The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual meeting and awards dinner at the Inn at Virginia Tech where Robin Reed, Anchor for WDBJ and VT Communications Department Professor of Practice member served as the master of ceremonies.
There were 390 in attendance for the evening’s program. Board Chair, Paul Mylum, Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer for National Bank, shared the 2018 progress toward the very aggressive Program of Work of 81 objectives for a 98.2% completion rate.
Other points of progress mentioned were the increase in Chamber assets since 2014 of 123%% and the 88.2% decrease in liabilities during that same time.
“I told staff I did not want a theme because I am a numbers guy,” Mylum said.
The Annual Report was filled with numbers of accomplishments by the 2018 Board and members. Mylum announced that the Chamber’s new website was live and the foundation for the new building had been poured.
The annual meeting recognized businesses and individuals for their contributions to improving the business climate, quality of life and the local community. The Montgomery County Chamber is proud to announce the 2018 Business Award Categories and Winners:
Business of the Year Real Life Dental
Small Business of the Year Little Leapers
Distinguished Business Person of the Year Kevin Byrd, Executive Director Regional Commissioner
Distinguished Board Member Henry Bass, Automation Creations, Inc.
Outstanding Community Service – Individual Henry Bass, ACI
Outstanding Community Service- Company LewisGale Hospital – Montgomery
Outstanding New Member Carter Bank & Trust
Chamber Volunteer of the Year Chris Eads, Alcova Mortgage
Jessie Richards, Beliveau Estate Winery
NRV Green Company Community Housing Partners
Non-Profits of the Year Habitat for Humanity NRV Chapter
Montgomery Co. School Foundation
Distinguished Non-Profit Leader Dr. Michael Mabry, Hope to Walk
Technology Company of the Year INMotion, US
Leadership NRV Sparkplug, Josh MacDonald, Gay & Neel, Inc.
The nomination process was open to members and non-members from April through October and nominees are vetted by a committee comprised of previous award winners.
The 2018 Awards committee was chaired by Bill King, Vice President VCOM and Chamber Board Member and John Tutle, SERVPRO and former board member.
The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce serves Blacksburg, Christiansburg and all of Montgomery County supports approximately 650 local businesses through business advocacy, education, marketing, and networking opportunities.
The Montgomery County Chamber is not affiliated with the US Chamber of Commerce.
For more information on membership, visit the chamber website at www.montgomerycc.org, Facebook page, or call The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce at 540.382.3020.
— The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce
