Chana Reed Wraps Up Chamber Career

Deadpan Skip Ruedeman Puts a Smile of Chana Reed

After 21 years as the office manager at the Lamar Chamber of Commerce, Chana Reed decided to follow new pursuits. The community and chamber members, past presidents and directors attended two get-togethers to thank Chana for her service to the chamber and the community.

A come and go reception was held Thursday, December 20 at the Chamber offices on East Beech Street, and a private gathering was held at the Rodeway Cow Palace Inn that evening for Reed. Past chamber presidents and board members attended to reminisce and relate some humorous anecdotes and other stories about past chamber events that brought a measure of smiles and tears to some of the audience.

Shawna Hodge Relates Some Past Events from What She Termed the ‘Chana and Shawna’ Show

Hosted by Shawna Hodge, Lamar Main Street Coordinator, office-mate with Chana for the past several years, various board member and presidents recounted similar stories of Reed’s dedication and professionalism to the community and chamber members through her activities, spirit, humor and sometimes, ‘hard-nosed’ independence.

Two of Chana’s ‘Kids’ Past Chamber Presidents, Chad Hawkins and Brian Herrera

Past chamber presidents, Chad Hawkins and Brian Herrera recounted how they referred to Chana as “Mom” and when they weren’t relying on her experience and advice, would attempt to embarrass her with unexpected apparel they slipped into her shopping cart during a buying run for chamber activities.

Past Chamber President Lanette Gearhart

Jill Tinnes explained how, during a chamber parade, a golf cart she and Chana were using ran out of gas and was mysteriously pushed in to the Quizno’s parking lot and left there.

Chana spoke only for a few moments, taking the time to thank all her past chamber presidents and board members for their time and friendship. “I’ve learned something from each and every one of you, and that relationship has helped shape me into the person I’ve become,” she remarked. Chana added that she appreciated the opportunity to work in a capacity that helped her community and provided an opportunity to show what she could accomplish.

By Russ Baldwin