More than 500 business and community leaders gathered Thursday evening at the Rowan Community Center for a historic celebration, the Rowan Chamber of Commerce’s 100th Annual Gala. Themed “Century of Success,” the event honored the Chamber’s 100-year legacy while celebrating a century of leadership, service, and community growth throughout Rowan County. Novant Health Rowan Medical Center proudly served as the Title Sponsor.
A special moment of the evening was the ceremonial passing of the gavel, marking the transition of leadership from 2025 Chair of the Board Steve Fisher (F&M Bank) to 2026 Chair of the Board Starling Johnson Kaklamanos (Johnson Concrete Products). Marty Brennaman served as the evening’s emcee.
One of the highlights of the gala was the presentation of the Chamber’s annual awards, along with special Centennial Awards commemorating the Chamber’s 100th anniversary. These honors recognized individuals and organizations whose leadership, service, and commitment have left a lasting mark on the Rowan County community.
Centennial Award Winners:
Business of the Century – Cheerwine
One of Rowan County’s most beloved and iconic brands, Cheerwine, was honored as Business of the Century. Founded in Salisbury in 1917 by L.D. Peeler, Cheerwine has remained in business for 109 years and is the oldest continuously operating soft drink company in the United States still run by the same family. Its lasting success was evident at the 2025 Cheerwine Festival, which attracted more than 100,000 attendees and generated $6.3 million in economic impact, highlighting the brand’s enduring influence and community impact. More than a beverage, Cheerwine remains a symbol of hometown pride and tradition, woven into the fabric of Rowan County for generations.
Business of the Century - Food Lion
Food Lion also received the Business of the Century award in recognition of its ongoing commitment to the communities it serves. Food Lion has built a remarkable legacy of growth and community impact, now operating 1,112 stores across 10 states and employing more than 82,000 associates, including seven stores right here in Salisbury. The company continues to invest heavily in its customers and communities, dedicating $484 million in 2025 to upgrade 153 locations in the Charlotte market, with visible improvements in Salisbury-area stores, and celebrating the opening of a new Statesville location on January 28. Recognized as a top employer in the United States for the past two years by the Top Employers Institute, Food Lion also leads with purpose through Food Lion Feeds, reaching its goal of donating 1.5 billion meals last February and now setting its sights on donating 3 billion meals by 2032.
Citizen of the Century - Fred Stanback
Fred Stanback was honored as Citizen of the Century in recognition of a lifetime devoted to civic leadership, visionary philanthropy, and service to others. A U.S. Army veteran and Chairman of the Stanback Company, Stanback has long embodied the belief in planting a tree under whose shade you may never sit, and he has done so time and time again. A mentor, conservationist, and transformative leader, his environmental stewardship and commitment to education, health care, and human services have left a staggering impact on Rowan County and across North Carolina. His support spans countless organizations, nonprofits, educational efforts at every level, land trust initiatives, and thousands of behind-the-scenes acts of generosity that quietly strengthen the community. During the presentation, outgoing Chair Steve Fisher asked attendees to close their eyes and stand if Fred Stanback’s contributions had improved their lives in any way. When the crowd opened its eyes, nearly everyone in the room was standing, a powerful testament to a legacy that will benefit generations to come.
Annual Award Winners:
Kaisha Brown – Young Professional of the Year
Kaisha Brown, Communications Coordinator for the City of Salisbury, was named Young Professional of the Year for her leadership, professional excellence, and commitment to the Rowan community. She serves on the boards of the Rowan County Literacy Council, Salisbury-Rowan NAACP, and Rowan County United Way, has chaired the Rowan County United Way Campaign, and has been recognized with honors, including the NAACP President’s Medal, the Hermes Creative Awards, and inclusion in Arik Hanson’s “22 PR Rock Stars of the Future.” Brown consistently leads with purpose, uplifts others, and demonstrates the exceptional service and impact this award celebrates
Gegorek & Associates Realty – Minority Business of the Year
Gegorek & Associates Realty was awarded Minority Business of the Year. Elia Gegorek, owner, has worked to advocate for all members of the community. A Military Navy Veteran, Gegorek has served as Chair of the Chamber’s Minority Business Council since 2016 and has operated her own realty firm since 2001. She is also actively involved with the Rufty-Holmes Senior Center, the City of Salisbury Hispanic Festival, her church, and numerous other nonprofit organizations. Gegorek’s leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment have strengthened and
uplifted minority-owned businesses, and she continues to make a meaningful impact in the community.
Noble & Kelsey Funeral Home – Minority Business of the Year
Two organizations were honored with the Minority Business of the Year Award, including Noble & Kelsey Funeral Home. This family-owned business has been serving the community for more than 120 years. Founded in 1902 by two entrepreneurs who combined their expertise, the funeral home purchased its longtime home at 225 East Fisher Street in Salisbury in 1928, where it continues to operate today. Four generations of the original family have contributed to the business, maintaining a legacy of service and dedication.
Stitchin’ Post Gifts - Chamber Champion Small Business of the Year
Stitchin’ Post Gifts, a Salisbury business that recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, was honored as Small Business of the Year. Founded in 1975 by Pam Coffield and her mother, with support from the entire family, the business has thrived through excellent customer service, dedicated employees, and a willingness to adapt, offering a variety of products and embracing tools like social media to connect with customers. In addition to running a successful family business, Coffield has been deeply involved in the community through the Chamber, Downtown Salisbury, Inc., Meals on Wheels, and Catawba College, giving back while maintaining a legacy of service and family values.
Kristen Reavis – Paul E. Fisher Volunteer of the Year Award
Kristen Reavis, Community Engagement for Novant Health, was named the Paul E. Fisher Chamber Volunteer of the Year in recognition of her leadership and dedication to the Rowan Chamber. A native of Rowan County, Reavis has served on numerous nonprofit boards, including the Rowan Chamber Board, and has chaired the Chamber’s Annual Gala for the past four years, in addition to helping coordinate other Chamber events such as Ladies Night Out and helping with the Dragon Boat Festival. As the Chamber celebrates its 100-year anniversary, it is especially fitting to honor Reavis for her commitment to making this milestone event so memorable.
Mike Legg – Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award
Mike Legg, retiring Kannapolis City Manager, was awarded the Duke Energy Citizenship & Service Award, recognizing him as the epitome of a servant leader. A regional leader for over 30 years, Legg guided the Kannapolis community through challenges and helped transform it into one of the fastest-growing cities in North Carolina with a population of over 60,000. Under his leadership, the city’s economy shifted from textiles to a diverse regional economy rooted in biotechnology and tourism, with six thriving industrial areas now home to numerous companies, including Chick-fil-A Supply in Rowan County. The Charlotte Business Journal has recognized him as one of the Top CEOs in the Charlotte Metro Region, and one of the “Power 100,” which identified 100 key players shaping the Charlotte region since 2000.
For more information on the Rowan Chamber, call 704.633.4221, send an email to info@rowanchamber.com, or visit www.rowanchamber.com.