The Kernersville Chamber of Commerce recognized some of the community’s most dedicated business and civic leaders this week during its annual awards banquet at the town’s new Recreation and Event Center.
The event served both as a celebration of service and as a transition of leadership, with new board members welcomed and outgoing members recognized for their contributions.
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Chamber President Chris Comer thanked the more than 220 volunteers who made the organization’s many events possible, highlighting continued business growth throughout the community — from the Union Cross area to Downtown Kernersville.
“If you don’t know, the Pinnix building is filling up,” she said, referencing several new businesses set to open within the historic downtown landmark.
Among the businesses recognized was Corilam Fabricating Co., which celebrated its 50th year as a Chamber member. Outgoing board chair Rishado Robinson presented a pair of Chairman’s Awards — one to his successor, incoming chair Dr. Mishi Jackson, and one to Comer herself, who received a standing ovation.
Superior Court Judge Eric Morgan introduced the 2026 board of directors, calling the moment “an important recognition of service to the community.”
“As we celebrate a year of accomplishment, we also recognize what a historic and exciting time it is to serve on the Chamber board.”
Jackson, describing herself as “truly lucky” to serve, praised the Chamber’s “tireless dedication to supporting the over 500 business members who make this organization a hub of creativity and community engagement.”
Among this year’s top honors were:
- Business Person of the Year: Rita Bottoms of The Resource
- Business Advocate of the Year: Susanna Nunn of State Farm
- Business of the Year: Caudill’s Electric
When presenting the Business of the Year Award, Brian Campbell of Truist praised Caudill’s Electric for its resilience following a devastating fire earlier this year.
“In less than 72 hours, every employee was back to work,” he said. “A true testament to leadership and teamwork.”
Accepting the award, State Sen. Dana Caudill Jones (pictured, second from left, in the featured image) applauded Caudill’s staff for their perseverance and the first responders who came to their aid.
“We saw the very best of what we know we have in Kernersville.”
Additional honorees included:
- Duke Energy Citizenship Service Award: One Stop of Kernersville
- Key Volunteer Award: Dalton Pike of Advanced Benefit Consultants
- Joan and Lee Hope Impact Award: Parks and Recreation Director Ernie Pages, accepted by Town Manager Curtis Swisher
- Economic Development Award: Fourth Elm Construction
In presenting the award to Fourth Elm, Mayor Dawn Morgan noted that the economic development honor is “not given every year,” comparing it to a “lifetime achievement award for those whose work has shaped Kernersville’s growth.”
Swisher returned to close the evening by presenting the Arnold King Community Distinguished Service Award to Rick Pierce, president of the Kernersville Museum Foundation, for his leadership and dedication to the town’s holiday decorations and community projects.
The Chamber’s Citizen of the Year, Josh Pratt of Savage Roasters, was unable to attend but was previously surprised with his award at his downtown coffee shop — a moment captured exclusively by Scope News.
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