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By David Riley | on August 19, 2022
Jasper, Tenn. – Marion County Chamber of Commerce members assembled with others from the area to recognize some of the citizens and businesses that have contributed to the betterment of the community. The annual banquet also serves as the setting for the ceremonial passing of the torch for the new president for the upcoming year. There are many behind the scenes making this and other events for the chamber a must-attend event for those in the community.
The Hometown Hero award was presented to the National Cornbread Festival which time NCF matriarch Beth Duggar was on hand to accept on behalf of the organization
The Chamber recognized the National Cornbread Festival for its “Hometown Hero” award. Citing the the Festival’s twenty-five year history of highlighting the benefits and history of the South Pittsburg community. The Festival’s notoriety has grown exponentially since its inception attracting tens of thousands of people to the main street business sector of South Pittsburg each year at the end of April. Beth Duggar, whose name is practically synonymous with the Festival was in attendance to receive the award. Duggar started the acceptance speech by asking anybody that had volunteered at the Festival to stand up. When the vast majority of the approximately two hundred people present stood up, it was clear just how big of an impact this Festival. Duggar said that the recognition was more of a tribute to the volunteers that show up year after year than anything else.
The Chamber also uses the banquet to recognize its Citizen of the Year award. This year, the final selection committee pointed two
The Marion County Chamber of Commerce honored two Citizens of the Year for their tireless efforts for the the community- Kathie Tierney and Alyson Riley
citizens out for their tireless work in the community. Alyson Riley,/ the Executive Director of Championship Recovery Community, was recognized for her efforts on behalf of women in need. Riley spoke very well given she was brought to the event under false pretenses as a “mere attendee.” Whether through reintegration efforts with housing and work opportunities coming out of jail, or helping women navigate the emotional and physical minefield of addiction, or removing women from destructive relationships, Champion Recovery Community utilizes its volunteer manpower and resources to create a environment back to restoration. Additionally, the Chamber was unable to recognize the contributions of one of its own in Kathie Tierney who also rrecceived a Citizen of the Year award. Tierney has worked across many organization in the community to affect positive change serving with organizations such as the Rotary Club, 12th Judicial Child Advocacy Center, the Chamber of Commerce, National Cornbread Festival as well as “infinite mom” inside her children’s schools. In a historic event, Tierney was found to be near speechless, but very appreciative for the award.
The Chamber also acknowledges the Business of the Year at the banquet. Several years ago, the Chamber broke this recognition down to three with awards for small, medium, and large businesses. This year’s Small Business of the Year , which is characterized by fewer than 25 employees, went to Southern Rehab and Aquatics, a physical therapy service in Kimball. Owner Trace Kennemore credited his super power of “high people smarter than I am” to provide the services that Southern does. The Medium Business of the Year, which is identified by having more than 26 but not more than 100 employees, was Builtwell (formally First Volunteer) Bank. With multiple representatives from the bank, Joyce Burkhalter, who has remained at the bank for more than 35 years was chosen to give voice to Builtwell’s appreciation. Citing her relationship with the customers and “loving my job,” Burkhalter was visibly emotion over the recognition. Colonial Chemical was presented with the Chamber’s Large Business of the Year (100+ employees). With continuing growth in market and workforce continuing throughout the worldwide company, but most notably here at its corporate headquarters in New Hope, “Colonial Chem” has also received numerous merit citations from industry groups, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other civic groups. David Anderson Jr. spoke on behalf of the company stating that the community has continued to be welcoming and helpful throughout the facility’s twenty-plus year history and said that New Hope will “always be the company’s home.”
The Banquet has historically served as the setting for the proverbial “passing of the torch” from the outgoing chamber president and upcoming president and this year was no different. Outgoing president Carmen O’Hagen thanked the board and her employer for giving her the flexibility to participate as Chamber president. Incoming president, Travis Hickman, owner and manger at WEPG The River, took over emcee duties for the balance of the program. Hickman indicated that many of the programs and events that the Chamber is known for will continue and privately said he takes the stewardship of the organization as a serious responsibility and a great honor. The public is invited to visit the Chamber’s office at 302 Betsy Pack Drive in Jasper or visit the chamber website at marioncountychamber.com/.
Individuals and representatives from the winners’ organizations got together for a group picture.
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