The Fayette Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 50th anniversary on Saturday, January 14 by hosting 400 Fayette business and community leaders at a gala reception and dinner. The formal event brought together many past Chamber board chairs, members, elected officials and community leaders who played a large role in Chamber accomplishments since 1967.
The evening reflected on some of the Chamber’s pivotal work through the years that benefitted the county. A video, which will be available on the Chamber website, was shown to highlight successes through the years, including promoting local business, fostering economic development and attracting a hospital to the county. Chamber member businesses were recognized as the reason that the organization has become a respected organization in the county.
“This Chamber was formed in 1967 because the founding members of the Fayette Chamber knew that they could accomplish more for this community working together,” said Debbie Britt, 2016 Fayette Chamber Board Chair. “That is still the case today as this Chamber serves as a collaborator to connect business and community. This organization will continue to build on the past to define a bright future for business in Fayette.”
One of the highlights of the evening was when Britt announced that the Chamber’s Dreambuilder award for community service would be renamed the Carolyn Cary Dreambuilder Award in honor of Carolyn Cary, one of the Chamber’s founding members. Cary hosted the first Chamber meetings in her living room in the late 1960s and continues to be a vital resource to the Chamber and Fayette County today. Cary was presented a plaque for her years of service.
In addition to honoring the history of the last 50 years, the Fayette Chamber handed out its annual awards for excellence in business and service to the community. The following awards were given:
Young Professional of the Year— Wyatt Martin, TCIS-The Complete Insurance Source
Ambassador of the Year—Carol Jensen-Linton; New Neighbors League
Chet Wells Award for Chamber Service—Dr. Tim Hynes, Clayton State University
Carolyn Cary Dreambuilder Award for Community Service – Virgil Fludd, former District 64 Georgia House Representative
Nonprofit Excellence Award – Real Life Center, Executive Director Cathy Berggren
Small Business of the Year - Fitness 54, owners J.D. and Varner Holmes
Outstanding Business Person of the Year- Matt Ramsey of Warner, Hooper & Ramsey