2023 Executive of the Year
Lindsay Frilling, CEO, Obion County Joint Economic Development Council
The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE) recognizes Lindsay Frilling, CEO of the Obion County Joint Economic Development Council as the 2023 Executive of the Year. The award was given at the TCCE annual meeting held in Kingsport, Tennessee. The award recognizes one chamber professional in the state of Tennessee who has made a significant difference in their chamber.
2023 Volunteer of the Year
Donnie Eden, White House Area Chamber of Commerce
The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE) recognizes Donnie Eden with the White House Area Chamber of Commerce as the 2023 Volunteer of the Year. The award recognizes an individual’s outstanding achievements, involvement in local chamber events, program implementation and participation in the community (including civic, charitable, educational and other activities).
The Chamber’s CEO & President, Mandy Christenson, nominated Eden because he is not only a chamber champion, but a champion of his community. “Donnie is always giving back. As a cancer survivor, he has been very involved in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. He has been nominated as Man of the Year multiple times and received the honor in 2013. In 2021, he coordinated and hosted a fundraiser for their organization in Nashville that generated nearly $200,000 for them.” Said Christenson.
2023 Professional of the Year
Kristin Daughtery, Portland Chamber of Commerce
The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE) recognizes Kristin Daughtery, Event Director with the Portland Chamber of Commerce as the 2023 Professional of the Year. The award recognizes an outstanding chamber professional who ahs helped advance the mission of his/her chamber and is seen as a role model in the community.
Since 2015 Kristen has increased event revenue by 200%. She has created 3 new events and runs our leadership program. The largest increase is with their main event, the Middle TN Strawberry Festival by increasing revenue 132%. Sherri Ferguson, President and CEO of the Portland Chamber said “Kristen has great organizational skills and can juggle many events while also making sure they are excellently executed. She is always looking to improve events. In her coordination efforts she has rallied our community together for many activities. Kristen is one of a kind and has brought this community together on more than one occasion.
2023 Event Excellence
“Strawberry Festival” Portland Chamber of Commerce
The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE) recognizes the Strawberry Festival hosted by the Portland Chamber of Commerce with the 2023 Event Excellence Award. The event recognizes a chamber that excels in marketing and producing an outstanding special event.
The festival provides an economic boost to Portland with visitors coming in and spending money on gas, food, shopping and more! We take our population of about 13,500 and triple that for festival weekend. There are also 15+ non-profit organizations and civic clubs who directly benefit from the festival who put the
money they raise back into the community. The festival not only provides an economic impact to this city, but the community of Portland is proud to host the festival and welcome visitors from all over the United States. During the 2023 festival, Portland welcomed visitors from over 35 states and 8 other countries!
“The thing that makes the Strawberry Festival so unique is the community involvement & participation. There truly is a special feel to the Middle Tennessee Strawberry Festival, and it’s because of the people who put it together. The locals know how important it is to our community, and the number of local people, businesses, churches & organizations that pull together to pull off this event is phenomenal. It’s not just another festival or event… it’s OUR festival, and people take a lot of pride in that.” said Sherri Ferguson, President & CEO of the Portland Chamber of Commerce.
