The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce recently announced its Small Business of the Year Award, its Excellence in Customer Service Award, its Volunteer of the Year Award and its Hustle Award.

Autumn Hill Nursery received this years Small Business of the Year Award. They are the epitome of a business that started on a shoestring, just like so many American dreams, and they consistently put in the hard work to make their business succeed. 2017 marks their 25th anniversary, and despite the recent downturn in the economy and so many nurseries closing, they continued to succeed and grow. They have a unique atmosphere, with a very dedicated staff that is passionate about gardening and helping their customers learn to garden better. Their motto is Garden for Life, and they put their efforts behind it.

GrassRoots Tree & Turf Care received this years Excellence in Customer Service Award. Customer service is their main focus because their reputation depends on it. Customers expect more and are quick to share negative experiences with others. Their employees are continually trained, learning of the companys products and services in great detail. Employees are also schooled on communication skills and how to meet the diverse needs of customers, as no two customers are alike. The exceptional employees make all the difference at GrassRoots. The technicians are not compensated on production like other companies in the industry; they are compensated on results. This allows the techs to take time to go the extra mile and take ownership of each project.

Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Russ Phillips with TransAmerica Financial Advisors, as he best-exemplified on-going dedication throughout the past year as a Chamber ambassador while contributing dozens of volunteer hours on the Chairmans Council.

Janet Ponichtera with Family Life Publications received the Hustle Award for her outstanding attendance at Chamber events during 2016. Janet attended more events than I did, and in my role as board chair I didnt miss many events, shared outgoing Chairman Steve Garrison. Her dedication to the Chamber is appreciated, and Im honored to present her with this award for going above and beyond.