The Walker County Chamber of Commerce hosted its Annual Membership Dinner on Thursday at the Walker County Civic Center. The program included the official passing of the gavel from 2009 Chairman Chip Catlett of Masonry Specialist to 2010 Chairwoman Melody Day of Chickamauga City Schools.
During the event, Eddie Upshaw (retired) was named the Walker County Chamber’s 2009 Member of the Year. Upshaw was presented the award by the 2008 recipient Shannon Whitfield of Whitfield Oil. Mr. Whitfield said of Mr. Upshaw, “He was always willing to lend a hand and show up early and stay late for the cleanup of events.” Mr. Upshaw served as the Vice-Chair of Membership Committee, serves on the Chamber’s Board of Directors as well as in many other civic and community organizations, such as the Chickamauga Lions Club and the Family Crisis Center.
The Chamber also honored Primary Health Care as the 2009 Small Business of the Year. Located in Rossville, Primary Health Care opened in March 2008 and provides adult and pediatric care, as well as general dentistry to the citizens of Walker County. Primary Health Care is a non-profit organization and serves individuals regardless of their income or ability to pay. The location has served 4,273 individuals since its opening.
The Chamber also honored the following Retiring Directors: Chris Davis, Joe Hardin, Mindy McCannon, Denise Shahan, Susan Tankersley, Eddie Upshaw, and Shannon Whitfield.
Attendees were entertained by Comedian Rik Roberts from Nashville, Tenn. Mr. Roberts has headlined at America’s top comedy clubs and has appeared on the Great American Country channel, as well as the Emmy Award winning “Bananas Family Comedy” show.
For more information on the Walker County Chamber of Commerce or its events, please call 706 375-7702.