By Madison Fisler Lewis
Oct. 10, 2014. The Avery County Chamber of Commerce hosted the Avery Chamber Annual Dinner on Oct. 7. During the event, the awards were given out for man, woman and business of the year, which were chosen from nominations taken from the community in the months leading up to the dinner.
The event kicked off featuring live music from The Johnson Brothers as members of the Chamber of Commerce spent time mingling and networking. The setting for the event was Camp Yonahnoka in Linville.
“Members supported the Chamber with donations of silent auction items and the Spa of Eseeola gave a short presentation about their products and services,” said Sue Freeman, Executive Director of the Avery County Chamber of Commerce.
At 7:30 p.m., the awards ceremony for the coveted Man, Woman and Business of the Year awards took place.
The 2014 Woman of the Year award was presented to Edwina Sluder by Lisa Isley.
The award presentation was followed by the Avery County School’s recognition as the number one school district in North Carolina for graduating students at a rate of 95 percent.
David Burleson, Superintendent of Avery County Schools, was awarded the Avery County Man of the Year by Avery Chamber President Nancy Stroupe Morrison and Carmen Lacey, Director of the Cannon Hospital.
The 2014 Business of the Year was presented to Williams YMCA of Avery County by Babette McAulliffe, who won last year’s award.
Following the awards presentation, Susan Freeman presented a powerpoint about the statistics on the county and how the business community can partner with one another to support efforts to increase tourism and commerce to the county.
The chamber has also reached a milestone this year.
“We at the Avery Chamber have reached a milestone in membership with more than 400 members,” Freeman said. “When I came to the Chamber we had 250 members.”
For more information about the Avery County Chamber of Commerce click here.
Photos by Marilyn Ball
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