Food prepared by Lanny Starr and music performed by Cutting Edge Dueling Pianos were among the highlights of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism annual meeting, held April 30 at the Cherokee Arena on the campus of Gadsden State Cherokee in Centre.

Around 150 organization members and their guests were in attendance as Chamber Chairperson Mickey Kerr called the meeting to order.

Chamber Assistant Administrator Joy Perry handed out the first award of the evening, the Beautification Award, which went to the Master Gardeners.

Past Chairman Wae Ellis next took the stage to present the W.A. “Dub” Ellis Community Service Award – named after his grandfather – to Revenue Commissioner and longtime Rescue Squad member John A. Roberts.

Chamber Director Thereasa Hulgan presented the Mary George Waite Spirit Award to the Career and Technology Center robotics team. The award was accepted by instructors Randy Rainey and Keith Tolbert.

Kerr then returned to the stage to present the Chairman’s Merit Award to KTH Industries, which has been operating an automotive plant in Leesburg since 2000. Gene Cleveland accepted the award on behalf of his employer.

The evening concluded with a performance by Cutting Edge and closing remarks from chairman-elect David Crawford.

Special Thanks to Scott Wright, Editor of The Post who contributed to this article and to the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce for providing the photos.