Chamber of Commerce honors contributions to the common good

ASHEBORO — Patrick O’Hara was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce annual awards meeting March 20 at Pinewood Country Club.

Others receiving honors were:

■ Elizabeth Mitchell with the ATHENA Award.

■ Al LaPrade as Volunteer of the Year.

■ Our Daily Bread as Nonprofit of the Year.

■ Cone Health Cancer Center Asheboro as Business of the Year.

■ Toyota North Carolina as Industry of the Year.

■ Cam Mills as Emerging Leader of the Year. 

■ Dean Lail as Citizen of the Year.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is not one of the annual awards but, according to emcee Patrick Osteen, “This year, the Citizen of the Year Committee made it known that they would like to pay tribute to an individual through the awarding of a Lifetime Achievement award.”

O’Hara, who is retiring as president and CEO of the Randolph-Asheboro YMCA after 30 years, was recognized for increasing the membership of the Y by 10 times during his tenure. 

“With community help, Patrick spearheaded a capital campaign in 2008 and raised funds to expand the YMCA to the current size today, adding 35,000 square feet and a splash pad,” Osteen said. “Community is central to Patrick’s vision at the Y and his outreach to the community over the years has grown to such that we now see Special Olympics, Boys & Girls Club and 4-H heavily involved at the Y,” making sure the Y is for everyone.

In accepting the award, O’Hara said, “Thank you so much. I was not expecting this. This award is for all you, staff, board and trustees. You guys have made it special. I love you so much.”

ATHENA Award

In presenting the ATHENA Award, last year’s honoree Kelly Heath called Mitchell “a beacon of support for the disadvantaged, be that in her professional or personal endeavors. Literally hundreds of women have been supported by our newest ATHENA to develop various skills to benefit them or their families. Lives have been changed as these new skill sets broke cycles of dependency that could be multiple generations long. Instilling a sense of self-sufficiency has been a career defining and personal ambition.”

Mitchell, recently retired executive director of United Way of Randolph, has continued to support nonprofits such as the Randolph Arts Council and Randolph Senior Adults Association. 

“She kept United Way true to its mission to support the nonprofits that serve those in need in our community,” Heath said. “And even in her retirement, she is still giving back to her community by serving as interim executive director for Lydia’s Place.”

Mitchell said as she received the award, “I”m overwhelmed. Every single woman who has gone before has laid the path.” Noting her Scottish roots, she said, “I’m not from here but you have adopted me and you love me. Thank you. This is incredible.”

Citizen of the Year

Lail, as Citizen of the Year, “oversaw the creation of a new company (Sapona Plastics) that saw one being rescued from bankruptcy,” Osteen said. “They ensured that they retained employees and the company thrived to its present state with two plants and 133 employees.”

In addition, Lail was a leader in “bringing new life to the former Luck’s Cannery building … providing opportunity for Seagrove to develop a venue for multiple events and conferences throughout the year.”

Lail said, “My father (Jack Lail) said his proudest achievement was receiving the Citizen of the Year Award. I’m glad to be part of the team. Thank you, Chamber of Commerce, for this honor.”

Business of the Year

The Business of the Year went to a newcomer to the community. Cone Health Cancer Center Asheboro opened just three years ago, providing cancer treatments and other medical services.

“The nomination also referenced a culture of compassion,” Osteen said. “The physicians are known to be outstanding and the nursing staff truly extraordinary. They are known to care for each patient with heartfelt dedication, standing beside them every step of the way and advocating not only for those in treatment but also for their loved ones. Their kindness and strength are evident in every interaction.”

Accepting the award were Susan Hussey, assistant director, and Stacey Mabry, director. Hussey said, “We’re so honored and grateful to be able to represent Cone Health.” Mabry added, “This is amazing. Thank you so much.”

Industry of the Year

The Industry of the Year Award also went to a newcomer to Randolph County. But in its short time near Liberty, Toyota North Carolina has made its impact felt.

“Since their opening in Randolph County, the organization has been philanthropic in their efforts and in the last year alone awarded $2 million to the Asheboro City School District for Driving Possibilities Program,” Osteen said. 

“A culture within a company is often reflected in how it engages with the community it serves and supports, and this company lives and breathes community responsibility and sustainability. It engages with and supports stakeholder partners in its immediate vicinity and wider County, supporting innovation internally and within the community and celebrating the importance of education, again within itself and the county.”

Accepting the award was Dan Armour, senior manager of production. “We’re still growing and we’re really committed to the community. Thank you.”

Nonprofit of the Year

The Nonprofit of the Year is a new award that went to an organization that’s been around since 1990, founded by the late Dora Atlas to feed the hungry. Our Daily Bread, Osteen said, serves in excess of 40,000 meals each year.

“It would be remiss of us if we did not acknowledge the impact that Rev. Dora Atlas has made and continues to make since she first opened the door of her nonprofit in 1990,” Osteen said. “She has inspired an entire community to stand up and support others with the torch of leadership now having passed to Gene Woodle.”

Woodle accepted the honor, saying, “I really appreciate this award. In 36 years, we’ve served over 800,000 meals. I appreciate you all and God bless you.”

Volunteer of the Year

In revealing the Volunteer of the Year, Osteen said, “Something of a landmark in the local community, this year’s Volunteer of the Year is not seen at numerous events … though he is there. He will be where he prefers to be, there to support the event, often behind the scenes and without seeking credit.”

LaPrade has been active in the Downtown Business Association and Downtown Asheboro Inc. He has backed up his efforts to push the community forward with his current restoration of the former four-story bank building downtown into a boutique hotel.

LaPrade said upon accepting the honor, “I really do appreciate this award. I’ll definitely be around when someone needs me.”

Emerging Leader of the Year

In introducing Cam Mills as Emerging Leader of the Year, Osteen said, “The recipient embodies resilience. They personify perseverance and an ability to remain outwardly calm in the face of adversity. He currently serves as the National Committee chairman for the North Carolina Federation of Young Republicans and sits on the organization’s National Executive Board. In addition to that, he is also instrumental in the development of our local celebration of this nation’s semiquincentennial later this year.”

Mills also was recently appointed to the Asheboro City Council as its youngest member.

“I did not expect this and I’m grateful,” Mills said. “Thank you, guys. Asheboro and Randolph County are the best places to live in the world.”