Roane Chamber seeks nominations for April 25 awards banquet

Submitted

KINGSTON—The 68th annual Roane Chamber Awards Banquet—the spring social event of the year—will be held on Friday, April 25, to present this year’s coveted business awards: the Distinguished Service, Business of the Year, Woman of the Year, and Young Professional awards.

The awards have been an integral part of the Chamber for decades, with the Distinguished Service Award dating back to 1970. Some of the previous award-winners include such renown community names as Jim Henry, Ken Yager, David Webb, Rocky Top General Store, Patterson’s Home Appliances, Junior’s Restaurant, Dr. Sherry Hill, Live and Let Live Drug Store, Harriman Mayor Chris Mason, and Dr. Paul Goldberg, who was also additionally honored in 2010 with becoming the namesake of the Chamber’s newest award, the Paul E. Goldberg Young Professional Award. For a list of all the past winners visit www.RoaneChamber.com/Awards.

“As a 2011 award winner I know what an honor it is to be recognized by your peers during the Chamber Banquet,” said Chamber Board Chair Chris Ahler, “but first nominations have to be received so I encourage everyone to take the time to nominate an outstanding Chamber member who has made a difference in Roane County.”

The awards process is very competitive and the submission(s) should be strong in order to be successful. The deadline to submit nominations is April 4, which is just a few weeks away. Know a Chamber member that is deserving of one of this year’s prestigious awards? They cannot win without a nomination form, which are available now at roanechamber.com/banquet or by calling the Chamber at (865) 376-5572. Past winners are included on the back of each award nomination form and are not eligible for the same award.

This year’s awards banquet will be held again at Whitestone Country Inn, one of Roane County’s most gorgeous backdrops, especially in the spring. The festivities will begin at 6 p.m., with a wine reception and silent auction, followed by a four-course gourmet meal. The banquet is considered by many the spring social event for Roane County business and community leaders. This year’s Platinum Sponsor is Roane State Community Foundation.

“We will be celebrating yet another terrific year for the Roane Chamber with delicious gourmet food and wine, an excellent silent auction, and networking with fellow Chamber members,” Ahler said. “The banquet is not only a great time at one of the most beautiful settings anywhere, but it is also a night to honor our local businesses. It usually does sell out, so you’ll need to get your tickets early.”

Seating for the banquet is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis with RSVP requested by April 15.  Tickets are priced at $100 and tables of eight can be purchased.

The Chamber Banquet is also the perfect opportunity for those looking to promote their businesses. Donating to the silent auction gets your name in front of this group of top business and community leaders. Anyone wanting to donate to the silent auction can call (865) 376-5572 and/or bring your items to the Chamber at 1209 N. Kentucky Street in Kingston between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. All donors will be listed in the banquet program if received by April 15.

The Roane Chamber of Commerce is comprised of approximately 365 members and new memberships are welcomed. For reservations and/or new memberships, call the Chamber at (865) 376-5572.

For more information about the banquet and to see past business award winners visit www.RoaneChamber.com/Banquet.

The Chamber is a partner in The Roane Alliance—Roane County’s economic development organization. The other partners operating under the Alliance umbrella along with the Chamber include the Industrial Development Board and Visitors Bureau.