GREENSBORO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE History of Awards | 2026
As of November 2, 2026
Greensboro Chamber Award Winners
Why the Chamber Presents Awards
Behind every award is a story of effort, leadership, and impact. Presenting these awards are one way we can show appreciation for the people who are building businesses, creating jobs, and investing in others. They reflect the kind of work that keeps Greensboro moving forward every day. It is important that we take the time to acknowledge that and share those stories so others can see what is possible here.
Brent Christensen, President & CEO of the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce
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Greensboro Chamber Award Winners
Table of Contents Thomas Z. Osborne Distinguished Citizen Award Winners Pages 4-5 Stanley Frank Economic and Workforce Development Award Winners Page 6 ATHENA Leadership Award® Winners Pages 7-8 Kathiann Lester Accelerate Award Winners Page 9 Small Business Award Winners Pages 10-15
From the 2025 Women’s Executive Conference where the 2025 ATHENA Leadership Award® was presented.
From the 2025 Small Business Awards
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Greensboro Chamber Award Winners
Thomas Z. Osborne Distinguished Citizen Award The Greensboro Chamber of Commerce’s Thomas Z. Osborne Distinguished Citizen Award is the organizaiton’s highest honor. It is named after Thomas Z. Osborne, a prominent figure in Greensboro’s history, and is presented annually to an individual whose outstanding leadership and service have significantly contributed to the growth and prosperity of the Greensboro community. The award recognizes a lifelong commitment to making Greensboro a better place to live and work through exceptional civic engagement, business leadership, and dedication to community development. 2025: Trip Brown, Dabney Sanders, and Susan Schwartz 2024: D.H. Griffin, Sr. 2023: Deborah Hooper 2022: Mae Douglas 2021: H. Walker Sanders 2020: Cheryl and Charles McQueary 2019: Alan Duncan 2018: Sue W. Cole 2017: J. Patrick Danahy 2016: Eric Wiseman 2015: J. Edward Kitchen 2014: Chancellors Linda Brady and Harold Martin 2013: Robert E. (Bobby) Long, Jr. 2012: Mackey McDonald 2011: Tim Rice 2010: Dr. Don Cameron 2009: Ralph Shelton 2008: Shirley Frye 2007: Carole Bruce 2006: Dr. Patricia Sullivan 2005: Leonard Kaplan 2004: E.S. “Jim” Melvin 2004: Dr. Leo Lambert 2003: Dr. Harrison Turner, III 2002: Dennis R. Barry 2001: Bonnie McElveen-Hunter 2000: Dr. Alexander Spears 1999: Don Dixon 1998: John Lauritzen 1997: Hayes Clement 1996: H. Michael Weaver 1995: John R. Kernodle, Jr.
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2023 Winner, Deborah Hooper
2022 Winner, Mae Douglas
Greensboro Chamber Award Winners
Thomas Z. Osborne Distinguished Citizen Award 1994: Douglas Galyon 1993: V.M. Nussbaum, Jr. 1992: Dr. William C. Parker, Jr. 1991: Thomas Z. Osborne 1990: L. Richardson Preyer 1989: Mike Fleming 1988: Don Lowe 1987: William Hemphill 1986: W. Roger Soles 1985: Charles A. "Chuck" Hayes 1984 Cynthia Doyle 1983: Kimsey Mann 1982: Walter W. King 1981: E.S. "Jim" Melvin 1980: Stanley Frank 1979: George Norman 1978: N.P. Hayes, Sr. 1977: Joseph M. Bryan 1976: Cornelius M. Vanstory 1975: Charles F. Meyers, Jr. 1974: Miles H. Wolfe 1973: Albert S. Lineberry, Sr. 1972: Carson Bain 1971: Dr. Boisy Winslow Barnes 1970: Benjamin Cone 1969: Howard Holderness 1968: Bland Worley 1967: Joseph M. Hunt, Jr. 1966: Stark S. Dillard 1965: Ortan A. Boren 1964: Mose Kiser, Sr. 1963: Joseph T. Martin – Special Citation 1962: J. Spencer Love 1961: W.Y. Preyer 1960: Caesar Cone 1959: W.H. Sullivan, Sr. 1958: Ben L. Smith 1957: John Van Lindley 1956: Dr. Walter Clinton Jackson 1955: E.B. Jeffress
2004 Winner, Jim Melvin
1977 Winner, Joseph M. Bryan
1960 Winner, Caesar Cone
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Greensboro Chamber Award Winners
The Stanley Frank Economic and Workforce Development Award The Stanley Frank Economic and Workforce Development Award is given annually to a community leader who has made significant contributions to enhancing Greensboro and Guilford County. Stanley Frank was a remarkable benefactor and advocate for Greensboro. His legacy includes serving as chair of the Greensboro Chamber, leading the Piedmont Triad Airport Authority, and dedicating 36 years to the Guilford College Board of Trustees. Stanley’s commitment to education and community development left a lasting mark on Greensboro. It is a privilege for the Greensboro Chamber to present this award in memory of such a distinguished business leader and philanthropist. 2026: Dawn S. Chaney 2025: Dennis Quaintance and Nancy King Quaintance 2024: Nancy Vaughan 2023: Greensboro-Randolph Megasite Foundation, North Carolina Railroad, Randolph County 2022: Kevin Baker 2021: Dr. Harold L. Martin, Sr. 2020: Loren Hill 2019: Steve Showfety 2018: Donna Newton and Tammy Simmons 2017 - not presented 2016: Ralph Shelton 2015: Linda Shaw 2014: Henry Isaacson 2013: Norman Samet 2012: Mike Bumpass 2011: Dennis Barry 2010: Yvonne Johnson 2009: Don Cameron and Ted Johnson 2008: Jim Melvin 2007: Charlie Melvin 2006: Hudnall Christopher and Doug Galyon 2005: Bob Landreth 2004: Stanley Frank
2025 Winner, Dennis Quaintance
2024 Winner, Nancy Vaughan
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Greensboro Chamber Award Winners
ATHENA Leadership Award® The ATHENA Leadership Award® was inspired by the goddess of Greek mythology known for her strength, courage, wisdom, and enlightenment. The award is unique in both scope (local, national, and international) and the ATHENA mission upon which it is based. The ATHENA Leadership Award® is presented to a woman, or man, for professional excellence, community service, and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills. 2026: Susan Shumaker 2025: Pat Soensken 2024: Memorial Year 2023: Dr. Terri Shelton 2022: Alejandra O. Thompson 2021: Dr. Mary Jo Cagle 2020: Ursula Dudley-Oglesby 2019: Mae Douglas 2018: Anita Hughes Bachmann 2017: Louise Brady 2016: Kay Hagan 2015: Robin Hager 2014: Sue Cole 2012: Michelle Gethers-Clark 2011: Janet Ward Black 2010: Cyndy Hayworth 2009: Donna Newton 2008: Candace Cummings 2007: Denny Kelly 2006: Pam Barrett 2005: Priscilla Taylor 2004: Dr. Johnetta Cole 2003: Linda Carlisle 2002 Deborah Hooper 2001: Beth McKee Huger 2000: Shirley Frye 1999: Carole Bruce 1998: Bonnie McElveen-Hunter 1997: Lynn F. Black 1996: Elizabeth Ward Cone 1995: Betty H. Nichols 1994: Sandra Burton Anderson 1993: Aileen B. Oldham 1992: Eunice M. Dudley
(L-R): 2006 Winner, Susan Shumaker with 2025 Winner, Pat Soenksen
2007 Winner, Denny Kelly
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Greensboro Chamber Award Winners
ATHENA Leadership Award® 1991: Joyce Richardson 1990: Anne M. Allen 1989: Kay Cashion 1988: Margaret Earle
2000 Winner, Shirley Frye
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Greensboro Chamber Award Winners
The Kathiann Lester Accelerate Award The Kathiann Lester Accelerate Award, which debuted in 2024, recognizes a business that invests in the economic vitality of our region by its support of the Accelerate Greensboro initiative. During her time with the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, Kathie Lester was instrumental in the development of the Minority Business Accelerator, now known as Accelerate Greensboro. Kathi’s passion for life and equality, coupled with her innate ability to build connections between people of various backgrounds and experiences, was truly unique. 2026: Core Technology Molding Corporation 2025: Greensboro Swarm 2024: ITG Brands
Core Technology Molding Corporation
Greensboro Swarm
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Greensboro Chamber Award Winners
Small Business Awards The Small Business Awards celebrate the people behind the businesses that keep Greensboro moving. Each year, we recognize companies that are growing, adapting, and making a real impact in our community. These awards have evolved over the years, but the goal is to bring the small business community together for a well-earned moment of recognition. 2026 Small Business of the Year: Noah’s ArC Welding Entrepreneur of the Year: Mike Weaver (Weaver Investment Company) People’s Choice Award: Lorac Academy Ignition Award: Joyful Pediatrics 2025 Small Business of the Year: New Garden Landscaping & Nursery Entrepreneur of the Year: Steven D. Bell (Bell Partners) Community Contributor Award: ALT+HR Culture Creator Award: Core Technology Molding Corporation People’s Choice Award: The Well Mind Ignition Award: Carson Creative Solutions 2024 Small Business of the Year: Griswold Home Care Entrepreneur of the Year: Clifford Thompson (Thompson Traders) Community Contributor Award: GreensboroBLACK Culture Creator Award: Charles Aris Pivot Pro Award: Greensboro Power Yoga & Greensboro Power Ignition Award: Epic Chophouse 2023 Small Business of the Year Award: Core Technology Molding Corporation Community Contributor Award: Carolina Digital Phone Culture Creator Award: Savor the Moment Bakery Pivot Pro Award: Deep Roots Market 2021 Small Business of the Year Award: United Maintenance Group Community Contributor Award: Downtown Greensboro Inc. Culture Creator Award: Chez Genèse Goal Setter Award: HAECO Cabin Solutions People’s Choice Award: Greensboro Science Center Pivot Pro Award: Out of the Garden Project
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Greensboro Chamber Award Winners
Small Business Awards 2020 Small Business of the Year Award: Good Health Greensboro Minority Small Business Person of the Year: Jasmine Beard, AJOY Consulting Small Business Advocate of the Year: Peggy Barron-Antolin, Office Evolution of the Triad Women in Business Award: Reketta Wright, Wrights Care Services 2019 Minority Small Business Person of the Year: Jada Monica Drew, Social Designs Consulting Small Business Person of the Year: Alex Amoroso, Cheesecakes by Alex Small Business Advocate of the Year: Chisa Pennix-Brown, Lady Bizness Women in Business Award: Ursula Dudley (Dudley Beauty Corp.) and Abby Donnelly (Leadership and Legacy Group) 2018 Minority Small Business of the Year: Camilia Zuleikha Majette, Nailah’s Shea Small Business Person of the Year: Nick Wilson, 1618 Concepts Small Business Advocate of the Year: Karla Comer, YWCA of Greensboro Women in Business Award: Rozalynn Fulton, Community Theatre of Greensboro 2017 Minority Small Business Person of the Year: Randy Wadsworth and Damion Moore, Dame’s Chicken & Waffles Small Business Person of the Year: Garrett Bedrin and Mike Bedrin, Salons by JC, The Bedrin Organization Small Business Advocate of the Year: Andy Zimmerman, AZ Development Women in Business Award: Lee Comer, fresh.local.good Food Group 2016 Minority Small Business Person of the Year: Antonio Wallace, GP Supply Company Small Business Person of the Year: Bill and Shelly Norman, Kneaded Energy Small Business Advocate of the Year: DarLinda Finch, GTCC Small Business Center Women in Business Award: Ashley Miller Rice, Miller Monograms 2015 Minority Small Business Person of the Year: Geoff Foster, Core Technology Molding Small Business Person of the Year: Kristina Fuller, Crafted: The Art of the Taco Small Business Advocate of the Year: Steve Brock, ActionCOACH Women in Business Award: Ann Zuraw, Zuraw Financial Advisors
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Greensboro Chamber Award Winners
Small Business Awards 2014 Minority Small Business Person of the Year: Blair Hampton, Century Products Small Business Person of the Year: Mark Dirks, Beacon Technologies Small Business Advocate of the Year: Sam Funchess, Nussbaum Center for Entrepreneurship Women in Business Award: Meredith Williams, Pepper Moon Catering 2013 Minority Small Business Person of the Year: Geoff Foster, Core Technology Molding Small Business Person of the Year: Kristina Fuller, Crafted: The Art of the Taco Small Business Advocate of the Year: Steve Brock, ActionCOACH Women in Business Award: Ann Zuraw, Zuraw Financial Advisors 2014 Minority Small Business Person of the Year: Blair Hampton, Century Products Small Business Person of the Year: Mark Dirks, Beacon Technologies Small Business Advocate of the Year: Sam Funchess, Nussbaum Center for Entrepreneurship Women in Business Award: Meredith Williams, Pepper Moon Catering 2013 Minority Small Business Person of the Year: Clarence & Donnica Boston, Triad Cremation Society Small Business Person of the Year: Ged King, The Sales Factory Small Business Advocate of the Year: Dr. Cynthia Clemmons, Bennett College Women in Business Award: Kristi Griggs, G-Force Marketing 2012 Minority Small Business Person of the Year: Shana Ayscue, STA Technologies Small Business Person of the Year: Larry Cecchini, Secure Designs Small Business Advocate of the Year: Charlie Melvin, Smith Moore Leatherwood Women in Business Award: Tonya Cockman, Clear Defense 2011 Minority Small Business Person of the Year: Sheila Robinson, Diversity Women Magazine Small Business Person of the Year: Katie Southard, The Green Bean Small Business Advocate of the Year: Leona La Perriere, Hear Applause Women in Business Award: Christine Cheek, BPR Properties
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Greensboro Chamber Award Winners
Small Business Awards 2010 Minority Small Business Person of the Year: Oscar Gibson, CES Graphic Media Small Business Person of the Year: Ed and Anna Currie, Exclamations Catering/PTP Small Business Advocate of the Year: Julius Koonce, It’s About Your Business Women in Business Award: Gina Deese, A.C.T. by Deese 2009 Minority Small Business Person of the Year: Javier Gomez, Dynamic Quest Small Business Person of the Year: Eric Burg, Apple Rock Displays Small Business Advocate of the Year: Dennis Stearns, Stearns Financial Services 2008 Minority Small Business Person of the Year: Alicia Fields Minkins, EJ’s Staffing Service Small Business Person of the Year: Malinda Pengally, Beyond Email Small Business Advocate of the Year: Tom May, UNCG Bryan School of Business & Economics 2007 Minority Small Business Person of the Year: Danny Mitchell, MBM Small Business Person of the Year: Javier Gomez, Dynamic Quest Small Business Advocate of the Year: Greg Chabon, Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice 2006 Minority Small Business Person of the Year: Justo Nunez, Leapfrog Marketing Small Business Person of the Year: David Moff, The HR Group Small Business Advocate of the Year: Mark Hagenbuch, GTCC SBC 2005 Minority Small Business Person of the Year: Romona and Michael Woods, Ashtae Products Small Business Person of the Year: Felicia Brown, Balance Day Spa Small Business Advocate of the Year: Diane Rumley, Leeper, Kean & Rumley 2004 Minority Small Business Person of the Year: Cornelius Lamberth, CoMor Corp. Small Business Person of the Year: Larry Diana, Express Personnel Small Business Advocate of the Year: Ralph Shelton, Southeast Fuels 2003 Minority Small Business Person of the Year: Clinton Kimble, One Step Ahead Small Business Person of the Year: Lenny Dolin, The Art Shop Small Business Advocate of the Year: Malinda Pengelly, Beyond Email 12
Greensboro Chamber Award Winners
Small Business Awards 2002 Minority Small Business Person of the Year: Louis Martin, Martin Janitorial Service Small Business Person of the Year: Paul Godino, Ganache Small Business Advocate of the Year: Lee Lloyd, Brooks, Pierce, McLendon 2001 Small Business Person of the Year: Charles Cainer, Question Tech Small Business Advocate of the Year: Bill Leinster, BB&T 2000 Minority Small Business Person of the Year: Faison Group Small Business Person of the Year: Cherry, Bekaert & Holland Small Business Advocate of the Year: Pam Medlin, Key Resources 1999 Minority Small Business Person of the Year: Reginald Erwin, Reginald Erwin Inc. Small Business Person of the Year: Mary Alice Watkins, Greensboro Public Library Small Business Advocate of the Year: Michael Dougherty, Kindermusic 1998 Minority Small Business Person of the Year: Karl Robinson, R&R Transportation Small Business Person of the Year: Estella Johnson, Gate City CDC Small Business Advocate of the Year: Bill Brooks, The Brooks Group 1997 Small Business Person of the Year: Dee Wolf, Greensboro Painting Co. Small Business Advocate of the Year: Chip Hagan, Nexsen Pruet Adams Kleemeier 1996 Small Business Person of the Year: Graham Ricks, ABCO Automation 1995 Small Business Person of the Year: John Kim, Sigcom 1994 Small Business Person of the Year: Bob Kober, Business Life 1993 Small Business Person of the Year: Gary Brown, GBA
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Greensboro Chamber Award Winners
Small Business Awards 1992 Small Business Person of the Year: Ginger Parnell, Guilford Day School 1991 Small Business Person of the Year: Tom Coble, Coble Cranes & Equipment 1990 Small Business Person of the Year: Bruce Clapper, Walnut Circle Press 1989 Small Business Person of the Year: E. Brame, Printer Services of Greensboro 1988 Small Business Person of the Year: Janice Kerley, Adecco 1987 Small Business Person of the Year: Bob Page, Replacements Unlimited
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Greensboro Chamber of Commerce 111 W. February One Place Greensboro, NC 27401 336.387.8301 greensboro.org