Kornegay posthumously honored with Cornerstone
By Steve Herring
Published in News on January 29, 2016 1:46 PM
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News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Grey Morgan speaks about the late George Kornegay Jr., who was honored Thursday night with the Cornerstone Award at Walnut Creek Country Club during the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce's annual banquet.
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News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Grey Morgan hugs Barbara Kornegay, the wife of the late George Kornegay Jr., after Morgan presented her with the plaque.
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News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Dr. Scott LaFevers, right, former Wayne County Chamber of Commerce chairman, passes the gavel to Neal Benton, who was announced as the new chairman Thursday night.
The late George R. Kornegay Jr. Thursday night was posthumously awarded the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce Cornerstone Award.
"George was truly an amazing person who sought to make our town and community the best they could be," said Grey Morgan, a longtime friend of Kornegay. "He knew that all of these areas, church, economic development and higher education are the cornerstones of our town and community.
"George also knew that family and friendship provided the basis for all of these cornerstones."
Kornegay's vision lives on and remains a cornerstone of the community, Morgan, Southern Bank and Trust CEO, said before a packed house at the Chamber's annual banquet at Walnut Creek Country Club.
Kornegay's widow, Barbara, and children, Kevin Kornegay and Stephanie Kornegay, all of Mount Olive, accepted the award on behalf of their family. Another son, Russ, lives in Charlotte.
"I thank everyone on behalf of the whole family," Mrs. Kornegay said. "You all know that George loved Wayne County. He loved this region. I wish he was here to night to hear this. Thank you so much."
Also presented was the third annual Ollie Toomey Volunteer Service of the Year Award that was given to Julie Daniels of BB&T.
The award is named in honor of longtime past Chamber executive director, the late Ollie Toomey, who served as the chamber director for 21 years, from 1963 to 1984.
A native of the Rones Chapel community in Duplin County just east of Mount Olive, Kornegay, 80, died Nov. 21, 2014, at Vidant Medical Center following a period of declining health.
But even as his health declined, Kornegay maintained an active role in the community and was a strong supporter of the University of Mount Olive, Morgan said.
Morgan said that his life, and the lives of many others, had been enriched by Kornegay.
"He made you laugh, think and explore new possibilities," he said. "Even on his last day George was working for his community."
Given annually since 1996, the Cornerstone Award is presented to a member of the Wayne County community, living or deceased, who has given their all in service for the betterment of Goldsboro and Wayne County.
The recipient must have long-term continuous service to Wayne County and significant impact on the overall betterment of the area.
The person also must be considered part of the foundation of the area and may be involved in business, education, government or other areas.
"It is an honor and privilege to share with you the life story of this year's Cornerstone Award recipient," Morgan said. "He was a friend of mine for 40 years.
"So many achievements and accomplishments come to me when I think of this man. He was a whirlwind of activity all of the time. You could almost see the wheels turning in his head as he talked and planned his next venture."
Morgan said it had been a pleasure to have been part of Kornegay's multifaceted life.
"He had a vision and courage to lead others to enhance the quality of life in the Mount Olive community," he said. "But he did not stop there. He wanted a better life for folks in Duplin and Wayne County.
"This vision he had is most evident in the area of economic development, medical services, physician recruitment, higher education and church."
Kornegay was chairman of the University of Mount Olive Foundation, an independent fundraising arm for the university.
He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he received his undergraduate and graduate degrees. His family owns and operates several businesses in and around Mount Olive, including the Sleep Inn.
He operated a law firm in the Mount Olive area for approximately 20 years.
During the 1970s, he, along with two local doctors and two businessmen, built the first 150-bed nursing home in the area.
In addition, they were able to build an assisted living facility in Mount Olive and a nursing home in Warsaw.
They also started 3HC (Home Health and Hospice).
A force in economic development, Kornegay was active in the economic development of Wayne County for more than 25 years and served as chairman of the Wayne County Economic Development Commission.
He was instrumental in helping to create the Wayne County Development Alliance, a cooperative development organization involving county government and the local business community.
He was also involved in the creation of an industrial park for the Mount Olive area.
A highly respected leader in the community, Kornegay became involved as a director and investor in the creation of several health care and real estate companies.
He created The Kornegay Company, LLC, which developed a number of properties in the Wayne County area, including two hotels in Mount Olive.
A committed and generous supporter of the University of Mount Olive, Kornegay devoted much of his time and his resources to the university. In 2011, the university inducted Kornegay into the Athletics Hall of Fame and in 2013, bestowed upon him an honorary doctorate degree -- its highest honor.
Outgoing chamber chairman Dr. Scott LaFevers presented the Ollie Toomey Volunteer Service of the Year Award before turning over the gavel to new chairman Neal Benton.
"To earn this prestigious award the individual must have demonstrated service to the Chamber above and beyond the call of duty," LaFevers said. "This year's winner has spent countless hours working on different projects for the Chamber and has become a valuable resource for the Chamber."
"This person has shown an exceptional commitment to the Chamber and has successfully helped the Chamber reach its goals year after year. For the past 10 years, this year's honoree has been committed to the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce as an active board member and member of the Military Affairs Committee.
Mrs. Daniels has served as chairman of the board in 2010 and has been instrumental in the Chamber's Total Resource Campaign since its inception in 2011. She has served on the Governmental Affairs Committee, is past president of the Wayne Charitable Partnership, current chairwoman of the Military Affairs Committee, and serves on the Friends of Seymour committee.
"She was a part of the key team that led the Chamber on its way to financial stability," LaFevers said. "She has held firm in her belief of the Chamber and our success with her strong leadership the last 10 years.
"Her commitment to the community is evident by the countless hours she has spent to strengthen it. She is generous. She is talented and humble, and she is a great friend to your Chamber."
Wayne Community College Small Business Center Awards were presented to:
* Ed's Southern Foods, Startup of the Year.
* The Dancing Butterfly, Small Business of the Year.
Also, Marsha Speiring received the Ambassador of the Year Award.
"The Ambassadors are the chamber's premier volunteers composed of high-energy, outgoing and dynamic volunteers," LaFevers said. "Ambassadors also act as hosts at chamber events, such as monthly Business After Hours and attend ribbon cuttings.
"The Ambassador Program serves as a resource between the Chamber and the local business community. They engage in activities that results in the increase involvement and retention of members. If you want to get more involved in the Chamber ... consider joining the Ambassadors."