Michael Lee, president of Citizens Bank, took the reins of the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce at the Chamber’s annual meeting Thursday night.

Freddy Long of Long Builders handed Lee the gavel, signifying the transfer of the group’s leadership.

“Freddy was already a friend of mine before we worked this closely together, but I consider him a much closer friend today,” Lee said. “He’s a man of character and he has the best interests of Effingham County at heart.”

In the past year, the Chamber’s ranks have swelled to more than 500 members.

“We had a tremendous leadership drive this year,” Long said. “I think we gained 246 new members this year.”

The Chamber also successfully pursued entrepreneur friendly status from the state and is establishing a business resource center.

The Chamber is entering into a contract with EMC Engineering on a gateways project. EMC Engineering will determine project specifications, costs and long-term maintenance strategy. The first gateway project will be Highway 21 from the county line to Lisa Street in Rincon.

Long also touted the Chamber’s new Web site.

“I look forward to continuing the work that we started,” Lee said. “Effingham County is a great place to live. We are fortunate to be in this time in this place. We look forward to great growth in the Chamber and in the programs we can provide for each of you and in the community.”