VANESSA DOTSON First Vice President New president Mary Small will be among the Fairfield chamber of commerce 2010 officers who will be installed at the annual chamber banquet, set Jan. 28 at Fairfield VFW Post 5872.

Mrs. Small is joined by new first vice president Vanessa Dotson, second vice president Susan Marberry and treasurer Sherry Nichols.

Outgoing officers are president Gail Farish and treasurer Jason Hullum.

Mrs. Small says her goal for the 2010 chamber year doesn't differ much from most chamber goals---to work for the Fairfield businesses but the budget cuts will be the challenge.

"Our budget was really cut this year, and we will have to request money from the city of Fairfield for each activity as we go along this year," Mrs. Small says.

Events already on the calendar include the Show of Wheels car show and the golf tournament, and plans have already begun for next year's Christmas activities.

MARY SMALL President "We are also looking at a big Easter event, and then we will see what else develops," Mrs. Small says.

She points out that the chamber will be working closely with city manager Jeff Looney to provide activities that will bring people in to Fairfield and make them want to stay.

"We will focus on the sense of community that is so prevalent here," Mrs. Small adds.

"The chamber of commerce is the first line of communication for most businesses and families that are considering moving to Fairfield," Mrs. Small points out. "Because we are in the background, many people don't realize what we do."

The chamber office mails out visitors packets several times a week, issues pamphlets, maps and phone books to anyone who asks, as well as providing a list of businesses to newcomers.

Mrs. Small says they will produce new maps this year, and a new city magazine. The chamber's website also links users to much more information, she adds.

With her husband, John Gordon, Mrs. Small owns Accessories, Etc. She is retired from Fairfield school district where she taught sixth grade science for 25 years, and her husband directed the Eagle marching band for 31 years.

She is a native of Palestine, graduated Westwood high school in 1979 and Stephen F. Austin in 1981, and earned a masters degree in education in 1984.

A member of the Fairfield chamber for eight years, Mrs. Small served as first vice president in 2008 and 2009.

Vanessa Dotson owns All Things Write, a paper and stationery store in Fairfield. She and her husband Jeb moved to the area in 2004 to be houseparents at Pleasant Hills Children's Home. They have two children, Hannah, 13, and Aaron, six.

They opened their business in 2007, Mrs. Dotson says, "Because of my love for paper!"

She moved her shop a couple of times, settling at the Ivy building, in the former home of La Boutique.

"This is our final stop," Mrs. Dotson says. "Our business has kept growing, and the support of the public has been overwhelmingly amazing."

She joined the chamber two years ago because she wanted to become more involved in the community. With a military history, Mrs. Dotson says she has lived in a lot of towns, and Fairfield is her favorite. "I love Fairfield. I am ridiculous for this place. The sense of community here is awesome."

Enjoying all the chamber has to offer, she decided to become more involved, serving first as a board member, and last year as second vice president.

"Our goal is to build up the relationship between the chamber and the city. Our agendas are the same, and we will work with Mayor Hill and Jeff Looney, and create a good line of communication there," she declares.

Mrs. Dotson also plans to attend more city council meetings.

She and her husband attend River of Life Church.