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Chamber honors businesses and individuals at annual meeting

Staff Reports

Published: January 16, 2009

The Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce presented several awards to local individuals and businesses during its annual meeting at Embassy Suites of Concord Friday.

More than 500 Chamber members and guests attended the luncheon.

John Cox, president and CEO of the Chamber, presented the 2008 Small Business of the Year Award to Southgate Masonry & Lumber Co., which is owned by Dot Vanderburg and Dakeita Vanderburg-Johnson. The other nominees were: Carolina Rustica, owned by Richard Sexton; Luna Stone, Inc., owned by Karen Codespoti; Moose Pharmacy, pharmacist Whit Moose, Jr.; and Plaster Creations, owned by Barbara Heim.

The Chamber presented its Citizen of the Year Award to Dr. L. Allen Dobson for his accomplishments in the medical field including the growth of his practice, Cabarrus Family Medicine, from two doctors to a complex of offices located throughout Cabarrus County. Dobson was also chosen because of his service as assistant secretary of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.

The Chamber's Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Gina Goff, who retired after 30 years of service to the Carolina Health Alliance; Jim Monroe, also retiring, who served the Carolinas Medical Center – NorthEast Foundation since 1993; and Robin Hayes, who served as Congressman of the 8th district for 5 terms.

The Chamber also recognized three individuals for outstanding service on the Ambassadors Council. They are Wayne King, who has served as chairman of the council for three years; Gary Bunn, runner-up for Ambassador of the Year; and Michael Hunsuck, who received the award for Ambassador of the Year.

Also recognized: Gayle Deal, who is retiring from the Chamber's Board of Directors, was honored for serving in several capacities for the Kannapolis, Concord and the merged Cabarrus Regional Chamber for the past 21 years; Benny Darden, who is retiring form the Chamber's Board of Directors; and Pam Hayworth, vice president of finances and facilities for the Chamber, who was recognized for 10 years of service to the Cabarrus Regional Chamber.