The Power of Legacy

A look inside the NC Business Hall of Fame

Throwback picture of a JA of Central Carolinas luncheon

Author: Cord Bailey
Corporate Responsibility
Published: Wednesday, 22 Jan 2025

Sharing

JA Entrepreneurs from JA's early beginnings

Image caption: JA teenage entrepreneurs

The North Carolina Business Hall of Fame was established in 1988 to honor the outstanding achievements of individuals who have made significant contributions to the state’s economic growth and business leadership. Inductees are recognized for their exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to the prosperity of North Carolina.

The Hall of Fame celebrates those whose work has had a lasting impact on industries such as banking, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and more. Honorees are often trailblazers in their fields, exemplifying excellence in both business and civic engagement. Organized by Junior Achievement of Central Carolinas, the hall of fame also serves to inspire the next generation of business leaders.

Each year, a formal induction ceremony highlights the accomplishments of new honorees, preserving their legacies as models of entrepreneurship and vision. Notable inductees include business pioneers like Hugh McColl Jr., former CEO of Bank of America, and Pat Rodgers, a prominent Charlotte-based construction industry leader. The North Carolina Business Hall of Fame continues to celebrate the individuals who shape North Carolina’s dynamic business landscape.

To learn more about this year's honorees, find out how you can attend, and see a list of past honorees, visit https://bit.ly/2025-HOF.