From left: Bill Russell, Sarah McAulay, Jim Bensman, Tim Holder (Energy United), Robert Reed

The Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce on Thursday honored three town commissioners for their commitment to promoting healthy business communities in Cornelius, Davidson and Huntersville. Cornelius Commissioner Jim Bensman received the recognition for the third year in a row, and Davidson’s Laurie Venzon and Huntersville’s Sarah McAulay also were recognized at a Northstone Country Club lunch sponsored by Energy United.

“I’m very pleased that the business community has realized I’m working to help them succeed,” said Commissioner Bensman, a long-time small business owner himself. Until recently, he and his wife, Celia, owned Camp Wagging Tails, a dog and cat daycare facility on Bailey Road. Last month, they sold the business to a Virginia couple that is relocating to Cornelius and plans to keep it a husband-and-wife operation.

Thom Tillis speaks at the luncheon.

The chamber selected its honorees through a survey of chamber members. Of the surveys sent out, 163 – about 19 percent – were returned. Commissioners Bensman and McAulay received plaques at the luncheon. Commissioner Venzon was unable to attend, but will receive one as well.

N.C. House of Representatives Speaker Thom Tillis (R-Cornelius) spoke at the meeting, thanking the honored officials and other town leaders for their service to the public.

“It’s not about any one of us, it’s about doing what’s best for the community,” he said. “Now that the elections are over, we can take a breath and focus on what we already do so well here,” he said, citing the towns’ efforts to build and maintain a sense of community and regionalism.