BY DEBBIE PAGE
During its annual awards luncheon on Tuesday, the Mooresville-South Iredell Chamber of Commerce honored Mike Cook of Cavin-Cook Funeral Home with the Mooresville Ford Citizen of the Year Award, which was presented by Jeff Shoe.
In video remarks prior to the award, Cook spoke of his desire to serve the community. He saw helping people as an opportunity to give back to others who had also come from humble beginnings.
In his remarks, Cook honored the mentors who taught him along the way, including shoeshine man Lee Pinkston, who advised him to “give more than they think they are going to get.” He thanked dry cleaner owner Winona Smith for giving him $20 to buy books at CPCC and for inspiring him to give scholarships to assist college students as well.
Cook also thanked Sam Price of Miller Drug who paid him well for lawn mowing and gave him milkshakes as a treat when he picked up his pay, noting the best part of life is building rich relationships.
President’s Award
Chamber of Commerce President Kirk Ballard posthumously awarded the President’s Award to “visionary” Rick Howard, who, with son Brad, developed the Langtree at the Lake area at Exit 33. Brad and widow Pam Howard accepted the honor on behalf of the Iredell County native, who passed away in August. Ballard praised the award recipient for his efforts to expanded opportunities and economic prosperity for community members.
Business of the Year Award
Duke Health Lake Norman Hospital, celebrating its 100th year, received the Business of the Year Award recognition from Ballard. Duke acquired the former 123-bed Lake Norman Regional Medical Center last year and has since been expanding access, services, equipment, technology, and team members.
The hospital’s mission is to help community members to a healthier, more connected future with compassionate, dedicated care.
After the award presentation, Leigh Whitfield, the hospital’s chief of public affairs, presided over a brief panel discussion with several key Duke officials.
Greg Pauly, president of Duke University Health System, noted that the acquisition of the Mooresville hospital was the first for the organization since 1999. The system is excited to be a part of this thriving area, he noted.
Pauly wants to build upon the amazing care already there and add more high-tech care and tools to improve patient care experience as quickly as possible.
Kristie Barazsu, president and chief operating officer for Duke Health Lake Norman Hospital, commented on Duke’s commitment to innovation and investment to provide high-quality healthcare through improved infrastructure, resources, and technology.
Dr. Andrew Gross, chief medical officer, is excited to have a new partner in Duke Health after some years of “failing to adapt and grow.” Duke is a “premier model of community care that leads with quality and safety.”
Chief Nursing Officer Miranda Mathis-Harris added that buildings do not create a legacy; instead, it’s the people inside who demonstrate resilience, strength, skills, and compassion every day. “One hundred years of service gives us the courage to build a strong future,” she said.
Randy Marion, chairman of the hospital’s Board of Trustees, who has served on the board for three decades, called Duke Health Lake Norman a “crown jewel.” He is “thrilled” to have Duke and its many assets now in the community.
Sara Haire Tice Women in Leadership Award
Whitfield also presented the Sara Haire Tice Women in Leadership Award to Betty Marion, who has served in many community nonprofits, including The Christian Mission and FeedNC, and has been an active supporter of Mooresville High School’s band and athletics.
Betty Marion, who earned a degree in social work, also established the Christmas Through the Eyes of A Child organization ten years ago to buy gifts and have a “fancy” party for local children in need. Marion’s “Night of Impact” events have raised over $2 million for The Christmas Mission, in addition to her fundraising and support of other area nonprofits.
Whitfield praised Marion as an “admired woman known for her ease, grace, humility, and passion for helping those in need.”
Betty Marion was humbled by the recognition and thanked her family for coming from three states to be there for the occasion.
Duke Energy Service Award
Duke Energy’s Joseph Crapster presented the company’s Service Award to Linda Morris of the nonprofit Bridge of Hearts, an organization dedicated to supporting homeless and impoverished children across the greater Lake Norman region.
Each year the organization provides thousands of children from pre-K through 12th grade with birthday gifts, books, healthy snacks, baby items, “go” bags for housing insecure students, and hygiene kits.
The organization has 900 volunteers who help in the nonprofit’s efforts to serve Iredell-Statesville Schools, Mooresville Graded School District, and northern Mecklenburg County. The group is adding Rowan and Lincoln counties next year and will also expand its offerings to create emergency supply kits to families who are suddenly homeless.
Mitchell Community College Entrepreneurial Award
Mitchell Community College President Dr. Tim Brewer presented the MCC Entrepreneurial Award to Mooresville Oil and Propane owner Charles Graham and manager McKenzie Graham. The company, bought by the Graham family in 1979, has operated since 1924 and serves over 5,000 customers.
McKenzie Graham, who takes honoring the company’s century old legacy seriously, said the company has embraced innovation and technology to grow and improve customer service at this hometown company. She also noted that the company’s community-driven employees are essential workers who keep people warm.
President’s Remarks
In his comments, Ballard thanked Duke Health Lake Norman Hospital, the event’s presenting sponsor, Mooresville Ford, associate sponsor, and Duke Energy, Mitchell Community College, and REH CPA, supporting sponsors.
He remarked that though the chamber was business-focused, education plays a key role in drawing new economic development and praised I-SS, MGSD, MCC, and Universal Technical Institute for its educational and workforce development efforts.
The chamber held 156 ribbon-cuttings in 2025, noting the great opportunities and possibilities coming to the area as the community embraces and supports local businesses.
To close the event, Ballard asked attendees to light up the pen lights at each place setting. Quoting St. Francis of Assisi, Ballard said “all the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.”
Ballard asked attendees to be “lights of hope” in the world, dedicated to community service as they move forward with kindness and compassion. “All of our lights together can be a beacon to all,” he said.