MINT HILL, NC – 2020 was a rocky year for many business owners. As we’ve taken steps back toward a “new normal” in 2021, Mint Hill’s Chamber of Commerce has found a lot to celebrate.
In February of 2021, The Chamber of Commerce celebrated individuals and businesses who excel at leadership at their virtual annual members meeting. Whitleigh Cook, Owner of Mint Hill Dance, was awarded the Tina Ross Business Leadership Award. This honor is presented annually to an individual who has positively contributed to the betterment of Mint Hill’s business community, a person who – like the award’s namesake, late Commissioner Tina Ross – is dedicated not only to their own company but to making an impact in Mint Hill. Create-a-Video was chosen as Business Partner of the Year, an award given to an organization that goes above and beyond, giving of their time and resources to promote the success of the Chamber. Chick-fil-A’s Denise Boston was recognized as Ambassador of the Year for being a respected leader in the community and a positive role model to others. Lastly, the Chamber welcomed incoming President for 2021 Kim Rhodarmer, Founder and Executive Director of Servant’s Heart.
After over a year of being unable to gather in person due to COVID, the Chamber was elated to be able to resume in-person member luncheons in April at a new location. Formerly held at Jimmy’s Restaurant, the monthly luncheons have found a new home this year at Olde Sycamore, a location that has allowed Chamber members who are restaurants to cater luncheons at the new venue.
After a lengthy, COVID-related hiatus from in-person ribbon cuttings, the Chamber was thrilled to celebrate an unprecedented number of ribbon cuttings in 2021. “We were finally able to celebrate businesses that opened in 2020, and we also had an unprecedented number of businesses open in 2021,” said Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Paige McKinney. “For many months, it seemed like we had a ribbon cutting every Thursday!”
In May, the Chamber of Commerce with sponsor Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center hosted a virtual auction. Many businesses in the Mint Hill community donated items that were raffled off to the highest online bidder. Funds raised through the virtual auction not only helped support the Chamber’s signature programs but enabled the Chamber to assist struggling members with COVID relief funds.
The 9th Annual Golf Classic held at Olde Sycamore Golf Plantation in September was a huge success. The largest tournament to date, it raised over $27K in revenue for Chamber programs and scholarships. Thanks to the Golf Tournament, the Chamber was able to award three deserving Mint Hill seniors and one Junior Ambassador with $1000 scholarships.
In October, the Chamber hosted the 3rd Annual Cornhole Tournament sponsored by Pour 64 and Hawthorne’s Pizza was a huge success! Location Sponsor Pour 64 took home first place with second and third going to Terry Aaseby & Son and MCH Chiropractic and Nutrition. The Tournament raised over $1100 for the Chamber’s Scholarship program.
The 3rd Annual Christmas Pop Up Shop in mid-December was a true “Hallmark Movie” moment for the Town of Mint Hill. Residents strolled through more than 50 vendors set up in front of Town Hall while sipping on hot chocolate and listening to Christmas tunes.
