News

The Greater Franklin Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual meeting on February 13 in collaboration with the City of Franklin’s State of the City Address with a capacity crowd of 350 attendees at Garment Factory Events in downtown Franklin. This annual meeting celebrates the City of Franklin and recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations.

Franklin Chamber of Commerce Past Board Chair Amy Richardson

Amy Richardson was acknowledged at the 2023 and 2024 Board Chair. Amy has served as board chair for 2 years and is a champion for the chamber and the community, always bringing positivity and collaboration to the table. Amy will continue to serve the Franklin Chamber on the executive team as Past Board Chair.

Franklin Chamber Community Service Award: Abigail Shuck/Raising Spirits

The Community Service Award recognizes an individual or organization that has contributed significantly to the Franklin Community, serving selflessly without intent for personal or monetary gain. Over the past three years, Abigail Shuck and Raising Spirits have raised more than $400,000 to support local, non-profits like the Boys and Girls Club of Johnson County, Johnson County Senior Services, Franklin Education Connection, the Humane Society of Johnson County and Bridges Alliance. The Chamber is pleased to acknowledge their philanthropic commitment to local nonprofits.

Franklin Chamber Community Impact Awards: United Way of Johnson County

The Community Impact Award recognizes a business or organization that has demonstrated outstanding business success in the areas of growth, stability and commitment to quality of life and overall contribution to the community. With a dedicated team of just a few staff members and the support of over 200 volunteers each year, United Way of Johnson County touches the lives of 1 in every 4 residents in the county. In 2023 alone, the organization assisted more than 12,000 individuals in Franklin. Their fundraising efforts generate over $1 million annually from local businesses and individuals, providing critical funding for 16 local social service agencies and their 70+ programs.

Special recognition to Nancy Lohr Plake who has served as Executive Director of United Way of Johnson County since 1990. Nancy plays a key role in maintaining a strong network of social service agencies, ensuring that the needs of the most vulnerable in our community are met. For 35 years, she has been the driving force behind the organization, advancing its mission “to organize caring people to identify and meet human needs in our community.” Nancy has recently announced her plan to retire in the upcoming year; the chamber wishes Nancy all the best and thanks her for her dedication to the Johnson County community.

Franklin Chamber Business Hall of Fame Award: The Grill Bar

The Business Hall of Fame Award recognizes organizations who have been in business for at least 25 years and is presented based on their success in growth and stability, commitment to quality, and over all contribution to the community.

This business hall of fame award goes to a business in the heart of our downtown since 1947. Known as a gathering place for visitors and residents alike, and most notably, for their “World Famous Cheeseburger”, The Grill Bar has been a Franklin institution for 78 years. 26 of those years owned and operated by Larry and Manilla Hughes who were on hand to accept the award.

“We are honored to recognize these local organizations who truly exemplify excellence and the cooperative spirit we value in our business community”, Rosie Chambers, President/CEO. “2024 was a year of growth for the Greater Franklin Chamber of Commerce and the most successful in its 115-year history. Highlights included creating a pilot program for young entrepreneurs, developing the entrepreneurial program, LAUNCH Johnson County and continuing to support all local businesses through collaboration, education and networking opportunities”.

About the Greater Franklin Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Franklin Chamber of Commerce has been a leading voice for business and community growth since its founding in 1910 by creating a community of genuine relationships where businesses connect, grow and thrive. For more information go to www.franklincoc.org