The Franklin Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Awards and Installation Banquet on Thursday, Feb. 6 at The Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts.
Following dinner, the program began with an introductory background video by the Chamber’s photographer and social media expert, Eric Haggart. Haggart was presented the evening’s Above and Beyond Award for his traditional, video, and drone photography capturing the region’s culture and beauty.
The Chamber’s outgoing 2024 president, Matthew Corbin, opened the awards banquet and was also presented an award for his service to the board of directors by incoming President Hunter Strickland. Corbin introduced the Citizen of the Year award winner, Angel Medical Center CEO Clint Kendall, by sharing his background, commitment to the community at large, his service after Hurricane Helene, and the “outstanding citizenship that this gentleman brings daily.”
Franklin Garden Club was honored as the Club/Organization of the Year. Steve and Patty Raby (Kaylee’s Closet) were awarded the Duke Energy Citizenship & Service Award; and, Macon Sense‘s own contributing writer and Franklin High School honor student Anna Waskey for the Youth Citizenship Award.
“I’m grateful to those who decided I was deserving of such an honor,” commented Waskey.
