Not one, but two local mayors received one of North Carolina’s highest civilian honors Friday.
Bob Misenheimer, mayor of Kannapolis, and Scott Padgett, mayor of Concord, received Lifetime Achievement Awards by the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce during their 2012 annual meeting Friday.
But when the two took the stage at the Embassy Suites Concord Golf Resort & Spa to be honored, they had no idea they would be receiving yet another award — the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. It is among North Carolina’s highest awards.
“I’m overwhelmed,” Misenheimer said. “Thank you so very much.”
John Cox, Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce president, introduced the two men. He said Misenheimer served the Cabarrus County region for the last 54 years in one capacity or another. He had taught children in area schools, volunteered at CMC-NorthEast, been a trustee with Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, and was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving in Korea. He’s served as mayor of Kannapolis since 2005.
During that time, Misenheimer and others in Kannapolis have had to deal with the closing of the textile plant, Pillowtex, and the development of the North Carolina Research Campus.
“He’s taken his first priority over Kannapolis’ economic development because development leads to jobs, the city’s most pressing need,” Cox said.
Cox said Padgett also served in Cabarrus County classrooms, teaching, before taking office as mayor of Concord in 2001.He is a past member of the North Carolina League of Municipalities board and member of the North Carolina Metropolitan Coalition of Cities.
“He is one of the biggest supporters of our region,” Cox said.
Bev Perdue, North Carolina governor, was not present at the awards ceremony, but there was a special video presentation by her that honored Misenheimer and Padgett.
“I was so privileged to be able to present you each with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine,” she said. “I have worked with you guys for years. You all have been fearless, tireless community workers.”
Padgett spoke about his time serving in the community and the honor Perdue gave him and Misenheimer.
“This is a very high award,” Padgett said. “I am honored to have this.”
In addition to Misenheimer and Padgett being honored at Friday’s event, the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce presented the Citizen of the Year Award to Steve Morris, operator of the Gem Theatre in Kannapolis.
Cox said Morris has served many roles in Cabarrus County, including serving with the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce, and prior to that the Kannapolis Chamber of Commerce. Cox said Morris was also responsible for having a marketing technique that brought national exposure to Cabarrus County when Morris offered free admission to the Gem on Wednesday nights at the beginning of the economic recession.
“I’m definitely overwhelmed,” Morris said. “With all the good things people do in this room, certainly with the chamber and many other organizations with Cabarrus County it is humbling to be singled out when I look out and see so many deserving people in this audience. Thank you for all you do in this community and for allowing me to be a part of it.”
Also during Friday’s event:
» Racing Electronics received the Small Business of the Year award.
» Sustainability awards were given to Embassy Suites Golf Resort and Spa; the cities of Kannapolis and Concord; as well as Moose Pharmacy. The awards were given for their achievements in excellence in water reduction and waste reduction/recycling. The Sustainability Council also honored Dakeita Vanderburg-Johnson.
»Daniel Smith, Smith Environmental Solutions, Inc. was recognized as the Ambassador of the Year for outstanding service to the chamber in 2011.
By: Michael Knox | Concord Independent Tribune
Published: January 27, 2012 Updated: January 27, 2012 – 7:46 PM
