Wilkinson, Osborne among those honored at Chamber Awards

At the 2024 Toccoa-Stephens COunty Chamber of Commerce Awards Ceremony last night, Sept. 29, many of the areas to businesses and leaders in the business community were honored as the Chamber presented nearly two dozen awards. The evening was capped off with the honoring of two of Stephens County’s most respected businessmen – Mark Wilkinson was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Leon Osborne was presented with the Legacy Award. 

Stephens County Chamber President Julie Paysen presented the Legacy Award to Osborne, who retired earlier this year after 45 years at the helm of Osborne Wood Products.

Stephens County Hospital CEO Van Loskoski presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Wilkinson.

Public Library Regional Children and Youth Director Shantelle Grant was awarded the Spirit of Community Award.

The Bob Evans Chairman’s Award was presented to Savonda Turner.

Other winners at last night’s award ceremony included:

Patterson Pump with the Excellence in Business award;

Pro-Line Supply with the Small Business of Excellence award;

Stephens County Christian Learning Center with the Non-Profit of the Year award;

Don & Christy Hall of Currahee Outdoors with the Entrepreneur of the Year award;

Currahee Vineyard and Winery with the Agriculture Business of the Year award;

The Venue at Broken Bridge Farm with the Hospitality award;

ASI Southeast with the L.P.  “Bub” Greer Industry of the Year award;

Downtown Flowers with the Retail Business of the Year award;

Kersha Parker with the Community Volunteer of the Year award;

Lake Toccoa, City of Toccoa with the Tourism award;

Foothills Contracting with the Ben F. Cheek Service Business of the Year award;

Moogy’s Mill Creek Gathering Place with the Restaurant of the Year award;

and After Hours Design with the Rising Star award. 

Kristen Deal, who is the City of Toccoa Main Street Director, was named Young Professional of the Year.

Following the event, WNEG News spoke with Paysen about the event, highlighting the fact that the awards this year were voted by a record 2,487 votes from members of the community.

For more information, visit the Chamber website at visittoccoa.com.