SALISBURY — Terry Osborne, the man known to many as “T.O.” is now known to at least a few more people after his name and accomplishments were formerly entered into the U.S. Congressional Record.

An announcement was made during the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce’s 99th Annual Gala, which featured Osborne, the departing chair of the board, relinquishing his gavel to the incoming chair of the board, Steve Fisher, CEO and president of F&M Bank. Osborne’s recognition was facilitated by U.S. Sen. Ted Budd, who read the declaration on the Senate floor earlier this year.

Budd’s regional director Justin Somers was on hand at the gala to offer the recently distinguished Osborne a plaque commemorating his achievements.

“I rise today to honor a great North Carolinian, Terry Osborne,” Budd said. “Terry has set the gold standard for civic engagement as a lifelong member of the Salisbury, North Carolina, community.”

Budd rehashed much of Osborne’s early stint as a teacher at West Rowan High School.

“Spending a large portion of his career as a teacher at West Rowan High School, he has had a positive impact on countless students,” Budd said. “Mr. Osborne made it a point to teach his students about the function of Congress, taking students to Washington, D.C., to visit Capitol Hill every year and giving them the opportunity to connect with another great North Carolinian, and Salisbury native, former U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole.”

Of Osborne’s numerous character attributes, his passion stood out most to the Senator.

“Mr. Osborne’s passion throughout his career has been education, public service and civic engagement,” Budd said. “He has continued that tradition in leadership roles with the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce. As chair of the chamber’s Government Affairs Committee from 2016-2022, Mr. Osborne led the local chamber on a positive path to have influence on public policy matters of importance to the local community.”

Budd also pointed to Osborne’s efforts to stem the tide of substance abuse in Rowan County and beyond through such programs as ABC Upward, which recently celebrated 20 years among other efforts.

“Across our nation, nearly 17 percent of Americans battled a substance use disorder in the past year,” Budd said. “After he retired from the Rowan-Salisbury School System, Terry made it a priority to educate students on the dangers associated with substance abuse. He continues to play a critical role in the community and have a positive impact on the students he serves.”

Budd also pointed out that Osborne is a 2016 recipient of North Carolina’s highest civilian honor, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.

In closing, Budd called Osborne a “great friend” and an “extraordinary North Carolinian,” ending on a familiar note with many from the state — the N.C. Toast.

Rowan County Chamber of Commerce President Elaine Spalding shared a glowing remark about Osborne that reflected the latter’s commitment to various community engagements.

“T.O. was a wonderful 2024 Chair of the Board,” Spalding said. “He cares deeply about the community, especially students, veterans and historic moments.”