The Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce 92nd Annual Meeting, held at Pinewood Country Club Friday, celebrated a stellar year for the chamber and the community.
After a successful membership drive in the spring that brought the chamber 98 new members, its membership continued to grow, eventually bringing it to an all-time high of 755 members. The Asheboro/Randolph Chamber is now the fourth largest chamber in the Triad.
The Pigs & Pedals event was expanded to include a partnership with Zooland Antique Car Club as well as a People’s Choice event during the barbecue competition. The Field of Honor was also expanded in 2017 to include 200 more flags for a total of 700, which were again displayed at South Asheboro Middle School for Veteran’s Day weekend.
In September, Chelsey Butler joined the chamber staff after a new full-time position was added to the organization. Butler serves as the membership and events coordinator.
2017 Chairman John Revell began the night’s program by recognizing retiring board members Baxter Hammer of The Timken Company, City of Asheboro Mayor David Smith and Malynda Shumaker of Markham Metals, Inc.
Citizen of the Year
2016 Citizen of the Year James Gouty served as presenter for the 2017 award.
“Unlike others recognized in the past, our honoree this year has not only assisted Randolph County, but he’s done a lot to benefit all of North Carolina due to his unique background,” Gouty said.
The 2017 Citizen of the Year, Harold Brubaker, began his political career when he was elected to the state legislature before the age of 30. Brubaker went on to become the first and only Republican Speaker of the North Carolina House in the 20th century. In that role, he was known for his bipartisan leadership, which led to the biggest tax cut in North Carolina history, significant regulatory reforms and the largest teacher pay increase in state history, which was passed during Governor Jim Hunt’s administration.
Brubaker served as National Chair of the American Legislative Exchange Council, and continues to serve a national leadership role on that board for over 20 years. Now retired from the legislature, he serves as one of the most influential lobbyists in the state.
“What a humbling experience to receive an award like this from your friends and, basically, family,” Brubaker said. “Randolph County has been a great county and I had the great opportunity to serve you for 35 and a half years in the legislature … this is my home. This is my family.”