Rocky Mount Area Chamber Hosts 103rd Annual Meeting
Cummins Engine President to Provide Keynote Address
The Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its 103rd Annual Meeting on Tuesday, January 30, 2007 at the Business and Industry Center of Nash Community College. The dinner and program begin promptly at 6:30 p.m.
According to retiring Chamber Chairman David Farris, this year's program has great significance in many ways.
"This annual meeting will truly be a time to celebrate the conclusion of one of the most successful years in recent history for The Chamber, as we were true to our mission to create jobs, improve the quality of life in our region, and engage in the political process for the benefit of our membership and our communities," Farris said.
President and Chief Operating Officer
Cummins, Inc.
Farris noted that the Chamber's Business Recruitment Division announced some 600 new jobs in the retail, professional and service sectors and were prime movers behind the demolition of Tarrytown and subsequent recruitment of the Sam's Club commercial property.
The Chamber also had direct involvement in the ongoing re-development of Historic Downtown with advocacy for a special loan pool to encourage private investment in the area and also played a key role in the restoration of the Historic Peoples Bank building. He added that member participation and sponsorships of Chamber programs and events, like the signature Business Expo and Luncheon, was extraordinary, with every event during 2006 sold out.
"We owe so much to the leadership of our board of directors and our hard-working staff. And without question, we have some of the finest volunteers anywhere who have made this year so successful," Farris added.
He also noted the importance of celebrating this year's success with a keynote speaker who has led a company with worldwide reach while making significant contributions right here in our own community.
F.J. "Joe" Loughrey is President and Chief Operating Officer of Cummins, Inc., headquartered in Columbus, Indiana. Cummins, a joint-venture partner with Consolidated Diesel Corporation, one of the area's largest employers, is a global power leader in the manufacturing, distribution and servicing of diesel engines and related technologies.
The company serves customers in more than 160 countries through its network of 550 Company-owned and independent distributor facilities and more than 5,000 dealer networks. Cummins' reported net income of $ 550 million on sales nearing $ 9.9 billion in 2005.
Loughrey joined Cummins in 1974, and since that time has held key positions in Human Resources and Employee Relations. He has also served as Vice President of the company's Heavy Duty Engines Division.
In 1990, Loughrey was named Group Vice President of Worldwide Operations and Technology and later served as Executive Vice President of other key Cummins' divisions.
He was elected to the Cummins' Board of Directors in 2005, the year in which he was named President and Chief Operating Officer of the company.
Loughrey's address will focus upon the unique partnership with Consolidated Diesel Company and their joint commitment to community relations. He will also discuss the role of international business, its local impact and the challenges that lie ahead for improving the knowledge and skills of tomorrow's workforce.
Other highlights of the Chamber's Annual Meeting include a review of the Chamber's programs for the past 12 months and the presentation of several public service awards, including the prestigious Distinguished Service Award for longtime commitment and contribution to the great benefit of the Twin County region. Last year's recipient was Sam Johnson, a senior partner with local law firm Poyner & Spruill.
The event will also feature the passing of the Chairman's gavel from David Farris, Farris Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, to Russell Proctor, Vice President -Wealth Management, and Resident Manager of Smith Barney brokerage.
Premier Sponsors are Consolidated Diesel Company and RBC Centura. Presenting Sponsors include BB&T, Century 21/The Combs Company, Crown LSP Group, Nash Health Care Systems and Suddenlink Communications.
For reservations, contact Linda Mann, Office Manager, at 973-1211 or lmann@rockymountchamber.org.
Home