LAFOLLETTE, TN. (WLAF)- Last night, longtime family owned  business Ayers Auction and Realty was honored by the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce. WLAF’s Derrick Anderson covered the event.

by Derrick Lee Anderson

Since the 1980s, the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce has served businesses with excellence and service. And this year, the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce welcomed in some new members which included Pyro Shows.
On Thursday night, the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce held its annual banquet at the Ball Farm Event Center. With a good crowd on-hand, the chamber banquet did not disappoint. John Branam of the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce opened with prayer and food was provided by Chamber member Classy Threads and Catering. During the event, members of Leadership Campbell County graduated as Zach Sheets presented graduates with their diploma and out-going Chamber board members were bid farewell while new members were welcomed in.
The Ball Farm Event Center presented Ayers Auction and Realty with the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award.

(LEFT) Tommie Ayers spoke on behalf of the Ayers family and Chris Caldwell (RIGHT) shared his thoughts on tourism with chamber members.

The night was capped off by a keynote speech by Knox County Finance Director and Campbell County High School graduate Chris Caldwell. Caldwell’s keynote speech focused on tourism and economic development, and how they go hand-in-hand. During his speech, Caldwell touched on some interesting key points and even asked this question: Why is tourism important? He also noted some interesting facts such as the recent Bassmasters tournament which drew $32 million when the event was in Knoxville. And Caldwell also noted in his speech this key point: Be inclusive and welcoming.
For chamber members who came out, it was a wonderful time had by all and it was a night to remember.(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 06/14/2019-6 AM)