Swannanoa Valley businesses celebrated at annual gala

Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce recognizes members, nonprofits and volunteers with festive soirée

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
December 15, 2025

An evening of dinner, soft holiday music and accolades marked a celebration of the local business community, Dec. 11, as the Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Christmas Dinner and Gala.

The event, held at Christmount and attended by members, staff, volunteers and supporters of the nonprofit organization, recognized numerous accomplishments, culminating with the introduction of a new Citizen of the Year award renamed in honor of a local couple.

The reception began with a live performance by the Montreat Jazz Band, while attendees served themselves meals catered by the Red Radish, featured alongside beer from Lookout Brewing Co. The annual year-end meeting was led by chamber director Cheryl Hyde and included remarks from board chair Ken Floyd.

Hyde, who stepped into her current role last February, touted a strong year for the chamber, which was established in 1923.

“At the beginning of January of 2025, when I got here, the chamber had 256 members, which is pretty awesome. Today, we have 324,” she said, interrupted by loud applause. “That growth is not just a number, but it reflects trust, momentum and a belief in the direction in which we are heading, together, as a business community.”

The organization’s ambassador program, launched earlier this year, has strengthened member engagement, participation and growth, Hyde added, while the total number of volunteers at the Visitor Center has doubled.

“That is a true testament to community support and to the value people see in our work,” she said. “We have also improved the physical space itself, through better heating and air conditioning, a redesigned flow and the start of a long-term renovation plan that includes restoring the front entry and preparing for modern displays and accessible features.”

Floyd offered glowing praise of the first-year chamber director’s leadership.

“I can honestly say this has been one of the most meaningful and defining years our chamber has been a part of, or that I’ve been a part of in the last few years,” he said. “The reason why, more than anything else, is the exceptional leadership of one person, and that’s our executive director, Cheryl.”

Hyde’s ability to navigate challenges with grace has emerged as one of her defining characteristics, according to Floyd.

“You led this chamber with heart and determination,” he said. “Membership is up because of you, and engagement is stronger because of you. We are grateful for that.”

Floyd offered one final message before joining Hyde to announce the 2025 award recipients.

“Tonight proves something important. No matter what comes our way, this valley will rise, because our people rise,” he said. “As long as your hearts continue to beat for this community, we will rise to every challenge and celebrate every triumph.”

The chamber recognized the contributions of outgoing board members before honoring Martha Hansen as the ambassador the year. The nonprofit organization of the year award was given to Swannanoa-based Valley Hope Church, while Ole’s Guacamoles was recognized as the business of the year.

Margie White, whose exceptional dedication and leadership were demonstrated through her support for the Visitor Center, was awarded the annual Tourism Volunteer of the Year Award, while Craig Cooley, who once lived in the building that is now home to the chamber, was recognized as the volunteer of the year.

The final diamond-shaped glass statuette was reserved for the Swannanoa Valley citizen who demonstrates exceptional community spirit and a lifetime of dedication to the community. Its recipient, John Buckner, became the first person to receive the award, which was renamed the John and Peggy Buckner Award, after the lifelong resident and his late wife.

“Our citizen of the year has lived in this valley for most of his life and now lives in the same home where he grew up. In that house is a light bulb believed to be one of the original General Electric bulbs made long before planned obsolescence, one designed to last,” Hyde said, before presenting the surprise tribute. “I understand that this light has been burning continuously for more than 70 years. I can’t think of a better image for the man we are honoring tonight. He has never burned out.”

Peggy Buckner passed away in 2016, following a life in which she graciously sought ways in which to serve her community. She was a longtime chamber volunteer who worked to support the Sourwood Festival and preserved the traditional Black Mountain Christmas Parade, while receiving the John K. Abernathy Award from the Black Mountain Rotary Club.

John and his wife, according to Hyde, shaped the Valley in “lasting and meaningful ways.”

“From the many stories I hear, this man and his late wife were a true team, the kind that others hope to emulate. Together and individually, they poured themselves into the well-being of our business community and into the heart of this valley. Neither of them sought recognition,” she said of the Buckners. “They believed the spotlight belonged on others. At a time when the Christmas Parade could have disappeared, they stepped in and kept it going, simply because it mattered to the community.”

John was the grand marshal of the 2025 Christmas parade, as his wife was before him, and his impact on the community remains far-reaching, Hyde added. The honoree spoke on behalf of Peggy.

“My wife gave an awful lot to the chamber and to the Town of Black Mountain,” John said. “She would be extremely proud. Thank you very much, and Merry Christmas.”

Photos of the 2025 Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce Christmas Dinner can be viewed in the gallery at the top of the page.