At our Annual Meeting on June 10th, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce presented awards to six local leaders and businesses, honoring outstanding leadership and contributions to the community.
The Family Business of the Year Award recognizes a family-owned business for its contributions to the community and success as a family-owned enterprise.
Founded in 1979 by Bill and Wilma Penland, Reems Creek Nursery received the Family Business of the Year Award in recognition of its multi-generational leadership, long-term vision and contributions to the community. What began as a small nursery in the founders’ front yard has grown into a thriving enterprise employing 35 people and serving customers throughout Western North Carolina. Today, three generations of family leadership actively guide the company. Reems Creek Nursery has distinguished itself through intentional succession planning, environmental stewardship and horticultural education. The business promotes both sustainable landscaping practices and pollinator conservation. It also provides educational resources to homeowners and gardeners. Its successful transition across generations serves as a model for family-owned businesses throughout the region.
The Black-Owned Business of the Year Award celebrates a business that contributes to the local economy, creates opportunity and shows a commitment to service and growth.
M.S. Lean was honored as the Asheville Chamber’s Black-Owned Business of the Year for its impressive commitments to both workforce development and community advancement. The residential and commercial landscaping company was founded on a commitment to creating opportunity through entrepreneurship and employment. In addition to providing landscaping, excavation and site services, M.S. Lean has invested in mentoring, helping participants develop both job skills and life skills. M.S. Lean also played an important role in debris removal and recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene. Through its business growth, community leadership and commitment to creating pathways for others, M.S. Lean exemplifies the transformative power of investing in the entirety of Asheville’s communities.
The President’s Award is given at the discretion of the Asheville Chamber President to an individual or company deserving of recognition for their work or contributions to the community.
The President’s Award was presented to Kevan Frazier in recognition of his extraordinary leadership and service to the Asheville community. An entrepreneur, educator, historian and civic leader, Frazier has dedicated his career to strengthening Asheville through business development, education and community engagement. He is the founder of Asheville by Foot and Well Played Board Game Café and serves as executive director of Western Carolina University’s Programs in Asheville. Most recently, Frazier was a key leader in the creation of the Asheville Downtown Improvement District, serving as chair of the steering committee that guided the effort to implementation. His ability to bring people together around a shared vision and his unwavering commitment to Asheville’s future makes him a model for all business leaders in our region.
The Small Business Leader of the Year Award recognizes an individual who clearly reflects quality and dedication in the operation of business in the Asheville area and illustrates accomplishments in leadership, including innovation, initiative and civic responsiveness.
Keynon Lake, founder of KL Training Solutions and My Daddy Taught Me That, received the Small Business Leader of the Year Award in recognition of visionary leadership and extraordinary commitment to youth development. An Asheville native, Lake launched My Daddy Taught Me That in 2012 to provide mentoring, education, advocacy, leadership development and life-skills training for young people. The organization has served more than 900 youth and has grown from a volunteer-driven effort into an organization supported by a professional staff. Through his work, Lake is actively building the future of Asheville: cultivating future leaders and encouraging community members to contribute their own talents and expertise. His leadership continues to create opportunities for young people and strengthen the community as a whole.
The Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognizes an entrepreneur with a soaring venture and a dedication to community involvement. This person serves as a role model by leading through example for all other startup entrepreneurs in the region.
Alisia Parrott, owner of Everyday Gourmet, was recognized as the Asheville Chamber’s Entrepreneur of the Year for her leadership in growing one of Western North Carolina’s most respected catering companies. Since acquiring the business in 2011, Parrott has combined entrepreneurial vision and a commitment to exceptional service to expand Everyday Gourmet’s reputation for quality and hospitality. Beyond business success, she has demonstrated a longstanding dedication to community involvement, supporting countless nonprofit events, fundraisers and community initiatives. Under her leadership, Everyday Gourmet has become a trusted partner for gatherings across the region. Parrott’s innovation, perseverance and leadership exemplifies the Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
The Excellence in Public Service Award recognizes an individual for outstanding contributions to the community through involvement and service. They are especially dedicated to improving the quality of life for the citizens of Buncombe County.
Paul Vest received the Excellence in Public Service Award in recognition of nearly 30 years of leadership and service through the YMCA of Western North Carolina. As president and CEO, Vest oversaw the organization’s growth from a single facility serving 3,800 members to a regional association serving 50,000 members across seven locations. His leadership extended beyond traditional YMCA programming through the creation of a Community Health initiative that operates both mobile food markets and award-winning health programs recognized nationally. Vest also helped bring Camp Watia to life, creating opportunities for thousands of young people to learn, grow and connect. Throughout many challenging periods — including the COVID-19 pandemic and Tropical Storm Helene — Vest led efforts that provided critical support to families and communities across Western North Carolina.