Brandon Holloway, Mountain Valley Community Bank

There is no one who has been more instrumental in the success of our Chamber than Rene Bidez.  His professionalism gives our board, members, and local government partners sure knowledge that our finances are sound and money is being managed correctly.  As a perpetual member of the executive committee he knows more about our Chamber than anybody else, and his council has been invaluable to the 27 executive committees he has served.

The 2017 Member of the Year, Angela Stewart DeLorme, has served four terms on the Chamber’s board, beginning in 1989 and ending in 2016. She has practiced law for 33 years, is a former partner in the law firm of Ralston and Panter and currently a sole practitioner. She was the first female attorney in Blue Ridge.

Angela was instrumental in writing the Chamber’s incorporation, bylaws, policies and procedures, and she is still the Chamber’s agent of record with the Secretary of State. She has chaired numerous committees and has been an invaluable board member because of her love for and dedication to the Chamber and Fannin County, her knowledge, wisdom, competence and leadership.

Blue Ridge Mountain Trout Unlimited

Blue Ridge Mountain Trout Unlimited received the Community Service Award for conservation, protection and restoration of Fannin County’s cold water fisheries.  TU was responsible for naming Fannin the Trout Capital of Georgia. The group sponsors Rivers Alive, Trout in the Class Room, the Trout Adventure Trail, and Troutfest, an annual event held in April for the past two years.

Retiring Board Members:

Joe Foster, Glenn Harbison, Susan Kiker and Cynthia Panter

We’re looking for a few more sponsors for Business After Hours in 2018. The months available are March, August, October and November. Let us know if you are looking for this kind of great exposure for your business and what month you have interest in hosting! Call Dianne Mallernee at 706-632-5680 or email her at [email protected].

Tune in to HGTV February 10 at 11:30 p.m. for Log Cabin Living. This episode will feature two home buying families who are searching for a log cabin close to Mineral Bluff, GA.

Traci Hamby

February 1-4 – School of Rock, Blue Ridge Community Theater

February 10 – Children’s Bakery Class, Mercier Orchards

February 17 – Randall Bramblett – Rock and Blues, Blue Ridge Community Theater

February 17 – Fire and Ice Chili Cook-Off Festival, Downtown Blue Ridge

February 24 – Bringin’ the Blues to Blue Ridge, Willow Creek Falls

February 24 – Tri-State Model Railroaders Open House, Mineral Bluff Historic Depot

February 24 – Customer Appreciation Day, Mercier Orchards