Walker College of Business alumna Mary-Louise Roberts '81, '82 recently earned the 2018 Dan Meyer Partnership Award.
The Award was presented by the Boone Chamber of Commerce during their annual meeting August 2. Additional awards presented included the Sue W. Wilmoth Award for Tourism Advancement (Beech Mountain Resort), the Ben Suttle Award for Volunteerism (Keron Poteat), the Wade Brown Community Recognition Award (Denise Presnell), the everGREEN Award for Sustainability (Appalachian State Solar Vehicle Team), the Baker/Jones Woman of the Year Award (Christy Gottfried) and the Alfred Adams Award for Economic Development (ECR Software Inc.)
Dan Meyer Partnership Award: Mary-Louise Roberts
Roberts is a member of the Appalachian State University Finance, Banking and Insurance Advisory Board and holds both a bachelor's and an MBA from the Walker College.
Roberts has spent many years in banking service for the High Country, including 18 with First National Bank. In her career she has lent over $180MM in loans to clients, specializing in construction financing to traditional commercial & industrial financing.
The award honors former Boone Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Dan Meyer and was sponsored by LifeStore Bank.
Two organizations affiliated with the Walker College of Business have also been honored for their accomplishments in sustainability and economic development, respectively.
everGREEN Award for Sustainability: Appalachian State Solar Vehicle Team
Team Sunergy is a multi-disciplinary, student-led and student-driven research project at Appalachian State University. The groups researches the most advanced technology in order to utilize solar-powered cars in competitions as a platform to advance sustainable transportation technologies.
The team also educates the Appalachian community on the imperatives for finding an alternative fuel solution for transportation so a sustainable future can be enjoyed for generations. Team Sunergy recently secured a second-place tie in the 2018 American Solar Challenge, an international solar vehicle distance road race held biennially by the Innovators Educational Foundation.
Alfred Adams Award for Economic Development: ECR Software Inc.
ECRS is a locally grown, industry-leading solutions provider that harnesses point-of-sale technology to future-proof today's retailers and prepare them for tomorrow's opportunities.
The company has been ranked by Retail Info Systems as No. 1 for grocery vendors for the fifth year in a row, No. 1 for midsize retailers and ranked in the top five for quality of support for the ninth year in a row.
ECRS continues to expand its Boone footprint with production and storage facilities that support the company's long-time headquarters on Howard Street in Boone.
It markets the High Country's desirable and progressive location as a direct means to low-employee turnover, giving the company a competitive edge in industry experience and knowledge.
Mary-Louise Roberts
Photo by Kayla Lasure, Watauga Democrat