Ballard's Chamber Career Celebrated

The Valdosta Chamber Board and Staff safely gathered on Tuesday, December 8th to celebrate the successful career of outgoing President of 23 years, Myrna Ballard. 
Ballard took on the title of Chamber President in February of 1997 and has overseen the implementation of countless successful programs in her time, most notably, the SEEDS Business Resource Center which has helped many of our small, local businesses begin and grow.  
Her success has not only been recognized in Valdosta, but by the state-wide and nationally. She has earned awards from The Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, an organization in which she has also held leadership positions.  
Ballard has also continuously earned her Chamber a spot in the top 1% of all Chambers nationally with their 5-star accreditation.  
In a tribute presented by Chamber Board member, Thressea Boyd, Ballard was recognized as a “mentor to many.” 
John Page, also a Chamber Board member, dedicated a plaque to Ballard that recognized her contributions to the Chamber and community. Page read three words on the plaque that he felt described her work the best, “Advocate, build and connect.” 
The awards presentation also honored select Chamber Board and Staff members.  
Paul Nichols, Treasurer, was thanked for his 3-year term on the Chamber Board.  
Lee McArthur, Chairman of the Board graciously accepted a shadow box as a tribute to his two-year term as Chairman of the Board.  
Staff members Karil Brockington and Betty Morgan were also awarded for their long-term dedication to the Chamber.  
Brockington celebrates her 20-year anniversary and Morgan celebrates her 10th.  
After the awards commenced, McArthur invited everyone into the parlor of the Barber House to unveil the star of the evening: a portrait of Ballard to forever hang in the Chamber. 
“It only seems right to have Myrna’s portrait in the Barber House. If anyone deserves to be here forever, it is her!” shared Karil Brockington. 
The portrait was hand-painted by Fay Bridges Hyatt, owner of Kaleidescope Gallery & Emporium.  
“Our artist exceeded our expectations. It is amazing how she truly captured Myrna’s spirit,” expressed Betty Morgan.  
Ameris Bank, CBC Bank, CCB Tech Group and Langdale Vallotton LLP sponsored it’s completed and presented it to the honoree, Myrna Ballard.  
Other event sponsors include: Anchored Media Marketing, CBC Bank, CCB Tech Group, Colony Bank, Comfort Keepers, Elliott, Blackburn & Gooding, P.C., Enay Coaching, Farmers Home Furniture Company, IDP Properties, LP, Page Insurance and Financial Services, Paul Nichols, Real Living Realty Advisors, THBoyd Communications, US Press, Valdosta Chiropractic & Rehab and Valenti, Rackley & Associates, LLC.  
​