The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce presented its Annual Business Awards at the 111th Annual Meeting & Gala on May 16 at the Chattahoochee Country Club in Gainesville. Some 500 Chamber members and guests attended. The program and awards were presented by Chamber Chair Carol Burrell, Northeast Georgia Health System, Chair Elect Brian Rochester, Rochester & Associates, and Kit Dunlap, Chamber President and CEO.
2018-2019 Annual Business Awards:
Small Business of the Year: M & R Equipment Rental & Sales
Small Business of the Year: BGW Dental Group
Family Business of the Year: Riverside Pharmacy
Family Business of the Year: WDUN
Community Service Award: Lanier Technical College / Dr. Ray Perren
Distinguished Citizen Award: Congressman Doug Collins
W.G. Mealor Chairman’s Award: Andi Farmer (Milton Martin Honda)
Chamber Chair Carol Burrell’s theme for 2018-2019 is “Be Better Tomorrow Than You Are Today,” and this statement has proven true as her leadership forged the Greater Hall Chamber into one of its most successful years in its 111 year history. From urban living and infrastructure to increased public art and the pursuit of building a world class workforce, the Chamber is continuing to make Gainesville-Hall County the best place to live, work and play.
Greater Hall Chamber President & CEO Kit Dunlap stated “As President & CEO of Northeast Georgia Health System, Carol Burrell continues to play a vital role in making our community a leader in healthcare in the region and state. As Chamber Chair, she has provided the insight, intellect and passion to direct the Greater Hall Chamber to continue in its role as the Voice of Business in Gainesville-Hall County.
Brian Rochester officially takes over the position as Chairman of the Board on July 1, 2019.
Brian Rochester is Principal and Executive Vice President for Rochester & Associates, Inc. Brian coordinates multiple teams within the company including Development Consulting, Due Diligence, Planning and Master Infrastructure Design. He is responsible for client development and coordination of highly visible projects of the firm, including infrastructure for large master planned communities and municipal projects, such as the new Lanier Technical College campus, State Route 365 Sewer expansion, Margaritaville at Lanier Islands, Road Atlanta, Sterling on the Lake, and the new Kubota Manufacturing of America campus. Brian served for three consecutive years as Chairman of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Council.
Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Officers for 2019-2020 include:
Chairman
Brian Rochester, Rochester & Associates
Chair-Elect
Geoff Lee, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta
Treasurer
Glennis Barnes, Georgia Power
Vice Chair, Economic Development
David Lee, Jackson EMC
Vice Chair, Education
Andi Farmer, Milton Martin Honda
Co-Vice Chair, Education
Tate O’Rouke, Jackson EMC
Vice Chair, Government Affairs
Philip Wilheit, Jr., Wilheit Packaging
Vice Chair, Marketing
Missy Burgess, Lanier Islands
Vice Chair, Membership
Brett Fowler, Turner, Wood & Smith
Co-Vice Chair, Membership
Phil Bonelli, Regions Bank
Vice Chair, South Hall Council
Terry Merck, American Yazaki
Vice Chair, Community Development
Caroline Lewallen, Jaemor Farms
Co-Chairs, HALLmark 2015-2020
Paul Chambers, AT&T
Mimi Collins, Longstreet Clinic
Randall Frost, Stewart, Melvin & Frost
Chair, Vision 2030
Phillippa Lewis Moss
Community Service Center
Executive Director, Vision 2030
Elizabeth Higgins
Senior Advisor
Brian Daniel
Carroll Daniel Construction Company
Immediate Past Chair
Carol Burrell
Northeast Georgia Health System
Greater Hall Chamber
President & CEO
Kit Dunlap
