Maryville, Tenn. – With the assistance of Your Chamber Connection and nearly 300 volunteers, the Blount County Chamber of Commerce brought in 276 new members during a three-day event at Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee.
The 276 new members is the sixth-highest total ever generated by a chamber in the state of Tennessee. It brings total membership for the Blount Chamber to 1302.
A dozen color-coded teams worked against the clock and each other to sign up new members and create a greater community awareness and the important role of the chamber of commerce.
“This was an awesome event that got our business community rejuvenated and energized,” said Bryan Daniels, Blount Partnership president and CEO. “The enthusiasm from the chairs, captains and especially the volunteers was extremely electric and contagious. The teams competed tirelessly against each other while working together for a singular goal of expanding the chamber’s reach.
“A special thanks goes out to the team chairs Dave Bennett, Joy Bishop, Dr. Tom Bogart, Bob Booker, Virginia Hardwick, Gaynell Lawson George Quarles, Aaron Snukals, Chris Soro, David Talley, Tony Thompson, Joe Tipton, Brian Tuggle and Greg Wilson. Without those people buying in to what the chamber is doing and selling it to their team members, this would not be possible.”
The three-day event culminated with an awards party in which participants were recognized for their outstanding efforts in bringing teams of volunteers together. The winners are listed below.
Blount County Chamber of Commerce Membership Event Award Recipients
Godfaddah: Bob Booker, DENSO
GodMuddah: Kathy Johnson, CBBC
GoodFellas: Dave Bennett (Cherokee Millwright), Joy Bishop, Dr. Tom Bogart (Maryville College), Bob Booker (DENSO), Virginia Hardwick (Staffing Solutions), Gaynell Lawson (CBBC), George Quarles (Maryville High School), Aaron Snukals (Second Harvest Food Bank), Chris Soro (C2RL), David Talley (LeConte Realty), Tony Thompson (Pinnacle Financial Partners), Joe Tipton (Twin City Dealerships), Brian Tuggle (Personal Care Choices) and Greg Wilson (First Tennessee Bank).
Big Dawgs (sold six or more): Kathy Johnson, David Shanks, Chris Denny, Steve Garner, Bob Booker, Jackie Mills, Chris Jenkins, Lucy Bowser
Sold 4 or More Memberships: Matthew Bryan, Ben Pinnell, Barry Brooke, Donna Tallent, Angela Gamble, Drew Milsaps, Trevis Gardner
Most Enthusiastic: Watermelon Group (Captain Kathy Johnson, Novella Johnson, Mindy Boudreaux, Andy Sneed, Suzie Cutshaw, Jay Blevins, Karen Stiles)
Biggest Party Animals: Orange Group (Virginia Hardwick)
Most Competitive Group: Black Group (Bob Booker)
Top Cheatin’ King in Your Chamber Connection History: Dave Bennett
Top Individual: Bob Booker
Top Team: Steve Garner
Top Chair Group: Mega Group