Yadkin Valley Chamber honors members at awards dinner

Garry Sparks receives the Johnsie Hudspeth Volunteer of the Year award.

The Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards dinner on Friday at The Barn at Heritage Farm in Dobson. The night was a celebration of local businesses and community leaders.

Following a social hour and dinner, President David Steelman took to the stage to recognize board members, volunteers and others who support the Chamber and its work.

Misty Matthews, of the Yadkin Valley Chamber, Natalie Eidson of Explore Elkin and Katee Hettleman, of the Hugh Chatham Foundation, were recognized by Steelman for all the ‘behind the scenes’ work they each do for the community.

The first award of the evening, the Rebel Good tourism award, went to Shelton Vineyards. Stephanie McDuffie accepted the honor of behalf of the vineyard, winery, restaurant and hotel which brings in countless visitors to the Yadkin Valley each year.

Garry Sparks, owner of Comb’s Butcher Shoppe, was presented with the Johnsie Hudspeth volunteer of the year award for all of his work in organizing the cruise-ins in downtown Elkin.

The Community Beautification award was given to wedding and event venue The Barn at Wall’s Pond.

Elkin High School Principal Amanda Burton was presented the Education Excellence Award.

Honored with the Innovation award was the newly opened boutique hotel Three Trails in downtown Elkin.

Matthew Crane of Elkin Ridge Apartments received the Chamber’s Ambassador of the Year honor.

John Jonczak, owner of The Barn at Heritage Farm, was presented with the Duke Energy Citizenship award.

The Chamber’s Member of the Year award went to Jimmy and Kelly Thompson of Soyworx.