The Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce, a business organization in Gaston County, held its 62nd annual awards celebration at the Camelot Meadows event venue in Belmont on Thursday, March 30, 2023. The event was attended by over 180 Chamber members and friends who were treated to bluegrass, brews, and a low country boil.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Harley B. Gaston Jr. Public Service Award to Regina Moody, who retired at the end of last year after dedicating 40 years of her life and career to Holy Angels, a place of living and learning for the differently-abled. During Moody’s tenure as the leader of Holy Angels, the organization expanded from a solitary building to 17 facilities spread across two cities and multiple locations, with a workforce of 350 employees and an annual budget of $19 million.
Moody expressed her gratitude to the Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce for the recognition and said, “I am deeply humbled to receive this award, and it is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the team at Holy Angels. We have come a long way in the last four decades, and I am proud of what we have achieved together.”
The Business of The Year Award was presented to ISI Elite Training, which has grown to 350 members since opening on South Point Road in Belmont in 2021. ISI Elite Training provides workouts led by certified coaches giving one-on-one attention in a group setting. The owners of ISI Elite Training, Nick and Taylor D’Andrea, said they were honored to receive the award and thanked the Chamber and the local community for their support.
“We started ISI Elite Training with a simple goal – to help people achieve their fitness goals and improve their quality of life. We are humbled and grateful for the recognition from the Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce, and we will continue to strive for excellence in everything we do,” said Nick D’Andrea.
The chamber’s EPIC Award was presented to the Barajas Company of McAdenville, a full-service marketing and sales company specializing in web development, media, communications, digital ads, and data-driven campaigns. The founder and CEO of the Barajas Company, Alex Barajas, expressed his gratitude to the Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce and said, “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team at the Barajas Company. We are passionate about helping our clients achieve their business goals, and we will continue to provide exceptional service and support.”
The Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce serves member businesses and organizations of all types and sizes throughout Gaston County and in Mecklenburg County. The Chamber’s mission is to promote economic growth, provide networking opportunities, and advocate for the business community.
“Congratulations to Regina Moody, ISI Elite Training, and the Barajas Company for their well-deserved recognition at our annual awards celebration. These outstanding individuals and businesses exemplify the best of the Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce and our commitment to promoting economic growth and prosperity in the region,” said Ted Hall, the Chamber’s President and CEO.
The Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce also recognized its outgoing board members and welcomed new board members at the awards celebration. The Chamber’s Board of Directors is composed of business leaders from various industries who volunteer their time and expertise to support the Chamber’s mission and vision. The Chamber’s Board of Directors is responsible for setting policies, making strategic decisions, and overseeing the Chamber’s operations and programs.
In conclusion, the Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce’s 62nd annual awards celebration was a resounding success, with well-deserved recognition for Regina Moody, ISI Elite Training, and the Barajas Company.