In a night filled with celebration and applause, the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce gathered on March 19 to honor outstanding business and community leaders. The annual Chamber Gala at The Peninsula Club in Cornelius became a landmark moment for local business excellence and civic impact. The event brought together business owners, nonprofit leaders, and community advocates in a shared recognition of dedication and service that helped shape the region’s economic and social fabric over the past year.
Chamber’s Top Business Honors Recognize Leadership and Growth
The spotlight of the evening shone brightly on two distinguished business leaders whose achievements have made waves across the Lake Norman region. Dale Gillmore, founder of Quest, was named the 2025 Robert T. Cashion Business Person of the Year, the Lake Norman Chamber’s highest individual business accolade. The award honors a leader who has not only built successful enterprises but also invested deeply in mentoring others and strengthening the community.
Gillmore’s journey from founding Quest in 2014 to guiding it into a respected advisory firm illustrates his commitment to both strategic business growth and personal leadership excellence. His firm, known for its work in mergers and acquisitions, succession planning, tax strategy and asset protection, has expanded its team and influence throughout the Southeast. Gillmore’s approach emphasizes disciplined financial strategy combined with people-first leadership, a formula that has earned widespread respect among clients and peers alike.
In his acceptance remarks, Gillmore emphasized community impact alongside business success, highlighting his role in mentoring local entrepreneurs and his ongoing engagement with chamber programs designed to develop future leaders.
Entrepreneurial Spirit Takes Center Stage
Another major award of the night, the 2025 McIntosh Law Firm Passion to Succeed Entrepreneur of the Year, went to Douglas Marion, owner and founder of Advanced Wealth Strategies. This award recognizes a businessperson whose innovation, drive and resilience have fueled remarkable growth and success.
Under Marion’s leadership, Advanced Wealth Strategies has carved out a strong reputation for financial advisory excellence, helping clients navigate complex financial planning and wealth management goals. His entrepreneurial journey reflects a blend of strategic foresight and a passion for client success. Leaders and attendees noted that Marion’s commitment to quality service and consistent growth has set a benchmark for local businesses striving to excel in competitive markets.
Community Champions and Civic Contributors Honored
Beyond the business awards, the Chamber also recognized several individuals whose contributions extend into the heart of Lake Norman’s community life. These honorees stood out for their service, volunteerism and commitment to uplifting others.
Among those celebrated were:
- Dr. Linda Morris, recipient of the Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award, for her long-standing work improving local health outcomes and community wellness.
- Pastor David Judge, honored with the John R. Cherry Community Service Award, for his leadership in faith-based outreach and community support.
- Barbara McCall, awarded the Scott Hinkle Servant Leadership Award, for exemplifying selfless service across diverse community initiatives.
- Alex Kuz of BoatDoctor, named Volunteer of the Year for his dedicated service and time given to chamber programs and events.
- Wyatt Outerbridge of New York Life Insurance Company, honored as the Chamber Carbon Ambassador of the Year for his commitment to member engagement and relationship building.
The gala also recognized outgoing board members for their leadership, including Rod Beard and Karen Tovar, whose years of service helped advance the Chamber’s mission and impact.
Celebrating Projects and Partnerships That Move the Region Forward
In addition to individual honors, the Lake Norman Chamber acknowledged notable programs and initiatives that have strengthened the local economy and connected community members. A standout recognition of the night was awarded to the Lake Norman Chamber AI Summit, which was named Project of the Year. This summit has rapidly become a key event for business leaders seeking insight on artificial intelligence’s role in marketing, workforce development and innovation, signaling the Chamber’s commitment to helping members stay ahead of emerging trends.
A highlight of the evening also included the ceremonial passing of leadership from outgoing Board Chair Brian Sisson to incoming Board Chair Leah Trowbridge, marking a seamless transition and renewed vision for the Chamber’s future engagements.
A Night of Recognition and Shared Purpose
The Lake Norman Chamber Gala was more than an awards ceremony. It was a reflection of the collective energy that drives the region’s success. Leaders in business and service shared stories, celebrated milestones and reaffirmed their commitment to economic growth and community wellbeing. The event celebrated individual excellence and reminded attendees that business success and community impact are deeply intertwined.
As the evening concluded, guests left with renewed inspiration and a shared sense of purpose. The gala not only honored achievements but also highlighted how collaboration, innovation and a focus on community make the Lake Norman region a thriving and dynamic place to work, live and grow.
