Chamber Chairman Resigns

Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board, David Haston, has resigned his board position with the Chamber. Don Cason, Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Director, confirmed that Haston exited his position on Monday, just a few short weeks after assuming the position at the helm of the Board. Cason did not indicate the reason for Haston’s sudden departure nor if it was due, in part, to Haston’s affiliation with Farm Bureau Insurance and the recent controversy surrounding land owners in the footprint of the proposed Megasite. Some members of Save Our Farms and Homes have been vocal about their displeasure with the association that Haston has with the Chamber, stating in open meetings that they have logged their complaints with the Farm Bureau office. Dan Batey, Vice President of Corporate Communications Farm Bureau Insurance Tennessee, stated that Haston has a long standing relationship with Farm Bureau and is an independent contractor with the agency. Batey said that Farm Bureau Insurance encourages community participation and the company has done business in Jefferson County for 60 years and enjoys a good relationship with the community. He stated that Haston’s decision to resign his position as Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce was not related to any corporate pressure on the part of Farm Bureau Insurance.

Cason said that the Chamber Board will hold a meeting shortly to appoint a new Chairman and the position could temporarily be filled by the Vice Chairman Tommy Bible or former Chairman Daryl Keck until a permanent appointment is made. Cason commended Haston on his years of service to the community and the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce.