A special reception was held at the Harrison Cultural Center Thursday, Dec. 7, to honor some of the Crenshaw County Economic and Industrial Development Authority's Board members.

CCEIDA Board members Ray Hilburn, Charles Turman and CCEIDA Board Chairman Jimmy Lester were all recognized and presented with plaques during the special ceremony for their many years of work on the board. Each member will be stepping down from his present position.

CCEIDA Executive Director Jim Brook first recognized Lester for his eight years of service as chairman of the board.

&#8220He (Lester) has worked hard for the county, and we would like to show our gratitude to him,” Brook said. &#8220He's not leaving the boardŠ.he's just stepping down as the chairman.”

Lester said that his job was not a &#8220hard one whenever

you have good people like Jim and Robyn (Snellgrove) at the helm.”

Board member Charles Turman was next to be recognized. He has served from 1995 until the present.

&#8220Charles has been a real contribution to CCEIDA both as an officer and as a board member,” Brook said.

Turman has served as the board's secretary and treasurer for several terms.

In addition, Ray Hilburn was recognized for his 20 years of service as both an officer and a board member.

&#8220Ray is practically the father of this organization,” Brook said.

Hilburn is the Deputy Commissioner of the State of Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries.

&#8220It's been an honor to serve on this board all of these years,” Hilburn told the group.

Crenshaw County Commission Chairman Ronnie Hudson presented each board member with a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the county commission and thanked each one for his years of service to the county.

The new chairman of the CCEIDA Board will be William Petrey.

&#8220We also want to recognize Jim Brook tonight,” Petrey said. &#8220He's a Crenshaw County native, and we are fortunate to have him.”

Petrey said that Crenshaw County was presently at a three percent unemployment rate.

&#8220That basically means we are fully employed,” he added. &#8220We expect that the next five years are going to be really terrific.”

Petrey also recognized Robyn Snellgrove, CCEIDA assistant director, and Steve Pelham of USDA Rural Development.

Approximately 40 people enjoyed the reception, which included a beautifully decorated table filled with hors d'oeuvres, special desserts and hot apple cider.