It was a packed house at the January session of the Russell County Chamber of Commerce, as approximately 60 people showed up at The Cove to welcome in the new president and hear a talk on the Russell Springs Downtown Revitalization Project as presented by Tourism Dirctor of Marketing John Carter and Russell Springs Mayor Hollis DeHart.

This month marks the beginning of the administration of Joy Fletcher owner of Alicia Joy Fletcher, CPA. Last year Fletcher was vice-president under outgoing President James Gray of the Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery.

Often a vice-president is selected to be the upcoming year's president. The current vice-president is Adam Stille of Edward-Jones & Co.

Both Carter and DeHart talked of the importance of upkeep to downtown Russell Springs. DeHart related a story that 15 years ago he escorted a representative from a very large corporation through town. The executive commented that we did not take very good care of our downtown area; an embarrassment that DeHart said he promised himself he would remedy if he were ever given the opportunity.

Finished projects and projects to come were related to the large crowd to a good reception.

Fletcher said she would carry on many of the initiatives begun under the last administration.

 "I'm really excited about what's going on in Russell County and with the Downtown Revitalization Committee," Fletcher said. "We plan on continuing to emphasis the value of working together and doing business with each other, and of putting our businesses front and center to the county."

Fletcher welcomed everyone to find out more about the Russell County Chamber of Commerce and how to become a member at russellcountyky.com

 "We're always excited to have new members and have people join us," she said.

If you would have attended this month's meeting you would have had the opportunity to meet David Rasmussen, the new CEO of Russell County Hospital, or Chad Lewis, a new member of Adanta, or been able to welcome in the new County Judge-Executive Gary Robertson and Deputy County Judge-Executive Chris Ramsey.

At the February meeting, Pam Eades with the Lake Cumberland Children's Advocacy Center will be speaking on the work they do at that facility and the services they offer to abused children.