PRESS RELEASE – For Immediate Release
Contact: Bill Russell, 704-892-1922
Community Service takes center stage at the Lake Norman Chamber Thirtieth Annual Meeting
Cornelius, NC (January 15, 2018) – “A Winning Tradition” was the theme of the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce 30th Annual Meeting this past Friday at The Peninsula Club in Cornelius. The banquet focused on the three decades of service of the regional business association as well as thanking many of the community’s volunteers who make the Lake Norman region a great place to live, work, and visit.
The sold-out event was keynoted by Adam Alexander, NASCAR Race Hub Co-host and FOX Announcer, who spoke about the importance of building a winning team. Approximately 200 business and community leaders were inspired by Alexander’s sports anecdotes and his message of “Passion, be positive, know your parameters, be present, live in peace by staying humble.”
J A (Jay) Lesemann, Jr. CPA CGMA with Lesemann CPAs Huntersville, presided over the event as the 2017 Board Chair. Joshua Dobi, President of Dobi Financial Group, was installed as the 2018 Chairman of the Board.
A highlight of the evening was recognizing business leaders who had excelled in their profession and made a significant impact on their community. The prestigious Robert T. Cashion Business Person of the Year was awarded to Dr. William H. Cain, President and CEO of Financial Independence Group. On-hand to help make the presentation was Robert’s wife, Louise, and sons, Bobby and Gordon.
Dr. Cain, who is celebrating his 41st year in the financial and insurance industry, employs 146 people and in 2015 and 2016 celebrated record setting years surpassing $2 billion in sales.
On receiving the recognition, Dr. Cain thanked his wife Ericka (Chief Administrative Officer), his family, the staff of Financial Independence Group and their team at Baily’s Glen. Dr. Cain said, “We moved from Asheville to Cornelius 20 years ago (1998) after researching the area and found a very welcoming business community. So, we moved our family, employees and business here with an appreciation for our warm reception. Today, we have a home where we can give back to a wonderful community.”
The McIntosh Law Firm’s Passion to Succeed Award for the 2017 Entrepreneur of the Year was presented to Rob Bennett, owner of My Aloha Paddle & Surf and Charlotte Cycle Boats. Bennett has been recognized as the USA 2017 Stand Up Paddle Board Retailer of the Year and has raised over $85,000 in the last six years for local charities.
Other business leaders recognized were Tenders Fresh Foods with the Volunteer of the Year; Jordan Bentz with Bentz and Associates with the Carbon Ambassador of the Year; Discovery Place Kids – Huntersville with the Distinguished Service Award; and Mike Murphy with ProctorFree, who was recognized with the Starrette Service Award as the Most Outstanding Chamber Board Member.
The Chamber recognized four outgoing Board Members whose terms concluded in December: Sharon Simpson with Currents Magazine, Davidson Commissioner Jim Fuller, Laura Temple with Champion Tire, and Huntersville Commissioner Danny Phillips.