Avery Chamber’s Annual Dinner and Awards Acknowledges Achievements and Outstanding Invidiuals

by Madison V. Fisler

Nancy Morrison (left) was named "Woman of the Year" and Sam Ray received a "Lifetime Achievement Award" at the annual Avery County Chamber of Commerce banquet.
Nancy Morrison (left) was named “Woman of the Year” and Sam Ray received a “Lifetime Achievement Award” at the annual Avery County Chamber of Commerce banquet.

Nov. 19, 2013. The Avery Chamber of Commerce honored many for their upstanding service to the community at the annual awards dinner last week.

The Thursday event drew a record crowd of more than 150 people to the Toe River Lodge in Avery County.

“These people exemplified what Avery County is all about,” said Sue Freeman of the Avery Chamber of Commerce. “They are just well rounded people who wear many different hats. They are always willing to reach out and do what needs to be done.”

The 2013 award recipients are as follows: 

  • 2013 Woman of the Year: Nancy Morrison
  • 2013 Man of the Year: John Wilson
  • 2013 Business of the Year: Carolina Mountain Life
  • 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award: Col. Sam Ray

Nominees for the Man of the Year and Woman of the Year awards were individuals who displayed a pattern of service to the whole of Avery County over the duration of their time in our community. 

“This year we gave a partnership award to the area wineries for really reaching out to us with the Trolley Wine Tours,” Freeman added.