White County Chamber of Commerce members gathered Wednesday, August 21, at Strong Rock Camp and Retreat, north of Cleveland, for the 2024 Annual Meeting. The meeting included reviewing the past year’s work and recognizing some special people serving the community.
The Chamber Business of the Year Award went to Chris and Leigh Ammons of Ammons Grave Restoration (pictured above) for their exceptional investment in the vitality of White County. The Ammons restore and replace historical and grave markers.
“This couple began their business to honor those of our loved ones that have passed. Out of care for the living, they started a part-time business that has grown into a more than full-time career for both of them,” said Ginn.
The Entrepreneur of the Year Award is presented to an entrepreneur who has been in business for at least three years and has developed his or her business to meet changing community and consumer demands. This year’s award went to Stephen and Marilyn Martin of Farmhouse Coffee.
The Martins were recognized for having a vision of a place where friends and neighbors could hang out and enjoy a cup of coffee. The Chamber said that, today, their business has grown to add not just one but two locations, and “their dedication to Farmhouse staff is remarkable.”
White County District 1 Commissioner Terry Goodger was awarded the Citizen of the Year Award.
White County Chamber Board Chair Shanda Ginn said Goodger has served his nation as a Marine, his church family in many capacities at Cleveland First Baptist Church, and serves the people of Cleveland on the Cleveland Downtown Development Authority.
“Without his diligent efforts, we would not have the beautiful Freedom Park,” said Ginn.
The Chamber’s Customer Service Award was presented to Ahmed Amilari of Dunkin’ Donuts.
Ginn said, “He greets every guest with a smile. Long before the sun rises, he is at work because it’s time to make the donuts, and he makes every guest feel special.”
This year’s Volunteer of the Year Award went to Dana Berry of Berry Foods IGA. According to Ginn, as a member of the Talent Pipeline Management program of the Chamber, Dana offered innovative ideas to help propel our efforts in ensuring our citizens have economic mobility in their personal lives. By understanding her own employees needs, she was able to share a solution that could help every White County business.
At the end of the special event, outgoing Chamber Chair Shanda Ginn passed the chairperson’s gavel to Kelly Wilkins, who will lead the Chamber Board this year.
Ginn recognized the great success of the past year, saying, “The Pearls of Wisdom was our first event, which brought all the women in our community together. I think it was very successful, with 170 women attending our first one. That was my favorite thing this year.”
New President Kelly Wilkins sees a great year ahead for the Chamber with The Workforce Taskforce and the Chamber’s 40th anniversary in September.
Wilkins recognized the hard work behind her team.
“The staff and the board of directors are all tuned into the community, we work really well together and without the employees of the Chamber, we wouldn’t be anywhere. We have to thank Beth, Kayla, Robin, and Carol for all they do because they make it easy for us to deliver the initiatives to the community,” she said.
