The Chamber, Leading Business in Cabarrus hosted their Annual Meeting on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Great Wolf Lodge with 360 members attending.

Looking Back at 2025

The Chamber’s Annual Meeting offered an opportunity to reflect on the advocacy and workforce development milestones that the Chamber and its members achieved in 2025. Notable achievements included:

• Modernization of NC’s childcare system by streamlining regulations, expanding access, and strengthening the workforce pipeline for local employers.
• Supported federal efforts that successfully expanded Pell Grant eligibility to short-term, high-quality training programs, improving access to workforce-aligned education that will strengthen employer pipelines.
• Supported the NC Chamber’s advocacy to expand health plans for small businesses resulting in Carolina HealthWorks, a group option for our members with two to 50 employees.
• Supported federal advocacy to permanently extend the 2017 small business tax rates, maintaining a stable, pro-growth tax environment for employers

In 2025, The Chamber welcomed 149 new members and celebrated 40 ribbon cuttings. Over 3,000 people attended the Chamber’s 14 large signature events and 37 monthly networking events. The Chamber staff, ambassadors, board, and sponsors served 400 meals to first responders, delivered over 100 door prizes to educators, and made 550 workforce connections at C4 Day.

Last Year, The Chamber also invested in a new website, cabarrusncchamber.org. The new website’s new features make navigation easier and more accessible for members and the community. Thank you to Justin Moore with Sublmnl for his hard work on that project!

Looking Forward to 2026

This year, The Chamber is promoting a new section on their website for business resources. This page hosts valuable guides, links, and support materials designed to empower entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals across Cabarrus County. Adding to The Chamber’s ongoing events, members can attend a series of professional development workshops with topics such as marketing, networking, AI and best exhibitor practices to help small businesses grow. The Chamber will also continue to advocate for businesses in Cabarrus County year-round and partner with The Charlotte Ledger to produce The Election Hub, a nonbiased, nonpartisan voter resource.

The Chamber’s Annual Awards

The Annual Meeting also serves as a time for The Chamber to honor businesses and individuals in various categories. This year’s winners are:

• Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by F&M Bank – Sublmnl
• Nonprofit of the Year Award, sponsored by Uwharrie Bank – WeBuild Concord
• New Business of the Year, sponsored by Pinnacle Financial Partners – FocalGroove
• Community Impact Award, sponsored by Atrium Health – Ben Mynatt Family of Dealerships
• Employee Extra Mile Award, sponsored by Lilly – Taylor Rinehardt with Queen City Engineering
• Leadership Cabarrus Alumni Impact Award, sponsored by Charlotte Motor Speedway – Mike Legg
• Ambassador of the Year, sponsored by The Chamber – Cora Billingsley
• Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award – Greg Walter

The Chamber’s awards nominations are judged by other chambers throughout the country.

For more information, please contact Jess Fick, Program Director, The Chamber, Leading Business in Cabarrus.