Rachel Hoskins - rhoskins@thefranklinpress.com
Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce hosted a night to shine on Tuesday, Nov. 14, at the annual chamber banquet. Hosted by David and Stephanie Whitson at the Cross Street Building the Chamber took the opportunity to celebrate the year and recognize businesses that help build a strong community. Chamber Board President Gene Self said the chamber has charted a new course in the past couple of years. Mandi Polly took the helm of the chamber following the retirement of longtime chamber director Patti Jensen and Self took over the president’s gavel.
“We have not always been perfect,” said Self. But our goal has not changed – to continue to serve you as businesses, nonprofits and individuals.
“As chamber members, we want to uplift, encourage and be your champion. Mitchell County is one the greatest places in the world and you all make it great. I am thankful to be able to serve you and I am thankful for Mandi Polly. She has done a great job under trying circumstances as we continue to navigate the challenges we face. But we will succeed just as Mitchell County has succeeded for generations. Together. Working together there is nothing that we cannot achieve.”
The highlight of the chamber banquet – aside from performances by Elvis and Dolly (imperators) – was the awards ceremony.
The chamber handed out multiple awards, all of which were voted on by members of the chamber.
The Extra Mile Award: This award is given to the chamber member business whose employees characterize hospitality and make every effort to provide customers with a positive experience. Winner: Big Al’s Pack and Ship.
Rookie of the Year: This award goes to a business or nonprofit who has been a chamber member for less than a year and who has made a positive impact on the community. Winner: Hilloween – Gina Phillips.
Nonprofit of the Year: The nonprofit organization of the year award recognizes a chamber member who has demonstrated excellence in their commitment to the people of Mitchell County. Winner: AMY Wellness Foundation.
Small Business of the Year: This award goes to a chamber member business with fewer than 25 employees that has demonstrated excellence in the provision of their product or service. Winner: L& L Furniture, Walt and Kayla Shepherd.
Large Business of the Year: This award recognizes a chamber member with more than 25 employees that has demonstrated excellence in the provision of their product or service. Winner: Buck Stove.
Member of the Year: This award goes to a chamber member who is seen as a leader in the community, is highly engaged and active. This business (and its staff) is engaged in volunteering, community events, and understands the concept of giving back to the community. This business delivers a high level of customer service, is an innovator in its field, and has demonstrated overall excellence in business. Winner: Cheryl Buchanan – Treasures in the Pines.
Chamber Champion: This award goes to an individual who works to promote the chamber and makes a difference in the community through their work and community engagement. Winner: Starli McDowell
Spirit of Community Award: Recognizing a business, organization or person who is truly a Hometown Hero is the mission of this award. Last year, Blue Ridge Regional Hospital received this award for all that they do for Mitchell County and the community. This year’s recipient embodies the Spirit of Community in Mitchell County.
“This person has a servant’s heart, loves this town and this county and tirelessly works to promote it,” said Self, who presented the award. “This year’s recipient served the town of Spruce Pine for almost 30 years, keeping us safe as Chief of Police. But he did more than that. He cared. He cared about the community and the people in it. He would stop in and talk to people about their lives just to check in to see how they were doing. He organized a fireworks display for local nursing home residents during Covid 19 when no one could visit in person. He might be found hanging Christmas lights around town, picking up roadside trash or even going around town in a red Santa suit.
“One of his favorite things to do was “Shop with a Cop” which over the years has helped to purchase Christmas gifts for hundreds of children in our community. He is a man of faith, a man of convictions and this community and this county is so much better because of the impact and the difference he has made and continues to make in it. We are thankful for his service and thankful to call him a friend. This year’s recipient of the Spirit of Community Award Bill Summerlin.”
The evening concluded with recognizing incoming board members and encouraging those in attendance to continue supporting small business in the Mitchell County community.
Chamber board members are Jackie Wall, Kellie Jones, Tommy Perkins, Natalie Bowman, Sam McKinney, Steve Rowland, Starli McDowell, Allen Cook, Connie Taylor, Walton Shepherd, Matt Ward, Darlene Butler, April Jones and Jeff Hardin. Officers for the coming year are President Gene Self, Vice-President Nikki Presnell, Treasurer Ethan Finch, and Secretary Kelly
The Mitchell Chamber of Commerce is located at 11 Crystal Street, Spruce Pine. (828) 765-9033.