2008 Annual Meeting Award Winners

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated 111 years of serving the business community at its Annual Dinner on Thursday, June 26 at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa. Awards presented included: HomeTrust Bank Small Business Leader of the Year Awards (one for 15 or less employees and one for 16 or more employees) The Webb Investment Services ATHENA Award The Van Winkle Law Firm Excellence in Public Service Award The William A.V. Cecil Leadership Award Mission Hospitals Good Health – Good Business Award


Small Business Leader of the Year Awards presented by Home Trust Bank Small Business Leader of the Year Awards are presented each year to two individuals who reflect quality and dedication in their business operations and who are accomplished leaders in innovation, initiative, and civic responsiveness. Oscar Wong, owner of Highland Brewing Company, received the award for Small Business Leader of the Year in the category, “15 or Fewer Employees.” Jennifer Mayer, owner of Charlotte Street Computers, received the award for Small Business Leader of the Year in the category, “16 or More Employees.” HomeTrust Bank sponsored the Small Business Leader of the Year Awards and John Myers, Senior Vice President, made the presentations.

ATHENA Award The ATHENA Award is presented annually to a woman or man who has attained the highest level of professional excellence in business, and who has served as an advocate for women in business. Mary Jaeger-Gale from Chimney Rock Park, was the recipient of this year’s honor. Webb Investment Services sponsored the ATHENA Award and President Laura Webb made the presentation.

Van Winkle Law Firm Excellence in Public Service Award The Van Winkle Law Firm Excellence in Public Service Award was presented to an outstanding senior management-level individual in the Asheville community. The nominee must demonstrate lifelong service and exceptional leadership skills that have positively impacted the Asheville area. Joe Brumit was recognized for his leadership in a variety of community organizations and foundations. Larry Harris, managing principal of The Van Winkle Law Firm presented the award.

William A.V. Cecil Leadership Award The William A.V. Cecil Leadership Award recognizes a senior management-level individual who has made it their mission to help lead the tourism industry for our area. Owner of the recently closed Forest Manor Inn, Loyd Kirk, was recognized for his 30 plus years of service. Bill Cecil, Jr., whose father is the namesake of the award, made the presentation.

Mission Hospitals Good Health Good Business Award Mission Hospitals and the Chamber have established a new award that was given out for the first time on Thursday. The award recognizes an outstanding senior management level individual in the Asheville business community that demonstrates service and exceptional leadership resulting in improved health of the Asheville community. The inaugural award was presented to Randy Hammer publisher and editor of the Asheville Citizen Times for his support of health initiatives within our community. Joe Damore from Mission Hospitals presented the award.

	All 2008 Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting videos were produced by Story Point Media

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