The Charlotte Chamber and its president and chief executive officer Bob Morgan are the 2015 recipients of the UNC Charlotte Distinguished Service Award, presented formally during a luncheon in the Student Union, May 27.
In honoring the nonprofit organization and its leader, UNC Charlotte Chancellor Philip L. Dubois said the Chamber’s mission aligns with the objectives of North Carolina’s urban research university.
For example, he said, the leaders of both institutions are focused on economic and workforce development and community outreach.
“Those of you who have attended this event in the past know that our honorees have two distinguishing characteristics. First, of course, they are devoted community servants and selfless in their dedication to the betterment of Charlotte and the greater region,” Dubois said.
“Secondly, because we like to use this event to showcase the development of the University, our honorees are folks who have lots of friends – and so, this year, as in all years, our honorees – Bob Morgan and the Charlotte Chamber – are rock stars.”
The Charlotte Chamber is a membership-based, volunteer-led organization with more than 3,300 members and a staff of 45. Part of its mission is to identify issues that may affect the local business climate and to advocate on behalf of its members.
Morgan was named president of the Charlotte Chamber in 2005. As president and CEO, he oversees the nonprofit’s operations, including its finances, economic development and member engagement. He has worked closely with UNC Charlotte on numerous initiatives, providing leadership in advocacy for the University’s elevation to doctoral degree-granting status, the establishment of the Energy Production and Infrastructure Center (EPIC), the advancement of the Digital Science Initiative and as a member of the Football Feasibility Committee.
“UNC Charlotte has been a part of my life personally and professionally for more than 40 years,” said Morgan. “This University educates many of our citizens, and it plays a large and growing role in driving our economy. Chancellor Dubois and his team are great partners to the Charlotte business community. It is easy to be an advocate for UNC Charlotte. It is humbling to receive this recognition on behalf of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce.”
Prior to his current role, Morgan served as president and CEO of the Gaston Chamber from 2002-05. He began his Charlotte Chamber career in 1991 as a staff member. Previously, he served as district director for former U.S. Rep. Alex McMillan.
Morgan has marshaled Chamber support for many key public policy positions. Among them was the 2007 rejection by county voters of a referendum to repeal the transit tax, a measure that would have stopped the extension of light rail to UNC Charlotte’s main campus.
“While the Chamber’s first priority is growing the economy in the Charlotte region, they know that an educated population is the key to any success,” said Karen Popp, chair of UNC Charlotte’s Board of Trustees. “They have demonstrated their commitment to education from ‘K through 20’ and have consistently advocated for higher education and UNC Charlotte.”
The Distinguished Service Award was established in 1987 by the Board of Trustees of UNC Charlotte and the Board of Directors of the University Foundation. It honors those who have provided outstanding leadership and exemplary service to the Charlotte community and to the advancement of UNC Charlotte. Each award recipient receives a statue of a gold miner, cast from a sculpture by Lorenzo Ghiglieri.
Watch a video about the award recipients: