Flowers adorn a spacious office, in holiday reds, and an inscribed desk plate reads: KATHY LEVERETT, while pictures of monuments, framed in elegant, hefty framework remain intact on the walls. Minimum evidence of a resignation exists.

She continues to handle her duties as president of the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce.

Leverett, who will spend her last day at the Chamber office tomorrow, has spent her five years here hosting special events and working to bring tourism and travel to the town of Demopolis. Similarly, in her role on the industrial board, she worked intensively to maintain the retention of businesses and industries in Demopolis, "put things in place to keep (Demopolis) attractive for current industries and seek new ones."

Her resignation came after her husband decided to take a job in Clarksville, Tenn., as an operational manager for Synmat, a synthetic materials plant.

Leverett expresses mixed emotions about the move, but affirms she is excited about spending more time with her four-year-old daughter.

Leverett grew up in Sylacauga and was very active in her school community, thus inspiring her to remain steadfast in a commitment to service to others. "I am motivated by the good deeds of others," she said. While in Demopolis, she had an opportunity to be a Girl Scout leader. "I seek to shape and mold lives," she said. She notes her experience working with the young women as being one of the many highlights of her time in Demopolis.

Leverett is not sure what she will be doing in Tennessee, however she exclaims, "I don’t know what door will be open… I like to try new things. I am not intimidated, that to me is exciting." However, she is interested in working with a local Chamber of Commerce or possibly continuing in the field of public relations. "I like being around people and with people."

What Leverett will miss the most is the many friendships she cultivated, both professionally and personally. She was appreciative of those who

"support and encouragement they have given me, " she said. "Any measure of success in this town is due to the help of Mayor Caldwell, the City Council, the Chamber of Commerce and the Industrial Development Board." She also attributes much of her success to Jane Gross, who was the former director at the Chamber.

Leverett has been actively involved in a number of developmental projects. One in particular, includes the Alabama Community of Excellence (ACE). This state-based program identifies smaller communities who need some improvement to attract economic development. Demopolis qualified for the program and has made lots of progress, she said.

To attract the interest of ACE, Leverett drew up a proposal outlining all of the factors that would qualify Demopolis for such a program. She knew that the people in the town and regionally could benefit from the prospective growth and the money would such development would bring. To her avail, Demopolis was chosen, due to Leverett and her supporters’ efforts.

Although, the Leveretts plan to spend Christmas in Tennessee, "we will be on our own this Christmas, but they assured the children that Santa will find us."