CANTON, GA (January 24, 2025) – The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that John W. Blend, III has been named the 50th recipient of the First Citizen of Cherokee County Award. He was honored during the Chamber’s 54th Annual Meeting held Friday, January 24, 2025. In celebration of this milestone, the Chamber also saluted the 49 previous honorees in a special anniversary video.
John Blend was born in Brooklyn, NY and raised on Long Island, yet fortunately for many, Mr. Blend’s career with IBM led him to Georgia in 1980. He later ventured into building technology companies, all while serving on numerous public and private Boards of Directors. A trailblazer in capital formation and entrepreneurial activities, John’s influence reaches far beyond Cherokee County. He is a recognized thought leader in capital formation in regulated markets and has spoken on behalf of prestigious institutions like Goldman Sachs, The Edison Institute, and the Stanford Business School.
In 1982, John and his wife, Connie, purchased a farm in Waleska, marking the beginning of a remarkable chapter in their lives. In 1991, moved by a profound sense of purpose and a steadfast commitment to their faith, The Blend’s embarked on a transformative journey, dedicating the farm to God’s work. This pivotal dedication became the cornerstone for the inception of the Goshen Valley Foundation, the guiding force behind Goshen Valley Boys Ranch.
The Goshen Valley Foundation has evolved to encompass a broader spectrum of care through multiple programs for foster youth and at-risk families. Under the visionary leadership of John Blend, this foundation has blossomed into a beacon of hope for those most at-risk in our community, receiving widespread recognition from national and state associations for its outstanding contributions to foster care outcomes.
While operating within an unwavering vision, John’s approach to developing Goshen Valley has always focused on community involvement. Whether building supportive relationships with Cherokee County DFCS, the Cherokee County School District, local churches or businesses and civic groups, John believed that the care of foster children and at-risk families was best done in partnership with our whole community. As a result, Goshen Valley has hosted thousands of volunteers each year to play a role in the support and healing of the young people and families served.
John’s dedication to child welfare extends beyond Goshen Valley. He has served as the President and Chair of Together Georgia, a statewide association of over 100 leading local and national child welfare providers. With his leadership, Together Georgia became a vital voice advocating for child welfare reform. John has also served as Vice President and Treasurer of the Georgia Association of Homes and Services for Children and has been involved with the Cherokee County YMCA Board of Directors, contributing to the well-being of the community by supporting programs and initiatives that promote health, wellness, and community development. His involvement with the YMCA underscores his dedication to the holistic growth of individuals and families within Cherokee County.
The impact of John’s leadership, vision, and tireless efforts has left an indelible mark on the community, embodying the spirit of meritorious service that this award seeks to honor.
“The Cherokee County Chamber was honored to name John W. Blend, III as the 50th recipient of the prestigious First Citizen of Cherokee County Award. It is obvious, based upon his accomplishments, why he was selected,” remarked Neil Blackman, Principal, Corblu Ecology Group, LLC, and 2025 Chamber Board Chair.
The title of First Citizen of Cherokee County is bestowed upon a resident of Cherokee County who has resided in the county for a minimum of five years and has shown significant meritorious service to his/her community through family, civic and/or religious involvement. A panel of out-of-town judges reviews the accomplishments of each applicant then the winner is chosen based upon merit. The 2025 recipient joins a prestigious list of honorees including former Canton physician Dr. Grady Coker, who was the initial recipient in 1971, along with Reyes Morales, Co-Owner of Williamson Bros. Canton, who was selected in 2024.
The mission of the Cherokee County Chamber, a Georgia Certified Chamber, is to promote business to expand the economy and enrich the community. To learn more about the Chamber, visit CherokeeChamber.com.
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Photo IDs:
Neil Blackman (r), Corblu Ecology Group, LLC, and 2025 Chamber Board Chair, congratulates John W. Blend, III (l) on being named the 2025 First Citizen of Cherokee County.
