Thursday, October 11, 2001

The Natchez Democrat

VIDALIA – Linda Gardner, Vidalia’s economic development and

Chamber of Commerce director, will leave those posts Oct. 22 to

go to work for the Louisiana Department of Education.

Gardner will serve as public information officer for the department’s

Office of Communication and Legislative Services.

&uot;It was an opportunity I&160;couldn’t refuse in an area

in which I&160;earned by college degree from LSU,&uot; Gardner

said.

&uot;But I’ve appreciated the opportunity to work here. I’d

like to thank everybody – the community has been very supportive

of everything we’ve done,&uot;&160;she said.

In recent years, she said, some of Vidalia’s most notable accomplishments

have included:

Getting Louisiana Endowment for the Arts grants to publicize

Vidalia events.

Getting businesses to sponsor activities like the chamber’s

Golf Scramble.

Starting a Web site to promote economic development in Vidalia.

Working with Natchez chamber officials to organize regionwide

events.

Recruiting one of the first black members of the Chamber of

Commerce – Jeannie Hagan, who is now on the chamber’s Board of

Directors.

The city’s business and economic development achievements have

been &uot;a team effort,&uot;&160;Gardner said. &uot;I just

hope I’ve had a small part in it.&uot;

Previously, Gardner had worked for several local businesses,

including Natchez Regional Medical Center, Natchez Ford-Lincoln-Mercury,

the now-defunct Vidalia Times and Ferriday Post, International

Paper and Britton & Koontz First National Bank.