Chamber of Commerce presents annual awards

  • Kevin Panter Insurance was honored with the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce Community Service award at the chamber’s annual banquet Saturday night. Panter, right, received the award from Richard York.
    Kevin Panter Insurance was honored with the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce Community Service award at the chamber’s annual banquet Saturday night. Panter, right, received the award from Richard York.
  • Snack in Backpack received the Chamber of Commerce Heart of the Community Award Saturday night. Manda Gwatney presented the award to Snack Executive Director Deby Beck, Greg Spencer and Carl Pruett. The organization has packed over one million backpacks filled with food for students.
    Snack in Backpack received the Chamber of Commerce Heart of the Community Award Saturday night. Manda Gwatney presented the award to Snack Executive Director Deby Beck, Greg Spencer and Carl Pruett. The organization has packed over one million backpacks filled with food for students.
  • Two outgoing members of the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Britton Quintrell, center, and Rob Kaser, were recognized for their service by Suzanne Davenport, chairwoman of the chamber board of directors.
    Two outgoing members of the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Britton Quintrell, center, and Rob Kaser, were recognized for their service by Suzanne Davenport, chairwoman of the chamber board of directors.
  • The Fannin County Chamber of Commerce honored Joe and Cila Cipolla with a Lifetime Member Award Saturday night. Troy Shirbroun, left, presented the Cipollas with the honor.
    The Fannin County Chamber of Commerce honored Joe and Cila Cipolla with a Lifetime Member Award Saturday night. Troy Shirbroun, left, presented the Cipollas with the honor.
  • Suzanne Davenport, left, was recognized as both the outgoing and incoming chairwoman of the Fannin County Board of Directors Saturday night with the traditional passing of the gavel. She was recognized by Chamber President Christie Gribble. Davenport stepped in to fill Jason Jones’ term as president when he relocated, and now begins her full term as chairwoman.
    Suzanne Davenport, left, was recognized as both the outgoing and incoming chairwoman of the Fannin County Board of Directors Saturday night with the traditional passing of the gavel. She was recognized by Chamber President Christie Gribble. Davenport stepped in to fill Jason Jones’ term as president when he relocated, and now begins her full term as chairwoman.
  • The Fannin County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year award went to Shelley Eyerly, right. It was presented by Chamber President Christie Gribble. The award recognizes the ambassador for involvement in Chamber events.
    The Fannin County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year award went to Shelley Eyerly, right. It was presented by Chamber President Christie Gribble. The award recognizes the ambassador for involvement in Chamber events.
  • Greg Spencer, right, was honored as the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce’s Outstanding Member. Troy Shirbroun presented the honor. Spencer was honored for his work with Blues & BBQ, Snack in a Backpack, and several other volunteer efforts.
    Greg Spencer, right, was honored as the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce’s Outstanding Member. Troy Shirbroun presented the honor. Spencer was honored for his work with Blues & BBQ, Snack in a Backpack, and several other volunteer efforts.

    Fannin County Chamber of Commerce members and their guests gathered Saturday night for the organization’s annual banquet.

    Board Chairman Suzanne Davenport opened the meeting by telling the group about some of the accomplishments recorded over the past year.

    She said tourism in Fannin County is up over 15% from the previous year, which is the catalyst for continued growth in the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Taxes (SPLOST)received by both the county government and school board.

    Because of the hotel/motel tax, also paid by visitors, $450,000 in Tourism Product Development went to the county government. This money was and is being used to create facilities for tourists and locals alike, such as the construction of a new walking trail at Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park on the Toccoa River just outside McCaysville and new playgrounds at both Tom Boyd and Ron Henry parks. It will also help fund the new pool and other improvements the county will build at its new recreation complex, formerly the Blue Ridge City Park.

    Though 2022 figures are not yet available, tourism was responsible for $270 million in revenue coming into Fannin County during 2021, Davenport said. this resulted in a tax savings of $1,900 for every Fannin County family.

    The Chamber also honored the work of individuals and Chamber members. Awards included:

    •The Community Service Award to Kevin Panter Insurance;

    •The Outstanding Member award to Greg Spencer;

    •The Heart of the Community Award to Snack in a Backpack;

    •Lifetime Member Award to Joe and Cila Cipolla; and,

    •The Ambassador of the Year Award to Shelley Eyerly.

    Davenport was recognized by Chamber President Christie Gribble as beginning her full year of service as Chamber board chairwoman.