It’s one of the most exciting times of the year for YOUR Union County Chamber. The Annual Awards Gala is Less than 2 months away! That means it’s time to announce the finalists in the 2023 Excellence in Business Awards.
Anyone in the community is invited to nominate a Chamber member business for these awards. The finalists and winners are chosen by an independent committee. Read on to learn about the finalists.
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual for a lifetime of consistent contributions to his/her business, chosen industry, and community. The recipient’s influence and contributions have made a tangible impact on the lives of those around her, her community, and her place of business. The recipient is chosen by an independent volunteer committee from nominations made by the community.
This year this prestigious award is presented to Bill Norwood, South Piedmont Community College Board of Directors Chair. Bill started his professional career with Dickerson Utility which later became State Utility in 1977. He worked his way up in the company becoming President in 1993 and after 42 years with the company, he retired in 2019. Mr. Norwood led and grew State Utility from about 50 employees in 1993 to over 150 employees when he retired. He was instrumental in transferring State Utility into a 100% Employee-Owned ESOP Company in 2008.
Dr. Maria Pharr, President of South Piedmont Community College has worked with Mr. Norwood for several years. “Bill Norwood is man of great dignity and a quiet but influential leader. He is personable, authentic, and insightful. His leadership has had a tremendous impact on South Piedmont Community College, enabling the college to reach more students, support more businesses, and enrich more lives.”
Mr. Norwood has been very involved in the Union County community, serving on the United Way Board of Directors as well as being Campaign Chair and Board Chair. He has served on the HealthQuest Board, the BB&T Advisory Board, and the Kiwanis Club of Monroe Board. He was named Union County Man of the Year in 2010.
“The Union County Chamber is proud to recognize Bill Norwood with the Chamber’s most prestigious recognition — the Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Pat Kahle, President/CEO of the Union County Chamber. “Bill’s true passion and dedication to our community has been instrumental in enriching the lives of all who live, work, or do business in Union County.
Award Finalists
The Chamber also announced the following 2023 Annual Excellence in Business Award finalists.
The finalists in the Excellence in Small Business Award category are:
Clockwork Properties
People Outcomes, LLC
Seniors Helping Seniors
The finalists in the Excellence in Business Award category are:
Arnold & Smith PLLC
Edward Jones – Janet North
ICON Aerospace
The finalists in the Rising Star Award category are:
The Longleaf Group at EXP Realty
Maidfully
Omega In-Home Services
The finalists in the Nonprofit Innovation category are:
American Red Cross
Girls on the Run of Union County
HealthQuest of Union County
The finalists in the Community Impact category are:
Collins Aerospace
Oscar’s Driving School
Scott Clark Toyota
The Chamber will also present awards in the Employer of Choice category.
All finalists will receive a video produced by Chain Reaction Studios. We will debut the videos and announce the winners at the Chamber’s Annual Gala on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at the Union County Ag Center. You can secure tickets to the Gala here.
Last modified: October 17, 2023
