Chamber honors service, announces new leadership

  • Fannin County Family Connection and its executive director, Sherry Morris, made history by earning the Chamber of Commerce’s first Heart of the Community Award. Shown are, from left, Chairman Frankie Rigdon, Morris, Family Connection Food Pantry Manager Greg Gelp and Chariman Elect Brandon Holloway.
    Fannin County Family Connection and its executive director, Sherry Morris, made history by earning the Chamber of Commerce’s first Heart of the Community Award. Shown are, from left, Chairman Frankie Rigdon, Morris, Family Connection Food Pantry Manager Greg Gelp and Chariman Elect Brandon Holloway.
  • Fannin County Chamber of Commerce representative Stacy Lewis, left, and Chairman Frankie Ridgon, right, presented the Ambassador of the Year award to Troy Shirbroun at the chamber’s 36th Annual Banquet, January 25.
    Fannin County Chamber of Commerce representative Stacy Lewis, left, and Chairman Frankie Ridgon, right, presented the Ambassador of the Year award to Troy Shirbroun at the chamber’s 36th Annual Banquet, January 25.
  • Fannin County Chamber of Commerce Chairman Elect Brandon Holloway, left, and Chairman Frankie Rigdon, right, presented Ken Brenneman with the Community Service Award at the chamber’s 36th Annual Banquet, January 25.
    Fannin County Chamber of Commerce Chairman Elect Brandon Holloway, left, and Chairman Frankie Rigdon, right, presented Ken Brenneman with the Community Service Award at the chamber’s 36th Annual Banquet, January 25.
  • Businessman Cesar Martinez was awarded with the Outstanding Chamber Member plaque during the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce’s 36th Annual Banquet. Attorney Manda Gwatney and chamber Chairman Frankie Rigdon presented the award.
    Businessman Cesar Martinez was awarded with the Outstanding Chamber Member plaque during the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce’s 36th Annual Banquet. Attorney Manda Gwatney and chamber Chairman Frankie Rigdon presented the award.
  • The Fannin County Chamber of Commerce’s retiring members from the 2019 Board of Directors each received a plaque from new Chairman Brandon Holloway to thank them for their service. Shown is Bill Banzhaf receiving his award.
    The Fannin County Chamber of Commerce’s retiring members from the 2019 Board of Directors each received a plaque from new Chairman Brandon Holloway to thank them for their service. Shown is Bill Banzhaf receiving his award.
  • The Fannin County Chamber of Commerce’s retiring members from the 2019 Board of Directors each received a plaque from new Chairman Brandon Holloway to thank them for their service. Shown is CJ Stam with his award.
    The Fannin County Chamber of Commerce’s retiring members from the 2019 Board of Directors each received a plaque from new Chairman Brandon Holloway to thank them for their service. Shown is CJ Stam with his award.
  • Fannin County Chamber of Commerce 2019 Chairman Frankie Rigdon passes the gavel to Chairman Elect Brandon Holloway, officially transfering the title of Chairman to Holloway for 2020.
    Fannin County Chamber of Commerce 2019 Chairman Frankie Rigdon passes the gavel to Chairman Elect Brandon Holloway, officially transfering the title of Chairman to Holloway for 2020.

    The Fannin County Chamber of Commerce held their 36th Annual Banquet at Brasstown Valley Resort Saturday, January 25.

    About 250 chamber members and community members gathered at the Young Harris resort to network, socialize and celebrate each other and the many business successes throughout the county in 2019.

    A brand new award honoring the “Heart of the Community” was presented to Sherry Morris and Fannin County Family Connection for the extensive services the group offers to area residents. 

    2019 chamber Chairman Frank Rigdon said, “It is most appropriate that the first recipient of this new award be Fannin County Family Connection lead by Sherry Morris.” 

    He went on to say the organization’s new building increases the group’s capacity to help area residents.

    “The generosity of donors’ time and talent include an impressive expanded food pantry and the 2,500 square foot meeting room for community organizations to use,” Rigdon said. “Family Connection’s food pantry provides nutritious food to over 17,000 individuals annually and provides a free clothing closet. 

    “Executive Director Sherry Morris worked tirelessly to acquire secure donations and renovate the space, expanding the footprint of FCFC as the go-to service agency for community involvement and innovative services. Sherry Morris deserves the recognition and thanks for the community. Her spirit and services are the essence of what is good about Fannin County.” 

    Rigdon touted several of the successes of 2019. He mentioned the Riverwalk Shops opening, the Blue Ridge Station complex opening, the Hampton Inn construction project and the Brown’s Feed and Seed construction project, the downtown streetscape project underway, the University of North Georgia project underway and the Highway 5 project. 

    Currently, Rigdon said, the chamber has 822 members, which includes 122 new members. “We’ve had more than one million website visitors and 209,692 member referrals from that website. 20,000 plus visitors utilized one of three of our visitors centers in 2019.”

    Ambassador of the Year was presented to Troy Shirbroun, the Community Service Award went to Ken Brenneman and the Outstanding Chamber Member was presented to Cesar Martinez. 

    The 2019 retiring members of the Board of Directors also received plaques for their service to the chamber. Retiring members are Bill Banzhaf, David Lewis, Jason Farmer, Billy Porter, Manda Gwatney and CJ Stam. The new members of the Board for 2020 are Ken Brenneman, Jason Jones, Lynn Kemp, Britton Quintrell, Casey Eaton and Eddie O’Neal.

    After the dinner and awards ceremony, Band of Gold offered music to dance the evening away.