Eight individuals and businesses that gave their time and resources to make Blount County a special place to live, work, and thrive were honored at the Blount Partnership Best of Blount Awards held at the Airport Hilton Friday evening. Amazon, DENSO, GEAR Staffing, Joseph Construction, Massey Electric, Hilton, Above the Rest Balloon and Event Design, Brooke Nix Medical Aesthetics, CBBC Bank, Roane State Community College, AMR, Avero Advisors, and the Titanic Museum sponsored the event.
The awards program, which saw more than 600 attend, was hosted by Star 102.1 personalities Kim Hansard and Marc Anthony.
“This was a special night to honor those that give back so much to the Blount County community,” said Blount Partnership President/CEO Bryan Daniels. “These individuals and businesses work tirelessly to make sure that this community remains strong and vibrant.”
The program included a year in review video for the Blount Partnership and paid homage to Chuck Alexander, Teri Brahams and Joe Swann, who were named Blount County of Chamber Commerce lifetime members due to their outstanding dedication and work with the chamber and the community during their careers.
Tom Hatcher, was named the Philanthropist of the Year for his dedication to Alzheimer’s with the Tom Hatcher Charity.
Visual Voice took home the Small Business of the Year honor and First Horizon won for Large Business of the year.
Its work with many community issues, including being a resource for children, New Hope of Blount County Children’s Advocacy Center won the Community Impact Award.
The Tourism Award was given to Big Slate Media for its video work in promoting tourism in the county.
The Bright Future Award went to Balloons and Company TN and the Young Professional of the Year was Megan Seaton of Avero Advisors.
Townsend Fire Chief Don Stallions earned the First Responder Award for his leadership during the fire in Townsend last year. He was presented a $5,000 check from Cirrus Aircraft as part of the company’s initiative to recognize those who assist with emergencies.
Pictured: Big Slate Media owner Jonathan Halley is joined by staff members as they took home the Tourism Impact Award at the Blount Partnership’s Best of Blount Awards.
2024 Best of Blount Award Winners
Philanthropist of the Year – Tom Hatcher
Small Business of the Year – Visual Voice
Large Business of the Year – First Horizon
Bright Future Award – Balloons and Company TN
First Responder Award – Don Stallions, Townsend Fire Chief
Community Impact Award – New Hope of Blount County Children’s Advocacy Center
Young Professional of the Year – Megan Seaton
Tourism Impact Award – Big Slate Media