The Caldwell Chamber hosts 2024 annual meeting
Mar. 11—LENOIR — The J.E. Broyhill Civic Center was filled with red hearts pinned to lapels and blouses at The Caldwell Chamber's 2024 Annual Meeting on Thursday, Feb. 29, according to a press release from UNC Health Caldwell.
The night was devoted to the theme of "Loving Our Community" and there was no shortage of love shown to local businesses and those who support and run them. Several awards were presented to recognize those in the community that are devoted to the people of Caldwell County, according to the press release.
The 2024 Torch Bearer Awards were presented to those that have shown devotion to helping The Caldwell Chamber succeed in its mission to build and support a robust local economy. The award recipients are selected by the chamber's president and CEO as well as the board of directors chair. This year's recipients were Ashli Kemo, Leslie Gray, Jim Engleman Sr., Donald Duncan Jr. and Bill Parrish. These awards were presented by LifeStore Bank & Insurance, according to the press release.
The Small Business of the Year Award is presented to a thriving and innovative small enterprise for its significant contribution to the local economy. The business selected has exceptional potential and displays leadership qualities in its field. The award was chosen by the chamber's board of directors and presented by Emergency Restoration Xperts (ERX). This year, the Small Business of the Year Award was presented to Happy Valley Filling Station, according to the press release.
The Outstanding Non-Profit of Award honors organizations that make a remarkable impact through their selfless dedication to improving the community and the lives of individuals. The award recipient was chosen by the Board of Directors and the award was presented by BlueRidge Energy. The 2024 recipient of the Outstanding Non-Profit Award was the Sadie and J.E. Broyhill Caldwell County Senior Center, according to the press release.
The Outstanding Business Woman of the Year Award is in recognition of a woman in Caldwell County that shows exceptional leadership abilities and commitment to the economic, according to the press release.
growth of the local economy. This award was presented by UNC Health Caldwell and chosen by the Caldwell Women's Forum. The award was accepted by Kathryn Woods, co-owner of Heritage Valley Farm, according to the press release.
The Community Impact Award is given to a business for its substantial, positive influence on the Caldwell County community that fosters meaningful change. The award was presented by Carolina West Wireless & Bark Mobile. The winner of the 2024 Community Impact Award was UNC Health Caldwell, according to the press release.
The evening ended with three special awards to honor vital members of the Caldwell County community. The Visionary Award is presented to a community member that has had a lasting impact on the community and has shown an immense devotion to the people they serve. This year, Cathy Swanson was chosen for this honor. Cathy Swanson retired from her position as CEO at Amorem in 2023 after serving the Caldwell County community for 35 years, according to the press release.
The L.A. Dysart Award, presented by Duke Energy, recipients were recognized at the conclusion of the presentation. These awards are presented to a man and woman that exhibit outstanding citizenship through community service. These recipients must have shown a dedication to service to the Caldwell County community as a volunteer. They are a light and catalyst for others to show dedication to the community as well. This year's female recipient was Jennie Deal. This year's male recipient was Skip Downs, according to the press release.
"I have always said that Caldwell County should be renamed 'CareWell County' for at least one day a year. This year's Annual Meeting is a testament to our commitment to Strengthening Local Business. We are so thrilled to help our community grow and connect. Your Chamber is dedicated to making sure that we help support a robust local economy, and the record attendance at the annual meeting is verification that we are moving in the right direction as we continue to 'Love our Community.' Many thanks to our sponsors and small businesses that we were able to attend, and a special congratulations goes out to all of our award winners," said Bryan Moore, president and CEO of The Caldwell Chamber
