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The Heart of Marengo Chamber of Commerce hosted members and guests for a special Meet and Greet event at Stacy’s Café in downtown Demopolis on Tuesday, Sept. 11.

Kenneth Barrineau, who serves as chairman of the chamber’s board of directors, said the organization has grown beyond the boundaries of Marengo County.

“We are the Heart of Marengo Chamber of Commerce and we have members across the county, but also in Choctaw and Clarke counties. Our whole purpose as a chamber, and our mission statement, is to strengthen member businesses and stimulate regional prosperity. That’s why we are here. Think about it before you go to Tuscaloosa … try to find it with our members and right here in Marengo County firs,” Barrineau said.

The event also allowed members an opportunity to share how membership in the chamber has benefited them, including Cindy Neilson of the Alabama Rural Heritage Center in Thomaston, Diane Brooker of Alabama Power, and Jennifer Cassity of the Faunsdale Bar and Grill. Mike Evans of Shirts and More in Demopolis also spoke, using his time as an opportunity to introduce the business’s new owner, Chad Seale.

Also represented were members of the Canebrake Players who performed a piece from an upcoming dinner theater event.

The chamber also accepted several donations at the event, including $2,500 from Georgia-Pacific Naheola Mill, $3,000 from Kelly Smith of Soggy Bottom Lodge, and $1,500 from the Marengo County Commission, represented by Commissioner John Crawford.

(This article originally appeared in the Wednesday, September 19 issue of the Demopolis Times.)