2025 Executive of the Year
Brandy Gentry, President & CEO, Monroe County Chamber of Commerce
The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE) recognizes Brandy Gentry, President & CEO of the Monroe County Chamber, as the 2025 Executive of the Year.
Brandy’s exceptional leadership, forward-thinking vision, and profound commitment have not only revitalized our local chamber but have also profoundly impacted the Monroe County community as a whole.
Since assuming her role as President ten years ago, Brandy has consistently demonstrated the qualities this award seeks to recognize. She has been a tireless advocate for our local businesses, championing initiatives that foster economic growth and create a more vibrant commercial landscape. Her ability to connect with members, understand their needs, and implement effective solutions has led to a significant increase in member engagement and satisfaction. Under her guidance, the Chamber has launched numerous successful programs, including the Chamber’s Leadership Monroe Program.
Brandy exemplifies the highest standards of the chamber management profession. She is a continuous learner, always seeking innovative approaches and best practices to better serve our members and community. Her strategic thinking and ability to navigate complex challenges have positioned the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce as a respected leader within the state.
2025 Volunteer of the Year
LaRae Sliger, Hardin County Chamber of Commerce
2025 Professional of the Year
Vanessa Bennett, Kingsport Chamber of Commerce
The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE) recognizes Vanessa Bennett, Chief Operations Officer of the Kingsport Chamber, as the 2025 Professional of the Year.
Vanessa embodies everything this recognition represents. Her dedication to community development, strategic leadership and servant-hearted approach to collaboration make her one of the most respected and impactful professionals not only in Kingsport but also across the state of Tennessee. For the last 18 years, she has been a force for good, tirelessly advocating for others, building programs that make a measurable difference and raising the standards for what excellence in the chamber world truly looks like.
Her influence is evident in countless initiatives that have transformed the region, yet Vanessa rarely seeks attention for her role. More often than not, you will find her working behind the scenes, building teams, lifting others up and ensuring the credit goes to those around her. That is who she is: a true servant leader.
Vanessa’s results speak volumes. Whether she is fostering educational partnerships, creating community engagement opportunities, or mentoring the future leaders of our city, county, state and country she does so with integrity, energy and a deep commitment to impact. She exemplifies professionalism, innovation and heart.
2025 Event Excellence
“Lemonade Day” Manchester Chamber of Commerce
The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE) recognizes “Lemonade Day” hosted by the Manchester Chamber of Commerce as the 2025 Event Excellence Award.
“Lemonade Day Manchester is one of the best things we do! We partner with our schools and provide curriculum, so students from every elementary school in the Manchester and Coffee County School systems learn how to create a business plan, market a product, and determine its price. This culminated in Lemonade Day Manchester, which featured 28 student-led lemonade stands all around town.
The community fully embraced Lemonade Day, as seen in the results. The students raised more than $30,000 in lemonade sales in just 3.5 hours! Every penny of the profits goes back to the schools.
Lemonade Day brings together our community in the best way, showcases our future workforce, encourages students to think in entrepreneurial ways, builds connection between schools and local businesses, and shares the earnings of a hard day’s work with organizations that help those in need.”
2025 Large Chamber of the Year
Gallatin Chamber of Commerce
The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE) recognizes the Gallatin Chamber of Commerce as the 2025 Large Chamber of the Year.
This recognition highlights the Gallatin Chamber’s accomplishments in strengthening its local business community, fostering civic and economic engagement, and supporting growth in Gallatin and surrounding areas.
Receiving this accolade places the Gallatin Chamber among the top-performing chambers in Tennessee for 2025 — a nod to effective leadership, dedicated staff/volunteers, and a proactive approach to community support.
2025 Small Chamber of the Year
Tullahoma Chamber of Commerce
The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE) recognizes the Tullahoma Chamber of Commerce as the 2025 Small Chamber of the Year.
With more than 500 member businesses and over 70 events hosted annually, TACC works tirelessly to connect, promote, and support our community, reaching over 14,000 attendees each year through educational, engaging, and accessible programs. Only one of these annual events is exclusive to members, and just nine charge admission, ensuring accessibility for residents of all income levels.
2024 Executive of the Year
Kim Baker, CEO, Gallatin Chamber of Commerce
The Gallatin Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is immensely proud to announce that our CEO, Kim Baker, has been honored with the 2024 Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE) Executive of the Year Award. This prestigious recognition celebrates Kim’s exceptional leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to the Gallatin community, qualities that have set her apart as a leader in our field.
The TCCE Executive of the Year Award identifies the most effective chamber professional in Tennessee, one who has profoundly impacted their local community. This award is a testament to Kim’s professional experience, ethical conduct, leadership, and her relentless pursuit of advancing the profession of chamber management. Her dedication to these principles has not only elevated the Gallatin Chamber of Commerce but also the entire Gallatin community.
2024 Volunteer of the Year
Michael Lajoie
2024 Professional of the Year
Carly Rager, Robertson County Chamber of Commerce
We are thrilled to announce that Carly Keith Rager has been honored with the prestigious Chamber Professional of the Year award by the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Executives. This well-deserved recognition is a testament to Carly’s unwavering dedication to our members and the broader business community. She is a true advocate for businesses of all sizes, tirelessly championing their success.
Carly’s commitment to our community and organization is unmatched, and her efforts often go above and beyond what is seen. We couldn’t be prouder to celebrate her remarkable achievements tonight.
2024 Event Excellence
“Gallatin Farm-to-Table Dinner” Gallatin Chamber of Commerce
Annually, TCCE (Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Executives) selects award winners for a variety of categories. One of those is the Event Excellence Award, recognizing a Tennessee chamber that excels in marketing and producing a special event.
Our Chamber was honored to be presented with the 2024 TCCE Event Excellence Award for our Gallatin Farm to Table Dinner!
For one September evening only, Gallatin’s historic downtown square transforms into a stunning event venue, as summer slowly transitions to fall. The streets are lined with tables, lights, beekeepers, local brews, and local flavor.
The event features a four course meal, all sourced from local farmers, growers, and producers (many who are a part of the Gallatin Farmers Market – which is organized and operated by the Gallatin Chamber). The meal is catered by a local caterer and florals, decor, and other features all showcase other local member businesses. The event allows us to showcase Gallatin at it’s best, in the heart of one of our crown jewels:
Gallatin’s historic courthouse square.
Gallatin Farm to Table continues to have a tremendous impact on our local community as it brings residents and visitors closer together for a family-style meal setting, brings attention to Tennessee’s deep ties to agriculture by featuring local growers and producers, and ultimately lets attendees know that the businesses on the backroads of our community are equally as important as those on the main streets.
2024 Chamber of the Year
Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Jackson Chamber has been honored with receiving the inaugural “Chamber of the Year” award in the large category by the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE). This award, introduced for the first time this year, recognizes the Chamber’s outstanding leadership, dedication to the community and excellence in chamber management.
“We are honored to receive the Chamber of the Year Award from TCCE, a testament to the dedication, hard work, and success of our entire team and community,” stated Kyle Spurgeon, president and CEO of the Greater Jackson Chamber. “This recognition highlights our commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life in Jackson and the West Tennessee region. We look forward to continuing our efforts to support local businesses and drive growth in our region.”
2024 Chamber of the Year
Robertson County Chamber of Commerce
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.
