2022 Executive of the Year: Bernedette Douglas, Cleveland-Bradley County Chamber
The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE) recognizes Bernadette Douglas, former Cleveland-Bradley County Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President as the 2022 Executive of the Year. The award was given at its annual meeting held in Medina, Tennessee. The award recognizes one chamber professional in the state of Tennessee who has made a significant difference in their chamber. “I’m honored to have been selected by my peers for this honor. It never could have happened without the incredible team of dedicated volunteers and staff at the Chamber over these past 40 years,” Douglas expressed.
The Chamber’s Communications & Marketing director, Aaron Weatherford, nominated Douglas specifically for her more than 40 years of leadership at the Chamber, but also for her mentorship to him and many others during her time at the Chamber. “Bernadette is admired and highly respected in the business community. The impact that she has made in individuals and businesses alike will continue to be felt for many years to come,” Weatherford said. Bernadette began her career with the Chamber in 1981, retiring in 2022.
2021 Executive of the Year: Sherri Ferguson, Portland Chamber
The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE) awarded Portland Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Sherri Ferguson the 2021 Executive of the Year award at its annual meeting held in Knoxville, Tenn. August 18-20.
The award recognizes a chamber professional who has made a significant difference in a local chamber. She joined the chamber in 2011.
Ferguson said, “I was honored to be chosen as the Executive of the Year from the Tennessee Chambers of Commerce. It’s an award that is chosen by your peers, which always makes it even more special because they are working hard just like you are and they see your efforts and what you are doing.”
Events Coordinator Kristen Daughtry nominated Ferguson for her outstanding leadership in guiding the Portland chamber. Daughtry mentioned several milestones achieved by the chamber during the 10 years Ferguson has been at the helm.
Among those items mentioned was the tremendous growth of the chamber from 92 members to 340 currently, plus significantly increasing the budget since 2011.
2019 Executive of the Year: Kyle Spurgeon, Jackson Chamber
The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Executives named Jackson Chamber’s President/CEO Kyle Spurgeon its Tennessee Chamber Executive of the Year at an annual meeting held in Union City, Tenn. on Aug. 22, 2019.
The TCCE is a statewide professional chamber association that identifies “the most effective chamber professional” who has made a significant difference in a local Chamber.
“On behalf of the Tennessee Chamber, we would like to congratulate Kyle Spurgeon for being selected as Tennessee Chamber Executive of the year,” Tennessee Chamber of Commerce President Bradley Jackson stated in a release. “The Jackson Chamber, under Kyle’s leadership, is truly one of Tennessee’s premier chambers of commerce and economic development agencies.”
“This award truly demonstrates Kyle’s success and achievement in managing a complex organization and engaging business leaders in Jackson and Madison County to ensure economic and community success. Chamber professionals like Kyle are why Tennessee is consistently recognized as a great state for business and manufacturing.”
On receiving the award, Spurgeon reportedly stated: “This award means a lot to me because it is a recognition given to you by your chamber peers from across the state. I have been fortunate to be able to assemble a great team at the Jackson Chamber. Any recognition I receive is a direct result of their professionalism and success.”
2018 Executive of the Year: Rick Meredith, Anderson County Chamber of Commerce
[The Oak Ridger, August 30, 2018] “On behalf of the Tennessee Chamber, we would like to congratulate Rick Meredith for being selected as Tennessee Chamber Executive of the year,” Tennessee Chamber of Commerce President Bradley Jackson stated in a release. “The Anderson County Chamber, under Rick’s leadership, is truly one of Tennessee’s premier chambers of commerce and economic development agencies.
2017 Executive of the Year: Paul Latture, President, Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce
(Daily News Journal – August 29 2017)
“The Chamber has added more than 12,000 jobs and a capital expenditure of more than $1.7 billion under Latture, Riddle said. Travel-related expenses have increased every year, and through his tenure have totaled over $1.4 billion, she confirmed.
“Paul is well deserving of recognition for the numerous successes of the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce and the significant and leading role he and the Chamber have played in the robust business environment in Rutherford County,” said Bill Jones, area executive for Pinnacle Financial Partners in the release.
