The Macon County Chamber of Commerce hosted its largest annual fundraiser on Tuesday night, November 13, raising over $8,815.00. The evening featured a beef tenderloin dinner catered by Linda’s Cakes & Catering, live music by Miles Gibson of Gibson’s Cafe, an awards ceremony, and a long evening of live and silent auctions.
The guest speaker was Don Rigsy, a long-time Air Force Veteran and President of the Four Lake Authority. Rigsy explained that The Four Lake Authority was created in 1986 after the failed TVA nuclear site was shut down. The Authority, which was established to promote commerce in a region consisting of Macon, Wilson, Trousdale, Smith, and Sumner Counties, now owns the approximately 554 acres in Hartsville where the nuclear site used to be.
Rigsy praised Macon Co. leaders for recent developments, such as the purchase of the tract of land by the Lafayette airport, which is currently being prepared and advertised so that outside developers can find and use it. He also praised the Chamber itself: “Whenever a business comes into a new town, that’s the first thing they look for—a Chamber of Commerce. It’s where the community is.”
After Rigsy’s brief talk, there was a round of presentations and awards. The Large Business of the Year award went to Nestle Waters, the water packaging plant in Red Boiling Springs. The Small Business of the Year award went to Gibson Cafe, a country-style restaurant located off the square in Lafayette. The Individual of the Year award went to Terri Lynn Weaver, the State Representative whose area of jurisdiction was recently re-zoned, to the loss of Macon County.
The Chamber of Commerce President for 2012 was Johnathan West. Replacing him for 2013 will be Stacey Brawner, who served as Vice President this year. The 2012 Board of Directors consisted of West and Brawner, as well as Charlie Adams, Ben Ballou, Kannethia Brown, Clint Carter, Daneta Shoulders, Marcus Smith, and LeAnne Whittemore. Outgoing Board Members LeAnne Whittemore, Kannithia Brown and Marcus Smith will be replaced by incoming Board Members Diana Hernandez, Phillip Matthews and Billy Snyder.
The Leadership Macon Class of 2012 was honored: Mayor Richard Driver, Lori Gocha, Barry Hiett, Lukas Smith, and Billy Snyder.
The silent auction, which went on throughout the evening, was sponsored by the following businesses: Gibson’s Cafe, Sophia’s Nails, Bobby Sircy, Heavenly Hands, Starr Mortgage, Banka Media, Mert’s Gift Gallery, The Thomas House, Donoho Hotel, Hometown Foods, Comprehensive Rehabilitation, North Central Security, Eden’s Knives, Suncrest Home Health, and the Nashville Predators.
Table sponsors, who provided gifts for every individual seated at their table, as well as a large centerpiece to be auctioned, were the following businesses: Alexander Funeral Home, American Exterior Supply, Anderson Funeral Home, Armour’s Hotel, Cathy’s Florist, Citizens Bank, City of Lafayette, Mayor Driver’s Office, Cobb-Vantress, D.T. McCall & Sons, Grandpa’s House, Knollwood Manor & White House Assisted Living, Macon Bank & Trust, Macon County General Hospital, Measure Up, Modern Structures, LLC, North Central Telephone Cooperative, Powell & Meadows, Raum Family Dentistry, State Farm Insurance, Stonecrest Assisted Living, The Palace Care & Rehab, Tri-County Electric, Webbtown Propane Company, and Friendship Home Healthcare.
Auctioneer Ben Bray led the live auction, and auctioneer sponsorship and assistance was also provided by Coley Real Estate & Auction and Gene Carman Real Estate & Auction.
Lori Jones