John Kepner received the Robert T. Cashion Business Person of the Year Award from the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce. From left: Chamber CEO Bill Russell, Gordon Cashion, Louise Cashion, John and Claudia Kepner and 2016 Chamber Chair Callan H. Bryan. Photo by Ocaid Photography.

John Kepner of Raymer Kepner Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Huntersville received the Business Person of the Year award at the Lake Norman Chamber’s annual gala at The Peninsula Club.

Louise Cashion was on hand to help make the presentation which is named in honor of her late husband. About 200 people attended the event which

“This is an honor I will treasure the rest of my life…also thank you to Robert and the Cashion family whose love and dedication to the community will never be forgotten,” Kepner said, thanking his wife and family at the same time.

The chamber’s 30th annual meeting was keynoted by entrepreneur and White House Champion of Change Jon Boggiano, co-founder of both Everblue and Huntersville-based VersaMe.

“There are quite a number of local entrepreneurs who make their home here, but their impact reaches across this nation and internationally. Entrepreneurs are not confined or limited in their vision and innovation, but the Chamber of Commerce and our town leaders must continue to create the infrastructure and support such as transportation, technology, and education to foster its growth,” Boggiano said.

LKN Chamber Board member Sharon Simpson of Currents Magazine also received an entrepreneur award, as well as fellow board members Joe Vagnone, for distinguished service and Angela Swett for most outstanding board member.

Jay Lesemann Jr., with Rives and Associates in Huntersville, is the 2017 chamber board chairman.