Honoring Achievements: Highlights of the 2024 SAGE Awards & Annual Chamber Meeting

Statesville, NC — On February 15, 2024, the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce and their members attended the highly anticipated 2024 SAGE (Statesville Area Growth and Excellence) Awards and Annual Meeting, Sponsored by Denso Manufacturing North Carolina. This annual gathering served as a focal point to showcase the Chamber's remarkable accomplishments throughout 2023 while also shining a spotlight on the outstanding contributions and achievements of our local businesses and organizations within and surrounding Statesville. It's a celebration of growth, excellence, and the vibrant spirit of our community.

Addressing the audience at the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce's annual banquet on Thursday evening, Governor Roy Cooper issued a compelling call to action for local business leaders. He urged them to step forward as vocal advocates for public education, recognizing the pivotal role they play in shaping the educational landscape of our communities and future workforce.

The Governor commended Statesville and Iredell County, in particular, lauding Mayor Costi Kutteh as a steadfast advocate in both State and Federal domains and affirming its progress and accomplishments. 

The program then shifted focus to highlight the chamber's successes over the past year. This included a multitude of events and activities that enhanced our business community and local economics. Programs include Statesville Leadership and Youth Leadership Iredell, Leading Ladies, Business Advocacy in Action, in addition to community events such as Piedmont HealthCare Friday After 5, Flow Automotive Pumpkin Fest and R. Gregory Jewelers Vegas in the ‘Ville. 

The mission of the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce is to connect all sectors of the community, generating education and economic opportunities to improve the quality of life.

At the prestigious SAGE Awards ceremony, the spotlight shone on Iredell Arts Council Executive Director, John Koppelmeyer, as he was celebrated as the Citizen of the Year. Bill Brater, president of Nicholson Funeral Home, had the honor of presenting the award, commending Koppelmeyer's extensive civic contributions spanning over two decades.

In addition to the 60th Annual Citizen of the Year Award, the SAGE Awards honored excellence in various categories that underscore the exceptional achievements across Statesville and its surrounding areas. The awards include: 

•  Business of the Year Large Enterprise - Doosan Bobcat

• Business of the Year Small Enterprise - Iredell Free News

• Community Impact (nonprofit) of the Year - Iredell Arts Council

•  Partners in Education Excellence - Flow Automotive of Statesville

• Innovator of the Year - New Image Services

• Launch SAGE Award for New Businesses - Native Ceuticals Apothecary

• Leader in Advocacy - William Morgan

• Ambassador of the Year - Tommacena Douglas

•  Volunteer of the Year - Melissa Haines

In combination with the nine award categories, the chamber also acknowledged the significant contributions of a community partnership with a SAGE Fusion Award. Iredell Ready has greatly benefited all of Iredell County. The founding members of the Iredell Ready Program include Mitchell Community College, Iredell County Economic Development Corp., Iredell-Statesville Schools, Iredell County, Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce, Centralina Workforce Development, NC Works, and Mooresville Graded School District.

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 us at StatesvilleChamber.org. ###