A community that works together, succeeds together

To the Editor:

The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, Tri- County Community College, and NC JobLink worked together to bring the community the 6th Business Expo and Job Fair on Saturday, Sept. 14 and 15 at TCCC. The event was a huge success thanks to the chamber staff and board members; TCCC staff; NC JobLink staff; and the TCCC Student Government Association and Early College students.

Special thanks and recognition goes to Jodi Alverson and the Cherokee County Schools for coordinating the Cherokee County and Clay County student visits to the event on Friday morning. The purpose of opening the show to 9th and 10th grade students was to introduce them to businesses in the community and job opportunities to help them plan or think about a career path.

Chamber Champion - the Tennessee Valley Authority - once again stepped up with a much needed contribution to make this year's event a professional venue to showcase chamber businesses and industry members.

We are grateful to the patrons - Blue Ridge Mountain EMC, Cherokee Scout/Andrews Journal, Eller & Owens Fine Furniture, Macon Bank, Murphy Medical Center, Murphy Power Board and Sentinel Newspapers.

Sponsors for this year included Betsy Lane, State Farm Insurance; First Citizens, NC Employment Security Commission/JobLink, Rose Insurance, Scenic Realty of Murphy/Keller Williams and Snap-on.

Big thanks to all the exhibitors, agencies and others who participated by showcasing their services, products and employment opportunities to the community. They include:

Brasstown Computing Service, Designer's Alley Salon & Spa, Industrial Opportunities, Budget Blinds, Cherokee County Transit, 210th Military Police, NC National Guard, Tri-County Community College programs, Carolina Farm Credit, Appalachian Heritage Crafters, Rocks to Roses Landscaping, Smokey Mountain Shoppers Guide, TEAM Industries, Weddings by the Foster Sisters, McDonald's, Farm Bureau Insurance, Miller Well Drilling, Debbie Garrison/Shaklee, Wal- Mart, MOOG, Rand & Rawson, Carolina Mountain Homes ERA, BC Machining, Indian Hills Spring Water, Arbonne International LegacyWoods, Cellular Expressions and Outdoor Living.

Congratulations to Eller & Owens Fine Furniture for winning the first "Best in Show" exhibit.

A big thank you is extended to Ed Cloud of Cloudhaven Recording Studio, Andrews, and of WCVPfor taking charge of the emcee duties.

About 500 or more people came out to enjoy the free show and pick up a variety of promotional items. Some people won door prizes and hopefully everyone enjoyed seeing the new and long established businesses. Downtown Pizza and the Valley River Humane Society provided food for visitors on Saturday. We thank all of you for your untiring efforts. It takes a lot of minds, hands and hearts to pull events together such as the 6th Business Expo & Job Fair. The coordinating team is so proud of everyone for the hard work and support.

Sincerely,

Pam Dickey, Sande Kimball, Paul Worley

(Pam Dickey is the assistant manager, Murphy office NC Employment Security Commission, Murphy; Kimball is the executive director of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and Worley is project manager, TCCC)