BUCKHANNON — Attendees of the 54th Annual Buckhannon-Upshur Chamber of Commerce Dinner will hear from a former Buckhannon resident-turned-president and chairwoman of the Export-Import Bank of the United States.
Buckhannon native Kimberly Reed, who was confirmed by the U.S. Senate last year as the Export-Import Bank president and chair, will speak at the Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner, set for Monday, March 2.
A graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan College and West Virginia University, Reed is the first woman and first West Virginian to lead the bank. She’s the daughter of Buckhannon attorney Terry Reed and the late Janet Logue Reed.
With the theme of “Spring into Service,” the Chamber dinner will commence at 6 p.m. at the Event Center at Brushy Fork.
Per tradition, the Chamber will recognize a slate of outstanding community members and businesses.
“What makes Buckhannon and Upshur County shine is the service from its business owners, residents and students,” said Tammy Reger, executive director of the Chamber, said of the 2020 theme. “We work together, and a lot of communities struggle with that. It truly is something to be proud of.”
The awards portion of the ceremony will recognize individuals and groups with organization of the year, business of the year, citizen of the year, business woman of the year and businessman of the year accolades.
Attendees will also be treated to a presentation by the evening’s featured speaker, Reed. The Upshur County native was appointed by President Donald Trump to serve as president and chairwoman of the Export-Import Bank of the U.S.
Reger said she had a chance to hear Reed speak at the West Virginia Chamber’s 83rd annual meeting and business summit in August 2019.
“She did a quick overview of her position and office updates, but she really went into detail about service,” Reger said. “Ms. Reed grew up in Upshur County and enjoyed being a part of the 4-H group. While speaking, she played a video that she did promoting both service and 4-H.”
In an email sent to My Buckhannon, Chairwoman Reed said, “I am honored to be invited to speak at the annual Buckhannon-Upshur Chamber of Commerce dinner. Growing up in Buckhannon gave me a strong foundation for my life and career, and I will always give back to my community.”
“In addition to sharing insights on serving in the Trump Administration and leading the Export-Import Bank of the United States — which has an important role in helping West Virginia businesses and workers export their products and compete and win in the global marketplace — I look forward to engaging with many residents, local business and community leaders on issues that matter most to them, like the economy, small business support and job creation,” Reed added.
Reger said she hopes attendees leave the event having enjoyed networking with statewide business owners and organizations.
“I think attendees look forward to the awards because they’re kept secret until that evening,” she said. “It is a way of recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of the year.”
Individual tickets cost $35 per Chamber member, and $50 for non-Chamber members. For more information, call 304-472-1722 or email info@buchamber.com
