9:58 a.m. November 28, 2012
Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce presents Tourism Awards at annual banquet

GATLINBURG -- At its annual banquet at W.L. Mills Conference Center on November 26th, the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce presented multiple tourism awards to community leaders. Recognizing his many years of faithful promotion of Gatlinburg as a premier tourist destination, entrepreneur Sam Large was named the recipient of the 2012 Zeno Wall Jr. Tourism Award.

Sam Large, recipient of the 2012 Zeno Wall Jr. Tourism Award by Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce

Gatlinburg Mayor Mike Werner presents award to Jacalyn Ochoa, daughter of Sam Large, who was unable to attend the banquet.

Stan and Chris Johnson, recipients of the William C. Stevens Volunteer Spirit Award.

Large, who owns and operates the successful Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair along with his wife, Tracey, has been involved in a number of Gatlinburg businesses over the years and has been an active member of the community, including acting as Chamber of Commerce President in 1996 and serving on the board of directors of Mountain National Bank. He continues to work and battle forward despite being confined to a wheelchair over the last 10 years.

"Sam has truly been a driving force in the promotion of Gatlinburg since he became involved with Brookside Village and Resort, the Gatlinburg Craft Center and the Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair," said Vicki Simms, Executive Director of the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce and who is also serving as the Interim Executive Director of the newly formed Convention and Visitors Bureau. "His contributions are well known and he has a fighting spirit."

Gatlinburg Mayor Mike Werner made a proclamation presentation honoring Large on behalf of the City as well, with his daughter, Jacalyn Ochoa, accepting on his behalf.

A Gatlinburg couple was also honored for their commitment to worthwhile local activities. Acknowledging their involvement in many community projects and charities, community leaders Stan and Chris Johnson received the coveted William C. Stevens Volunteer Spirit Award. The Johnsons have been instrumental in building the Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival into a thriving event and spearhead such initiatives as the Pi Beta Phi Beautification Project.

"Stan and Chris work tirelessly to promote Gatlinburg, not just through the Fine Arts Festival, but in a number of other projects which they support with their time and service," said Simms. "There are few people who have been so busy in retirement as these two fine people."

Outgoing Chamber President Vickie Blake was honored with a presentation and Daniel Jannette, Jackie Leatherwood, Megan Ownby and Ryan Desear were feted for their service on the Chamber Board of Directors over the past three years.

New Chamber Board of Directors; (from left) Bob Waikel, Chad Reagan and Ryan DeSear.

Ambassador of the Year Toni Flenniken (2nd from left) with 2011 honoree Tiffany Simonis (left). On the right Chamber President Vickie Blake and Steve Williams of Brochure Distribution Services.

Elected to the Chamber Board of Directors and announced at the banquet were Ryan DeSear, Chad Reagan, Brook St. John and Bob Waikel.

The program also honored a number of other key individuals in the community.

Gatlinburg Employee of the Year – Becky and Doug McCrossin of Country Cobbler Custom Leather.
Gatlinburg Garden Club Landscape Design Excellence Award – Gatlinburg Falls.
Gatlinburg-Pittman Going Green Science Fair Project Award – Winner - Cameron Phinizy. Honorable Mention - Mattea Garmany, Terry King, Payne Meade, Cassidy Clinton and Kayla Carr.

2012 Ambassador of the Year
Honoree – Toni Flenniken of Sheer Envy Hair and Nails.
First Runner-up – Gene Pietso of A. Jann Pietso Art.
Second Runner-up (tie) – Christina Center of Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies; Olwen Claiborne of Smoky Mountain Outdoors; Sherry Webb of Mountain Valley Wedding Chapel.

Gatlinburg Goes Green Awards
Green Newcomer Award – Simply Twisted.
Green Innovator Award – Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies.
Green Champion Award – Logan Coykendall.

Environmental Design and Review Board Awards
Signs Category – Plaque Award - The Bear Claw Gifts and Clothing Company. Certificate Awards - Thistle Dew Nicely, A&B Jewelry, Old Tyme Photos, Earthbound Trading Company, Grace Dyer Gallery.

Additions/Renovations Category – Plaque Award - Greystone Grill. Certificate Awards - Bruce Whaley Limited Family Partnership/Steve Whaley, Gatlinburg Barrelhouse, LLC.

Published November 28, 2012