Latest from Instagram (@thelaurelmagazine)
Highlands Chamber Autumn Ovation Awards
Issue: 2020/11 - November
The Chamber of Commerce held a Covid safe Business After Hours outside at Highlander Mountain House on November 19th to honor volunteers and the business of the year. It is with humble gratitude that we thank and recognize individuals and a business that went above and beyond this past year as we all pulled together to protect our community.
Press Release
November 20, 2020
Kaye McHan, CEO / President
The Chamber of Commerce held a Covid safe Business After Hours outside at Highlander Mountain House on November 19th to honor volunteers and the business of the year. It is with humble gratitude that we thank and recognize individuals and a business that went above and beyond this past year as we all pulled together to protect our community.
The Robert B. Dupree Award for Outstanding Community Service went to Mary Anne Creswell for 28 years of Service to the community through the Highlands Emergency Council. The council provides essentials such as food, clothing, and kitchen items to community members in need. Mary Anne has been a tireless and giving leader in the organization.
Duke Power representative Lisa Leatherman, Nantahala Area District Manager for Duke Energy Carolinas presented the Duke Power Award for Volunteer of the Year to Matt Eberz
Matt was awarded for his service and Leadership in the Neighbors Helping Neighbors program. The Chamber began program this program in March 2020 to serve as a central point of contact for services needed by those who had to self-isolate. With Matt’s leadership and determination, the program grew to over 50 volunteers in Highlands, Cashiers, Scaly, and Sky Valley and provided delivery service for food, pharmacy, post office, simple home repairs and whatever else was needed. Matt worked with businesses and nonprofits in Highlands to serve those in need.
The Dale Roberts Award for Outstanding Business went to a business demonstrating unselfish contributions to the community and this year we recognize Old Edwards Hospitality. They went above and beyond during COVID-19 with food donations to the International Friendship Center’s Food Pantry and Highlands Emergency Council, COVID-19 testing for the community, and promoting job opportunities, outside their own organization, available in the Town of Highlands.
The Highlands Chamber of Commerce is filled with humble gratitude this Thanksgiving for all our businesses, residents, Town officials, essential workers, and the many volunteers that have worked together as a caring community this past year. Together we can move forward.