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2026 100th Annual Gala Award Nominations

Please explain why your nominee meets the award criteria in a concise manner. Your nominee must be a member in good standing of the Rowan Chamber. The award recipient will be selected by the Chamber’s Executive Committee and be kept confidential until it is announced at the Chamber’s 100th Annual Gala on January 29, 2026.

*Some awards are not given out every year.

You may submit nominations for one, several, or all of the awards listed on the form below:
  • Young Professional of the Year Award
  • Paul E. Fisher Award - Chamber Volunteer of the Year
  • Chamber Champion - Small Business of the Year Award
  • Minority Business of the Year Award
  • Duke Energy Citizenship & Service Award

DEADLINE FOR ENTRY: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2025
1.Your Name:
2.Your Company/Employer:
3.Your Phone Number:
4.Your Email Address:
5.Young Professional of the Year
Recent award winners: Mollie Ruf, Dillon Brewer, Vincia Benjamin Miller
Qualifications:
  • A Rowan Chamber member who has provided a leadership role in the Young Professionals program.
  • Attended at least 80% of the Young Professionals events in 2025.
  • Donated time and /or resources willingly and enthusiastically to the Young Professionals group.
6.Your Nominee:
7.Nominee's Title:
8.Nominee's Company/Organization:
9.Why does this person qualify for this award?
10.Paul E. Fisher Award - Chamber Volunteer of the Year
Recent award winners: Ann Pressly, Martha Bostian, Tony Shaw, Cindy Hart, Teresa Dakins, Penny Greer-Link, Elia Gegorek, Jayne Land, Robbie Fulton, P.J. Ricks, Joanie Palmer (in memorial); Rosalind Hines, Dr. Christine Lynn, Donna Groce
Qualifications:
  • A Rowan Chamber volunteer that embodies the ideals of volunteerism and provides leadership in a key area.
  • Made significant contributions toward the goals and mission of the Chamber in 2025.
  • Donated time and /or resources willingly and enthusiastically to the Chamber.
11.Your Nominee:
12.Nominee's Title:
13.Nominee's Company/Organization:
14.Why does this person qualify for this award?
15.Chamber Champion - Small Business of the Year
Recent award winners: Patterson Farm, Inc., Matangira Recycling, Go Burrito, Greystone Salon, NSC Behavioral Health, Pottery 101, Barnhardt Jewelers, Healthcare Management Consultants, Walser Technology Group, Godley's Garden Center
Qualifications:
  • A Rowan Chamber member firm in good standing (for at least three years).
  • Small business in Rowan County (for profit; less than 100 employees).
  • Has achieved growth in measurable areas – sales, high retention of employees, or other benchmarks to determine impact on job market.
  • Supports the community through financial and personal commitment.
16.Your Nominee:
17.Nominee's Title:
18.Nominee's Company/Organization:
19.Number of Employees:
20.Date Business Established:
21.Why does this person qualify for this award?
22.Minority Business of the Year
Recent award winners: Mean Mug Coffee, Stowe Law Firm
Qualifications:
  • Minority-owned business in Rowan County.
  • A Minority-Owned Business is defined as a for-profit business that is at least 51% owned, managed, and controlled by a woman or an individual who is Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, or Native American (NMSDC).
  • Must be a for-profit Rowan Chamber member with less than 100 employees.
  • Has achieved growth in measurable areas – sales, high retention of employees, or other benchmarks to determine impact on job market.
  • Supports the community through financial and personal commitment.
23.Your Nominee:
24.Nominee's Title:
25.Nominee's Company/Organization:
26.Number of Employees:
27.Date Business Established:
28.Why does this person qualify for this award?
29.Duke Energy Citizenship & Service Award
Recent award winners: Mary Ponds, Dr. Michael Bitzer, Dr. Judy Grissom, Susan Kluttz, Walt Wall, Frank Goodnight (in memorial), Terry Osborne, Paul E. Fisher (in memorial), Jason Walser and Dyke Messinger for Bell Tower Green Park, Pete Teague, David Whisenant and Mark Wineka, Greg Alcorn
Qualifications:
  • Rowan Chamber group or individual that demonstrates a commitment to service and civic participation over a sustained period of time for the community.
  • Sets a standard and fosters a culture for citizenship, service, and community responsibility.
  • Demonstrates one or more of these business values: integrity, stewardship, inclusion, initiative, teamwork and accountability.
30.Your Nominee:
31.Nominee's Title:
32.Nominee's Company/Organization:
33.Why does this person qualify for this award?
Deadline to submit: Friday, December 5, 2025