Members of the Carter County Commission appointed one of their own to represent the county on the Board for the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce.

Carter County was at one time a member of the Chamber of Commerce, but some time ago dropped that membership. The County Commission later voted to rejoin the Chamber but failed to appoint a representative to serve on the Chamber’s Board.

When the Carter County Commission convened on Monday, Commission Chairman Dr. Robert Acuff tasked the group with appointing an individual to represent the county and opened the floor for nominations.

Commissioner Ray Lyons nominated Commissioner Ross Garland for the position. Commissioner Ronnie Trivett nominated Commissioner Charles VonCannon to fill that role.

With no more nominations being made, the Commission voted to cease nominations and proceed with electing a representative.

Both VonCannon and Garland were given a chance to address their colleagues before the vote.

VonCannon said he had contacts all across the country that he could work with to help “bring people to Carter County,” and began listing the names of several individuals he has worked with over the years. He proposed that if the Commission wanted to build tourism and bring people to the area, they would appoint him as the county’s representative on the Chamber Board.

“I wouldn’t have to have a learning curve because I’ve been through the idea of how to bring people in here,” VonCannon said.

Garland said he felt it was important for the county to be represented on the Chamber Board.

“I think it’s a very important position and we need some good representation on that Board,” Garland said. “Charles I know would be a good one. Myself, I would be up for that and be willing to serve.”

“I think we really do need to make that connection and work together,” Garland said.

When the matter was put to the vote, the Commission selected Garland as their representative by a margin of 14-8. Those voting in favor of Garland were Commissioners Willie Campbell, Buford Peters, Robert Acuff, Mike Hill, Al Meehan, Bradley Johnson, L.C. Tester, Danny Ward, Ross Garland, Bobbie Gouge-Dietz, Randall Jenkins, Sonja Culler, Ray Lyons, and Kelly Collins. Those voting for VonCannon were Commissioners Nancy Brown, Ronnie Trivett, Charles VonCannon, Isaiah Grindstaff, Timothy Holdren, John Lewis, Robert Carroll, and Cody McQueen. Commissioners Larry “Doc” Miller and Scott Simerly were absent.