YOUNG HARRIS – The Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual awards banquet on Friday, Jan. 16, transforming Brasstown Valley Resort into a scene reminiscent of the roaring 1920s for an evening of celebration, recognition and intrigue.
The “Mountain Mystery Masquerade”-themed gala welcomed guests adorned in feather boas, sequins and masquerade masks, setting the tone for a night filled with laughter, conversation and old-fashioned glamour.
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What began as a formal chamber event evolved into a lively, full-participation murder mystery experience that had attendees mingling, sleuthing and fully immersed by the night’s end.
The evening opened with official chamber business, including the swearing in of new members and recognition of outgoing board members.
Special guests State Rep. Stan Gunter and State Sen. Steve Gooch were recognized and invited to share brief remarks, acknowledging the Chamber’s role in supporting local businesses and economic growth throughout Union County.
Several chamber awards were presented throughout the night, including United Community Bank’s Community United Award, presented by Blairsville Bank President Adam Born to the Union County Historical Society in recognition of its dedication to preserving and sharing the county’s rich history.
Chamber President Steve Rowe closed the awards portion of the evening by presenting the two highest honors of the night: Business of the Year and Person of the Year.
The Business of the Year Award was presented to Jim’s Smokin’ Que. Once a small barbecue counter, Jim’s Smokin’ Que has become a beloved North Georgia staple. The restaurant began in 2010 inside the Booger Hollow Gas Station, where its slow-smoked flavors quickly gained a loyal following, leading to a standalone location in 2012.
In January 2020, ownership passed to Chris Cuviello and Zachary Edmonds, who have continued to build on its success. Cuviello brings extensive restaurant management experience, while Edmonds adds deep roots in barbecue, from training and competition to years of hands-on cooking. Together, they have carried Jim’s Smokin’ Que forward as both a local favorite and a regional draw.
The Person of the Year Award was presented to Chris Wadle, vice chair of the Blairsville Downtown Development Authority and founder and CEO of Lamin-x Protective Films.
Wadle was recognized for his leadership, community investment and vision for Downtown Blairsville. He spearheaded the first major renovation of a downtown building in the city and continues to play a key role in shaping its future through his passion for architecture, design, business development and economic growth.
Other notable awards included Kitty Mauzy as Board Member of the Year and Art Miller as Chamber Ambassador of the Year.
Beyond the awards, the evening featured several interactive and fundraising elements. Guests enjoyed a room-sized automated photobooth stocked with 1920s-themed masquerade props, including feather boas, hats, novelty glasses, and magnifying glasses, leaving with four-photo souvenir strips from the night.
A silent auction offered a wide range of donated items, including a large gift basket from Art Miller of Maters, Taters, and More; a free boat ride from Freedom Boat Club; a complimentary night’s stay and a round of golf from Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa; a $200 gift basket from LongHorn Steakhouse; a private viewing of Georgia’s largest Lionel model train set donated by Jim Steed; and additional prizes.
The event was made possible through the support of numerous sponsors, including United Community, Union General Health System, Moonflower Boutique, Georgia Heart Institute, Blairsville Social Pub, Tanner’s Towing & Recovery, Gaylord Lawn & Sprinkler, The Mountain Life Real Estate, Nelson Tractor Company, Grandaddy Mimm’s Distilling Co., WoodmenLife, North Georgia Mold & Air Duct Cleaning, Merchants Walk, River City Bank, Visit Downtown Blairsville, Peach State Federal Credit Union, South State Bank, and Traditions Health.
The night closed with guests fully engaged in the mystery at hand, a fitting end to an evening that celebrated not only business success, but the creativity, generosity and spirit of the Union County community.
