Alabama’s newest city is host to the National Exchange Club’s newest chapter.

Valley Grande’s Exchange Club had its president, board of directors as well as its officers installed at a ceremony Tuesday night at R & B Pit Bar-B-Q. Gus Parker, the immediate past president of the National Exchange Club, swore the officers in at the club’s charter meeting.

According to Parker, the charter meeting isn’t the group’s first gathering. Instead, it’s a meeting where the chapter receives its charter, Exchange Club banner, gavel and bell used to open meetings.

Mark Story, Valley Grande chapter president, said 15 members are required to begin a club chapter. &uot;But we actually started at 20,&uot; Story said.

The chapter currently has 22 members. Those present at Tuesday’s meeting received charter pins.

Valley Grande Mayor Herb Story made brief comments before the induction ceremony. Herb Story noted that in the past 12 months Valley Grande had become the state’s newest city while Tuesday saw the creation of Valley Grande’s first club as well as the newest Exchange Club chapter in Alabama.

The City of Valley Grande just happens to be part of one of Mark Story’s plans for the new club. To raise funds, the club plans on selling car tags which state, &uot;Valley Grande &045;&045; simply beautiful.&uot; Profits from the sales will be used toward purchasing a flag pole for Valley Grande’s City Hall.

Story also said he wants the club to assist with child abuse prevention. Profits from the fund-raiser will also be put toward local organizations that work with abused children.

Over time, Story said the club will explore other needs that can be addressed by members. &uot;This is a group of people that want to make a positive impact in their community,&uot; Story said.