Blue Ridge-Fannin County Named Rural Community of the Year by Georgia Chamber

PRESS RELEASE-

In recognition of the community’s commitment to quality growth and economic development, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce named Blue Ridge-Fannin County as the Rural Community of the Year. The award was presented today during the Rural Awards Luncheon as part of the Rural Prosperity Summit in Tifton.

Blue Ridge-Fannin County was selected for the award by a statewide panel that reviewed applications from numerous communities in every corner of Georgia. A recording of the Rural Awards Luncheon and the Rural Prosperity Summit will be available shortly.

Christie Gribble, President of the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce & CVB said:

“This award belongs to the people of our community. Over 55 active civic organizations work each year toward the prosperity of our region, overcoming challenges and showing that collaboration can achieve great things. We are honored to be recognized.”

Tiffany Holmes, Deputy Director of the Georgia Chamber Foundation said:

“Congratulations to Blue Ridge-Fannin County for earning the 2025 Rural Community of the Year Award! Companies want to operate in communities where people want to work, live, play, and pray—communities like Blue Ridge-Fannin County. The Georgia Chamber looks forward to more successful collaboration with Blue Ridge-Fannin County and all our rural communities as we continue to bring prosperity to every corner of Georgia.”

About the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce & CVB

The Fannin County Chamber of Commerce is a community and business organization that advocates for its 1000+ diverse member businesses. The Chamber promotes and enhances the talents and resources of its members to create a climate of growth and success in the community. The Chamber’s Mission is to provide services to members, support existing business, promote positive economic development and tourism, while preserving our community’s natural resources and enhancing our citizens’ quality of life. The Chamber improves the economic vitality for its members and the community through leadership opportunities, volunteer efforts and programs focused on business, civic and social priorities. The Fannin County Chamber of Commerce is also a full-time Visitor Information Center, supported by the City of Blue Ridge and Fannin County Hotel-Motel tax revenues. The Center is open and staffed seven days a week. We operate satellite information centers on West Main Street in downtown Blue Ridge and on East Market Street in McCaysville.

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About the Georgia Chamber

Founded in 1911 and incorporated in 1915, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce is the largest business advocacy organization in Georgia, working to protect free enterprise and secure our long-term economic prosperity. The Georgia Chamber represents tens of thousands of members in every corner of the state, with offices in Atlanta, Brunswick, and Tifton. In 2025 the Georgia Chamber launched Georgia|2050, a strategic plan to ensure Georgia remains a beacon of economic opportunity for the next 25 years. For more information visit gachamber.com.