By David Rogers. February 8, 2012. BLOWING ROCK -- Inn at Ragged Gardens/Best Cellar walked away with "Business of the Year" honors, while Mayor J.B. Lawrence (in picture, left) accepted the first Jerry Burns Ambassadorial Award by quipping, "It is a sorry frog that doesn't croak about his own pond."

Those were the headline awards presented by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, for the organization's annual awards banquet and annual meeting.

More than 100 area business owners and leaders attended the affair, hosted by Green Park Inn and featured outstanding cuisine by executive chef James Welch and spot-on service by the Green Park staff.  More than one attendee remarked, "How great is it that we have the Green Park Inn back?"

In opening the luncheon, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Charles Hardin acknowledged the challenges of operating a business during a recession, but recognized that many businesses are not only succeeding, but growing in spite of the softer economic times and was pleased to see the many businesses that are reinvesting in themselves with new construction or renovation projects.

Blake Pace provided background music during the luncheon, while Margaret Holder, the Chamber's 2012 President, along with Board Member Deborah McDowell, preside over the business portion of the meeting.

Radio personality and news director of High Country Radio served as host for the awards presentation. Blowing Rock News has previously published a list of all of the nominees, and summaries of their nomination descriptions. Click HERE for a hyperlink to that earlier article.

A sentimental highlight of the awards presentation was the acceptance by J.B. Lawrence of the first Jerry Burns Ambassadorial Award, in memory of the longtime editor of the Blowing Rocket newspaper who had a lasting impact on nearly every aspect of Blowing Rock, from the hospital, to Blowing Rock Stage Company and its successor, Ensemble Stage, to Town Council, to Rotary, to Blowing Rock Fire & Rescue, to Historical Society, and so much more. Other nominees included David Rogers of Blowing Rock News and Kent Graham of Blowing Rock Emergency Services. When Blowing Rock News approached Lawrence with congratulations later, the Mayor deflected, "It's my job (to be an ambassador for Blowing Rock)!"

Climaxing the event was the Business of the Year award, presented to Rob Dyer of Inn at Ragged Gardens and Best Cellar Restaurant.  In just two short years, Ragged Gardens' "Music on the Lawn" has become a mainstay of the downtown experience on Friday evenings from late spring to autumn, and a big draw to the community. Other nominees included Ensemble Stage and Blowing Rock Inn.

The full list of award winners and other nominees:

Business of the Year: Inn at Ragged Gardens

Other Nominees:

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  • Ensemble Stage
  • Blowing Rock Inn

Jerry Burns Ambassadorial Award (sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank): J.B. Lawrence, United Community Bank

Other Nominees

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  • David Rogers, Blowing Rock News
  • Kent Graham, Blowing Rock Emergency Services

Volunteer of the Year Award: Suzanne Miller

Other Nominees

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  • Betsy Collins
  • John Aldridge
  • Ray Pickett

Customer Service Star Award (sponsored by Blue Ridge Electric): Claudine Lewis, Mountainaire Inn & Log Cabins

Other Nominees

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  • Sherri Furman, Bless Your Heart
  • Ray Pickett, Blowing Rock Inn
  • Lauren Stutts, Green Park Inn
  • Hallie Harding, Village Hardware
  • Alex James, Best Cellar

Commercial Renovation: Green Park Inn

Other Nominees

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  • Grandfather Mountain
  • Blowing Rock Country Club

New Construction: Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM)

Other Nominees

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  • FaithBridge United Methodist Church
  • Boone/Blowing Rock Water Connect

Cultural Enrichment: Fire on the Rock, by Crippens Country Inn & Restaurant

Other Nominees

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  • Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church
  • Farmers' Market

Service to Community: Blue Ridge Mountain Club

Other Nominees

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  • Blowing Rock Methodist Church
  • Blowing Rock C.A.R.E.S.
  • Blowing Rock Community Foundation

Green Business: Solar Decathlon Team, Appalachian State University

Other Nominees

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  • Bald Guy Brew of Blowing Rock
  • Blowing Rock hotels (as a group)

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