Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Recognized by Watauga County Community Foundation
The board of advisors of the Watauga County Community Foundation recently awarded the 2020 Spirit of Philanthropy Award to the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Spirit of Philanthropy Award has been a tradition for 15 years at the annual event. Like many organizations, WCCF was forced to cancel this year’s gathering.
WCCF is honored to recognize the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce for its leadership in navigating the formidable challenges facing businesses and citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Stephen Poulos, WCCF board president. “The Chamber has gone above and beyond to help keep businesses and local citizens informed of the changing landscape during the pandemic,” he said. “The Chamber successfully connected the dots between the business community, local nonprofits, government agencies and the school system to cultivate economic prosperity and community betterment. Chamber staff took a proactive stance in connecting business to resources and information on vital programs like the federal PPP loans and health and safety resources and strategies. They also initiated campaigns like Keep Boone Healthy, Takeout Tuesday and Shop Local Saturday through social media channels, videos with key community stakeholders, podcast episodes and blog posts.”
WCCF is making a $500 grant recommendation to the Boone F.A.R.M. Café on behalf of the Chamber in recognition of their work in the community. “The Chamber has worked tirelessly to make our community a better place during one of the most trying years we’ve ever experienced,” Poulos said. “In a year such as this, we can think of no better honoree for our annual Spirit of Philanthropy Award than the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The staff, membership and board are very deserving of this award and our gratitude for their efforts.”
For further information, contact Colby Martin, North Carolina Community Foundation community leadership officer, at cmartin@nccommunityfoundation.org or (828) 358-0030.