Annual Gala
The Rowan Chamber's Annual Gala is recognized as one of the community’s premier events, bringing together leaders from business, government, philanthropy, and the nonprofit sector for an evening of celebration and connection.
The program includes the presentation of annual awards honoring outstanding businesses and individuals, the ceremonial passing of leadership within the organization, and a sit-down dinner accompanied by opportunities for networking.
The Gala serves as both a celebration of achievement and a gathering of community leaders, marking an important moment each year in the organization’s history.
Save the Date for Our 100th Annual Gala on January 29, 2026!
The Rowan Chamber of Commerce invites you to our 100th Annual Gala, presented by Novant Health, on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Rowan Community Center.
This year’s theme, “Century of Success,” honors a milestone moment in our history as we reflect on the past and look ahead to the future.
The evening will include:
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The Annual Awards Ceremony, recognizing outstanding business and community leaders with honors like Small Business of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Young Professional of the Year, Minority Business of the Year, and the Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award.
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The Passing of the Gavel, from 2025 Board Chair Steve Fisher (F&M Bank) to 2026 Board Chair Starling Johnson Kaklamanos (Johnson Concrete).
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A sit-down dinner and plenty of time to connect and network with fellow Chamber members and community leaders.
Dress code: Black tie optional. Guests are encouraged to wear black, white, or gold in celebration of the 100th year.
WE ARE SOLD OUT. Thank you for your continued support.
Meet Our 100th Annual Gala Emcee: Marty Brennaman
A 1965 graduate of UNC, Marty began his broadcasting career at WGHP-TV in High Point, North Carolina, followed by stops here in Salisbury and Norfolk, VA. In 1970, he earned his first play-by-play role as the radio voice of the Virginia Squires of the American Basketball Association and added baseball to his resume in 1971 with the Triple-A Tidewater Mets.
In 1974, Marty was selected from more than 200 applicants to succeed Al Michaels as the play-by-play “Voice of the Cincinnati Reds” on WLW Radio, a role he held through the 2019 season. During his storied career, he called numerous World Series for NBC Radio, including the legendary 1975 Reds–Red Sox series. Marty and his wife, Amanda, enjoy spending time in and supporting our Salisbury community!
Sponsorship Opportunities
Novant Health
Catawba College, Duke Energy, F&M Bank, Global Contact Services, Johnson Concrete Products
Corporate Sponsors
- Ahold Delhaize-Food Lion, LLC • Alan F. Burke, CPA • Atrium Health • City of Salisbury • City of Kannapolis • Cloninger Ford-Toyota Scion • Desco, Inc. • Carrol Fisher Construction & Fisher Realty • Godley's Garden Center & Nursery • Graeber & Associates, Inc. • Greystone Salon & Spa • Healthcare Management Consultants • Holmes Iron & Metal, Inc • Kannapolis Cannon Ballers • Kinetic • Livingstone College • Miller Davis, Inc. • Morrison Brothers Building Center • NC Transportation Museum • Osterhus Outdoors, LLC • Rowan-Cabarrus Community College • Rowan County Tourism • Rowan County EDC • Rowan County Government • Salisbury Post • Self-Help Credit Union • Southern Power – Plant Rowan • Town of East Spencer • Town of Granite Quarry • Town of Landis • Trees & Plants Nursery and Garden Center • Trinity Oaks / Lutheran Services Carolinas • Vulcan Materials Company • Walser Technology Group
2026 Annual Awards
The Rowan Chamber will present awards for the Young Professional of the Year, Paul E. Fisher Chamber Volunteer of the Year, Chamber Champion Small Business of the Year, Minority Business of the Year, and Duke Energy Citizenship & Service Award. The deadline for nominations has passed.