VALDOSTA – Betty Morgan is closing the door on almost 15 years of service as the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Business Development.
Morgan celebrated the bittersweet milestone with her family, chamber staff members and community leaders across Lowndes County and the City of Valdosta Wednesday afternoon. She was accompanied by her husband Jim Morgan, children and grandchildren.
“For almost 15 years Betty has served the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber, local businesses and entrepreneurs, and our community. Betty has a true passion for helping people of all walks of life achieve their business dreams. Through her leadership of the SEEDS Business Resource Center, she has served thousands of clients and helped strengthen our economy. Betty is known for her enthusiasm and go-getter attitude. She will be sorely missed at the Chamber but we wish her well in retirement,” Christie Moore, Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, said in a speech.
Moore described Morgan as a business advocate that is always willing to help anyone with everything from wrapping presents to filing an LLC.
“There’s never been a task she’ll say no to. She’s always willing to jump in and help, so I can’t imagine this place without her at all. She’s been such an important member of our time so we’re very excited for you and your next adventure,” Moore said to Morgan.
Mayor Scott James Matheson shared remarks about Morgan’s impact on the community.
“Betty’s an absolute treasure to this community. Obviously, with the work she’s done with the chamber and she’s launched a thousand businesses as well. But what was really neat is I got to see her walk back into this guy’s [Jim Morgan] life,” Matheson said.
He honored Morgan with a surprise proclamation stating December 20th as “Betty Day,” in honor of her efforts in past positions as the chamber’s membership director, vice president over membership, marketing and communications. In her most recent position as vice president of business development, Morgan oversaw the SEEDS Business Resource Center which serves Berrien, Brooks, Cook, Echols, Lanier, Lowndes, Turner, and Worth counties.
Moore presented a retirement token from the chamber staff and Steel’s Jewelry.
In a tearful acceptance, Morgan said. “I cannot even begin to thank you all for being here today. It means so much to me to have you here to celebrate this with me. I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time. It’s still so bittersweet. I love my job here. I love working with all of you I’m going to miss you but I look forward to being home a little bit.”
She looks forward to attending her grandchildren’s activities and spending time with her loved ones.