Huge Turnout For Chamber of Commerce Luncheon Honoring Bill & Cathy Canty

Bill Canty (L) and his wife, Cathy, share an embrace with Bob Kleier.

Darren Doyle, story and photos
The Edmonson County Chamber of Commerce hosted a spring luncheon today in honor of Bill and Cathy Canty for their 50 years of service to the people of Edmonson County while owning and operating the county's local printed newspaper, "The Edmonson News," or more commonly known as "The Gimlet." The Canty's retired and sold the paper to an outside company earlier in the year.

"We used to have a spring breakfast, but it didn't draw many people," said Chamber President, Megan Hance. "We wanted to honor the Canty's today with a luncheon instead of a breakfast with hopes of drawing more people. What a great crowd today."

Both Bill and Cathy gave beautiful remarks at the luncheon in their honor.

The Canty's were presented a plaque commemorating their service to the people of Edmonson County by Chamber Board Member Bob Kleier. Both Bill and Cathy were very humbled and grateful to see the large crowd on their behalf.

"I told the Chamber not to do all this, there was no need," said Bill Canty. "But they didn't listen to me, so here were are," he joked. Canty said it had been a great privilege to bring the news to Edmonson County over the past 50 years and credited his wife, Cathy for their success. 

Cathy became emotional as she addressed the crowd. "When Bill brought me here 40 years ago, I didn't know anyone," she said. "I cried every night because I was a stranger to everyone and everything. But now I look over this crowd today and see nothing but friends, and I love you so much."

The Chamber also launched a brand new website today, EdmonsonChamber.com, that is a much updated version of the old site. The new site now offers online purchasing of memberships along with a fresh, new look. The new site was built by ​Studio DD Media, the parent company of EdmonsonVoice.com.

The Chamber also recognized Mrs. Lorama Davis, who voluntarily maintained the former website for the Chamber for the past 11 years. 

Editor's note: Bill and Cathy Canty have always been dear friends of mine, as well as mentors. Bill often encouraged me when first starting EdmonsonVoice.com and always complimented our work. We shared information and helped each other weekly. The Canty's presence will be missed around the county, and we here at the Edmonson Voice thank them both for their contributions to our communities over the years and we wish them a very happy and lengthy retirement. --Darren Doyle