Celebrating Excellence: SAGE Awards Recognize Statesville Area’s Top Achievements, Keynote by Ray Starling

The Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce announces the keynote speaker for their 2025 SAGE (Statesville Area Growth and Excellence) Awards and Annual Meeting, slated for February 20, 2025 at 6PM. Tickets are available through the Chamber’s website at StatesvilleChamber.org/sage.

This prestigious event will be an evening of celebration, recognition, and community spirit, sponsored by Denso, a global leader in advanced automotive technology, systems, and components.

The Keynote Speaker this year is Ray Starling, General Counsel of the NC Chamber and President of the NC Chamber Legal Institute and his topic is "Fourth Creek at Dawn: Statesville's Journey to Greatness.". A respected author, speaker and leader in agriculture and North Carolina's business community, Ray brings a wealth of experience from his service in the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the White House, and the North Carolina General Assembly.

Hosted by the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce, this event promises an unforgettable experience for all attendees. Kicking off at 6 PM with a lively pre-meeting mingle, it’s designed to cultivate a warm and engaging networking atmosphere. Set against the inviting backdrop of the Statesville Civic Center, the evening will be a perfect blend of camaraderie and community connection.

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—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

● Fusion Award

Denso's sponsorship highlights their unwavering commitment to supporting and nurturing growth within the local community. This partnership seamlessly aligns with the Chamber's mission to celebrate excellence, drive innovation, and make a meaningful impact on the 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.”

The 2024 SAGE Awards & Annual Meeting promises to be an unforgettable celebration, honoring Statesville's outstanding achievements and the unwavering commitment to growth and excellence that defines our community. Tickets are now available on the Chamber's website—don’t miss this extraordinary event!

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 us at StatesvilleChamber.org. For tickets: StatesvilleChamber.org/sage