Murphy – The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce honored a longstanding local business, a nonprofit community group, a volunteering couple and a man whose memory will always inspire others to clean up during the annual membership meeting Thursday night.
The meeting was held virtually from WKRK radio’s studio, as planning for the event began when the COVID-19 pandemic was running rampant. Undaunted, chamber officials organized an hourlong event with five rounds of trivia, with great donated prizes from member businesses.
Executive Director Sherry Raines joined chamber board member/emcee Tim Radford to give away four special awards.
u Industrial Opportunities Inc. was honored as Business of the Year. Among many other things, President Tom O’Brien and IOI donated thousands of face masks as the coronavirus made its way into Cherokee and surrounding counties.
u The 2021 Organization of the Year was the Grape Creek Homemakers. The fun-loving group has joined forces with other local charities, like the Rotary Club of Murphy, to have an even bigger impact across the entire community.
u The chamber recognized Tim and Theresa Gaffney as Citizens of the Year. The Gaffneys have been involved in a number of volunteer activities, from churches to charities. Sadly, Tim passed away from the coronavirus earlier this year.
u In a first, the late Gary Chamberlain was given a Lifetime Achievement Award. His work through the Cherokee County Litter-free Coalition made a sizable dent in roadside trash, and Radford said it’s up to us to carry on his legacy.
The night’s speaker – David Brown, publisher and editor of the Cherokee Scout – shared how there are more positive things going on economically across the county than you might think.
The chamber is overseen by the board of directors: Steven Aft, president; Kathryn Jenkins, vice president; Kevennie Westmorland, treasurer; Radford; Jerry Jackson; Kathryn Jenkins; Chris Raper; Carmen Lance; Kim Johnson; Tom Rodeck; Billy Roland; and Paul Worley, ex-officio.
In addition to Raines, the chamber’s office staff includes Ronda Birtha, marketing and public relations; and Heather Simonet, administrative assistant and membership. For details, call 837-2242 or visit cherokeecountychamber.com.