Rowan Chamber of Commerce Presents 99th Annual Gala Awards
Published 12:07 am Friday, January 24, 2025
Godley
Miller
Groce
Stowe
Alcorn
The Rowan Chamber of Commerce held its 99th Annual Gala on Thursday evening at the West End Plaza Event Center, with more than 500 business and community leaders in attendance. Themed “Winter in the Garden,” the event was a celebration of local leadership, service and community growth.
Novant Health Rowan Medical Center served as the title sponsor.
The ceremonial passing of the gavel marked the transition of leadership from 2024 Chair of the Board Terry Osborne (Rowan-Kannapolis ABC Board) to 2025 Chair of the Board Steve Fisher (F&M Bank).
Katie Garner served as the evening’s emcee. The gala also included a special invocation from Steve Fisher in memoriam to Karen Alexander, former mayor of Salisbury.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of annual awards to exceptional individuals and organizations.
The annual award winners are listed below.
Vincia Miller — Young Professional of the Year
Miller, a graduate of Livingstone College and an employee of Novant Health, was awarded Young Professional of the Year for her outstanding contributions to the community. Miller was invaluable in helping facilitate the several events the Young Professionals held in 2024. In addition to serving on the Young Professionals Executive Committee, Miller also serves on various community boards throughout the county.
Stowe Law Firm, PLLC — Minority Business of the Year
Stowe Law Firm, PLLC, was awarded Minority Business of the Year for its commitment to helping others and supporting the community. Founded in 2017 with one employee, the firm has grown to five employees and operates in downtown Salisbury under the leadership of its managing attorney, Ryan Stowe. Stowe is a first-generation Rowan County attorney who earned his bachelor’s degree and law degree from North Carolina Central University.
Godley’s Garden Center & Nursery — Chamber Champion Small Business of the Year
Godley’s Garden Center & Nursery was named Chamber Champion Small Business of the Year. This Rowan County business started in 1989 and now has over 20 employees. The garden center’s owner, Bill Godley, consistently gives back to the community and has been involved in the chamber, United Way, Rowan Helping Ministries, Habitat for Humanity and Catawba College. Godley’s serves customers all over the region with landscaping needs.
Donna Groce — Paul E. Fisher Volunteer of the Year Award
Donna Groce, learning for life director at Trinity Oaks, was named Chamber Volunteer of the Year for her exceptional leadership and dedication to the Rowan Chamber. Groce is a graduate of Leadership Rowan and has served as total resource team captain, Dragon Boat team captain, ambassador chair, chamber board member and has joined the chamber’s executive committee for 2025. Groce’s willingness to step into leadership roles whenever needed and her unwavering commitment to this community have made her a standout volunteer.
Greg Alcorn — Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award
This year’s most prestigious award went to Greg Alcorn, a successful entrepreneur, local business executive, author and dedicated advocate for education through his work with a nonprofit organization. A Salisbury resident since age eight, Alcorn is the founder and president of Global Contact Services, chairman of ApSeed and a steward of the community.
Program sponsors: Catawba College, Duke Energy, F&M Bank, Global Contact Services and Trinity Oaks/Lutheran Services Carolinas.
Corporate sponsors: Ahold Delhaize-Food Lion, LLC; Alan F. Burke, CPA; Atrium Health; Ben Mynatt Nissan; Carter Law Group, PA; city of Salisbury; city of Kannapolis; Cloninger Ford-Toyota; Fisher Realty, Inc.; Godley’s Garden Center & Nursery; Greystone Salon & Spa; Healthcare Management Consultants; Holmes Iron & Metal, Inc.; Hotwire Communications; Kannapolis Cannon Ballers; Kinetic by Windstream; Livingstone College; Miller Davis, Inc.; Minority Business Council; N.C. Transportation Museum; Osterhus Outdoors, LLC; Patterson Farms, Inc.; Rowan-Cabarrus Community College; Rowan County Tourism; Rowan County EDC; Rowan County Government; Salisbury Post; Self-Help Credit Union; South State Bank; Southern Power – Plant Rowan; town of East Spencer; town of Granite Quarry; town of Landis; Vulcan Materials Company/Johnson Concrete; Walser Technology Group.
