Rowan Chamber of Commerce to Celebrate a “Century of Success” at 100th Annual Gala
December 8, 2025
Join the Rowan Chamber of Commerce for a once-in-a-century celebration at its 100th Annual Gala on Thursday, January 29, 2026. Presented by Novant Health, this premier event will take place at 5:30 p.m. at the Rowan Community Center in Salisbury and will honor a century of business leadership, community partnership, and progress in Rowan County.
This year’s theme, “Century of Success,” commemorates the Chamber’s 100-year journey. More than 10 decades ago, the Chamber’s first president, Sam Carter, inspired a group of committed citizens with a challenge that still resonates today: “It is up to us to turn our faces forward with determination that we, as members of the Chamber of Commerce, will play our parts individually, collectively more intelligently, more wholesome, and in a better spirit of cooperation than has ever been done before in the history of Salisbury,” said Carter in 1925.
Those words set in motion the formation of a Chamber that has since grown into the leading voice for nearly 800 businesses across Rowan County and beyond.
“We appreciate all the business leaders who have shaped the Chamber over the past 100 years. This year’s Gala will be a special opportunity to honor that legacy and celebrate the businesses and volunteers who continue to strengthen our community. Our Board and staff remain committed to supporting strong businesses and a thriving community for years to come,” said Elaine Spalding, President of the Rowan Chamber.
A Night Honoring Leaders and Legacy
The 100th Annual Gala will feature the ceremonial passing of the gavel from 2025 Chair of the Board, Steve Fisher, President & CEO of F&M Bank, to 2026 Chair, Starling Johnson Kaklamanos, Vice President of Sales at Johnson Concrete Products.
The Gala will feature a sit-down dinner and time to connect and network with business leaders. Dress for the evening is black-tie optional, and guests are encouraged to wear black, white, or gold in recognition of the Chamber’s 100th year.
The Chamber will recognize exemplary business and community leaders through prestigious awards such as the 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.
In honor of the centennial year, the Chamber will additionally recognize long-standing businesses and past Chamber chairs whose leadership helped build the foundation the organization stands on today.
“This event is a tribute to the partnerships that have strengthened Rowan County for 100 years. Our committee is honored to help commemorate the past while inspiring excitement for the future,” said Kristen Reavis of Novant Health Rowan Medical Center, Chair of the Annual Gala Committee.
Reserve Your Seat
Reserve your seat for the Rowan Chamber’s 100th Annual Gala today at rowanchamber.com/annual-gala, or by contacting the Chamber at info@rowanchamber.com.
Individual tickets are $60 per person or $100 per couple for Chamber members and will not be assigned seating (first-come, first-served). The price for non-members is $90 per person. The deadline to register is Friday, January 9, 2026.
Sponsors To-Date:
Title Sponsor
Novant Health Rowan Medical Center
Program Sponsors
Catawba College
Duke Energy - Kristen
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
Carrol Fisher Construction & Fisher Realty
Desco, Inc.
Godley's Garden Center & Nursery
Graeber & Associates, Inc.
Greystone Salon & Spa
Healthcare Management Consultants
Holmes Iron & Metal, Inc
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
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
There’s still time to sponsor! Submit your sponsorship commitment by December 12 to reserve your spot. To learn more or secure your sponsorship, email the Chamber at info@rowanchamber.com.
