And the Chamber awards go to ...

ASHEBORO — It was the 99th annual meeting of the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce and change was in the air.

In fact, the Chamber has a new administration with president and CEO Adam Deathe leading the organization into what figures to be major changes in the county.

In his introductory remarks, Deathe said, “One of the striking impressions I had as I arrived in Randolph County six months ago was the palpable sense and momentum of change. Whilst change can be difficult, invariably, change also leads to new opportunities, especially when it is done in collaboration with partners.”

Honing in on collaboration, Deathe continued, “Within my first month, the five chambers of the county had met and agreed to a new way of working together. Collectively called The Power of Five, Archdale-Trinity, Liberty, Randleman and Ramseur Chambers of Commerce are committed to increased mutual support and working to ensure that we are able to deliver on our collective ambition of seeing Randolph County thrive. The collaboration does not stop there either with the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber forging new links with communities such as Seagrove.”

In the spirit of change, Deathe said, “Next year we will have a new awards program, with new categories and new nomination processes and all of which will be inclusive of Randolph County. Next year there will be a Chamber reimagined, filled with ambition to support the very best of change and growth in our county. 

“To keep saying next year though suggests that we are still waiting for change. We are not. Change is here. Change is in this room. We are that change as are the businesses, families and communities that we represent and belong to. We have the ability to make a difference and I am excited by what a difference we can make.”

With that, awards and presentations followed, beginning with H.R. Gallimore passing the gavel of Chamber chair to Sheila Williams and Ann Hoover welcoming Cindy Schroder into the Red Jacket Club.

Lisa Hayworth announced the winner of the Athena Award as Kelly Heath. She was recognized for serving on a number of boards, including the YMCA and Lydia’s Place, volunteering at the NC Zoo, Meals on Wheels and Communities in Schools. She served two years as Chamber of Commerce chair and is currently serving on the Asheboro City Council.

Heath, in accepting the award, said, “So many people have worked to support the community and it makes the community richer.” She said she had examples of volunteerism from her mother and sister and acknowledged the constant support of her husband, Sam.

Gene Woodle presented this year’s Citizen of the Year honor to Dave Craven, NC senator from Randolph County. Noting that Craven dreamed of being a politician even as a child, Woodle said, “He was the student body president for UNC-Charlotte and, since his election, has earned the respect of both sides of the aisle across the state and is one of the top two fund-raisers in the State Senate.”

In accepting the award, Craven said, “This is our home. I fight every day to make it a great place.” He also thanked mentors such as Darrell Frye, chair of the Randolph County Board of Commissioners, and Harold Brubaker, former speaker of the NC House of Representatives.

Dawn Morton revealed that the Volunteer of the Year is Steve Singleton. She said, “The strong silent type, (Singleton) is known to be an individual upon whom one can depend. Whenever there is a need, (he) will be there without complaint, typically tools in hand — whether those tools are needed or not.”

Randy Beane honored Luxe Lash Studio as Business of the Year. He said, “A dedication to quality, innovation and community connection sees the proprietor take an active role in various community projects as well as developing their business and enhancing the lives of their clients. With one of the reasons for them being in business being to instill confidence in others, our winner tonight constantly invests in ongoing education for staff so that their clients do not have to look outside of our community for some of the latest services.”

The Industry of the Year Award was presented by Dean Lail to Millstone Creek. He said, “Started in 2001 with an initial plan to sell to the local community, the vision soon grew and in just a few short years, the initial rows of apple trees were joined by 18 acres of soft fruits, flowers, pecans and pumpkins. Not long after, a bakery was added and the first wine cakes were sampled before a product line of more than a dozen canned and baked items.

“We pay tribute to Beverly and Nick Mooney of the 2024 Industry of the Year, Millstone Creek.”

Downtown Asheboro Inc. was revealed by Lisa Hayworth as the Organization of the Year. Said Hayworth, “Be it their accreditation with Main Street America or the responsibility entrusted to them by the NC Department of Commerce in the administration of programs to deliver measurable results such as investment, business growth and jobs, tonight’s honoree is likely more widely known as the force behind projects such as the Summer Concert Series that draws thousands of people to downtown Asheboro throughout the summer.”

DAI Director Addie Corder said, “Downtown is such a joy, an incredible place to be.”

If that weren’t enough, Corder was also presented the Emerging Leader Award. Deathe said, “The 2024 Emerging Leader has already accomplished much in Asheboro including the facilitation of property deals and securing investment for the redevelopment of key sites. Selflessly giving of their time, I also know from firsthand experience that (Corder) is exactly who you would want in your corner.”