Burke County Chamber hosts annual meeting

Jenna Maddox, flanked by her husband Michael (l) and father Bob Greene (r), accepted the award for Business of the Year at the annual chamber banquet. She is the owner of Pecan Row gift shop in downtown Waynesboro.

The Burke County Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual meeting on Thursday, March 10th at the Augusta Technical College Campus with a sold-out crowd.

The banquet, which is held annually, featured the passing of the gavel from 2021 chair Whitney Zeagler to the 2022 chair Bo Blanchard. Zeagler recognized board members and listed accomplishments, while Blanchard accepted the gavel, thanked Zeagler for her service as chair and said he looks forward to a great year leading the organization.

Also during the meeting, several awards and recognitions were made. A donation was made to the Johnny Jenkins Memorial Scholarship in honor of his service of 42 years as Chairman of the Burke County Board of Education and his tireless efforts as a champion for education in the county.

William Mizell was recognized for 30 years in business as a dedicated business owner and generous supporter of many events and organizations.

Pecan Row was named Business of the Year in recognition for outstanding retail excellence and entrepreneurship, as well as the creative use of embracing online and social media platforms that draw local and out-of-town customers to the store.

Members of the family of the late Charlie Story accepted his Citizen of the Year Award in his memory. Story was recognized for his many contributions to the community throughout his career.

Charlie Story was named Citizen of the Year for his outstanding service, and contributions to Burke County. The story passed away last fall and his family attended and accepted the award on his behalf.

The event was capped off with keynote speaker Jeff Manley, who delivered a motivational yet humorous message about making a difference in our community.

Bo Blanchard, incoming chair of the Burke County Chamber of Commerce, accepts the gavel from outgoing chair Whitney Zeagler.