At a sold-out Annual Meeting of the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce, David Hamme, Founder of Lost Worlds Brewing Company in Cornelius, was recognized with the Chamber’s McIntosh Law Firm Passion to Succeed Award. The award is presented annually to the Chamber’s Entrepreneur of the Year by McIntosh Founder and Managing Partner Robert “Bob” McIntosh.

McIntosh was assisted in the presentation by 2021 Chamber Board Chair Erika Erlenbach. In his comments to the business and community leaders in attendance, Bob outlined Hamm’s accomplishments.

This year’s McIntosh Law Firm Passion to Succeed recipient absolutely embodies this award. The business opening in April 2000 – almost at the very beginning of the Covid Pandemic – what timing! But they overcame those challenges with “To-Go” sales and partnered with several area nonprofits including the Chamber inn our First Zero K event.

They have created weekly fitness programs, a Run Club, Yoga Class and other boot camps. Most importantly – they have been recognized by the Craft Beer Industry with Seven Medals in Two Years, expanded their brewing capacity, adding new tanks to the brew house, and have recently been accepted into the Many Faces program to grow diversity in the craft brewing industry.

Our McIntosh Law Firm Passion to Succeed Award as our Entrepreneur of the Year is Dave Hamme with Lost Worlds Brewery. Accepting on behalf of Dave who could not be here tonight is  Sherri Johnson, Director of Marketing and David Gonzales, the Director of Brewing.

Hamme on receiving the award, stated, “I am honored and appreciative to be recognized as the 2021 Entrepreneur of the Year by the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce. As any successful businessperson understands, launching a new business requires a team of supportive and passionate individuals - both internal and external to the company."

"We have been fortunate that even though COVID shutdowns occurred the week we were slated to open, our team rallied to the challenge and immediately became creative in finding ways to get our product into the market. Having risen to the challenges of the past two years, we are eager to continue to innovate and develop our brand and build a company to serve the Lake Norman community for many years. “

Picture left top inset: Chamber President & CEO Bill Russell along with McIntosh Law Firm Founder and General Partner Bob McIntosh present Dave Hamme, Founder of Lost World's Brewery with the McIntosh Law Firm Passion to Succeed as the 2021 Entrepreneur of the Year. 

Picture bottom right: Chamber Board Chair Erika Erlenbach along with McIntosh Law Firm Founder and General Partner Bob McIntosh present Sherri Johnson, Director of Marketing and David Gonzales, the Director of Brewing with the McIntosh Law Firm Passion to Succeed Award for David Hamme as the 2021 Entrepreneur of the Year. Photo by John McHugh / Ocaid Photography.