Chamber Honors Volunteers & Community Leaders

CONTACT:  Marissa Jamison
Director of Communications
(828) 258-6131
mjamison@ashevillechamber.org

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HONORS VOLUNTEERS, COMMUNITY AND BUSINESS LEADERS

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated 114 years of serving the business community at its Annual Meeting presented by TD Bank on Thursday, June 30 at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa. Seven individuals received leadership awards, including two HomeTrust Bank Small Business Leader of the Year Awards (one for 15 or fewer employees and one for 16 or more employees), the Webb Investment Services ATHENA Award, the Asheville Savings Bank Excellence in Public Service Award, the Mission Health System Good Health – Good Business Award, the William A.V. Cecil Tourism Leadership Award, and the Four Seasons Chamber Volunteer of the Year Award.

HomeTrust Bank’s Small Business Leader of the Year Awards are presented each year to two individuals who reflect quality and dedication in their business operations and who have exhibited leadership accomplishments in the areas of innovation, initiative and civic responsiveness. Danny Keaton, owner of Danny’s Dumpsters, received the award for Small Business Leader of the Year in the category, “15 or Fewer Employees.” Keaton’s company started in 2007 out of the back of his Toyota van, hauling recyclables in Madison County. Today, he has expanded and refined his operations into a compost, recycle and trash hauling business that reduces waste for local commercial businesses. Notably, Danny’s business helped reduce landfill waste by 90% for Asheville’s Downtown After 5 event.

In the category of “16 or More Employees,” Sandeep Gupta, owner of Carolina Furniture Concepts, was recognized as the Small Business Leader of the Year. Sandeep has a great personal success story as well as business success story, as he came to the U.S. from India with only $20 in his pocket. Over an eight-year period, Carolina Furniture Concepts has expanded four times in its operations in Asheville and Waynesville and features some of the most recognized vendors in the furniture industry.  HomeTrust Bank sponsored the Small Business Leader of the Year Awards and President Dana Stonestreet made the presentations.

The ATHENA Award is presented to a woman who personifies the highest level of professional excellence in business, or a man who has assisted a woman in reaching her fullest potential. Ann Young, general counsel for Mission Health System, was the recipient of this year’s honor. Ann has been with Mission since 1981 and has grown in a field during a time when there were few women. She was instrumental in the implementation of the HEALS program at Mission, in which patients with pressing legal needs are given access to Pisgah Legal Services. Ann is active in the community with non-profits such as United Way of Asheville-Buncombe County, YMCA, Pisgah Legal Services and Helpmate. Webb Investment Services sponsored the ATHENA Award and President Laura Webb made the presentation.

The William A.V. Cecil Tourism Leadership Award recognizes a leader in the hospitality industry who has helped guide the tourism industry for Western North Carolina. Owner of Highland Brewing Company, Oscar Wong, was the recipient of this year’s award for his vision and foresight that has forged the path for craft breweries, resulting in a new tourism product for the Asheville area that has gained national attention. The award was presented by Diana “Dini” Cecil Pickering, daughter of William A.V. Cecil, and her husband and Chamber board member Chuck Pickering.

The Asheville Savings Bank Excellence in Public Service Award was presented to Lou Bissette of McGuire, Wood and Bissette. This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated lifelong service and exceptional leadership skills which have positively impacted the Asheville area. Buncombe County Commissioner K. Ray Bailey called Lou, “Mr. Asheville,” in the award video shown during the event which recognized his achievements. Lou’s extensive public service includes mayor of the City of Asheville from 1985 to 1989, serving as chairman of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, trustee of Wake Forest University and Western Carolina University, chairman of the N.C. Arboretum Society and the Grove Arcade Public Market. President of Asheville Savings Bank, Suzanne DeFerie, presented the award.

The Mission Health System Good Health-Good Business Award recognizes an outstanding senior management level individual for his or her leadership and contributions to wellness and improving the health of the Asheville community. The award was presented to Steve Frabitore, owner of Tupelo Honey Café,for his involvement in the creation of the Amazing Garden of Learning for Estes Elementary School. This program incorporates learning tools from First Lady Michele Obama’s Chefs Move to Schools initiative. Frabitore was also recognized for his partnership with MANNA FoodBank to help fight hunger locally and an innovative health insurance plan for his employees. Ron Paulus, CEO of Mission Health System, presented the award.

The final award of the evening was the Chamber’s Volunteer of the Year Award, which went to Mike Hiers, marketing and underwriting manager of WNCW, for his outstanding commitment to the Chamber. Mike was recognized as a member of the Ambassador program at the Chamber, and for his community advocacy on behalf of the organization. The award was presented by the President & CEO of Four Seasons, Chris Comeaux.

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is a 2,000-member organization representing 86,000 employees.  Chamber members collaborate with community organizations and coalitions to support the community and each other with the mission of increasing the region’s livability by advancing its economic vitality.  The Asheville Chamber works diligently to ensure that Asheville continues to grow and prosper while also protecting the natural beauty of the area.  In 2006, the Chamber moved to a new location and is now home to the 4,000 square foot Visitor Center which welcomes 200,000 visitors per year.

Additional Resources:

• Award videos and photos will be available after the event. Please call or e-mail Director of Communications Marissa Jamison at mjamison@ashevillechamber.org or 828.258.6131.

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