2021 Business Award Winners

Ambassador of the Year winner is significantly involved in Chamber affairs and demonstrates outstanding performance and contributions, specifically to the Ambassador Team, to their business and to Roane County. “[she] never hesitates to give her time, energy and efforts to help the Ambassador team with giving back events, business events and so much more.” And she is especially popular just because of her sidekick Bodhi who comes along with her. The winner of the 2021 Ambassador of the Year is Taelor May with Michael Dunn Center.

The Paul E. Goldberg Young Professional Award goes to someone under 40 who demonstrates strong leadership skills and a love for Roane County. This person is very involved in the Chamber and has served as an Ambassador for many years.  She shows up at ribbon cuttings and networking events all across the county, and is the first to jump in to help.  Per her nomination, this person “is connected, dependable, hardworking and always thinking of creative giving-back projects!”  The winner of the 2021 Paul E. Goldberg Young Professional Award is Ashley Freeburg with Roane County Anti-Drug Coalition.

The Business of the Year significantly and positively affects economic progress in Roane County and surrounding area. And this year’s recipient has been doing just that since they opened their doors in 1970, more than 50 years ago.  Per their nomination, “[they] use every resource, advantage and opportunity to grow success within their students and their community, making Roane County a better place.” The 2021 Business of the Year is Tennessee College of Applied Technology, Harriman.

Woman of the Year should be significantly involved in business, professional, educational, community and civic or church affairs; demonstrate outstanding performance or unusual contribution to Roane County and to her business or community; and be highly respected in her field. This 2021 recipient’s nomination described her as “an inspiration for businesswomen in our community, involved in community outreach efforts, including the Boy Scouts; and a major chamber advocate and very successful realtor.” I think the only thing that will come as a surprise, is that she is just now being recognized, given her leadership and community involvement for so many years.  The 2021 Woman of the Year is Kathy May-Martin, Coldwell Banker Jim Henry & Associates.

The Paul Cowell Distinguished Service Award has been given out by the Roane Chamber since 1970, and is certainly the most prestigious of the awards. The winner should demonstrate outstanding performance or unusual contribution to Roane County and to their business or community. And this year’s winner certainly was all of that, demonstrating “leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic [that] saved countless lives and “made an immeasurable difference locally in the fight against this global pandemic!” This year’s Distinguished Service Award winner is Laura Conner, Director of the Roane County Health Department.

The Industry of the Year is recognized by the Industrial Development Board for outstanding leadership and positive economic development impact in Roane County and its surrounding area. This is another one that is long overdue and per the nomination, this company “has made countless contributions to Roane County and the Roane Alliance over the years. … “its leaders are so deserving of this recognition!”  In fact, a more recent contribution was the donation of a section of rail track to the city of Oak Ridge in support of the proposed Oak Ridge Airport.  They have also provided long-standing support to the Roane Alliance as board members and the Gala.  They are one of the Title Sponsors this year – please join us in congratulating EnergySolutions as the 2021 Industry of the Year.