie Elementary School building.

“Tonight is a reminder of what we’ve accomplished and the potential ahead. So let’s continue to work together, building and growing for the future,” Lowry concluded.

Chowan University President Dr. Rosemary Thomas emphasized the university’s commitment to “faith, family, and future” in her remarks. She also reported that applications to the school are up by 40 percent, and the passing rate for students has risen significantly since they began their new curriculum model this year.

“We cannot stand still because that means falling behind,” she said.

But Dr. Thomas said the future was bright for their students, noting, for example, that many are participating in events that help connect them to local job opportunities.

“Help us sustain what it is that Chowan stands for, help us survive the difficult landscape that is higher education right now, and help us to thrive so we can continue to serve generations of students for many years to come,” she concluded.

The keynote speaker for the evening was Trent McGee, President and CEO of the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce. He’s held that position since 2021, but has been with the organization since 2010. He is an East Carolina University graduate and a native of Woodland.

McGee said that many people aren’t quite sure what a Chamber of Commerce does.

“Chambers are more than just networking groups, business directories, and ribbon cutting organizers,” he explained. “Yes, we do all of that, but we are also engines of local prosperity.”

He emphasized that Chambers work to support local businesses in order to build strong economies and vibrant communities.

“We provide a place where businesses can learn, share, and advocate – not just for their bottom lines, but for the well-being of the entire town, county, and region,” he continued. “We need to be a resounding collective voice for the greater good. Every single business plays a role in what’s going on at the Chamber of Commerce.”

McGee also mentioned how Chambers can play a role in shaping public policy by advocating for things which benefit local business and economic development. That can range from supporting infrastructure improvements to investing in partnerships.

“Chambers make our towns and cities more than just places on a map. They help them become communities we’re so proud to call home,” he concluded.

As part of the annual event, several awards were presented to several deserving individuals.

Two high school seniors, Amiya Eure and Landon Burgess, were the recipients of the Chamber’s inaugural scholarship award.

The Earl 98.3 Community Service Award was given to Suzanne and Pete Gibson.

Patty Hale was the recipient of this year’s R-C News Herald Front Page Award.

And the Chamber of Commerce Award went to board member Kim King.