Pictured above – Ambassador of the year India Pennington
There was a ceremonial “passing of the gavel”
The Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) hosted its 19th Annual Meeting Tuesday, Feb. 11 at the Leslie Town Centre. The evening brought together business and community leaders to celebrate achievements, recognize outstanding local organizations, and look ahead to the future of economic and workforce development in the region.
“Themed ‘Continuing the Climb to Excellence,’ the event featured an inspiring keynote address from Tennessee Tech Head Football Coach Bobby Wilder,” according to a release by the Chamber. “Coach Wilder, who led the Golden Eagles to their first Ohio Valley Conference title shared with the Big South Conference, energized attendees with his insights on leadership, perseverance and excellence.”
Gavel passing – Jay Albrecht (center) ceremoniously passed the chairman gavel to Geoff Root with Amy New on hand.
Eight distinguished local businesses and organizations were recognized for their contributions to the community:
- Business of the Year, Large Division: Rogers Group, Inc.
- Business of the Year, Small Division: Vertical Coffee Company
- Franchise of the Year: Texas Roadhouse
- Economic Impact Award: Portobello America
- Nonprofit of the Year: Putnam County Family YMCA
- Legacy Excellence Award: Johnson Nursery and Garden Center
- Workforce Development Excellence Award: FICOSA
- Ambassador of the Year: India Pennington, Ascend Federal Credit Union
There was a ceremonial “passing of the gavel” from outgoing chairman Jay Albrecht, Owner of Seven Senses Food and Cheer, to Geoff Root, General Manager/Managing Partner of Ford of Cookeville.
The event’s premier sponsors included:
- Ascend Federal Credit Union
- Averitt Express
- Cookeville Regional Medical Center
- Twin Lakes
- US Foods
“The Annual Meeting is an opportunity to celebrate the progress and achievements of our business and nonprofit community,” said Amy New, President and CEO of the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce. “We are thrilled to recognize these exceptional organizations and individuals who contribute to Putnam County’s growth, and sharing the night with 430 community leaders highlighted the power of collaboration and the remarkable success of 2024.”
For more information on the Chamber’s initiatives and upcoming events or view the annual report, visit www.cookevillechamber.com or contact Karlyn Reel at (931) 526-2211.
Ficosa – Ficosa receives the Workforce Development Excellence Award.
Photos courtesy of the Chamber.
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