Community Awards Given at 129th Chamber Annual Meeting

"The Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce held its 129^th Annual Meeting on December 2 at the Benton Convention Center. Two community awards were given during the event.

The Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award was given to John Burress. For decades, John Burress has been a leader in Winston-Salem’s business and non-profit communities. He has been dedicated to improving the lives of those around him. His interest in human services has led him to serve on the Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center Board of Visitors and on the Executive Council of the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust. He has also played instrumental roles with Senior Service and Hospice Palliative CareCenter. His strong commitment to education is evidenced by his leadership with Triad Academy, Applied Behavior Analysis Center of NC, Summit School, and his own alma maters: Episcopal High School and UNC-Chapel Hill. John is also a passionate autism advocate, and his meetings with state legislators have helped to influence legislation supporting individuals and families affected by autism.

The Truliant Small Business Award was presented by Truliant Federal Credit Union. The recipient of this award was Freedom Creative Solutions. Freedom Creative Solutions started out as a small direct mail business known as Freedom Mailing in 2000. In 2010, the business rebranded and evolved into a multi-faceted marketing company incorporating graphic design, print and web design services, along with direct mail services. Daniel Baird is the president and owner of Freedom Creative Solutions.

Additional finalists for the Truliant Small Business Award were: etc. Consignment Shoppe, KevMark Catering, Marley Drug and Salem Gymnastics Sports Center.

Held in the North Main Hall of the Benton Convention Center, the Annual Meeting was sponsored by Cook Medical, Duke Energy and Truliant Federal Credit Union. Over 600 business leaders were in attendance at today’s event. It is the only meeting in the community that gathers CEOs and high-level corporate executives to discuss the Chamber’s key accomplishments for 2014."

- A Press Release