The 32nd Annual Meeting & Celebration was held on Thursday, November 13, 2014 at Sawyer Family Farmstead in Glenville. The program included installation of the Chamber’s new Board of Directors and officers, announcement of a new Community Advisory Board and presentation of the Spirit of Community awards.
In addition to the beautiful holiday venue at the Tom Sawyer Christmas Tree Farm, hosted by owners Myra and Tom Sawyer, guests enjoyed a catered meal by The Orchard Restaurant, owned by Chad and Travis Boswell, and the musical classics sung by Steve Johannessen.
Board of Directors
This year we have appreciated the support of retiring Chamber directors: Alissa Short, Mountain Dog Spa; Scott Handback, Scoben Enterprises; Donna Nickerson, Biltmore; and David Stroud, Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society.
The Chamber’s 2015 board leadership includes incoming President, Robin Tindall-Taylor of the Highlands Cashiers Hospital Foundation, Mary Alice Grant of Sounds Essential as President-Elect and Will Madden of Macon Bank as Treasurer. Debby Hattler of Hattler Properties and Mountain Lake Rentals was installed as a newly-elected director.
Continuing their board service next year will be: Ken Fernandez, Old Cashiers Realty; Tom Sawyer, Sawyer Family Farmstead; Ken Taft, Landmark Realty Group; Matt Canter, Brookings Cashiers Village Anglers; and Dan Dubreuil, Country Club of Sapphire Valley.
Community Advisory Board
The Chamber’s mission will also benefit from members of a new Community Advisory Board. This exclusive group is composed of area public sector, education and business leaders who can lend expertise on specific issues addressed by the Chamber in our economic and community development efforts. Inaugural members are: Dr. David Belcher, Chancellor of Western Carolina University; Chief Randy Dillard of the Cashiers Glenville Volunteer Fire Department; Dan Harbaugh of the Tuckaseigee Water & Sewer Authority; Commissioner Mark Jones of Jackson County; Karen Sullivan of Remax/Summit Properties representing the Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley; and Chief Roy Taylor of Blue Ridge Public Safety;
These leaders are generously dedicating their time, talents and energy to advance the Core Purpose of the Chamber in the months ahead. We also invite your support and participation in 2015. The following Core Purpose, Values & 2014 Program Highlights tell the story of “Why, How and What” of your Chamber’s work.
Spirit of Our Community Awards
Bob Bryan, of the Cashiers Historical Society, offered remarks and presented its prestigious Heritage Award to Dovecote Cottage and Garden, repurposed by landscape designer Mary Palmer Dargan.
Outgoing President Tim O’Brien of Canyon Spa presented the 2014 Spirit of our Community awards recognizing individuals or organizations that have significantly contributed to the character of the Cashiers Area through their dedication and commitment. This year’s recipients were:
Business Person of the Year: Jim Zoller, of Zoller Hardware
Educator of the Year: Kindergarten teacher Wanda Crisp of Blue Ridge School
Evergreen Award: The Valley Garden Club of Cashiers, represented by Christie Wardowski for President Barbara Kups
Volunteer of the Year: Marcia Shawler
And as a special tribute, the 2014 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD was presented in memoriam to A. William McKee, who passed away on October 25, 2014. This award is presented to an individual who has significantly and positively impacted community development through vision, innovation and leadership.
We thank those of you who were able to join us for this important year end gathering and wish all of our members and your families Happy Holidays!