TEXARKANA -- Staff and membership along with others from the community gathered under friendly Friday noontime skies for the Chamber of Commerce's annual Lunch on the Lawn, an event intended to both show appreciation for those who do the work of the chamber as well as the community they serve.
Burgers and hot dogs off the grill were the fall fare and the crowd showed up ready to eat and enjoy the pleasant day.
"Call it a break," said Jennifer Harland, chairman of the Board. "And now Lunch on the Lawn is back, once again the occasion commences."
Said Natalie Haywood, director of Events and Communications, "besides being just a time to get together and socialize for those involved with the Chamber, it is a great occasion to let folks know who may not be involved just what we are all about. This week, this day, has been a perfect setup for this event, and we couldn't be happier with it all."
Besides lunch, the chamber officials planned to share with everyone extensive work that had been completed on the chamber building.
"Lots has been done," Haywood said. "The HVAC system was re-ducted. There was painting, landscaping, new roof, new sprinkler system, new lighting."
The Chamber building was originally built in 1965. It was later renovated in 2007, when James Henry Russell, then president of Texarkana College, was chairman.
"TC students did much of the labor on the '07 job," Harland said.
All in all, Chamber officials were happy with the affair.
"We're glad we have the opportunity to be back in business for our local businesses," Harland said