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, Blount Excavating, DENSO, Gear, ICC International, Joseph Construction, Massey Electric, Smith & Wesson, Above the Rest Balloon Designs, Hilton, AMR, CBBC Bank, Avero Advisors, BCI and First Horizon sponsored the event.
The awards program, which saw more than 600 attend, was hosted by television and radio personality Frank Murphy.
“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 Kathy Johnson, Chris Soro, and Randy Massey, 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.
The Steve Coleman Family, owners of Anderson Lumber, were named the Philanthropist of the Year for their dedication to serving the public schools in the county.
Allevia Technology took home the Small Business of the Year honor and Amazon won for Large Business of the year.
Its work with many community issues, including being a resource for those dealing with poverty, the Blount County Community Action Agency won the Community Impact Award.
The Tourism Award was given to Oldham Hospitality for its investment in the Townsend community.
The Bright Future Award went to C.C. Martson & Co., while the City of Alcoa’s Brittany Spence was named the Young Professional of the Year.
Deputy Shelby Eggers and Deputy Greg McCowan’s A Step Further 344 Foundation earned the First Responder Award for their heroic duty in a suspect apprehension. They were presented a $5,000 check from Cirrus Aircraft as part of the company’s initiative to recognize those who assist with emergencies.
2025 Best of Blount Award Winners
Philanthropist of the Year – Steve Coleman Family
Small Business of the Year – Allevia Technology
Large Business of the Year – Amazon
Bright Future Award – C.C. Marston & Co.
First Responder Award – Deputy Shelby Eggers and Deputy Greg McCowan’s A Step Further 344 Foundation
Community Impact Award – Blount County Community Action Agency
Young Professional of the Year – Brittany Spence
Tourism Impact Award – Oldham Hospitality