Knox County Mayor Glen Jacobs was the guest speaker at the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce banquet on Thursday evening.

By Charlotte Underwood   

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – The 35th annual Campbell County Chamber of Commerce meeting and banquet was held Thursday evening at the Ball Event Center. This year’s event celebrated the “resilience of the business community,” according to chamber director Missy Tackett. 

The chamber of commerce racked up multiple accomplishments during 2020, despite the pandemic challenges, including 13 ribbon cuttings, 10 networking events, 190 members, 16 new members, 10 partners, 11 leadership graduates, as well as $44,790 in a Cares Act Grant. 

A healthy crowd attended the annual chamber banquet and meeting.

Leadership Campbell County graduates from 2020 were recognized during the event, as was the leadership committee.

“Our leadership committee works really hard twelve months of the year to put this program together. We have met regularly to keep this program alive and we appreciate the support of the Campbell County commissioners to help fund the regional leadership,” Rayma Daugherty vice president, market leader marketing director for United Cumberland Bank said.    

This is the team that makes the chamber of commerce go, Missy Tackett (left) and Kelli Hatmaker (right). Tackett is the executive director and Hatmaker serves as executive administrative assistant.

Also recognized was outgoing 2019-20 board of directors chairwoman Nancy Green and 2020-2021 chairwoman Becky Aiken. Green and Aiken were presented with wooden gavels carved by Keith Inscho. 

Aiken applauded chamber employees Kelli Hatmaker and director Missy Tackett. She thanked Hatmaker for all she had done in the interim of hiring a new chamber director, as well as commented on the accomplishments of Tackett after taking on the position.

The Campbell County Leadership Class of 2020.

“We are so glad Missy followed her heart and applied for the position. She’s done great things for the chamber and we know she will continue,” Aiken said. 

Chairman-elect Ryne Cummins spoke briefly as well, saying he looked forward to working with chamber members in the future. Ryne works at the welcome center in Jellico. He welcomed incoming board members. 

Chamber Executive Director Missy Tackett (left) and 2020-21 Chairwoman Becky Aiken (right).

Outgoing board members Zach Sheets, Brandon Johnson and Sarah Lloyd were recognized during the event.

Keynote speaker for the event was Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs. Jacobs is also known for his WWE wrestling fame.

Rayma Daugherty vice president, market leader marketing director for United Cumberland Bank ( right) accepts the business of the year award from Tomi Ayers (left) with Ayers Auction & Realty, the 2019 recipient of business of the year.

“East Tennessee has some amazing things happening. As a region we have such outstanding opportunities and assets. Word is getting out about what a great place East Tennessee is to do business,” Jacobs said. He also spoke about the education and tourism opportunities in East Tennessee and the importance of community colleges and technical and vocational schools. “In order for us to all be successful, we have to all work together and have great partnerships and our local chambers of commerce are part of that,” Jacobs said. 

Sen. Ken Yager (right) is pictured with Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs (center) and Rep. Dennis Powers (right).

Jacobs also gave a shout-out to how great Thursday evening’s food was, which was catered by Campbell County’s Classy Threads and Catering.

United Cumberland Bank recieved the business of the year recognition for 2020, with vice president Rayma Daugherty accepting the award from 2019’s recipient Tomi Ayers from Ayers Auction and Real Estate.

Codi Provins of Ayers Auction and Real Estate gave the award presentation. 

Campbell County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Chairman-elect Ryne Cummins and Chamber Executive Director Missy Tackett at the annual chamber banquet and meeting on Thursday evening.

The business of the year award is based on active participation in the chamber of commerce, involvement in the community, the accomplishments of the bank during the past year and the bank’s tenure in the community.

“United Cumberland Bank has far exceeded criteria to earn the name Campbell County Chamber of Commerce business of the year,” Provins said. 

The chamber recently developed a new website, www.visitcampbellcounty.com.

Daugherty said the greatest reward was having the opportunity and benefits of being a chamber member. 

“We are blessed with the many relationships and opportunities that we have working with the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce and it’s an honor to work for Jim Johnson, our president and CEO and our entire executive management team. This effort is a team effort,” Daugherty said. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 06/18/2021-6AM)

2 Replies to “35th annual chamber banquet held”

    1. I agree!! And, once again, Congratulations to you, Rayma, and UCB for being named Business of the Year. Also, Missy and Kelli do such a great job at the Chamber and it is an honor to be a member of this organization dedicated to helping grow and expand business opportunities in Campbell County!

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