Reception honoring Bob McMurray set for June 26

The Swannanoa Valley business community is preparing to say goodbye to chamber of commerce executive director Bob McMurray at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26.

A retirement party celebrating McMurray, who has filled the role with the Black Mountain-Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce since 1993, will take place at the Hampton Inn.

McMurray was recognized by the town on June 10, when alderman Carlos Showers read a proclamation from Mayor Don Collins. Showers serves as the town representative on the chamber board.

“Mayor Don Collins and the board of aldermen express sincere appreciation for his dedicated service to the citizens of Black Mountain and the Swannanoa Valley, which has contributed to the growth of the entire region,” the proclamation stated. “We bid him well-wishes and all the best in his retirement.”

McMurray, his family, chamber representatives and members of the business community stood next to Showers as he read the proclamation during the board of aldermen’s regular monthly meeting.

McMurray announced his retirement in February. The chamber board is currently conducting a search for his replacement.

The retirement reception, which is scheduled to end at 6:30 p.m., is open to the public and the chamber encourages everyone to attend.

“I’ve served as the liaison with the chamber since I came onto the board,” Showers said prior to reading the proclamation. “I’ve gotten to know Bob and he’s done an excellent job of selling this town, ‘the Little Town That Rocks,’ to the rest of the country and the world.”