CHARLOTTE, N.C., November 16th, 2017 – Junior Achievement of Central Carolinas (JACC) is pleased to welcome its 30th year anniversary class of 2017 into the North Carolina Business Hall of Fame. This year’s recognition ceremony will take place at the Ritz Carton Charlotte on Thursday, November 16th, with a reception at 6:00 p.m. and program to begin promptly at 6:45 p.m.

The event will honor the extraordinary accomplishments of Mr. Scott Custer, President of Live Oak Bank; and Mr. J. Bradley Wilson, President and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, as well as Charlotte’s own Mr. John R. Belk and Thomas M. (Tim) Belk, Retired President/Chief Operating Officer and Retired Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer, respectively, of Belk, Inc. These four individuals are being recognized for their entrepreneurial spirit and their notable contributions to the state’s economic landscape.

Additionally, in honor of the event’s 30th anniversary, JACC has introduced the new Golden Pillar Award, presented in its inaugural year to Dr. Ophelia Garmon-Brown. In additional to its traditional induction ceremony, JACC plans to recognize an additional individual annually, who, through career, leadership and achievement, have distinguished themselves as champions of the tenets for which Junior Achievement stands, including business and community leadership, responsible financial management, and an entrepreneurial spirit.

QUOTES:

“Junior Achievement of Central Carolinas is thrilled to partner with the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce to salute this year’s class of 2017,” said Mrs. Sarah Cherne, President & CEO of Junior Achievement. “We are also honored to recognize Dr. Ophelia Garmon-Brown for her extraordinary contributions to the overall strength and development of Charlotte and its residents. Each of these individuals are considered to be trailblazers within their respective industries and significant contributors to the vitality of our state’s economy. As such, they serve as leaders in our communities and true champions for our state.

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ABOUT JACC:

For nearly 60 years, Junior Achievement of Central Carolinas (JACC) has been dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their futures, and make smart academic and economic choices. Junior Achievement's programs—in the core content areas of work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy—ignite the spark in young people to experience and realize the opportunities and realities of work and life in the 21st century.