Statement from the Jasper-Lake Sam Rayburn Chamber of Commerce

From Executive Director, Leanna Hobson

Dear Friends and Community Members,

First, I would like to sincerely thank my predecessor, Beverly Holley, for her many years of dedication and commitment to our Chamber and to the Jasper-Lake Sam Rayburn community.

My name is Leanna Hopson, and I am honored to introduce myself as the new Executive Director of the Jasper-Lake Sam Rayburn Chamber of Commerce. I look forward to serving our members, supporting local businesses, and working together to build a strong and vibrant future for our community.

A little about myself: I am originally from the West Coast and moved here seven years ago from the Midwest. My husband, Shawn Hopson, is from Burkeville, TX, and together we are raising three children. Our two boys are still in school here in Jasper—one in 8th grade at Jasper Junior High and one a junior at Jasper High School. Both are active in various sports, and as a family we stay busy and engaged in the community. We are also members of PeachTree Baptist Church, and I help facilitate the Jasper Farmers Market, which has become a wonderful outlet for local growers, artisans, and neighbors to connect.

As a family, we enjoy the outdoors and have traveled extensively across the United States, exposing our children to different cultures, foods, and ways of life that help round us as humans and broaden their horizons.

This role is not just about business for me, it is personal. As both a Chamber Director and a parent, I am passionate about helping to shape Jasper into a “boomerang town” a place where our children will want to return after college or trade school to build their families and futures.

I would also like to take a moment to address and clarify questions and rumors regarding our festivals and events. As many of you know, our Chamber has historically played an important role in hosting community festivals, parades, and celebrations. However, in light of recent budget cuts and the fact that the Chamber is currently staffed by just one person, we must make some difficult adjustments.

Unfortunately, we will not have the funds or manpower to continue facilitating large-scale festivals, the Christmas parade, or the fireworks display. To give perspective, the fireworks alone cost nearly $35,000, and we simply do not have the resources to support that tradition at this time.

Going forward, our Chamber will be realigning its focus on business development, tourism promotion, and member support—areas where we can have the greatest long-term impact for Jasper and Lake Sam Rayburn.

With that said, thanks to the strong support of our community and sponsors, we are excited to confirm that the Butterfly Festival will continue as an annual tradition, In addition, we are hopeful to secure funding to continue other cherished traditions, including the Azalea Festival and the Lighting of the Courthouse, both of which bring beauty, joy, and community spirit to Jasper.

We understand some of these changes may come as a disappointment, but please know our Chamber remains committed to finding new ways to celebrate our community, foster economic growth, and create opportunities for connection.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we step into this next chapter together.

Sincerely,

Leanna Hopson

Executive Director

Jasper-Lake Sam Rayburn Chamber of Commerce