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Themed “Fiesta,� many people wore brightly colored shirts and dresses, tacos and enchiladas were served and margaritas were available to those of age.

Ivy Road provided the musical entertainment while people mingled, ate food catered by Hale Springs Inn and participated in a silent auction with items provided from 44 sponsors and companies.

“Support our local businesses,� Executive Director Nancy Barker said, after thanking everyone for coming.

Fifteen new chamber members joined in the last year, along with many new businesses opening.

Prominent community members attended including Mayor Mark DeWitte, Rogersville Mayor-elect John Metz, county and city aldermen and more.

“We are certainly glad to continue the great things that are happening in Rogersville,� Barker said. “Of course when you get new people, you get new ideas, and lots of things will be moving us forward.�

Hawkins County is growing both in the business sector and on the industrial side, Chamber Board Chairman Patrick Lund said.

“A lot going on, got a lot of people moving in,� Lund said. “. . . A lot of our own businesses, that’s a good thing making our county grow.�

At least seven industrial projects that could invest over $1 billion dollars in the county and create over a thousand jobs are in progress, he added.

During the night, Barker recognized Miss Chamber of Commerce Ally Fairchild.

“She has been a great asset for the Chamber of Commerce,� Barker said.

Ally has a 3.25 GPA, is 55th in her class of 200, was captain of the cheerleading squad and spent “endless� hours of work for the community, including about 75 hours for the Chamber.

“I really enjoyed working with her,� Barker said. “There was no task that you could give her that she would not just tackle and stay there until it got completed.�

Ally received a plaque and a $250 scholarship.

“I just want to say thank you to Nancy, honestly we had a lot of good laughs in the office this year,� Ally said. “. . . It really didn’t feel like I was helping the community, I just had a good time.�

Barker presented the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award to Bitty Bistro owned by Valerie Hixson in Surgoinsville, which opened in January 2025.

“If you haven’t been up there and tried their food, it’s absolutely delicious,� Barker said.

The next recognition was for the 2025 Board Member of the Year, which went to Robin Gladson.

“Her dedication and leadership have left an invaluable mark on our organization and our community,� Barker said.