May 2. Kevin Mahl, CEO of Champion Tire and Wheel and Hyde Park Storage Suites, was named the Business Person of the Year at the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting.

Kevin Mahl / Photo by John McHugh/Ocaid Photography

Mahl, who said he was humbled by the award, credited “the legions of folks that have helped along the way,” especially his wife Shelley Mahl, chief financial officer. “Without her none of this would have been possible,” he said.

The 2021 Entrepreneur of the Year was given to Dave Hamme of Lost World Brewery.

Dale Gillmore of Quest was honored for outstanding board member of the Year while Jack Stevens received the Chairman’s Distinguished Service Award. Stevens, who recently retired, served 12 years as the chamber’s membership director.

Rachel Brumfield, with Allen Tate Corporate Services, was recognized as the chamber ambassador of the year, while Richard Pappas, with First National Bank, and Bill Russell, CEO of the chamber, were both recognized for servant leadership.

David Keith with Artisan Direct was installed as the 2022 board chair, taking over from Erika Erlenbach, who presided over the event.