Excellence in Business Recipients Revealed at Union County Chamber Annual Awards Gala

December 9, 2024

YOUR Union County Chamber celebrated the strength and heart of the local business community at the Annual Excellence in Business Awards, held Thursday, December 5, 2024. Nearly 550 community and business leaders attended the event, held at the Union County Agricultural Center. This prestigious event recognized outstanding businesses, nonprofits, and individuals who exemplify excellence and innovation.

The 2025 award winners are:

» Community Impact Award: Wow Supermarket
» Employer of Choice Award: Union County Public Schools
» Excellence in Business Award: ATI Specialty Materials
» Excellence in Small Business Award: Mandi’s Tree Care
» Nonprofit Innovation Award: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. – Union County Alumnae Chapter
» Rising Star Award: Camp Sutton Nursery
» Lifetime Achievement Award: Helen Thomas

Nominations for the awards come from members and the community. Nominees must be Chamber members in good standing. This year, we received a record number of nominations. “This year was incredibly competitive. The large number of nominations speaks volumes about the strength of our business community,” said Pat Kahle, IOM Chamber President and CEO.

An independent award selection committee reviews all the nominations, selects finalists, and chooses the recipients. The committee is made up of former award winners, and other business leaders in our community.

Each finalist receives a video produced by Chain Reaction Studios, led by the talented Jason Walle.

“This year’s awards showcase the heart, innovation, and commitment of our business community,” said Kahle. “Every finalist and winner exemplifies excellence and represents the best of Union County.”

The Awards Gala also serves as the Chamber’s Annual Meeting. At the ceremony, Chamber Board Chair Shane Fraser thanked the 2024 Board members, an introduced new members joining the board in 2025.

They are: