I believe it is time you get to know the employees of your chamber. So, this week we will start with Elizabeth MacDonald (everyone calls her Liz, or Lizzie).

Born in Newberry, Elizabeth Wherry grew up in Spartanburg but fondly remembers coming back every other weekend to spend time with her grandparents, Munson and Janie Davis. They owned a farm on Wilson Road. Now the front pasture is occupied by the Domino’s Pizza restaurant.

The farm backed up to the old Newberry Racetrack, and she remembers sneaking through the pasture and watching the races with her cousins at Papa’s property line.

Liz graduated high school and attended Columbia College. She was married after college and spent time in Huntsville, Ala.; Greensboro, N.C.; Coral Gables, Fla.; Columbia and Myrtle Beach before moving back to Newberry six years ago this March.

Incidentally, her husband, Mac, when considering moving to Newberry, specifically stated that he would live there but did not want to be buried there. After living and experiencing Newberry for the past few years, he agrees that the area has grown on him and wants to be buried nowhere but in Newberry.

Liz and Mac are active members of Central United Methodist Church. Liz is close to all of her family in Newberry and loves living so near to them. In the fall of 2010, we were fortunate to have Liz become our front office receptionist. Immediately, we started seeing and hearing good results. She is deeply immersed in such undertakings such as our participation in Oktoberfest activities, Vintage Christmas, the Christmas Tour of Homes and other events to promote Newberry County.

Last year, she was watching ETV’s “Making it Grow” program on television. They were broadcasting from the Opera House in Sumter.

Liz asked herself, “If they can broadcast from Sumter, why not come to Newberry?”

The next day she started calling the folks at ETV. After making many calls, she was connected to the producer of “Making it Grow,” Mr. Vic Miller. He said that for them to come to Newberry, the cost would be approximately $20,000.

Liz knew we could not come up with that kind of money, but she was determined. She contacted Senator Ronnie Cromer, and anyone else that would listen, asking for assistance.

Soon after, Mr. Miller left ETV and the new producer, Mr. Sean Flynn, called Liz and said they had reconsidered. Sean and his entourage came to see Liz on Feb. 6 and were very impressed.

After lunch at Cabana Cafe, they went to the Opera House to meet Deborah Smith. They fell in love with our town and this past week, confirmed to bring their show to our Newberry Opera House.

They will be filming at the Opera House and surrounding area, taking in the Farmers Market on Saturday, June 29.

Folks, this is exciting stuff.

We are looking for y’all to be just as excited and ask that you will make every effort to be here to show your support. It will not cost you anything; however, you must contact the Opera House for a free ticket. We thank Deborah, her staff, and the City of Newberry for helping to make this event possible. Let’s show the educational television viewing audience just what we have here in Newberry.

Liz’s determination made this happen! Just another reason we here at your chamber are so very fortunate that Liz decided to be an internal part of your Newberry County Chamber of Commerce.

Why not call or stop by and meet this dynamic employee? Call 276-4274 and let Liz, Michelle, or me tell you how you can be a part of your community through chamber membership.