At a sold-out meeting of community and business leaders, the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce, recognized an individual, who has gone the extra mile for the Lake Norman region. Outgoing Board Chair Jeff Tarte recognized John Hettwer – President & CEO of Payroll Plus HCM with the prestigious Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award.

Scott T. Fletcher – Manager of Natural Resources for Duke Energy, assisted Tarte with the recognition. Fletcher stated, “On September 27th, Hurricane Helene pounded Western North Carolina and left a wake of destruction. Homes, businesses, whole towns were swept away. While countless people and businesses responded to lend a hand to those who found their livelihoods gone in the blink of the eye, a sterling example of service above self was demonstrated by a local businessman – John Hettwer, President & CEO of Payroll Plus HCM.

Within hours of the sun rising on the ruins, John was working the phone, calling the contacts he had made through both his personal business career and the chamber of commerce. He reached out to transportation companies, water and beverage businesses, grocery stores, and others to bring relief and hope to those most affected.

John and his team responded in what would be 12 to 15 trips through the mountains personally delivering 200,000 lbs of supplies. His efforts led to the Chamber’s Foundation collecting more than $100,000 in direct support.

It was also in the capacity as Chair of the Chamber’s Foundation that another $31,000 was raised by area businesses to support the Cornelius Early Scholars and the Lake Norman Pre and After School programs. Just over $15,000 was presented to both organizations for their early childhood education. John has led the foundation since its inception in 2008.

He added, “John Hettwer exemplifies the values of citizenship and generational service that Duke Energy seeks to honor with this award. His passion, leadership, and tangible contributions to our community make him an outstanding recipient for the Duke Energy Citizenship Award.”

Here is a complete transcript of what Scott Fletcher said:

"Past Chair Bob McIntosh writes: Charles Dickenson wrote in a Tale of Two Cities: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” It speaks to the extreme contrast of great hope and immense suffering. On September 27th, Hurricane Helene pounded Western North Carolina and left a wake of destruction. Homes, businesses, whole towns were swept away. While countless people and businesses responded to lend a hand to those who found their livelihoods gone in the blink of the eye, a sterling example of service above self was demonstrated by a local businessman – John Hettwer, President & CEO of Payroll Plus HCM.

Within hours of the sun rising on the ruins, John was working the phone, calling the contacts he had made through both his personal business career and the chamber of commerce. He reached out to transportation companies, water and beverage businesses, grocery stores, and others to bring relief and hope to those most affected.

John and his team responded in what would be 12 to 15 trips through the mountains personally delivering 200,000 lbs of supplies.

Using his Chamber contacts, he created ten different collection sites. His list of associates who helped is literally a who’s who of Lake Norman’s most influential business leaders - all of whom contributed because they knew the critical need – and because John would not take no for an answer. (Have you ever tried arguing with John Hettwer?)

Whether it was making sure children had a Halloween party in a community that had been decimated or ensuring a family had food on the table – John Hettwer saw the suffering of Western North Carolina and tried to heal it. His efforts led to the Chamber’s Foundation collecting more than $100,000 in direct support.

It was also in the capacity as Chair of the Chamber’s Foundation that another $31,000 was raised by area businesses to support the Cornelius Early Scholars and the Lake Norman Pre and After School programs. Just over $15,000 was presented to both organizations for their early childhood education. John has led the foundation since its inception in 2008.

A Past Board Chair of the Chamber – his contributions to our community have been felt from his service to the business community to his involvement on the town planning board. But perhaps the contribution he is most proud of is his eleven years as Head Coach for a Lake Norman Little League Baseball team and the opportunity he has to work and mentor kids.

I know of no one who works harder to make their community and region the best place it can possibly be. John Hettwer – President and CEO of Payroll Plus HCM embodies the spirit of the Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award."