New president, board sworn in at awards banquet; speaker brags on Red Oak citizens

RED OAK  — A familiar face is back at the helm of the Red Oak Chamber and Industry Association.

Larry Barnett was installed president of the organization at its annual awards banquet last Tuesday, replacing David Jennings.

Barnett served as president of the former Red Oak Chamber of Commerce before it merged with the Industrial Association in 2009.

“We still have some fine tuning to do, so as your new Chamber president, I would beg for some of that same patience and understanding this next year as we work out some of the bugs that need to be worked out,” Barnett said.

Jennings, before handing over the gavel to Barnett, commented on how busy a year it was for the new organization.

“This past year has been one whale of a year. I’m happy to report to you the committees are up and running, and they are accomplishing what we set them out to do,” Jennings said. “We have new businesses coming to the community. We have new jobs coming to the community. Everyone in this room needs to pat themselves on the back, because this association has done one whale of a job this year.”

During his keynote address, Daric O’Neal, a Red Oak native and architect with Alley-Poyner Macchieto, stated how important people are to the community’s success.

“There are great buildings, there are great facilities, hospitals, schools, YMCAs, performing arts centers, all those things contribute to making a town great,” O’Neal said. “But behind every great performance, every chamber event, is a bunch of great people. You can replace buildings, but you can’t replace the people.”

O’Neal also talked about the different sense of community found in a smaller town.

“There is a difference here I experience the minute we drive into town,” he said. “It's like a weight that is lifted off your shoulders. You feel like you are coming home, and it really has to do with the people and this sense of community that exists in doing the right thing and doing good.”

In addition to Barnett, other officers recognized at the banquet included vice-president Allan Pohren, treasurer Randy Orme, and secretary Darrel Steven Carlyle. Board members sworn in also included Karen Blue, Chad Johnson, Kristie Konz, Terry Schmidt, John O’Neal, Susan Jones, Jennings, Brad Wright, Jim Sifford and Connie Mellott.

Gail Ernst was honored as the lone retiree from the board.