The Madison-Morgan Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual meeting at Empire Mills on Sept. 10, with several local business owners and staff attending.
During the Thursday evening event, the Chamber of Commerce shared updates from the past year of operations and presented awards for 2026 Business of the Year and Community Organization of the Year.
Madison-Morgan Chamber of Commerce President Shey Daniel began the awards ceremony by naming the 2026 Business of the Year as Jack’s Creek Farms of Bishop. Daniel shared a few insights into the local tree farm’s work, including educational opportunities and local efforts.
“Through a commitment to quality, exceptional customer service, agriculture, environmental stewardship, and community involvement, this business has become a trusted local business and wonderful ambassador for Morgan County,” Daniel said. “They provide educational opportunities for children and families, teaching visitors how Christmas trees are grown and how to care for the wild, helping the next generation appreciate agriculture and the environment.”
Daniel noted that some of the business community’s efforts include Christmas events, cutting Christmas trees, and “enjoying traditions that make the holiday special.” She added that the small business’ impact extends beyond Morgan County, with more than 30 Christmas trees from their farm purchased by the Georgia Governor’s Mansion.
“A business right here in Morgan County representing our agriculture and community at the Georgia Governor’s Mansion year after year. That is something our entire community can be proud of,” Daniel said. “The Madison-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize a business that truly embodies the spirit, pride, and heart of our community. Congratulations to the entire Jack’s Creek Farm family, and thank you for everything you do for Madison-Morgan County.”
The Madison-Morgan Chamber of Commerce awarded the 2026 Community Organization of the Year to the Seth Stapleton Memorial Fund for its community efforts awarding scholarships for Morgan County High School students. The organization’s founders, Ray and Angela Stapleton, started the cause in memory of their son Seth, who was a senior at the high school when he passed away.
“Born from tragedy, one family decided to turn heartbreak into hope and to create a lasting legacy that will continue to impact the lives of young people. What began with a desire to honor one young man has grown into something much bigger,” Daniel said. “This scholarship program now awards nearly 50 scholarships each year, and to date, more than $350,000 has been awarded in Seth’s memory. And through the annual Shoot for Seth fundraiser, that legacy continues to grow, bringing families, friends, and our community together for a cause that means so much to so many.”
To conclude the meeting, the Madison-Morgan Chamber of Commerce swore in Crowe’s Bar-B-Que co-owner Mason Carter as the new chair. He briefly spoke to the audience, expressing his appreciation for the role and a need for a strong business community in Morgan County.
“I’m excited to be able to give back and share what little I have come to learn and experience with other young business leaders in the community and all business leaders in the community,” Carter said. “We want to give all businesses visibility and resources and opportunities and develop the next generation of young leaders in the community through business standards. And we want to measure success through activity.”
Carter emphasized the Chamber hopes to continue growing its membership and credited its members for helping the organization expand and improve business standards.
“We’ve set forth meaningful standards of how we can measure ourselves to hold ourselves accountable, and we intend on doing that; it happens because of every one of you. Because a Chamber is its members, not its leadership,” Carter said. “Thank you to all of our staff, board members, sponsors, and everyone who invests in this community and invests in this Chamber. And finally, let’s keep the fires burning.”