May 12. The Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Cabarrus Economic Development Corporation and Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce joined together to recognize outstanding individuals and businesses at the third annual Celebrate Cabarrus event held May 6 at Great Wolf Lodge.

Donna Carpenter, president and CEO of the CVB, Terry Crawford, EDC interim executive director, and chamber executive director Barbi Jones began the program by recognizing Mike Anderson of Michael A. Anderson Photography, Michael Knox and James Nix of the Independent Tribune, and Chad Mitchell of Chad Mitchell Photography for their ongoing positive promotion of the community through their craft and work.

“These men have championed Cabarrus County through their photography and journalism,” said Jones.

Each organization presented awards of excellence for their respective areas.

The EDC presented its Partner of the Year award to North Carolina Manufacturing Institute. Supporter of the Year went to Centralina Workforce Development.

The Chamber recognized Cyndie Mynatt, president of the Ben Mynatt family of dealerships, as its 2015 Citizen of the Year. Mynatt, an active business and volunteer leader, is the third member of the Mynatt family to receive this prestigious award. Her parents, Ben and Grace Mynatt, were earlier recipients.

Chris Wagner of Team Honeycutt – Allen Tate Realtors was recognized as the chamber’s 2015 Ambassador of the Year. Chamber Ambassadors serve as liaisons to chamber members, increase awareness in the community and help retain chamber members by connecting them to resources that help make those businesses more successful.

Steve Fisher, president and CEO of F&M Bank, presented Raegan Brogdon, owner of Solace Salon and Spa at the Rossean House, with the 2015 Small Business of the Year Award. Brogdon began her business in 2005 in a small storefront property. Determined to grow her business, Brogdon developed, financed and built her present state-of-the-art, 4,900-square foot salon that employees 24 women. The salon boasts a 99% customer satisfaction rating and has seen phenomenal growth over the last few years.

Carolina International School received the chamber’s Environmental Excellence and Sustainability Award for its program that teaches recycling and sustainable farming through vermiculture to its first grade classes. This initiative is an extension of Carolina International School’s commitment to environmental education and sustainable practices. These practices resulted in recognition last May by the North Carolina Green Schools Organization as a NC Green School of Promise, making the school one of only eight in the state to receive recognition by that organization.