The Inspiration Small Business Person Award
Sponsored by GSM Services
Pam Dismukes Smith, Poffie Girls

The Champion Small Business of the Year Award
Sponsored by Carolina Trust Bank
Custom Building Systems

The Young Entrepreneur Award
Sponsored by Gastonia Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Kweli Meadows, North Gaston High School

Keynote Speaker - Chris Elmore
 

Called a “Startup Hero” by North Carolina Business Magazine and a maverick and mold breaker by SouthPark Magazine, Chris Elmore has written 8 books, is a Gaston College Graduate and is a Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at UNC – Charlotte and Queens University of Charlotte.

Chris serves on the board of four startups and as a strategic advisor to Kingsmen Software Products and travels the country speaking on the topics of startup success, innovation, entrepreneurship, sales, technology, blockchain and automation.

Chris started AvidXchange in 2000. AvidXchange, a business unicorn with a $1.4 billion value and is the 9th largest fintech company in the country with 1400+ employee.

Chris lives in Lake Wylie SC, where business, 4 kids and a wife keep him very busy.

You can learn more about Chris Elmore’s books, presentations and can read his blog at www.thechriselmore.com