Chamber President, Meg Camp

 

Meg Camp, Shelby County Chamber of Commerce President, welcomed everyone  and stated

"We will hear from the City of Center and Mayor David Chadwick in regards to accomplishments,

challenges, as well as an outlook for the future. Center is fortunate to have a 

mayor that sees the many components involved in City government and that same city

being an environment that is multifaceted for the citizens." She then introduced

 Mayor David Chadwick and welcomed him to the podium.

 

Mayor David Chadwick

 

Mayor Chadwick said "I am overwhelmed with the attendance today and the city is 

pleased to be here and tell you about what we are doing."  Mayor Chadwick gave a

  history about the City of Center. He then  introduced the council members: Mayor

Pro Tem Leigh Porterfield, Joyce Johnson, Dr. Randy Collard, Howell Howard, Terry

Scull, and Jerry Lathan. Mayor Chadwick then introduced the City Manager, Chad Nehring,

who is the only person the City Council hires. All other city employees are hired

through the city manager.

 

City Manager, Chad Nehring

 

Mayor Chadwick introduced City Manager, Chad Nehring, and asked him to speak about

the day to day operation of the City.

Nehring spoke about the city employees, "I do get the privilege and honor of serving

with them, a number of incredible professionals that are really dedicated to doing

better, making more and making this community better every day." He then introduced

department heads and employees attending: Police Chief Jim Albers, Fire Chief Keith

Byndom, Jim Gibson, Michael Boyd, Barbara Boyd, Keith Oliver, Lucas Cougler, Jason

Mitchell, and Marcus Cameron.

In closing, Mayor Chadwick spoke on plans for the coming 2017 year. The city plans

to finalize the plans for the downtown renovation of the sidewalks, parking, and

 planting that is there. The city will be adding another water retaining tank on

 a corner lot at Hwy 7 and Loop 500. The city will also be restoring the water tower

on McSwain Hill which with both projects the city will have four surface holding

 tanks. EDC is working on several interesting projects to possibly bring some new

business to town.