Chamber Celebrates 2017 Accomplishments At Annual Meeting

WOODSTOCK-TOWNE LAKE, GA - From The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce: The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 2017 accomplishments and announced its 2018 primary goals during the organization’s 47th Annual Meeting held Thursday, January 18, 2018. Sponsored by Northside Hospital-Cherokee, the event featured keynote speaker Glenn Carver, Speaker, Author & Entrepreneur, who encouraged attendees to Think Bigger. In the changing of the guard, outgoing Board Chair Bryan Reynolds, Director of the Cherokee County’s Recreation & Parks Agency, passed the gavel to incoming Chair Julianne Rivera, Owner of Sold by Julianne - Keller Williams Atlanta North.

In sharing 2017 successes, outgoing Chairman Reynolds announced, “In 2017, over 5,300 current & future members attended the variety of events offered by the Chamber, while 178 new members were recruited to the Chamber bringing our year-end membership total to 981. We are boasting a 2017 Membership Retention Rate of 86% (up from 85% in 2016 and 83% in 2015).”

Incoming Chair Rivera announced the Chamber’s top three goals for 2018, which include increasing the Chamber’s net membership by 5%, involving emerging leaders in the programs of the Chamber and instilling the value of Chamber membership. Ms. Rivera also referenced the Chamber’s ongoing organizational efforts that include continuing to focus strategically – utilizing the organization’s 2020 VISION, continuing to enhance member benefits, and continuously measuring success.

Volunteers recognized for completing a three-year term on the Chamber Board included Neil Blackman, Corblu Ecology Group; Dr. Brian Hightower, Cherokee County School District; Karen Mathews, Reinhardt University; Jeff Mitchell, South State Bank; Michael Searcy, WLJA 101.1 FM/Enjoy! Cherokee Magazine; Jennifer Stanley, Northside Hospital-Cherokee and Alan Thompson, MOJO Productions. Immediate Past Chair, Steve Garrison, Owner of Canton Tire & Wheel, was recognized for his six years of service.

The following newly elected Board members, who will serve until December of 2020, include: Heather Blevins, The Pampered Chef; Mandy Chapman, Roytec Industries, LLC; Phil Eberly, Lead Edge Design Group, Inc.; Mark Goodman, Gas South, LLC; Tom Heard, Cherokee County Water & Sewerage Authority; Deidre Hollands, The Children’s Haven, Inc. and Adam Smith, Bank of North Georgia-A Division of Synovus. “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,” shared Chairwoman Rivera.

Among the awards presented was the 43rd Annual First Citizen of Cherokee County recognition that was bestowed upon lifelong Cherokee County resident Scott McElroy. “The Cherokee County Chamber is honored to name Scott McElroy as the 43rd recipient of the prestigious First Citizen of Cherokee County Award. The judges did an outstanding job in selecting him,” remarked Ms. Rivera.

Additional accolades went to North GA CPA Services, 2018 Small Business of the Year, and Nelson Elder Care Law, 2018 Excellence in Customer Service Award honoree, both of which were chosen by out-of-town judges just as the First Citizen is selected. The 2017 Chairman’s Council Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Janet Ponichtera with Family Life Publications as she best-exemplified on-going dedication throughout the past year as a Chamber Ambassador while contributing dozens of volunteer hours on the Chairman's Council. The Going Green Business of the Year, chosen based upon their commitment to environmental excellence as well as their implementation of additional green tactics within their organization, was awarded to In Harmony Pediatric Therapy.

The mission of the Cherokee County Chamber is to promote business and the community while expanding the economy and enhancing the quality of life. To learn more about the Chamber, visit CherokeeChamber.com.

Photo courtesy of The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce