Alamance Chamber Celebrates Momentum, Leadership Transition and Awards at Annual Meeting

More than 230 investors and community leaders gathered at the Alliance Convention Center in Burlington on Feb. 10 for the Alamance County Area Chamber of Commerce 2026 Annual Meeting, presented by Duke Energy, where Rachel Baldwin of Edward Jones received the gavel from 2025 Board Chair Ryan Moffitt of Vernon Law Firm and the chamber published a recap on Feb. 18, 2026.

President & CEO Reagan C. Gural welcomed guests and “reflected on a year defined by momentum…highlighting the Chamber’s work in advocacy, leadership development, workforce initiatives, and support for small businesses and industry,” the chamber recap reports. The recap framed the evening as part celebration and part strategic check-in on those priorities as the organization moves into 2026.

Leadership transitions were a central focus. Outgoing board members LeAndra “Nikki” Ratliff of Burlington Housing Authority and Reed LaPlante of First National Bank were recognized for their service, and Ryan Moffitt was honored “for his steady guidance and commitment to the Chamber over the past year” before passing the gavel to Rachel Baldwin, who assumes the role of 2026 Board Chair representing Edward Jones.

The program also recognized civic leaders with two headline awards. Kelly May, the 2024 recipient, presented the Leader of Distinction Award to Samantha Loy of Always Best Care Senior Services, with the chamber noting Loy was recognized “for her exceptional leadership and community impact.” Hank Henning of Duke Energy presented the Duke Energy Citizenship & Service Award to Kathy Hykes, completing the ceremony’s awards slate.

Corporate and community support was visible across sponsors and partners. Duke Energy served as presenting sponsor; event partners listed in the recap included Alamance Community College, Andy’s Frozen Custard, Bobbitt, Cone Health, Glen Raven, and Labcorp. Supporting sponsors included Enbridge Gas NC and Gates Management & Realty, while corporate sponsors named were First National Bank, Samet Corporation, Gilliam Bell Moser, LLP, Sirius Talent, and AuthoraCare. Emma L. Broady Academy sponsored the networking reception; dinner was provided by Western Steakhouse and dessert by Andy’s Frozen Custard.

The meeting had been originally scheduled for Jan. 27, with Prismnews pre-event details listing doors for networking at 5:00 p.m., the program at 6:00 p.m., and tickets priced at $85. Sources confirm the Jan. 27 date was postponed because of winter weather and held on Feb. 10; the chamber’s Feb. 18 recap does not restate the rescheduled event’s start times or ticketing for Feb. 10.

Prismnews had previewed the meeting as one that “represents a concentration of civic recognition and potential donor or partner connections,” and the chamber’s turnout and sponsor roster provide a measurable signal of local business engagement. With Rachel Baldwin installed as chair and a stated focus on workforce initiatives and small business support, the chamber’s leadership and corporate backers appear positioned to pursue advocacy and partnership opportunities that could influence hiring pipelines and contract flows across Alamance County in 2026.