What's New In Business

Four County businesses were honored for their achievements at a Business Appreciation Luncheon held on September 4. Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and Transylvania County, the event featured presentations of special awards in four categories:

• Retailer of the Year: Donna Stout, proprietor of the White Squirrel Shoppe, celebrating its 20^th year in business, and also owner of the Cedar Mountain Business Park.
• Entrepreneur of the Year: Tom Dempsey, president of Sylvan Sport, designer and producer of the “GO” mobile adventure trailer.
• Manufacturer of the Year: Janet and Dick Grey, owners of Genie Products, a producer of precision replacement parts for the metalizing industry.
• Chairman’s Choice: WSQL – White Squirrel Radio, and the 16 individuals who bought the station and moved it to downtown Brevard.

The Chamber of Commerce and the County have hosted the luncheon for many years, but late in 2007, County Commissioner Chairman Jason Chappell asked the Economic Development Advisory Board and the Planning & Economic Development Department to find additional ways to recognize local businesses and their successes. “We greatly appreciate the tremendous contributions our businesses make to economic development in the County, and we are pleased to present these awards,” Chappell told an audience of more than 100 Chamber members and business representatives.