Longtime Hopkins County Regional Civic Center Employee,
Curtis Buchanan, contemplates the next "chapter" in his life, as
he has announced his retirement, effective September 30th.

 

Longtime Civic Center Employee to
Be Honored at Thursday's Reception

 

by: Bobby McDonald

If you've booked the Hopkins County Civic Center for some event, in the past 18 years, you've more than likely met Curtis Buchanan. Curtis, who began his employment at the center on March 18, 1991, has been involved in installing panels for livestock shows, rolling out carpet for high school graduations, catering to named stars for music venues, and seen a world of expansion projects since he began his job as Arena Manager for the Civic Center.

"I had been a self-employed dairy farmer for 25 years, when I was hired by the Civic Center, and really had no idea of what all the job would become," reflected Buchanan, on Wednesday morning, from the arena of the Civic Center. "But, the Civic Center and Hopkins County have been great for me and my family!"

Buchanan related that many, many people in Hopkins County "only see the finished product" of all the preparation for events, and don't realize the many, many installations that an event at the Regional Civic Center requires. "There's loads of preparation for an event, and many times, not many hours between events," states Buchanan. "Then, there is the massive clean-ups, following the larger events. You never know how much trash people leave behind, until you start picking-up after a major event!"

According to Buchanan, one of the most rewarding aspects of his job, for the past 18 years has been meeting the many, many people who walk through the doors of the Civic Center. "Certainly, you get to visit and know all the good people of Hopkins County, but then you get to work with all the people who bring events to Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County," denoted Buchanan. "They are truly some of the most wonderful people in the world and are bringing business and dollars to Hopkins County, to help our economy!"

 

 

"Curtis has been a great mentor and pleasure to work with, here at the Civic Center," expressed Dottie Ford. "We're certainly going to miss his help and guidance, once September 30th rolls around! He's truly been a professional asset to the staff here at the Center!"

"Curtis is my 'right-hand man' and personal friend," related Pansy Bell, also with the Civic Center Staff. "We've decided to divide his duties among several employees, once he retires, and he's promised that he's only a phone call away, if I need him! And, I'm certain I'll be calling quite frequently for a while!"

Buchanan mentioned his working with all the staff as a true asset of the job. "We've got some really dedicated employees, that have been with the center for a number of years," stated Buchanan. "It seems like one big family and once someone is hired, they seem to stay for a number of years, as it's a pleasant place to work!"

"Another real asset of the job has been my working with the inmates of the Hopkins County Jail," inserts Buchanan. "It's one of those aspects of the job where you feel like you 'make a difference' in the lives of someone else. We've had some outstanding inmates, that we've worked with, and they come back to see us, drink coffee with us, and thank us for helping them 'get strait' in their lives. Many of the young people, incarcerated in the jail, have never really had anyone to take the time to teach them how to work! It's a wonderful program and saves the county taxpayer untold dollars, with the inmates contributing to the work here at the center!"

"I really haven't got any definite plans for retirement. I guess I'll decide that sometime after September 30th," denotes Buchanan. "However, my wife, Linda, has already said that we're going to go see The Grand Canyon and other points of interest, so I guess, you know, I'll be doing that!"

"I would just like to thank the people of Hopkins County for the opportunity to work for them, and thank the directors and staff of the Civic Center Board for providing me with a truly wonderful job, since being hired by Rod Henderson, back in 1991," relates Buchanan. "My daughter Stephanie, my wife Linda, and I would like to express our sincere thanks to everyone! It's been great!"

The Hopkins County Regional Civic Center will host a Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, at 5:15 p.m., on Thursday, September 24th, where they will honor Curtis Buchanan for his many years of service to the Civic Center and Hopkins County. Also, to be honored at the event will be Jonas Helm and Joy Doss, for their efforts with construction and operation of the Civic Center Equine Pavilion. Make plans to attend Thursday's event and wish Curtis Buchanan a wonderful retirement, and show him how much you appreciate his efforts in a job well done!"

 

Congratulations, Curtis!!!

 

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