Cherokee Chamber Celebrates 2016 Accomplishments, Outlines 2017 Goals

CANTON, GA -- The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 2016 accomplishments and announced their 2017 primary goals during its 46th Annual Meeting.

The meeting was held Thursday, Jan. 19 and featured, keynote speaker Michael J. Coles, co-founder of the Great American Cookie Company.

Cole reflected on his career and the people and situations that assisted in paving his road to success including "surrounding himself with good people who are smarter than him that helped him become who he is today," the Chamber of Commerce said.

In the changing of the guard, outgoing Board Chair Steve Garrison, owner of Canton Tire & Wheel, passed the gavel to incoming Chairman Bryan Reynolds, director of the Cherokee County’s Recreation and Parks Agency.

In 2016, more than, 4,860 current and future members attended various Chamber events while 165 new members were recruited to join. That brought the organization's year-end membership total to 931.

He also said the chamber boasts a 2016 membership retention rate of 85 percent, which is up from 83 percent in 2015. Additionally, renovations of the chamber facility -- the first of its kind since it was built in 1993 -- came under budget.

Garrison also touted the Chamber’s work with $hop Local promotion, Tourism efforts through DestinationCherokeeGA.com, and expanding leadership development opportunities.

Incoming Chair Bryan Reynolds announced the Chamber’s top three goals for 2017: forming a Membership Task Force to develop strategies for growth, exceeding the 1,000-membership mark by Dec. 31 and implementing practices which will better communicate the value of Chamber membership.

Reynolds also referenced the Chamber’s ongoing organizational efforts that include continuing to focus strategically – utilizing the 2020 VISION strategic plan unveiled during the Annual Meeting, continuing to enhance member benefits, and continuously measuring success.

Volunteers recognized for completing a three-year term on the Chamber Board included: Don Barbour, AT&T Georgia; Russ Sanders, FactoryMation, LLC; Jeremy Swafford, Southeast Restoration Group; Debbie Underkoffler, North Georgia Staffing and Fred Weir, Zaxby's. Immediate Past Chair, Jeff Rusbridge with Dyer & Rusbridge, PC, was recognized for his five years of service.

The following newly elected Board members, who will serve until December 2019, include: Zach Blend, Goshen Valley Foundation; Kelly Geiken, Edward Jones; Mark Goddard, Cobb EMC; Vic Knight, Waste Management; Kathy Lambert, Chart, Inc.; Janet Read, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Brian Stevens, FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers.

“I look forward to working with these new Board members, as well as those who will be continuing to serve the Chamber as we work collaboratively to meet the Chamber's mission,” Reynolds added.

Among the awards presented was the 42nd Annual First Citizen of Cherokee County recognition that was bestowed upon lifelong Cherokee County resident Byron Dobbs.

Additional accolades went to Autumn Hill Nursery, which was named the 2017 Small Business of the Year, and GrassRoots Tree & Turf Care, which received the 2017 Excellence in Customer Service Award honoree.

The 2016 Chairman’s Council Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Russ Phillips with TransAmerica Financial Advisors as he best-exemplified on-going dedication throughout the past year as a Chamber Ambassador while contributing dozens of volunteer hours on the Chairman's Council.

Outgoing Chairman Steve Garrison also recognized Janet Ponichtera with Family Life Publications for her outstanding attendance at Chamber events during 2016.

“Janet attended more events than I did, and in my role as Board Chair I didn’t miss many events,” Garrison said. “Her dedication to the Chamber is appreciated, and I’m honored to present her with the Hustle Award for going above and beyond.”

For more information about the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, visit the organization's website.

Photo 1: Steve Garrison, 2016 Chamber chairman and owner of Canton Tire & Wheel, presents Janet Ponichtera, Family Life Publications, with the 2016 Hustle Award for outstanding attendance and going above and beyond as a Chamber volunteer.
Photo 2: Garrison presents Eric Hill, owner of Autumn Hill Nursery, with the 2017 Small Business of the Year Award.
Photo 3: Garrison presents Josh Wise, CEO of GrassRoots Tree & Turf Care, with the 2017 Excellence in Customer Service Award.
Photo 4: Garrison presents Russ Phillips of TransAmerica Financial Advisors with the 2016 Chairman’s Council Volunteer of the Year Award.
Photo credits: Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce