TOP PHOTO: Regina Blankenship with Community Trust Bank accepted the “Business of the Year” award on Thursday evening. Market President Rhonda Longmire was unable to attend.

The Director’s Award was presented to a surprised Becky Aiken, Woodson’s Mall Property Manager. Aiken is also a member of the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and is President Emeritus.

By Derrick Lee Anderson

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – Every year, the Ball Farm Event Center plays host to the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet, an event that celebrates the impact businesses have made through the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce. The event features a great dinner, great fellowship and a featured keynote speaker to cap off the event. See Charlie Hutson’s photo gallery HERE.

WLAF’s Charlie Hutson shares his photos along with this one from up top showcasing the impressive turnout at Thursday’s banquet and awards presentation event hosted by the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce.

This year’s event, the 36th, was extra special, because it featured an expanded awards presentation as well as a keynote address by Dr. Monica Lebron, Deputy Athletics Director for Championship Resources at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

The keynote address, delivered by Dr. Monica Lebron of the University of Tennessee, focused on her love for University of Tennessee athletics, and she even shared her love for the chamber of commerce.

From political candidates to business leaders, a full house was on hand to witness this great event. Before the food and festivities rolled on, Campbell County Mayor E. L. Morton gave the invocation and the Roberts Sisters sang the National Anthem. Along the way, Josh McDowell, Gene Stevens and Kevin Craft provided some great music and singing. Catering for this event was provided by Rickard Ridge BBQ located at Cove Lake State Park. There were also a number of door prizes being given away during the event which featured gift cards from restaurants such as Charley’s Pizza.

OMG provided the music for the evening. OMG stands for Old Men with Guitars. Gene Stevens, Josh McDowell and Kevin Craft provided the entertainment. (PHOTO COURTESY OF WLAF’S DERRICK LEE ANDERSON)

The keynote address, given by Dr. Monica Lebron of the University of Tennessee, focused on her love for University of Tennessee athletics, and she even shared her love for the Chamber of Commerce. During the keynote address, Dr. Lebron mentioned that “It’s not only different in the SEC, it’s different in Tennessee.” She also mentioned that back in 2004, Tennessee had the best facilities, and after some decline, the University is making its way back to being the best.
After the keynote address, awards were given out to cap off this year’s chamber banquet.

The following awards were given out during the banquet:

The Professional of the Year was presented to Shannon Cox of Cox Construction by Campbell County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Missy Tackett.
Brent McNeeley of Walters Funeral Home was awarded the Chamber’s Young Professional of the Year by Karen Cumorich, a member of the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Campbell County Habitat for Humanity was voted to receive the Community Impact Award for 2022. Campbell County Habitat for Humanity Board President Zach Sheets accepted the plaque from Campbell County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Missy Tackett.
Campbell County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Missy Tackett announced that the Junior Ambassadors of the Year are the Broyles Brothers, Logan and Luke Broyles.
Lansden Hill with Pyro Shows received the Veteran-Owned Business Achievement Award. He is flanked by Campbell County Mayor and Lieutenant Colonel E.L. Morton (US Army retired) and Campbell County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Missy Tackett.
Brad Honeycutt of Campbell County High School received the Educator of the Year Award presented to him by TCAT President Debbie Petree.
Nancy Green of the LaFollette Public Library was named The Ambassador of the Year as announced by Zach Sheets and presented by Missy Tackett.
The New Business of the Year award went to the Doorway Gourmet owned by Nancy Thompson.
WLAF was honored with the Legacy Award.
WLAF’s Bill Waddell holds the Legacy Award presented to WLAF as Missy Tackett and Jim Freeman look on.

All in all, it was a night to remember as businesses from across this community were celebrated, and for everyone at WLAF radio, it was a great night worth remembering. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 06/10/2022-6AM)

2 Replies to “Campbell County Chamber of Commerce Banquet hosts annual banquet”

  1. A wonderful night indeed! Love how this Chamber is growing. So many endearing tributes and thank you’s. If you weren’t proud and fired up for your community after that event, you weren’t paying attention.

    1. You make me proud to know how much you love your home community. We have our own private Mecca here and it’s a Heavenly one. Those who don’t agree can either work freely to make it even better or go somewhere else and be miserable. Most of the time that’s what really happens.
      Love ❤️
      Raise those boys to love it too !!!!!!!!

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