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By Jocelyn Torres, for the SNAP

The Stanly County Chamber of Commerce hosted its Annual Meeting and Awards Night at Albemarle’s Atrium Health Magnolia Room on Thursday.
This event marked a milestone for the Chamber, celebrating its 89th year of operation since its founding in 1936.
The Chamber continues to serve as an organization dedicated to fostering business growth and community development in Stanly County.
The evening’s festivities were filled with lively conversation, dinner catered by Atrium Health Stanly and musical accompaniment from Charlotte Maness on the piano. Dr. Marietta Abernathy, president of Atrium Health Stanly, welcomed attendees, setting the tone for the night. Dr. Reese Linnell followed with an invocation, expressing gratitude for the Chamber’s contributions to both the business community and Stanly County at large.
Erica Church, president and CEO of the Stanly County Chamber of Commerce, took a moment to recognize the leadership of the Chamber, including the newly appointed 2025 Leadership Board members: James Baucom, chairman; Wil Huneycutt, immediate past chairman; Charlie Lentz, treasurer; Angela Kluttz, membership chair; Candice Lowder, leadership and education chair; Jonah Morgan, board member at-large; Louisa Jane Hartsell, board member at-large; Mandi Melton, board member at-large; and Bobby Barbee, board member at-large. Church also acknowledged the Chamber’s ambassadors, whose volunteer efforts have been crucial in supporting Chamber events and enhancing community relationships.
The first award of the evening presented was the 2024 Ambassador of the Year, given by Sylvia Lewis, four-time recipient Ambassador of the Year, and Lisa A. Lewis, 2022 Ambassador of the Year.
Rodney Myers is the 2024 Ambassador of the Year for his “tireless efforts and dedication he offers for the local Stanly Community and the surrounding region.”
Myers was unable to attend the event but sent a message expressing his appreciation and gratitude for the recognition.
The second award of the evening, the newly introduced 2024 Small Business of the Year, was presented by Dr. John Enamait, president of Stanly Community College.
To qualify for this award, businesses must have 25 or fewer employees.
The nominees for this recognition included Emricci Pizzeria, Russ Hollins Realtors/Stanly4Rent, Norwood Hardware, Livi Bug’s Boutique, Starnes Bramlett Jewelers, Cadillac Signs, Granville Lane Farm, Beane Swaringen & Co., PLLC, Kluttz Tire and Service Center, Albemarle Sweet Shop, and A.L. Lowder Inc.
Enamait highlighted the importance of small businesses in the local economy.
“Small businesses are a critical component to the backbone of our local economy. Not only do they excel in business, but they also give back to the community,” Enamait said.
The 2024 Small Business of the Year award was presented to Emricci Pizzeria, owned by Dave and Jamie Emrich.

“This business [Emricci Pizzeria] has created a warm, welcoming space to dine and celebrate in Locust,” said Enamait. “Their dedication to our community is evident, not only in the meals they serve but in the generations of families who have made lasting memories there.”
The third award of the evening, the newly introduced 2024 Business of the Year, was presented by Wil Huneycutt, immediate past chair of the Stanly County Chamber of Commerce.
To be considered for this award, businesses must have 25 or more employees, maintain good standing with the Chamber for at least three years, and be actively involved in community affairs.
The nominees for the 2024 Business of the Year were: First Bank, B.E. Holbrook, Juneberry Ridge, Uwharrie Bank, Friendly Chevrolet, Preformed Line Products, and B.R.S., Inc.
The 2024 Business of the Year award was presented to B.R.S., Inc., based in Richfield.
Huneycutt praised the company for its commitment to both its employees and the local community.
“They are truly a family that gives back to their employees and to us, in Stanly County,” Huneycutt said.

The final award of the evening, the 2024 Citizen of the Year, was presented by Joe Crapster from Duke Energy.
This award is given to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the quality of life and economic well-being of Stanly County.
The recipient of this year’s award is Charles Brown, a Stanly County native.
Brown has dedicated his time and efforts to various boards in North Carolina, including The United Way, the Stanly County Board of Education and the UNC Law Alumni Association. Currently, he serves on the Stanly County Economic Development Commission, as chairman of North Carolina’s Board of Rural Infrastructure Authority and on the board of the Golden LEAF Foundation.
In accepting the award, Brown expressed his gratitude.
“I am honored by this recognition and immensely grateful — for the opportunities to help church, community, county, and state.”

The evening also marked the passing of the gavel from Wil Huneycutt to James Baucom, who will serve as the Chamber’s chairman for the next two years.
Baucom emphasized his commitment to strengthening the Chamber’s connections with businesses, ensuring that each member benefits from the resources, partnerships, and advocacy the Chamber provides.
“I am excited for the opportunity to lead the Chamber and help foster even more meaningful connections among businesses in Stanly County,” Baucom said.
The night concluded with Stanly County Manager Andy Lucas introducing keynote speaker Jordan Winchard, North Carolina’s chief deputy secretary of commerce.
Winchard emphasized the state’s strong economic growth and business-friendly climate. He highlighted North Carolina’s success in attracting major investments, with more than 17,000 new jobs and $15 billion in capital investments announced in 2024.
Rural areas, including Stanly County, have benefited significantly, with $13 million in development grants supporting local projects.
Winchard credited partnerships between the Department of Commerce, local economic developers and business leaders for fostering growth, particularly in industries like electric vehicle manufacturing, clean energy and semiconductor production.
He specifically praised Stanly County’s role in North Carolina’s economic success, stating, “Stanly County has been an essential part of our state’s growth, with nearly $53 million in investment and over 300 new jobs announced in the past year. The county continues to strike a perfect balance between embracing new industries and preserving its small-town charm.”
Looking ahead, the state plans to enhance disaster recovery efforts in Western North Carolina, prepare for increased industrial energy demands and continue attracting top-tier industries.
Baucom closed the evening by thanking sponsors, guests and the Chamber for their continued support.