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  • 2013 Chairman John Bernard introduces Flat Allan since State Representative Allan Ritter couldn't make it to speak during the Nederland Chamber of Commerce 72nd Annual Installation Banquet Thursday night at the Pompano Club in Port Neches. Morgan Jones/ The News

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January 10, 2013

Bernard takes over role as Nederland Chamber chairman

Mary Meaux The Port Arthur News

PORT NECHES — Allan Ritter wasn’t able to attend the 72nd Annual Installation Banquet for Nederland Chamber of Commerce, but he was there in spirit.

The state representative was scheduled as guest speaker as his good friend John Bernard was inducted into the position of chairman of the chamber.

To make up for the fact his friend missed the appointment, Bernard fashioned a “flat Allan” likeness of Ritter and brought it to the event. He explained that Ritter had missed an appointment with Bernard in Washington, D.C. due to prior commitments and that’s when the idea of “flat Allan” was born.

Bernard garnered laughs from the crowd when he pointed out that the likeness of Ritter even featured a flip phone.

Bernard moved to more serious conversation as he said the 2013 Legislature will face many issues that will hit small business owners.

“We are very blessed to have lawmakers who “get it” and understand what it takes to run a business and how politics are making it increasingly harder to grow and be successful,” Bernard said. “As a business owner you can rest assured that your chamber will be representing you this session and will rely on your feedback on the issues we will be tackling in Austin.”

Bernard, president/CEO of Associated Builders and Contractors Inc., told of how Ritter, on Thursday, filed two bills to help Texas secure its water needs for the next 50 years.

During the event,  KD101 radio personality Jay Bernard, known as JB on the air waves, had a chance to take some good hearted jabs at older brother John Bernard in front of a well dressed crowd Thursday night.

JB took the role of master of ceremonies during the installation banquet.

E-mail: mmeaux@panews.com

Twitter: MaryMeauxPANews

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