YOUNG HARRIS – Every year, the Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce gets together for a major awards banquet to recognize businesses and individuals that have stood out through “dedication, hard work and contributions to our community as a whole.”
In 2025, the date fell on Jan. 24, and Brasstown Valley Resort once again served as the locale. This year’s theme was “Boots and Bling,” bringing a modern, glamorous twist to the Western cowboy aesthetic.
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Kitty Mauzy of United Community Bank marked the occasion with an opening message of gratitude in return for everything the Chamber does to promote the community.
“What we really want to do here tonight is just thank the Chamber for always being our friend and supporting us and supporting everyone in the community,” Mauzy said. “You know, they’ve worked really hard, and I don’t know if they get the credit they deserve a lot of times.”
Chiming in from a different sector, Union General Health System CEO Kevin Bierschenk also took the opportunity to thank the Chamber for its role in enriching health care in the region.
“Because of y’all and your partnership, this year, we should be able to do 27,000 ER visits,” Bierschenk said. “We’re doing 750 deliveries, (and) we can do about 3,600 surgeries in our facility.”
As for the awards, Shelley Eyerly was named Ambassador of the Year. Known as a “tireless advocate for the community” since moving to Blairsville in 2017, Eyerly joined AirMedCare Network and began serving as a Chamber Ambassador in 2022.
Luke’s Place earned Non-Profit of the Year, also known as the Community United Award due to its sponsorship by United Community Bank. Luke’s Place is a safe, supportive environment for local teens and their families to hang out. They offer video game stations, a live music stage, and couches to lounge on, free of charge.
Alexis Noe, CEO and Founder of Luke’s Place, named the organization in honor of her brother, an outgoing young man who passed away due to a fentanyl overdose three years ago. Noe said the goal of Luke’s Place is to prevent substance abuse by giving local youth a secure space to go after school and on weekends.
The Business of the Year Award went to River City Bank. According to Chamber President Steve Rowe, “They care deeply because they are our friends and neighbors.” Hosting youth art shows, shoe drives, hurricane relief donations and more, River City Bank has gone above and beyond being more than just a bank.
Introduced this year was a new category of recognition. The Legacy Award goes to local businesses celebrating 75 years or more in operation. At the banquet, both 2024 and 2025’s businesses were recognized.
Nelson Tractor Company earned 2024’s Legacy Award, with United Community Bank achieving the title for 2025. Notably, W.C. Nelson, a Union County native and historical link to both businesses, was present for the moment the two were honored.
Finally, Lamar Paris was revealed as the Chamber’s Person of the Year, with Larry Garrett receiving a Certificate of Honor. For his part, Garrett served Union County for more than 30 years, most recently as the County Manager.
Born and raised in Union County, Paris served 24 years in office as Sole Commissioner, though he also has a history coaching Little League football and working with Union County High School’s Booster Club.
As commissioner, Paris represented Union County in Atlanta, Washington D.C., and even China, and was recognized in 2024 by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.
“This is a great county, and a lot of great people are here,” said Paris, who was surprised and moved by the award. “I just want to thank everybody.”
Business was also conducted that evening, with the recognition of departing and incoming board members.
Jaime Lewis and Matthew Mashburn were thanked for their contributions to the Chamber Board. Stepping up to the plate will be Missy Mashburn and Michael Guild, although it was Brandon Hargrove who took home the honor of Board Member of the Year.
Special guest State Sen. Steve Gooch said taxpayers could expect a Gold Dome push toward lowering income taxes and emphasizing an increase in public and school safety. He suspected Gov. Brian Kemp would also extend a hand to help Georgia’s businesses that are still recovering in the wake of Hurricane Helene, committing $600 million toward relief efforts.
State Rep. Stan Gunter was also in attendance, and he made a point of thanking the Chamber for its extensive work, first and foremost. Gunter said he “agreed there were some changes that need to take place” when it comes to potential tort reform, and that he would “keep an open mind” during this year’s legislative session.
Chamber President Rowe then shared a Chamber update courtesy of Georgia Labor statistics, divulging that, as of 2024, the local Chamber of Commerce had over 800 members. Of those, 615 were Union County businesses, and with approximately 768 businesses in Union County, that means right at 80% of them are part of the Chamber.
“We thank y’all for that,” Rowe said to those gathered. “We will do everything we can to keep the economy and community strong.”
