With support from a packed house of well wishers, Union County Business & Professional Association named Gail Corum and James (Rick) Riddle as the 2018 Woman & Man of the Year at the 28th Annual Banquet held at the Union County Senior Center. Ms.Corum serves as the current Chairperson for UCBPA Charities, Inc. and administers the finances for UCBPA Scholarships as well as other agencies. In addition, she serves as treasurer for UCBPA. She volunteers with Union County Children's Charities: Under the Tree and worked to get the 501c3 certification. Ms.Corum is the owner of Brantley's Bookkeeping Services and is married to Reverend Robbie Corum. James (Rick) Riddle is the owner of Seven Springs Farm known for its produce, beef, and the winery. He is active with the Great Valley Wine Trail and the Nine Lakes Wine Festival. Mr. Riddle is retired from the Air Force and uses his energy and expertise to volunteer for the Chamber of Commerce, UCBPA, and various organizations especially regarding expanding broadband services in Union County. He, his wife Donna, their daughter Nikki and fiance' Michael, and son Jim all work on the family farm near Maynardville.

After everyone enjoyed a delicious dinner catered by Pete's Place and blessed by Father Steve Pawelk, Keith Neace and Martin Shafer auctioned a variety of items from antique collectible dishes, wine baskets, to dinner and a movie at Regal Theaters. Betty Bullen's collectible print of the Norton Mill at Big Ridge State Park brought the highest bid. All proceeds from the auction fund the UCBPA Scholarship Fund.

Other charities benefiting from BPA's generosity are Friends of MPL, Union County Lions Club, Union County 4H, HMMS Band, and Union County Children's Charities.

Marvin Jeffreys, a retired Army Veteran, proudly wore his 51 year old uniform to post the flag and recognize the veterans in attendance. It was very fitting that a Veteran led the group in singing the National Anthem when two electronic devices failed to play Lee Greenwood's, “God Bless the USA”.

Mayor Jason Bailey installed the 2019 officers and directors: Martin Shafer (President), Carroll Carmon, Gail Corum, Chantay Collins, Alicia Lucy, Debria Barton, Ginger Fields, Melanie Dykes, Gina Buckner, and Brenda Sweet.