Reflecting on a Year of Impact
Catawba County’s business and community leaders gathered in full force for the The Chamber of Catawba County held its 53rd Annual Meeting & Reception on February 25 at the Hickory Metro Convention Center. This premier event celebrated collaboration, progress, and the power of partnership.
Over 340 business and community leaders attended this annual program, followed by the region’s premier professional networking reception.
A Year of Meaningful Impact
The Chamber continues to be a catalyst for business success, talent development, and pro-business advocacy. Over the past year, thousands of business and community leaders engaged through strategic initiatives, events, and programs designed to strengthen our region’s economic foundation. “Our Annual Meeting serves as both a reflection and a springboard,” said Pat Carver, 2024 Board Chair. “As we look back at our accomplishments, we also recognize the opportunities ahead-that will shape Catawba County’s economic future for years to come.”
“Success in Catawba County is rooted in collaboration. It’s because of strong partnerships that we can effectively address critical community issues,” Chamber President/CEO Lindsay Keisler stated. Keisler recognized event sponsors, Chamber Investors, and our region’s collaborative partners.
The program began recognizing the 2024 Chamber Ambassadors. These individuals serve as a volunteer extension of The Chamber staff. They dedicate their time to outreach with Chamber Partners through attending ribbon cuttings, personal visits, calls, email, and cards to say thank you.
The Chamber Ambassadors are split into teams and they accumulate points based on their engagement. The Team of the Year award was awarded to the following Ambassadors:
-Andrea Walshak, Tree of Life Christian Academy
-Jill Adair, Mary Kay Cosmetics
-Dr. Matt Kirkland, New Directions Chiropractic
-Danielle Mower, First Citizens Bank
-Candace Helms, Appalachian State University
-Sandy Williams, Goodwill Industries of NWNC, Inc.,-Career Connections Center.
Following the special announcement, Pat Carver, Market President of First Citizens Bank, and The Chamber’s 2024 Board Chair shared personal reflections on his role as Board Chair, recognized fellow Board members, thanked those who are retiring off the Board, and welcomed 8 new Board Members.
To see our Agenda that recognizes our full Board of Directors, new and retiring Directors, Catawba County Chamber Foundation Board, Ambassadors, and Chamber Investors, click here.
Carver invited attendees to review our 2024 Annual Report, which details The Chamber’s progress.
The Chamber Foundation: A Vision for the Future
The 2025 Annual Meeting also marked the official Annual Meeting of the Catawba County Chamber Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit launched in 2023. This independent yet closely aligned entity is dedicated to long-term community and economic development initiatives.
“The Foundation has played a pivotal role in uniting business, government, education, and nonprofit leaders to tackle our region’s most pressing workforce challenges, said Zack Cranford, 2024 Foundation Board Chair. “The development of the Catawba County Talent Strategy is one of our most significant undertakings, engaging hundreds of stakeholders to lay the groundwork for a sustainable and thriving workforce. .
Through the process, The Foundation has gathered key insights from a cross-section of leaders, reinforcing the necessity of a collaborative approach to talent development, retention, and attraction.
Looking Ahead
Annually, a new chair is appointed to lead the Board, chosen by their peers for their active involvement, influence, and alignment with The Chamber mission. Carver introduced Dana Killian, President & CEO of Carolina Caring, as the 2025 Board Chair.
Killian shared about her passion for community involvement, including her experience in The Chamber’s longest running program, Leadership Catawba. She then recognized the 50th Class of Leadership Catawba as well as program alumni. Inspired by the milestone, The Chamber unveiled the following video:
A Message of Gratitude
None of these achievements would be possible without the unwavering support of The Chamber’s Investors, volunteers, and community partners. Keisler expressed appreciation for the individuals and organizations that have contributed to The Chamber’s success. “Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do,” said Keisler, “Through the dedication of our partners, board members, and Ambassadors, we are able to drive meaningful impact that fuels business growth and economic prosperity.
As the event concluded, attendees gathered for a vibrant networking reception reception that allowed them to foster new connections, engage with our Community Promoters, and reinforce the spirit of connection that defines The Chamber’s work.
With strong leadership, a clear vision, and the support of an engaged business community, 2025 is poised to be another year of growth and progress for Catawba County.
See event photos here. We also invite you to watch our video recap below.