Lake Norman Publications

Knox honored as chamber’s Business Person of the Year



Lake Norman Chamber Business Person of the Year Charles Knox, center, was honored by former chamber chair Richard Pappas, left, and Bobby Cashion, son of award namesake Robert Cashion. /Doug Coats

HUNTERSVILLE – The Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce awarded several members of the business community for their efforts during the pandemic year 2020 at the organization’s delayed annual banquet July 15.

The Robert T. Cashion Business Person of the Year went to Charles Knox, founder of the Knox Group real estate brokerage, at the event at NorthStone Country Club. The company marked its 30th anniversary. Knox also serves on the board for Aquesta Bank, which was prominent in lending Paycheck Protection Program loans.

“Charles Knox’s reputation in the Charlotte metropolitan area is based on trust and integrity,” said Bobby Cashion, son of the award’s namesake. “He devotes substantial time to working directly with local business and property owners, investors and his peers in the field. He strives to make sure every real estate development The Knox Group undertakes makes a positive contribution to the long-term health of the community.”

Knox is a Davidson College graduate, was the chamber’s board chair in 2000 and has served on the N.C. 73 Planning Council. He admitted that he was “shocked” to receive the award.

“It’s a true honor to be affiliated with your dad,” Knox said. “I’ve been to many places in the world, and there’s not a place better than Lake Norman to do business. I feel grateful for this award. We survived during COVID. We got through it. I’m happy we’re all still here, and happy we can all get together without a mask, and be back to business as usual.”

Tonya Rivens was presented with the John R. Cherry Community Service Award from Cherry himself, right, after her organization raised $20,000 to give Charlotte-Mecklenburg students Chromebooks when schools shut down.

For her efforts donating Chromebooks to Mecklenburg County students, Tonya Rivens of the Ausie Rivens Foundation was presented the John. R. Cherry Community Service Award. Working with the UPS Foundation, Rivens raised $20,000 in 2020 to purchase Chromebooks and create six resource centers for students to learn remotely.

The foundation also has provided scholarships for youths to pursue careers in barber styling, and sponsors youth camps, trips and the annual outdoor gospel celebration, “Praise in the Park.”

For feeding students even while his own restaurant faced its own challenges, Wes Choplin was given the Duke Energy Citizen and Service Award.

The honor is a tribute to those who use their time, talent and philanthropy to positively impact the lives of others. Choplin and his staff at Choplin’s Steakhouse boxed up hundreds of lunches that included hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken tenders and pizza.

“While his own business took a hit because his dining room was closed, Wes took care of others,” said Duke Energy’s Christine Pulley. She then quoted Huntesville Commissioner Stacy Phillips: “He’s the epitome of kindness, compassion and a true leader. Our community is so much better because of Wes.”

Businessman and N.C. Rep. John Bradford was named Entrepreneur of the Year with the McIntosh Law Firm’s “Passion to Succeed” award.

Already president of Park Avenue Properties, in 2016 Bradford launched PetScreening, which helps housing providers manage residents’ pets and assist animals digitally while generating opportunities for pet-related revenue.

Through mid-year 2021, PetScreening already had more than 10,000 customers representing 2.5 million rental units in all 50 states and opened a new 8,000 square-foot corporate headquarters in the Merino Mill in Mooresville.

Bradford praised Chamber President Bill Russell on his leadership, especially over the last year-and-a-half.

“We did 39 calls during COVID, and Bill Russell joined every single call,” Bradford said. “He waited patiently, but always gave an update on behalf of the chamber.”

Also at the banquet

  • 2020 Board Chair Richard Pappas gave his farewell remarks, though he’s been away from the post since January. After summing up the challenges of 2020, he ended on a positive note.

“We live in the best time, in the best country and the best community for business, comfort and success,” he said. “Our community truly is an incredible place to work, play and live.”

• The current board chair is Erika Erlenbach, a partner of Ascension Law.
• Jeff Tarte was named 2020 Board Member of the Year

Chamber President Bill Russell speaks in front of Board Chair Erika Erlenbach.

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