Stay tuned for our 100th Annual Gala in 2026!
The Rowan Chamber of Commerce held its 99th Annual Gala on January 23, 2025 at the West End Plaza Event Center, with more than 500 business and community leaders in attendance. Themed “Winter in the Garden,” the event was a celebration of local leadership, service, and community growth. Novant Health Rowan Medical Center proudly served as the Title Sponsor.
The ceremonial passing of the gavel marked the transition of leadership from 2024 Chair of the Board, Terry Osborne (Rowan-Kannapolis ABC Board) to 2025 Chair of the Board, Steve Fisher (F&M Bank).
The annual award winners are listed below.
Vincia Miller – Young Professional of the Year
Vincia Miller, a graduate of Livingstone College and an employee of Novant Health, was awarded Young Professional of the Year for her outstanding contributions to the community. Miller was invaluable in helping facilitate the several events the Young Professionals held in 2024. In addition to serving on the Young Professionals Executive Committee, Miller also serves on various community boards throughout the county.
Stowe Law Firm, PLLC – Minority Business of the Year
Stowe Law Firm, PLLC, was awarded Minority Business of the Year for its commitment to helping others and supporting the community. Founded in 2017 with one employee, the firm has grown to five employees and operates in downtown Salisbury under the leadership of its managing attorney, Ryan Stowe. Stowe is a first-generation Rowan County attorney who earned his bachelor’s degree and law degree from North Carolina Central University.
Godley’s Garden Center & Nursery - Chamber Champion Small Business of the Year
Godley’s Garden Center & Nursery was named Chamber Champion Small Business of the Year. This Rowan County business started in 1989 and now has over 20 employees. The garden center’s owner, Bill Godley, consistently gives back to the community and has been involved in the Chamber, United Way, Rowan Helping Ministries, Habitat for Humanity, and Catawba College. Godley’s serves customers all over the region with landscaping needs.
Donna Groce – Paul E. Fisher Volunteer of the Year Award
Donna Groce, Learning for Life Director at Trinity Oaks, was named Chamber Volunteer of the Year for her exceptional leadership and dedication to the Rowan Chamber. Groce is a graduate of Leadership Rowan and has served as Total Resource Team Captain, Dragon Boat Team Captain, Ambassador Chair, Chamber Board Member, and has joined the Chamber’s Executive Committee for 2025. Groce’s willingness to step into leadership roles whenever needed and her unwavering commitment to this community have made her a standout volunteer.
Greg Alcorn – Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award
This year’s most prestigious award went to Greg Alcorn, a successful entrepreneur, local business executive, author, and dedicated advocate for education through his work with a nonprofit organization. A Salisbury resident since age eight, Alcorn is the Founder and President of Global Contact Services, Chairman of ApSeed, and an incredible steward of our community.
Thank you to our generous 2025 sponsors!
Title Sponsor:
Novant Health Rowan Medical Center
Program Sponsors:
Catawba College
Duke Energy
F & M Bank
Global Contact Services
Trinity Oaks / Lutheran Services Carolinas
Corporate Sponsors:
Ahold Delhaize-Food Lion, LLC
Alan F. Burke, CPA
Atrium Health
Ben Mynatt Nissan
Carter Law Group, PA
City of Salisbury
City of Kannapolis
Cloninger Ford-Toyota Scion
Fisher Realty, Inc.
Godley's Garden Center & Nursery
Greystone Salon & Spa
Healthcare Management Consultants
Holmes Iron & Metal, Inc.
Hotwire Communications
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
Kinetic by Windstream
Livingstone College
Miller Davis, Inc.
Minority Business Council
NC Transportation Museum
Osterhus Outdoors, LLC
Patterson Farms, Inc.
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
Rowan County Tourism
Rowan County EDC
Rowan County Government
Salisbury Post
Self-Help Credit Union
South State Bank
Southern Power – Plant Rowan
Town of East Spencer
Town of Granite Quarry
Town of Landis
Vulcan Materials Company/Johnson Concrete
Walser Technology Group