Annual Membership Gathering

The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce holds its Annual Membership Gathering, newly named Spirit of Boone, each year during the early fall. At this event, the Chamber honors its annual Community Award winners who are recognized for their accomplishments over the past year, each blending professional achievements with a spirit of resiliency that has served as a driving force throughout the business community. 

With a crowd of nearly 350 attendees, this event serves as a fun-filled opportunity for connection and celebration. Alongside the awards presentation, Spirit of Boone consists of a sit-down dinner, the passing of the torch to the incoming Board of Directors chair, release of the Annual Report, general celebration of Chamber achievements, and all capped with live music.

Annual Recaps

2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 

Alfred Adams Award for Economic Development

The Alfred Adams Award for Economic Development recognizes individuals and/or organizations who have worked for the orderly growth and development of Boone and Watauga County. Adams served as a local banker and prominent community organizer. He provided influence on many Chamber committees in the organization’s formative years.

Baker/Jones Woman of the Year Award

The Baker-Jones Woman of the Year award is named for long-time Chamber volunteers Gillian Baker and Susan Jones. This award honors an inspiring member who exemplifies the qualities of leadership, mentorship, and community involvement

Dan Meyer Partnership Award

The Dan Meyer Community Partnership Award recognizes a community leader for their efforts to bring multiple parties together for a common cause. Meyer served as President/CEO of the Chamber for 12 years before retiring in August of 2016.

Sue W. Wilmoth Award for the Advancement of Tourism

The Sue W. Wilmoth Award for the Advancement of Tourism is named for the former Chamber Director, who used her influence in tourism promotion to capitalize on the region’s natural resources while balancing progress with preservation. 

everGREEN Award for Sustainability

The everGREEN Award for Sustainability is presented to a business, organization, project, or person who has furthered the inclusion and integration of sustainable development principles.

Ben Suttle Special Services Award

The Ben Suttle Special Services Award is named for the former Boone Town Councilman and recognizes the spirit of volunteerism in the community.

Wade Brown Award for Community Involvement

The Wade Brown Award for Community Involvement is the Chamber’s oldest award, dating back to 1979. Named after the first recipient of the honor, this award recognizes a significant contribution through community engagement.

Elizabeth Young Award for Community Leadership

The Elizabeth Young Award for Community Leadership is presented to a person or organization whose leadership has been pivotal to maintaining the health and vibrancy of our community. The award recognizes leadership that rises above the work of any one business or agency in order to unite and mobilize business, government, non-profit, and civic partners toward an improved quality of life for our entire community.

Kathy Crutchfield Citizen of the Year Award

The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce presents the Kathy Crutchfield Citizen of the Year Award annually to an individual who exemplifies a selfless work ethic while impacting and supporting a broad array of community partners.