Special awards and highlights of a successful year were the basis for Ashe County Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner meeting Tuesday at Jefferson Landing.

Executive Director Cabot Hamilton greeted members with the announcement that: “The big news is, we’re moving!”

Plans are underway to move the chamber headquarters from its current location on U.S. 221 Business to the corner of Jefferson Avenue and West Main Street in downtown West Jefferson. Renovations to the site that previously housed the Thistlewood boutique will take place before the move.

Hamilton spotlighted the Tourism Development Committee for its work this past year, including the regional initiative with High Country Host and other tourism development authorities in the region and other chambers to promote travel to the high country, and for the litter control project working with the Keep America Beautiful organization in developing a sustainable program to address the county’s litter problems.

As part of the Keep Ashe County Beautiful initiative, the chamber recognized several individuals with beautification awards.

Presented by Bob Washburn, chairman of the chamber’s Member Services Committee, the commercial beautification award went to Phil Stevens and the Five Points Group for their renovation of the building on South Jefferson Avenue in West Jefferson now housing Shokudo Steak & Seafood restaurant and High Country Realty. Accepting the award was John Edmonds from High Country Realty, Phil Stevens, and Brian Fitzgerald representing the Five Points Group, which is the five sisters who operate Shokudo.

The community beautification award went to the GLAD (Greater Lansing Area Development) organization in Lansing for their work on behalf of the town. Accepting were Mayor Jason Ring, Fire Chief Everette Adams, Madeleine Crawford, Larry Blevins, and Yutta Preston. Also present was Patty Wheeler with Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative who assisted GLAD and Lansing with grants.

An outdoor beautification award went to the Ashe Arts Council for the barn quilts throughout the county. Accepting was Executive Director Jane Lonon, who thanked the chamber and said, “The arts are good for business.”

Hamilton also presented the Chamber Champion award to Donna Pollard, who has been working in the office as an intern and was of great help during the recent absences of staff members. Pollard is attending college, and she and her husband Duane own Pollard Glass.