Rowan Chamber president to retire
Spalding
Rowan Chamber of Commerce President Elaine Spalding announced recently that she is retiring from the organization, effective Aug. 31.
"After 13 wonderful years at the Rowan Chamber and over 40 years of chamber of commerce work, I am ready for the next chapter," said Spalding. She continued, "My husband and I plan to stay in Salisbury and continue with our love of international travel."
The Rowan Chamber board of directors has formed a search committee with plans to fill the position in time for Spalding to help with transition and training. The committee will work with a professional search partner to support the recruitment process. Upon finalizing the position description, the search committee will launch a comprehensive local and national search for the Chamber's next president.
"We are sad for us; however, happy for Elaine. She is leaving the Chamber in a healthy financial condition and has positioned us as a strong business advocacy organization," said the 2026 chair of the board, Starling Johnson Kaklamanos, with Johnson Concrete Products.
"This community is blessed with wonderful leaders who give their time and talent to maintain our healthy business climate. The work of the Chamber would not be possible without our past chairs, board of directors, sponsors, committee chairs, volunteers, members, and our talented Chamber staff," said Spalding.
Spalding's accomplishments
Spalding said she is very proud of everything the Chamber has accomplished during her tenure, from adding several new programs like Power in Partnership, Agri-business, Minority Business Council, Young Professionals, International Trips and the Dragon Boat Festival. The Chamber was also runner-up for ACCE's Chamber of the Year in 2025.
The Chamber has diversified its benefits to include a new small business insurance plan, a project Spalding spent 12 years working on with other local chamber executives across the state of North Carolina and with the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce.
Programs that have been expanded include the Annual Gala Meeting (from 50 attendees in 2013 to over 500 in January 2026), Women in Business, Business After Hours, Workforce Development Alliance and Business Advocacy. The Chamber's Washington, D.C., and Raleigh trips have had record participation from key community leaders advocating for Priority Projects. The very successful Leadership Rowan Steering Committee added a new Youth Leadership program, now in its second year.
"As the Chamber recently celebrated its 100th Anniversary, it seems like the perfect opportunity to begin the transition to the next leader," said Spalding. She continued, "I'm deeply grateful to all the business leaders who have helped this Chamber over the years, and particularly those who have helped me for the past 13 years. We'll still be here enjoying the fruits of your labor and look forward to seeing you in the community."
About Rowan Chamber of Commerce
The Rowan Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit private business organization with 800 member firms. Member benefits include business advocacy, workforce development, leadership development, networking programs and much more. For more information on the Chamber, call 704-633-4221, email info@rowanchamber.com or visit www.rowanchamber.com.
