Cherokee County Chamber Names 2017 First Citizen

CANTON, GA -- A lifelong resident and familiar voice on local radio has been named the 42nd recipient of the First Citizen of Cherokee County Award.

The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce has bestowed the honor upon Byron L. Dobbs during its 46th annual meeting held Thursday, Jan. 19.

“The Cherokee County Chamber is honored to name Byron Dobbs as the 42nd recipient of the prestigious First Citizen of Cherokee County Award," said Bryan Reynolds, director of the Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency and 2017 chairman of the Chamber. "It is obvious, based upon his accomplishments, why he was selected."

A native of Woodstock and a lifelong resident of Cherokee County for 82 years, Dobbs retired from radio station WCHK in 1998 after 40 years and today works at WLJA 101.1 FM which he and business associate Randy Gravley own their corporation, Tri-State Communications.

Throughout the years, Dobbs has been involved with a variety of local organizations including the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Cherokee County Historical Society, Sequoyah Regional Library Board, emeritus director of the Cherokee Sports Hall of Fame, honorary member of Ellijay Rotary Club, Reinhardt University's A Day Committee, the Cherokee Clean & Beautiful Commission and organizer of the Easter Community Sunrise Service at Cherokee Memorial Park which continues today.

Being recognized for his commitment to his community and profession is nothing new for Dobbs.

The journalist has been honored by the Georgia Association of Broadcasters’ as Broadcaster of the Year, inducted into the University of Georgia’s Broadcasters Hall of Fame, Daughters of the American Revolution Excellence in Community Service, received proclamations from Cherokee County and the city of Canton, Georgia House of Representatives Resolution for Distinguished Career, Georgia Senate Bill commending his community leadership and the Georgia State School Board’s Beacon Award.

The First Citizen of Cherokee County award is given to a resident who has lived in the county for a minimum of five years and has shown significant meritorious service to his/her community through family, civic and/or religious involvement.

A panel of out-of-town judges reviews the accomplishments of each applicant then the winner is chosen based upon merit. The 2017

recipient joins a prestigious list of honorees including former Canton physician Dr. Grady Coker, who was the initial recipient in 1971, along with Norman Sosebee who was selected in 2016.

Photo: Bryan Reynolds, left, and Byron Dobbs. Credit: Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce