Quitman Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Quitman Area Chamber of Commerce has set up a new LED (Light Emitting Diodes) electronic message board at the Governor Jim Hogg City Park. The electronic message board replaces the chamber's old (manual) marquee sign, which was installed more than 20 years ago.

The funds to purchase and install the new message board were contributed by BankTexas. "As a community bank, BankTexas has long been committed to supporting local schools, charities, and organizations," said Troy Robinson, bank president & CEO.

"Replacing the manual message board with a new technology sign has long been the goal of the Quitman Chamber, "said Chamber Chairman Martha Scroggins. "We are extremely grateful to BankTexas for helping make this a reality long before we thought it would be possible." The 4' x 8' sign will be used to promote city and community events throughout the year. The sign has the capability for both still and action presentations that can be programmed easily.

"The message board will not only be used to display the chamber's events, network mixers and members of the month, but also other events in the area and possibly students of the month," she said. "We really want to showcase Quitman." Those wishing to promote upcoming events can contact the chamber office at 903-763-4411.

Quitman Chamber Directors, Troy Robinson, president and CEO of BankTexas (left) and bank employees unveiled the city's new LED electronic message board with a special ribbon cutting ceremony last Saturday evening following the Quitman/Lake Fork Kiwanis Club's annual Christmas Parade. BankTexas contributed the funds for the purchase and installation of the new sign. The 4' x 8' sign was installed last Monday at the Governor Jim Hogg City Park. (Democrat photo by Kiki Bettis)

Congratulations, Jo McGill!   During the summer, Quitman businesses teamed up with the Chamber to award cash prizes to Quitman shoppers in an event called Experience Quitman CA$H.  Weekly, beginning March 27, any purchase at a local business rewarded a lucky shopper with $100. In July a drawing selected Jo McGill, of Como, as the Grand Prize Winner.  Pictured with Ms. McGill are Randy Dunn, President of Quitman Development Corporation, Mayor Jerry Edawrds, and Martha Scroggins, President of the Greater Quitman Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Town of Quitman is a pioneer town with history that goes back to 1850 when it was founded. At that time it was established as the County Seat of Wood County.   Quitman was incorporated as a Type A General Law City in 1941.   History accounts relate that it received it’s name from John A. Quitman, who as a governor of Mississippi at one time and a prominent figure in the Mexican War.  In the early years agriculture served as the principal economic motivator of the area; and, Quitman experienced significant activity as a service center for farmers of the area.  As was the case with many rural communities, the Great Depression brought a severe economic decline to the community.

 

However, during the World War II era oil was discovered in the area and boosted the economy.  The Great Depression had a severe effect on the population; however in recent years the creation of nearby recreational lakes has added to the economic vitality of the City.  Mirroring the economic pattern of the era, Quitman experienced a decline in population during the years of the Great Depression and World War II.  However, the population of Wood County has been climbing steadily since 1960.  With the exception of the 1990 Census number, Quitman has been matching the growth experienced by the county.  The highest population recorded for Quitman was recorded in the 2000 Census with 2,030 persons.

 

However, records show the 2005 estimate as being 2,131 persons.  Utilizing the historic populations and following the county trend for increased growth, the estimated future populations for year 2010 and 2020 are 2,322 persons and 2,706 persons respectively.

Sixty-eight golfers braved the damp, cool weather to participate in the 13^th Annual Greater Quitman Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament on Saturday, October 10^th.  The four-person scramble was held at The Links at Land's End Golf Course on Lake Fork.

The $600 first place prize was won by East Texas Medical Center (Deb Bayless, Terry Casburn, Mitchell Mayben, and Mark Schaffer) with an excellent score of 58.  City National Bank (Ricky Cameron, Kenny Nunez, Scott Olson, and Gary Thompson) finished a mere stroke behind with a fine round of 59 that earned them $450. Robinson's Furniture (Robbie Anderson, Guy Hestland, Don Klinker, and Mackey Squires) were the lucky recipients of the $360 "tin cup drawing" from among the remaining teams.

ETMC's Mark Schaffer clearly demonstrated his superior golfing skills by winning the Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin, and Putting contests.  Schaffer's prizes for these contests included a 3-way rocker recliner, a travel golf bag carrier, $125.00 cash, and a chance to make a 50 ft. putt worth $2,500.  His big-money putt came up only a few inches short.  Though none were successful, there were also several near misses in the tournament's two Hole-in-One contests that offered a 4-Wheel Mule and $25,000 in cash as prizes.

During the concluding lunch buffet and ceremony, Jay Gorman and members of the Quitman High School Golf Team were cited for their efforts in conducting the Tournament's Putting Contest.  The Golf Team was also recognized and congratulated for its achievements in advancing to State competition last spring.

The Tournament's numerous backers and sponsors were thanked for their financial aid and contributions to the golfers' gift bags and door prizes.  The Chamber also specifically recognized long-standing member Dorles Weeks for his counsel in organizing and recruiting teams for the 2009 Tournament.

Plans for the 2010 Tournament will be the subject of a future announcement.

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