JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
The Marion County Chamber of Commerce has recently hosted its annual banquet in both celebration of another year of community support, as well as the election of new members to the organization.
Each year, the chamber hosts the banquet to honor both citizens and local businesses which call Marion County home, while also to officially elect new members into each yearly class. Erik McDaniel, former chamber president, explained the banquet also serves as a major fundraiser for the chamber via membership renewals and a silent auction, where various prizes including gift cards, certificates, baskets, and pans are auctioned off to the lucky winners.
“Its a time to re-up your dues as a member, and we have a silent auction, which is where we get a massive amount of our budget for the year. And the last thing it is also an awards program, which is where we get to honor outstanding citizens and businesses within our community,” explained McDaniel.
The event was held at The Hooch in South Pittsburg, a popular venue which also serves as headquarters for the Just One More Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by Richard Rogers of U.S. Stove . As politicians and business owners alike gathered, chefs from the Upper Bank restaurant provided various dishes for participants to enjoy, whether it was mashed potatoes, green beans, yeast rolls, or ribeye steak. Volunteers from the county’s 4-H Honor Club also provided additional support and services during the event.
Erik took to the stage to recognize both the chamber’s mission of serving the community and the chamber’s 2024-2025 board members , as well as various elected officials, businesses, and volunteers who have supported the chamber and the banquet. As he made his final remarks before turning over his title as president to newly elected Staci Brockwell, he remarked how the chamber had an overall solid year with several successful turnouts. One major highlight mentioned was the amount of members who’ve joined the chamber throughout the 2024-2025 period, with the chamber growing from 130 members to 161-a 23.8% increase in memberships . Other highlights included six ribbon cuttings, five lunch-and-learns hosted, and 16 separate businesses serving 250 middle school students in different quarterly career days throughout the chamber year.
“Erik is an amazing leader, and our entire board thanks you for your vision and ability to push us towards excellence,” said Brockwell upon being presented onstage.
While on stage, Brockwell recalled the time which she was first introduced to the chamber when invited to attend one of the board’s annual meetings, during a time while working for Colonial Chemical. She expressed her gratitude for serving all previous chamber presidents as a member of the Board of Directors. She also mentioned she and other board members have several initiatives already underway for the remainder of 2025.
This year’s nominees for Citizen, Small and Large Businesses, as well as Community Impact Awards were announced. Travis Hickman of 104.9 The River radio earned this year’s spot as Citizen of the Year, while Mueller Water Products and Sister Spirits both won awards as both the big and small businesses of 2025. CASA of the Sequatchie Valley additionally earned their recognition for the Community Impact Award due to their work serving all communities across Marion County and the surrounding valley.
All moments of food, music, and awards alike ultimately helped establish this year’s annual banquet as yet another celebratory success for the Marion County Chamber of Commerce.