MTP named Blowing Rock Chamber’s Business of the Year
Jerry Burns honored for 44 years at the Blowing Rocket

By Jeff Eason

Nearly 200 people turned out last Tuesday for the Blowing
Rock Chamber of Commerce’s 22nd Annual Awards Banquet at the Meadowbrook Inn. Utilizing a glitzy Academy Award theme, the evening was filled with red carpet entrances, paparazzi camera assaults and heartfelt acceptance speeches.

Mountain Times Publications was the big winner as the company won the Chamber’s Business of the Year Award while Blowing Rocket editor Jerry Burns received a Special Recognition Award for his 44 years of service with the newspaper. Mountain Times Publications publisher Bruce Morrison accepted the Business of the Year Award on behalf of the company.

In addition to The Blowing Rocket, Mountain Times Publications produces The Mountain Times (Watauga edition), The Mountain Times (Ashe edition), The Watauga Democrat, The Avery Journal-Times and All About Women magazine, as well as numerous seasonal publications in the High Country.

“I’m proud to accept this award for Mountain Times Publications in honor of Jerry Burns who is retiring after 44 years of service to the people of Blowing Rock,” said Morrison.

Other business award winners at Tuesday’s banquet were Gregory Allen for New Business of the Year, Blowing Rock Fire and Rescue for New Construction, the Office of Adam Hill, DDS, and the United Community Bank for Commercial Renovation, Blowing Rock Investment Properties for Exterior Enhancement, Highland Craftsman for Cultural Contributions, Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation for Civic Contributions, Finley House Antiques for Christmas Decorations.

Individual winners were Special Recognition Award recipient Sharon Moore, Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce Gavel Award Bill Hall and Volunteer of the Year Pamela Jenkins Vines.

Chetola Resort and Kent Tarbutton were given a Lifetime Achievement Award for the resort’s annual Christmas decorations.

Speakers at the awards banquet included Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce executive director Charles Hardin, Linda Gillelaud and Bill Barr. The awards were presented by Kim Cozort Kay of the Blowing Rock Stage Company and closing remarks were given by 2009 Chamber president Rita Davies. Blake Pace provided the musical entertainment for the evening.