Laurels to Thursday night’s celebration for the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce. After more than 90 years of leading the Salisbury-Rowan business community, the chamber deserved a moment in the spotlight, and shine it did.

The presence of Gov. Pat McCrory, two of the area’s members of Congress and other politicians reflected the significance of the event. McCrory got a chance to plug the $2 billion state bond referendum on the March 15 ballot, a package to invest in community colleges, the university system, parks, safety, recreation, and water and sewer infrastructure. He may have been preaching to the choir.

Outgoing Chairman Dari Caldwell received high praise for her leadership, which has been determined and strong. Caldwell’s accolades extended beyond the chamber to her work in hospital leadership and other community endeavors; hence McCrory’s presentation of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. The high state honor clearly caught Caldwell by surprise and touched her. Just as deserving and gracious were the evening’s Chamber award recipients:

• Gary Morton and his restaurant, the iconic Stag ‘n Doe in China Grove, received the Chamber Champion Small Business of the Year Award. The Stag ‘n Doe is a community institution, close to the hearts of people throughout southern Rowan and much of the rest of the county.   It’s good to see the Morton family receive countywide recognition.

• Ann Pressly of Trinity Oaks, named Paul E. Fisher Volunteer of the Year, has been hands-on for many chamber events, especially last August’s highly successful Dragon Boat Race. Volunteers like Pressly make good things happen.

• Mary Ponds, former longtime mayor of Granite Quarry, personified grace and dignity in receiving the Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award. Her father’s desire was never to rust out but to wear out, she said. Clearly Ponds is following in his path.

Speaking of following, new Chamber Chairman Ted Goins has a tough act to follow, but he appears eager for the challenge. This community is strong and very collaborative, Goins said. Among other things, he pledged to continue and step up the agency’s service to the minority community. Wise words.

The stars behind the scenes of the evening were Chamber President Elaine Spalding and her staff. Spalding sets an energetic pace, and somehow they keep up with her. Together with volunteers, they put together an event worthy of the chamber’s history and this important anniversary. Congratulations and good luck. The 100th gala is only 10 years away