The Roane Chamber recently held its 71st Annual Chamber Awards Banquet at Rockwood’s Walden Ridge Event Center. More than 250 attended the special night honoring outstanding Chamber members. In addition, Leadership Roane County (LRC) shared the stage with the Chamber by holding their Class of 2017 Graduation and Awards night.

The awards and recognitions are the highlight of the night, and this year was no exception, with not only more awards but also the most coveted award being renamed to honor the memory of Paul Cowell, Whitestone Country Inn, the Paul Cowell Distinguished Service Award. The winners were:

Paul Cowell Distinguished Service Award went to Barry Stephenson, CEO of Materials and Chemistry Laboratory, Inc. (MCLinc) for his many years of work ensuring citizens have every opportunity to learn.

The Woman of the Year went to Glenda Johnson, Coldwell Banker Jim Henry & Associates, Bradbury Tax Service and G&G Gun Shop, for her continued gift of her “time, experience, marketing and real estate to advise and contribute to the betterment of Roane County” as the nomination read.

Business of the Year was awarded to Volkswagen Group of America for not only their continued support and active service to the Chamber but for bringing a global presence and brand to the county which helps raise Roane County’s awareness throughout the state.

The Paul E. Goldberg Young Professional award was presented to Eric Barger, C.R. Barger & Sons as an under 40 leader that has grown his family’s company from a small Roane County provider of limited precast products to its current status as a premier regional supplier.

Ambassador of the Year went to Matt Libby, HealthMarkets Insurance for his service and leadership and willingness to sign up and volunteer for whatever the chamber needs.

Outgoing Board member, Johnny Griffin, Griffin Insurance, was recognized with a plaque for his service as a long-time board member, not to mention a Roane Chamber member for more than 35 years.
The Dr. Paul Goldberg Leadership Award, given by the LRC Alumni, was awarded to Midway High School’s Principal Scott Mason for his “dedication to building future leaders through his daily example of true servant leadership to all he encounters.”