New chamber chair Nicki Hill presents 2020-2021 Chair Kelly Heath with a plaque to recognize her service to the Chamber. (North State Journal)
ASHEBORO — After a pandemic delay and during a trying time for many local businesses, there was still much to celebrate for the Randolph County business community.
The Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards dinner Friday night at Pinewood Country Club. The celebration marked the business group’s 96th annual meeting and included awards for citizen of the year, emerging leader, volunteer of the year, woman business leader, and business, industry, and organization of the year.
Nicki Hill of McKenzie Properties & Investments was installed as the new chair of the organization. Hill succeeds Kelly Heath of Randolph Community College who served as 2021 chair.
The Citizen of the Year Award went to brothers Neal and Chris Griffin of Advisors Financial Center. The two were partners in their business since 1995. Chris Griffin died February 4, 2022. The award was decided last year and honored the partners who have a long history of supporting the local community.
Emerging Leader of the Year — an award for candidates under 40 years old — went to Joshua Britton of Mount Shepherd Retreat Center. Retired public health director Susan Hayes was named the Athena Award winner.
The industry award went to Randolph County government and the Organization of the Year was the Randolph County Senior Adults Center.
The Business of the Year was non-profit RhinoLeap Productions. The organization was recognized for its assistance to Chamber members, support for performing arts in the community and arts education programs.
