On October 15 , the Greene County Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Awards Luncheon at The Ritz-Carlton. Over 170 attendees representing numerous businesses and nonprofit organizations received updates from several community and business leaders including GA State Rep Trey Rhodes, Corbett Reynolds with GDOT, Brandon Burgess with Landmark Construction, Stonish Pierce, CEO of St Mary’s Hospital, McKenzie Davenport with Fowler-Flemister Concrete, and Jim Baker of Baker & Lassiter. The Chamber congratulated the winners of its five award categories which are shown below.
Congratulations to Targie Folds, recipient of the 2026 Mickey Channell Citizen of the Year Award! Targie’s decades of service to Greene County include Greene Co Family Connection, Greene Co Christmas Stocking Fund, Homeless Council, Greene Co Food Pantry, Parent Liaison, and Greene Co Christian Outreach. The Chamber appreciates your years of dedication to improve the lives of our citizens!
Award Sponsor: RATE/Ann Furey Presenting the award: Mika Mills, President Greene Co Chamber of Commerce
Congratulations to BankSouth, recipient of the 2026 Heartbeat Award! The Heartbeat Award recognizes a business that goes above and beyond to give back to our community. BankSouth’s many years of support to local causes such as Heart & Soul Gala to benefit the hospital, Sheriff’s Dept to buy safety equipment, Food Pantry, church youth programs,and scholarships for high school seniors has not gone unnoticed. Well deserved!
Award Sponsor: High Priority Pest Services. Owner Mark Sargent presenting.
Congratulations to Matt Plocha of Lake Oconee News, our 2026 Chamber Champion! The Chamber Champion Award recognizes an individual who goes above and beyond to support the Chamber and its members through networking, collaboration, and community engagement. Matt, thank you for your dedication to connecting people, supporting local businesses, and strengthening our business community. We are proud to celebrate you!
Award Sponsor: Georgia Power. Angela Haun presenter.
Congratulations to The Station and owners Cathi and Daryl Chandler, recipients of the 2026 Rookie of the Year Award! Opening a business is an accomplishment. Becoming an active part of the community makes an even greater impact! The Rookie of the Year Award recognizes a new business that goes beyond opening its doors by getting involved in the community. The Station’s generous donations for events and nonprofits have made a difference. Partnering with our past Rookie of the Year Winner, The Well owned by Amy and Sean Maguire, allows The Station to serve many others.
Award Sponsor: Regenerative Orthopaedics & Spine Institute. Presenters: Dr. John Musser, NP Desiree Riley, and Kenneth Watson
Congratulations to Atlas Ministry, our 2026 Nonprofit of the Year! This award recognizes an organization that continues to innovate, educate, and find new ways to serve our community. We are honored to recognize Atlas Ministry for its commitment to serving over 525 students from birth to 12th grade through a Christ-centered approach. Their partnerships with OPAS, FCA, The Arts Barn, and the Greene County School System are making a lasting impact in our community. Thank you for the important work you do!
Award Sponsor: Berkshire Hathaway Lake Oconee Properties/RPA Realty. Broker Vinece Pastor presenter.