CONCORD, N.C. -- Friday morning, the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce announced that it will bestow Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick with its most prestigious honor.
Hendrick has been named the 2016 Citizen of the Carolinas, an award that will be presented at the chamber's annual meeting next December.
“I’m humbled,” Hendrick said. “We’ve been fortunate to call Charlotte home for nearly 40 years. It’s been such a wonderful place for our family, and now our grandchildren are growing up here. I cannot imagine a more giving community or a better city to live and do business. The people at the chamber help make that possible, and I’m truly grateful for the work they do for Charlotte.”
The chamber noted that Hendrick was chosen for his significant contributions to Charlotte’s business community, his indelible influence within NASCAR and his tireless work with local charitable organizations such as Levine Children’s Hospital and Together We Feed Charlotte. In 2015, he served as the honorary chairperson for the annual Charlotte Observer Summer Camp Fund, which set a new fundraising record.
“The Charlotte Chamber is pleased to recognize Rick Hendrick for his invaluable contributions to the Charlotte business community and the community as a whole," said Bob Morgan, chamber CEO and president. "Rick embodies the collaborative spirit that sets Charlotte apart from any other major city in the United States."
Hendrick joins a list of past honorees that includes Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson, former North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Dean Smith, Reverend Billy Graham, former Charlotte mayor Harvey Gantt and former banking executive Hugh McColl.
Hendrick originally moved to Charlotte in 1978 when he purchased City Chevrolet, which today is the flagship location for Hendrick Automotive Group -- now the largest privately held dealership group in the country.
In addition to being named the 2016 Citizen of the Carolinas, Hendrick is a past recipient of the prestigious Horatio Alger Award, NASCAR’s Bill France Award of Excellence and The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, which is bestowed upon outstanding North Carolinians. He was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2013 and the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 2015.