Henderson County Chamber of Commerce Celebrates 102nd Annual Dinner and Awards
Feb 03, 2025 02:14PM ● By WNC Business
Craig Debrew (center) and the winners of the Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award: John Connet, left, and John Mitchell.
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce held its 102nd Annual Dinner and Awards on Thursday, January 30th, where they recognized outstanding individuals and organizations in the community. The event was a celebration of leadership, innovation, and service, highlighting those who have made a significant impact on Henderson County.
Top 4 Under 40: Toni Warren, Kayla Castro, Aimee Aiken, & Samantha Spain
Sponsored by Hunter Subaru, this award recognizes young professionals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to their fields.
Sponsored by Four Seasons Foundation, this award is given to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service to the Chamber and its members. Moody has been an ambassador for nearly two years and has been a key member of the Young Professionals Committee and has played an essential part in the success of the Camp Field Day Committee since 2019.
Small Business Leader Award: Mini Batch Bakery
Presented by Van Winkle Law Firm, the Small Business Leader Award was bestowed upon Mini Batch Bakery, a small side venture turned into a thriving business by Stacy Fields. Even in the face of challenges like the 7th Avenue streetscape construction, Stacy found innovative ways to stay connected with customers, taking the bakery on the road and meeting them at their businesses, events, and festivals.
Camp Industry Leadership Award:
Presented by UNC Health Pardee, the Camp Industry Leader Award celebrates those who have made exceptional contributions to shaping and supporting Henderson County's youth summer camp industry. This year's winner is The North Carolina Youth Camp Association (NCYCA), an association representing more than 60 camps and associated members across the state. NCYCA serves as the voice of North Carolina camps, providing support in critical areas such as legislative representation, public relations and communications, organizational management, and professional development.
Environmental/Sustainability Award: WestRock Smurfit
Scott Ward from WestRock Smurfit, a global leader in sustainable packaging, has led the company's efforts to reduce its environmental footprint. The Flat Rock plant has implemented a range of initiatives, including installing energy-efficient LED lighting, replacing their roof with a reflective white roof, and replacing equipment generating hazardous waste with zero-waste machines.
Education Champion Award: Shanda Bedoian
Sponsored by Four Seasons Rotary, the Eduction Champion Award is presented to a person who has had a positive impact on education in Henderson County. This year's awardee Shanda Bedoian, Director of Corporate & Customized Training with Blue Ridge Community College, has worked at the college for nearly two decades, where her leadership has transformed workforce training, creating customized programs that empower businesses and individuals alike.
Industrialist of the Year: Jay Frazier
Sponsored by DMJPS, this award honors outstanding leaders in the local manufacturing community. This year's award winner is Jay Frazier, who is leading the expansion efforts at Lassonde Pappas, one of Henderson County's long-established manufacturers. Frazier is actively involved in the community, serving on various boards and committees, and is a participant in the Vision Henderson County Leadership Program.
Nonprofit of the Year: The Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County
Sponsored by AdventHealth Hendersonville, the 2024 Nonprofit of the Year Award was bestowed upon The Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County. Founded in 1993 by Tom and Sue Fazio, The Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County serves around 1,200 youth annually, offering a safe and supportive environment after school. Following Tropical Storm Helene, the Club stepped up for the community, opening its doors to Atkinson Elementary and raising over $180,000 to meet the immediate needs of families hardest hit by the storm.
First Citizens Bank Customer Service Award: Duke Energy
This award recognizes Duke Energy's outstanding customer service, particularly during the unprecedented challenges presented by Hurricane Helene.
Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award: John Connet and John Mitchell
John Connet, City Manager for the City of Hendersonville, and John Mitchell, County Manager for Henderson County, were recognized for their exceptional leadership during the challenges of 2024, particularly during Hurricane Helene. Their efforts in coordinating the community's response and recovery were critical in mitigating the storm's impact.
Source: Henderson County Chamber of Commerce.
Top 4 Under 40: Toni Warren, Kayla Castro, Aimee Aiken, & Samantha Spain
Sponsored by Hunter Subaru, this award recognizes young professionals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to their fields.
