News Summary
North Georgia Credit Union was recognized with the Excellence in Business Award at the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet. Brian Akin, President and CEO, accepted the award on behalf of the team. The event also honored local individuals and businesses, showcasing community contributions and leadership. Notable mentions included the recognition of finalists for the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership by North Georgia Technical College, highlighting outstanding students in various fields.
Toccoa, Georgia – North Georgia Credit Union was honored with the Excellence in Business Award at the recent Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet. The award was accepted by Brian Akin, President and CEO of North Georgia Credit Union, on behalf of his dedicated team.
North Georgia Credit Union serves the Toccoa community with two convenient locations at 695 Big A Road and 1067 Mize Road. This recognition underscores the organization’s commitment to delivering high-quality financial services and engaging with the local population.
In addition to the award presented to North Georgia Credit Union, the evening also recognized notable individuals, including Sierra Phillips of Toccoa, who was named a finalist for the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) by North Georgia Technical College (NGTC). Phillips is set to compete on January 9, 2025, in front of a panel comprised of business, civic, and industry leaders for the honor of being the college’s 2025 GOAL winner. The selected GOAL winner will represent NGTC at both regional and state competitions, highlighting excellence in scholarship and leadership among technical college students across Georgia.
Phillips was nominated by her welding instructor, Ronnie Ayers. Other finalists recognized by NGTC include Tiana Drake, a Registered Nursing student nominated by Bethany Elrod; Yuliya Havrylesku, a Culinary Arts student nominated by Alexander Bladowski; and Stacy Snyder, another Registered Nursing student nominated by Stacie Perry. Various other nominees from local schools also participated in the competition this year.
NGTC GOAL coordinator Madison Hopkins commended all the nominees for their exceptional hard work and dedication toward their academic and professional pursuits.
The ceremony took place on September 29, 2024, and saw numerous local businesses and leaders receive recognition for their contributions. Among the distinguished award recipients were Mark Wilkinson, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Van Loskoski, CEO of Stephens County Hospital; and Leon Osborne, the recently retired CEO of Osborne Wood Products, who received the Legacy Award.
Shantelle Grant, Regional Children and Youth Director for the Public Library, received the Spirit of Community Award, while Savonda Turner was honored with the Bob Evans Chairman’s Award. Other award winners included Patterson Pump for Excellence in Business, Pro-Line Supply for Small Business of Excellence, and Stephens County Christian Learning Center, awarded Non-Profit of the Year. Don & Christy Hall of Currahee Outdoors were recognized as Entrepreneurs of the Year, and Currahee Vineyard and Winery took home the title of Agricultural Business of the Year.
The Venue at Broken Bridge Farm secured the Hospitality award, ASI Southeast was honored with the L.P. “Bub” Greer Industry of the Year award, and Downtown Flowers was recognized as Retail Business of the Year. Kersha Parker was awarded Community Volunteer of the Year, while Lake Toccoa and the City of Toccoa received accolades for Tourism. Foothills Contracting was named Ben F. Cheek Service Business of the Year, while Moogy’s Mill Creek Gathering Place earned the title of Restaurant of the Year. After Hours Design was recognized as the Rising Star.
Kristen Deal, the Main Street Director for the City of Toccoa, was named Young Professional of the Year. The awards were determined based on a record 2,487 votes cast by members of the community, showcasing the level of engagement and support from local residents.
For further information about the awards and the Chamber of Commerce, community members are encouraged to visit the Chamber’s website.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WNEG Radio: North Georgia Credit Union Wins Excellence in Business Award
- Wikipedia: Toccoa, Georgia
- WNEG Radio: 2025 Chamber Awards
- Google Search: Toccoa Chamber of Commerce
- WNEG Radio: Toccoa Student Named as Finalist for GOAL Award
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Award
- WNEG Radio: Wilkinson, Osborne Among Those Honored at Chamber Awards
- Google News: Toccoa Awards Banquet
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