Special to IFN
The Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce announced Wednesday that Ray Starling, general counsel of the N.C. Chamber and president of the N.C. Chamber Legal Institute, will be the keynote speaker for the 2025 SAGE Awards and Annual Meeting.
The event is scheduled for Thursday, February 20, at the Statesville Civic Center. Tickets are available through the Chamber’s website at StatesvilleChamber.org/sage.
The Statesville Area Growth and Excellence event is an evening of celebration, recognition, and community spirit, sponsored by Denso, a global leader in advanced automotive technology, systems, and components.
Starling will deliver a keynote address on the topic “Fourth Creek at Dawn: Statesville’s Journey to Greatness.” A respected author, speaker and leader in agriculture and North Carolina’s business community, he brings a wealth of experience from his service in the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the White House, and the N.C. General Assembly.
Hosted by the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce, the evening will kick off at 6 p.m. with a lively pre-meeting mingle designed to cultivate a warm and engaging networking atmosphere.
The award nominees, the evening’s distinguished honorees, along with event sponsors and the Chamber’s Strategic Partners, will enjoy an exclusive VIP room experience prior to the main event as a special recognition of their remarkable contributions throughout 2024.
The SAGE Awards will highlight and celebrate the remarkable achievements of individuals and organizations across the Statesville area, recognizing their significant contributions to the community.
The awards include:
● Citizen of the Year;
● Business of the Year (both large and small enterprises);
● Ambassador of the Year;
● Community Impact (nonprofit) of the Year;
● Partners in Education Excellence;
● Innovator of the Year;
● Volunteer of the Year;
● Launch SAGE Award for New Businesses;
● Leader in Advocacy; and
● Fusion Award
Denso’s sponsorship highlights the company’s unwavering commitment to supporting and nurturing growth within the local community.
“We are delighted to partner with Denso for the 2024 SAGE Awards & Annual Meeting. Their dedication to excellence and community development perfectly aligns with the core values of the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce,” said Shannon Viera, president & CEO of the Chamber. “This event will celebrate outstanding individuals and businesses while showcasing the collective efforts that drive the success and vibrancy of the Statesville area.”
About the Chamber
The mission of the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce is to build strategic partnerships, drive business success and connect people to opportunities. For more information about the SAGE Awards & Annual Meeting and the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce, contact the Chamber at 704-873-2892 and visit StatesvilleChamber.org. For tickets, visit StatesvilleChamber.org/sage.