By Michelle Price
Special to the UCBJ
COOKEVILLE – On Thursday during the Upper Cumberland Chamber Executives Association meeting held at Tennessee Tech, chamber executives from around the Upper Cumberland honored George Halford on his planned retirement after 16 years at the helm of the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce (CPCCC).
Halford was presented with a plaque honoring his many years of service to the Chamber of Commerce industry, the Upper Cumberland region and the Upper Cumberland Executive’s Association.
Halford announced plans earlier this year to retire at the end of December, but he has committed to remaining until a new president/CEO is chosen and approved by the CPCCC board of directors.
Halford said that he plans to continue his support of the chamber and the region.
“I’ve been so fortunate to serve in great communities across the state of Tennessee, but this one is, by far, the most special,” said Halford. “Cookeville embraced us 16 years ago and, without a doubt, is home to us. After December, my wife, Gloria, and I will continue to support the work of the chamber and look forward to continuing to serve the community in new ways.”
During Halford’s tenure, CPCCC has seen many positive changes, including the launch of the Highlands Economic Partnership in 2006 and the chamber’s accreditation by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Halford has had a 47-year career in the chamber industry. The last 16 years have been serving at the Cookeville Chamber. Previously, he led the Clarksville Montgomery County Economic Development Council from February 1995 until December 2003.
