Cherokee Chamber of Commerce Celebrates the Season with Special Christmas Gathering
CENTRE — The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce brought the community together Thursday morning for its annual Christmas meeting, a festive edition of the Chamber’s regular monthly breakfast. Held on the second Thursday of each month, the breakfast series offers chamber members, local leaders, and residents an opportunity to network, share updates, and spotlight organizations making an impact across Cherokee County.
This month’s event took place in the Richard Lindsey Arena at Gadsden State Cherokee, providing a spacious and welcoming setting for the holiday celebration. Caroline’s Café of Collinsville catered the breakfast, offering a generous spread of food, juices, and coffee that attendees enjoyed before the program began.
Following breakfast, Chamber Executive Director Joy Perry opened the meeting by welcoming guests and recognizing the Chamber’s mission: to promote, advance, and strengthen the economic and civic landscape of Cherokee County. As both the local business advocate and the county’s tourism bureau, the Chamber works year-round to support business growth, enhance community development, and highlight Cherokee County as a destination for visitors from around the world.
Perry then introduced Gadsden State Community College President Alan Smith, who shared updates on the college’s ongoing initiatives and developments. Smith noted the momentum across Gadsden State’s campuses before highlighting the morning’s featured performers—two of the institution’s premier vocal ensembles.
Under the direction of Vocal Groups Director J.T. Harrell, the Gadsden State A Cappella Choir and the Gadsden State Singers delivered a lively and well-received holiday performance. The A Cappella Choir, designed to challenge developing musicians through diverse choral literature, performs roughly 50 times each year and serves as a valuable recruiting tool for the college. Membership is open to all students, with scholarship opportunities available through audition.
https://www.gadsdenstate.edu/programs-of-study/performance-groups.cms
The Gadsden State Singers, a contemporary touring ensemble, also performed, blending upbeat choreography with modern holiday selections. Membership in this group is audition-based, and scholarships are likewise offered. Throughout the program, Harrell introduced soloists and highlighted the range of majors represented among the students, demonstrating the broad appeal of the college’s music program.
Guests responded enthusiastically to the mix of traditional and contemporary Christmas numbers, with performers showcasing both musical skill and seasonal spirit. Harrell thanked the Chamber for the invitation, noting the importance of community engagement to the students’ performance experience.
Before concluding the meeting, Chamber leaders announced that the next Chamber Breakfast will be held on January 8 and will celebrate the 190th birthday of Cherokee County. Officially established on January 9, 1836, following the 1835 Treaty of New Echota, the county was formed from land ceded by the Cherokee Nation. Its first county seat was at Jefferson—later known as Cedar Bluff—before relocating to Centre in 1844.
Cherokee County Historical Highlights:
• Formation Date: January 9, 1836
• Origin: Created from the Cherokee Cession
• Naming: In honor of the Cherokee Nation
• County Seat: Originally Cedar Bluff; moved to Centre in 1844
Thursday’s gathering blended seasonal cheer with community connection—an annual reminder of the Chamber’s role in bringing Cherokee County’s business, civic, and educational leaders together as the year comes to a close.
