The McDowell Chamber of Commerce held the 2024 Dancing with the McDowell Stars and Community Awards Banquet on Saturday at the Municipal Event Center in Marion.
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McDowell Chamber of Commerce holds banquet, community awards
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The attendees at the McDowell Chamber of Commerce’s Dancing with the McDowell Stars and Community Awards Banquet enjoyed a meal catered by Countryside BBQ.
Former Marion City Council Member Juanita Doggett, center, received the Duke Energy Citizenship & Service Award at the McDowell Chamber of Commerce banquet. In 2009, she was the first woman to be elected to the Marion City Council and served three terms. Since 2015, she has been the project manager of the Chamber’s LINC program. LINC (leadership, involvement, networking, community) is a McDowell Chamber of Commerce initiative that spans a 10-month period. Since its inception, LINC has helped at least 14 groups of participants explore McDowell County and all it has to offer. Chamber President and CEO Kim Effler, left, and Chamber Board Chair Danielle Stilwell, right, presented the award to Doggett.
The New Business of the Year Award was given to The Pickle Barrel. This award goes to a nominee that has been in business for less than two years, has demonstrated outstanding leadership, and contributed to the community and community-oriented projects. Chamber President and CEO Kim Effler, left, and Chamber Board Chair Danielle Stilwell, right, presented the award to owners Philip Long and wife Ammie Long.
At the Chamber banquet, Robert Ayers, left, received an award for his more than 40 years of Chamber membership. Chamber President and CEO Kim Effler, center, and Chamber Board Chair Danielle Stilwell, right, presented the award.
The judges for the Dancing with the McDowell Stars were, from left, Candice Jones, Chet Effler and Carlos Lopez.
The Chamber of Commerce presented the Employer of the Year Award to Countryside BBQ. Chamber Board Chair Danielle Stilwell, left, and Chamber President and CEO Kim Effler, right, presented the award. This award goes to a nominee that has demonstrated outstanding leadership, business acumen, and professionalism within our community, and has been dedicated to quality, customer service and commitment to employees.
The Chamber of Commerce presented the Tom Johnson Entrepreneurship Award to Foothills Cleaning & Restoration LLC. Chamber President and CEO Kim Effler and Chamber Board Chair Danielle Stilwell presented the award. This award goes to a nominee that has had an average growth of 3% or more over the past three years, and is committed to quality and customer satisfaction.
The Spark Plug Award was given to a business or a person who has shown an extra “spark of enthusiasm” for our community or the Chamber in the past year through activities, proactive business practices, or forming positive relationships that benefit the community and the Chamber. Chamber President and CEO Kim Effler, left, and Chamber Board Chair Danielle Stilwell, right, presented the award to Brian Wilson, branch manager of Peoples Home Equity.
During Saturday’s McDowell Chamber of Commerce banquet, the Community Impact Awards were presented. Chamber President and CEO Kim Effler, left, and Chamber Board Chair Danielle Stilwell, right, presented the award to Bre Treadway with the Corpening YMCA’s SPLASH program.
During Saturday’s McDowell Chamber of Commerce banquet, the Community Impact Awards were presented. Chamber President and CEO Kim Effler, left, and Chamber Board Chair Danielle Stilwell, right, presented the award to the representatives of the Western North Carolina Community Health Services.
During Saturday’s McDowell Chamber of Commerce banquet, the Community Impact Awards were presented. Chamber President and CEO Kim Effler, left, and Chamber Board Chair Danielle Stilwell, right, presented the award to Stephanie Evans, who assists with food distribution at Centro Unido Latino Americano and serves on the Chamber board.
During Saturday’s McDowell Chamber of Commerce banquet, the Community Impact Awards were presented. Chamber President and CEO Kim Effler, left, and Chamber Board Chair Danielle Stilwell, right, presented the award to Mindy Hutchins. She was unable to attend the banquet and Nakia Carson accepted it on her behalf.
The Dancing with the McDowell Stars featured Marion Mayor Steve Little and dancer Missy Lindsey.
The Dancing with the McDowell Stars featured Portia Bollinger with the McDowell Chamber and dancer Jake Lavender.
The Dancing with the McDowell Stars featured Whitney Willey with RE/MAX Living and dancer Carlos Foster.
The Dancing with the McDowell Stars featured Nakia Carson with West McDowell Middle School and dancer Megan Lavender.
The Dancing with the McDowell Stars featured Giovanna Quilapanta with Golden Services and dancer Jake Lavender.
The Dancing with the McDowell Stars featured Shannon Steele with Kickin’ Kountry 101 and dancer Missy Lindsey.
