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Chamber recognizes 'Faith in Future'

Robert C. Reed

Gary Laws (center), presents the annual Faith in the Future Awards to Steve and Raymond von Drehle at the Chamber’s annual membership meeting Tuesday morning.

Faith in the future award winners, nominees

Chairman’s Award

• von Drehle Corp.

1 to 15 employees

• Greater Hickory Classic Foundation

Pixelspace

Taste Full Beans Coffehouse

16 to 75 employees

• Moss-Marlow Building Co.

The Jackson Group

75-plus employees

• Abernethy Laurels

Lenoir-Rhyne University

von Drehle Corp.

By John Dayberry | Hickory Daily Record

Published: February 4, 2009

HICKORY - A Hickory-based company that grew during a shrinking economy was presented the Catawba County Chamber of Commerce's Chairman's Award on Tuesday.

Paper towel and tissue products supplier von Drehle Corp., which invested $55 million in itself last year, was honored during the Chamber's 2009 membership meeting at the Hickory Metro Convention Center.

The 34-year-old company has converting facilities in Maiden, Memphis, Tenn., and Las Vegas, Nev. It also has a 400,000-square-foot paper mill in Cordova.

Among other investments in 2008, von Drehle Corp. spent $5 million on equipment upgrades at its Maiden facility, where employment has grown to about 60 people.

Other companies receiving the Chamber's Faith in the Future awards were:

SMALL BUSINESS

The Greater Hickory Classic at Rock Barn is one of 28 golf tournaments on the PGA Champions Tour and the only event of its kind in Western North Carolina.

The economic impact of the tournament is estimated at $15.5 million for Catawba County and more than $25 million for the region. More than $700,000 has been donated to local charities through the Greater Hickory Classic Foundation.

MID-SIZE BUSINESS

Moss-Marlow Building Co. is a general contracting company that specializes in the commercial, residential and institutional markets. In 2007, the company purchased, renovated and relocated to an existing building and property on U.S. 70, SW.

Moss-Marlow is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

LARGE BUSINESS

Abernethy Laurels, a United Church Homes and Services ministry, is a continuing care retirement community in Newton.

In 2006, Abernethy Laurels moved forward with a $15 million investment that included a 40,000-square-foot community center and 10 new cottages and villas. The community helps demonstrate the desirability of Catawba County as a national retirement destination.

Also at the annual meeting, three area businesses were presented the first Champions of Education BELIEF (Business Encouraging Leadership by Investing in Education for the Future) awards.

The awards recognize efforts in partnering with schools in Catawba County and providing them with the necessary tools and resources to prepare students for the 21st century economy.

Catawba Valley Medical Center was honored in the large business category. Piedmont Natural Gas was honored in the medium business category, while Concept Frames won recognition in the small business category.