Apalach Chamber bids long-serving director fond farewell

Apalachicola Mayor Van Johnson presents Anita Grove with a Proclamation

After 17 years at the helm of the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce, executive director Anita Grove announced late last month she would be stepping down on August 20th to take a position with the state at the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve in Eastpoint.

As a result the Chamber Board of Directors and staff hosted a festive reception late Friday evening that recognized Grove for her contribution and many accomplishments as the executive director of the chamber.  The reception was well attended by well-wishers from across the county to bid the long-serving director a fond farewell.

Apalachicola Mayor Van Johnson was on hand and presented Grove with a Mayor’s Proclamation that recognized her effectiveness in generating stories in magazines such as Sports Illustrated, Food & Wine Gourmet, Southern Living, Cottage Living and many others that created an interest in the Historic City of Apalachicola that caused travelers and vacationers to visit the area.

Kristin Anderson, chamber board member and secretary presents Grove with
a hand crafted pendant while flanked by members of the board of directors

Kristin Anderson, chamber secretary also presented Grove with a hand crafted pendant designed and made by Anderson within a week.

"My 17 years at the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce have brought me tremendous professional gratification and personal joy", wrote Grove in a July 28th electronic communication. Although leaving the post she has held for almost two decades, Grove intends to continue to be an active chamber and community volunteer.

In his proclamation Mayor Johnson also credited Grove with the initiation of the Apalachicola Waterfront’s Florida Program and her assistance in creating the Apalachicola Historic Design Guidelines as well as the nomination that resulted in the city being named a Dozen Distinctive Destination in 2008 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The mayor further noted the historic partnership that has existed between the chamber and the city dating back to the mid 1800’s.

Photos by Gail D. Johnson