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Wlaf1450By Charlotte Underwood
LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- The Campbell County Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet at the Ball Farm Event Center at 9am on Thursday.
WLAF’s Charlie Hutson shares his photo gallery HERE.
Vanessa Dupuy, left-above, with Classy Threads and Catering and her mother Bobbie helped open the event with the singing of the national anthem.
Chamber Director Missy Tackett said it had been an exciting and busy year for the Chamber with events, including Chamber coffees, job fairs, ribbon cuttings, a new tourism video and so much more, including 27 new members, taking Chamber membership up to 216 members.
Thursday’s event honored multiple area individuals and businesses that make a difference in the community, the county and the economy.
The event honored Educator of the Year Chris Shouse.
Shouse is an “educator who gives above and beyond to create a unique learning environment for students.”
Shouse is a lifetime health and wellness teacher at Campbell County High School. He is going into his 30th year as an educator and has coached multiple sports.
“I appreciate this award so much. The list is endless of people who deserve this award; there are so many great educators in the county. I am surrounded by great people and have been surrounded by great educators over the past 30 years. When it comes to teaching, the kids teach the teachers just as much as we teach them. I love my job and can’t want to get started again this year,” Shouse said.
Nancy Green was recognized as the 2026 Ambassador of the Year Award.
Green received this award in 2022, 2023, she received the Directors award in 2024 and was Ambassador of Year in 2025 and keeps the Ambassador of the Year crown in 2026.
“She attended 64 events, and we appreciate her dedication to the chamber. Our ambassadors are so important to the chamber,” Tackett said.
The Community Impact Award was awarded to Hope and Stand Church which “began with a vision that God had more in store for the people of Campbell County.” Their mission statement includes building a stronger, healthier community and helping families take their first step in faith.”
The New Business of the Year Award was presented to the Campbell County Boys and Girls Club.
The club’s mission is to enable young people to reach their full potential as productive citizens.
It is a no cost resource for Campbell County families and provides access to kids for academic help, access to mentors, multiple programs and so much more.
“It has established itself where young people can grow, thrive and learn together safely,” said chamber board member Manuel Mesa, who presented the award to Boys and Girls Club of Campbell County Director Jorden Goins.
The club has grown rapidly in six months and now serves 55 youngsters.
The Veteran Owned Business of Year Award went to Tonya Robinson with Robin’s Nest Market and Antiques, which opened in the Spring of 2025.
This award recognizes a Veteran owned small business that contributes to the local economy and is an asset to the community.
The Legacy Award was presented to Ellison Sanitary Supply Co. Inc. The company has served the community since 1954 and is a fourth generation owned company located in LaFollette.
“This award honors the highest standard of dedication, growth and development and enhancement of the community,” said County Mayor Jack Lynch who presented the award.
Jessica Bullock received the Young Professional of the Year Award. Bullock is a new mother and was unable to attend.
“This award recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of a highly motivated leader from the chamber membership.”
John Snodderly received the Professsional of the Year Award.
This award recognizes those who go above and beyond to invest in the community.
“Snodderly is a dedicated public servant and community leader.”
He has been the executive director of the LaFollette Housing Authority since 2005. He was instrumental in helping with the establishment of the Boys and Girls Club here locally. He serves on multiple boards and committees and is also a local business owner. Last year, John’s wife Raewyn Snodderly received this award
This year’s Director’s Award was presented to Manuel Mesa.
“This award is given to one who shows dedication to the chamber. Their tireless work and chamber commitment help not only the chamber, but the community. This person has helped so much this past year, particularly on the tourism video,” Tackett said. She also thanked the tourism committee.
Mesa said the award caught him completely by surprise and that he was honored to receive the award.
Area non-profit Bridges to Recovery received the 2026 Business of the Year Award.
Scott Hill presented the award to Liz Allin, Board Treasurer/Staff Member with Bridges to Recovery.
Bridges to Recovery was established in 2021 and is the only female residential recovery center for women in the area. It serves five counties.
A recent Bridges to Recovery graduate, Latisha Chambers spoke giving her testimony to show the impact of the program.
“I am going on three years with sobriety. Bridges to Recovery is a really great program… They give everyone an equal opportunity to come to this program … I could not be more grateful for it,” Latisha said.
She now mentors and sponsors another girl who is going through the Bridges to Recovery program.
“It is not just a home. It is God Given, it is a true blessing; they help you reestablish that structure in your life. It is a place and program that gives hope and encouragement to the girls that are there.” Chambers said.
She received a standing ovation.
Chamber Director Missy Tackett thanked all those who attended the event and congratulated Bridges to Recovery on the award.
Tackett told all award winners it was an honor to celebrate them and that all their contributions made it a better community.
She thanked Administrative Assistant Dena Miller for all she does as well.
“I am honored to be a part of the chamber of commerce, it is a dream job. Dena and I love what we do. We love to support our businesses and be your biggest cheerleaders!” Tackett said.
(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-06/19/2026-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF’S CHARLIE HUTSON)