Andrews The Cherokee County’s Chamber of Commerce held its annual dinner on Sept. 9 at Hawkesdene estate’s newest dining and event addition highlighted the theme “Fall Into Connections.”
The catered banquet featured a grand charcuterie spread, along with the dinner featuring seasonal squash and cedar plank salmon and grilled flank steak, plus signature cocktails and two local beers offered by Hoppy Trout Brewing Co.
The meal was blessed by the Rev. Wil Posey, pastor of Murphy First United Church, who gave an “open-eyed prayer,” while also invoking an old Tom T. Hall country standard as he explained that his older dogs and younger children might be willing to snatch some snacks before time to officially eat. His prayer challenged the audience to “see the image of Christ in all around us,” as he gave thanks for the varied attendees and their commitment to community and Cherokee County’s honoring “faith and traditions.”
Emceed by Cherokee Scout Publisher David Brown, the evening featured local businesses and organizations known for promoting all things Cherokee County. Executive Director Victoria Ivie handed out awards, with last year’s winners introduced the top ones this year.
Brown told the crowd events like this “don’t just happen overnight. There’s an extraordinary amount of work that goes into everything you see here.
“The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce can’t do everything for your business, but it can help with some things,” Brown added.
Becca McNabb presented this year’s Individual of the Year award with a resounding resume that many in attendance recognized after just a few lines, including her long list of charitable works along with the Rotary Club of Murphy’s motto, “Service Above Self.”
The recognition dawned on Dr. Jeana Conley’s face as those at her table also realized it was she who would be awarded this year’s honor. With a hand to her teary eyes, she made her way to accept the award and gave a humble nod of thanks.
Kam Thompson, co-owner of Hoppy Trout Brewing Co. in Andrews, presented the next award for Business of the Year to John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown. Thompson thanked previous winner Buck Bald Brewing Murphy for its support of both the business and craft-brewing communities.
In the speech, crafted by Ivie, the chamber thanked the folk school for its tireless promotion of the area and for their attention to craft and preserving Appalachian heritage and congratulated them on their newest business endeavor in downtown Murphy, Olive’s Porch, which offers classes and workshops along with a genuine folk school “experience” off campus. Executive Director Bethany Chaney, along with Executive Chef Terra Ciotta and others, were on hand to accept the award.
The chamber’s final award of the night was introduced by the Peachtree Community Center’s Jeannie Setzer-Teague, who offered praises for an all-volunteer organization that has worked to promote local farms and producers as well as provide local, fresh food both in the wake of last year’s disaster.
The Cherokee Clay Food Alliance was surprised since its role in the evening’s attendance was supposedly as “volunteers.” Executive Director Megan Lambert, along with her board, accepted the award and thanked everyone for their support.
Dennis Myers, vocational rehabilitation services coordinator with Industrial Opportunities Inc., handed out IOI’s awards for the 34th year.
This year’s winner for Personal Achievement was Juanita Phillips, who went through IOI’s program to become a production employee only to be promoted to a supervisor’s role. Myers said of Phillips’ motivation and stamina, “She only has one gear – and it’s high gear.”
The IOI Employer of the Year was Wendy’s of Murphy, with Myers saying it takes “not only a willingness to hire those with disabilities, but also work experience in the form of internships.” Wendy also received this award in 2002, which shows “their ongoing commitment to employing and training those with disabilities.” Accepting the award were store manager Brandy Lau and district manager Jason Morgan.
Ivie ended the night by thanking the board of directors, along with the chamber’s many ambassadors, who remain dedicated to promoting Cherokee County’s businesses.
Details: Visit cherokeecountychamber.com.