- Entrepreneurial Excellence – Toni Warren. As the co-owner of Warren Restoration, Toni has grown the market share of this family-owned business, created local jobs, and filled a critical need for reliable disaster restoration services.
- Community Impact — Kayla Castro. As District Leadership Coach, Kayla empowers schools to achieve measurable results through leadership development, goal-setting, and data-driven strategies. She led Edneyville Elementary to achieve the prestigious Lighthouse Certification and coordinated vital resources for families affected by Hurricane Helene.
- Rising Star — Aimee Aiken. At Express Employment Professionals, Aimee plays a crucial role in connecting businesses with employees and supporting thousands of job placements across WNC.
- Rising Star — Samantha Spain. Samantha serves as Marketing Director at Kenmure Country Club and KemperSports. In just two years, she has mastered new skills, including website design and management, and has redefined the club's approach to marketing and community engagement.
Sponsored by Four Seasons Foundation, this award is given to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service to the Chamber and its members. Moody has been an ambassador for nearly two years and has been a key member of the Young Professionals Committee and has played an essential part in the success of the Camp Field Day Committee since 2019.
Small Business Leader Award: Mini Batch Bakery
Presented by Van Winkle Law Firm, the Small Business Leader Award was bestowed upon Mini Batch Bakery, a small side venture turned into a thriving business by Stacy Fields. Even in the face of challenges like the 7th Avenue streetscape construction, Stacy found innovative ways to stay connected with customers, taking the bakery on the road and meeting them at their businesses, events, and festivals.
Camp Industry Leadership Award:
Presented by UNC Health Pardee, the Camp Industry Leader Award celebrates those who have made exceptional contributions to shaping and supporting Henderson County's youth summer camp industry. This year's winner is The North Carolina Youth Camp Association (NCYCA), an association representing more than 60 camps and associated members across the state. NCYCA serves as the voice of North Carolina camps, providing support in critical areas such as legislative representation, public relations and communications, organizational management, and professional development.
Environmental/Sustainability Award: WestRock Smurfit
Scott Ward from WestRock Smurfit, a global leader in sustainable packaging, has led the company's efforts to reduce its environmental footprint. The Flat Rock plant has implemented a range of initiatives, including installing energy-efficient LED lighting, replacing their roof with a reflective white roof, and replacing equipment generating hazardous waste with zero-waste machines.
Education Champion Award: Shanda Bedoian
Sponsored by Four Seasons Rotary, the Eduction Champion Award is presented to a person who has had a positive impact on education in Henderson County. This year's awardee Shanda Bedoian, Director of Corporate & Customized Training with Blue Ridge Community College, has worked at the college for nearly two decades, where her leadership has transformed workforce training, creating customized programs that empower businesses and individuals alike.
Industrialist of the Year: Jay Frazier
Sponsored by DMJPS, this award honors outstanding leaders in the local manufacturing community. This year's award winner is Jay Frazier, who is leading the expansion efforts at Lassonde Pappas, one of Henderson County's long-established manufacturers. Frazier is actively involved in the community, serving on various boards and committees, and is a participant in the Vision Henderson County Leadership Program.
Nonprofit of the Year: The Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County
Sponsored by AdventHealth Hendersonville, the 2024 Nonprofit of the Year Award was bestowed upon The Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County. Founded in 1993 by Tom and Sue Fazio, The Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County serves around 1,200 youth annually, offering a safe and supportive environment after school. Following Tropical Storm Helene, the Club stepped up for the community, opening its doors to Atkinson Elementary and raising over $180,000 to meet the immediate needs of families hardest hit by the storm.
First Citizens Bank Customer Service Award: Duke Energy
This award recognizes Duke Energy's outstanding customer service, particularly during the unprecedented challenges presented by Hurricane Helene.
Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award: John Connet and John Mitchell
John Connet, City Manager for the City of Hendersonville, and John Mitchell, County Manager for Henderson County, were recognized for their exceptional leadership during the challenges of 2024, particularly during Hurricane Helene. Their efforts in coordinating the community's response and recovery were critical in mitigating the storm's impact.
Source: Henderson County Chamber of Commerce.