Bank of Stanly Honors Teacher of the Year and Outstanding Business

Tuesday, May 10th 2005 - Albemarle, NC - Shareholders of Uwharrie Capital Corp, the parent company of Bank of Stanly, were treated to entertainment and special recognitions at the company's 2005 annual meeting.

Performances by the Anson High School Marching Bearcat Band and the Albemarle High School Advanced Women's Chorus opened the community meeting which included special recognitions and awards given to Teachers and Businesses representing the best of Stanly, Anson and Cabarrus counties.

Stanly County's Teacher of the Year, Mark Rowles, a science teacher at West Stanly High School was presented with a drawing by local artist Grey Carle depicting his field of teaching and a $1,000 stipend.

Jerry long, Bank of Stanly board of directors vice chair presented the award. "Mark has taught at West Stanly High School for the past 13 years", he said. "He chose teaching as a career because he enjoys science and could not see himself working all day in a laboratory. In the classroom, Mark strives to teach science so that his students can relate the information to their real lives. He puts a practical twist to as much of the information as he can because he feels if the students can see how the information is going to benefit them in life or how it might be useful in life, they take an interest in it and are more likely to learn because it now has value to them. The best part of teaching for Mr. Rowles is the involvement with the students. He enjoys seeing them grow, learn, mature and prepare for life."

Mark's principal, Bud Smith, had this to say: "Mark is a very compassionate teacher, he cares a great deal about his students, has a hands-on method of teaching. He likes to take the students out into the field to see, touch and experience what they have learned in the classroom. He feels that this is a great benefit to the students. He has taken them on many field trips over weekends to places such as West Virginia. He is the announcer of the basketball team, he serves as golf coach and assists with the football team. He does all this while balancing time with family. He has high moral standards and is a good all around role model to students and adults."

Cindy Beane, Uwharrie Capital Corp board chair spoke of local businesses as a vital part of the economic integrity and success of the region, we serve as a financial services company. "Hometown businesses provide jobs for local residents who, in turn, participate in church activities, coach youth sports, volunteer for fire departments and spend their hard earned dollars at local businesses; thus creating wealth for that community."

Terry I. Smith Construction Co. / 21st Century Housing, of Albemarle, was recognized as Stanly County's 2005 outstanding business honoree. Terry and Darla Smith received the award, a wall mounted Grandfather Clock, in appreciation of the many contributions made to the community.

Bank of Stanly CEO Bill Lawhon presented the award. "It is a pleasure to honor Terry l. Smith Construction, Inc. / 21st Century Housing as this years outstanding business", he said. "Terry graduated from West Stanly High School in 1972 and Stanly Community College. He worked for a construction company in charlotte. In 1977 Terry went into business for himself subcontracting labor on new homes. In 1982 Terry received his residential contractors license and hired 2 employees. He averaged 4 - 5 homes a year for the first few years. In 2000 Terry upgraded his general contracting license to unlimited building. This enabled the company to do commercial as well as residential and therefore enabled the company to build higher dollar projects."

"Terry l. Smith Constructions / 21st Century Housing currently has 14 employees. Committed to keeping local dollars working at home, vendors and contractors that are used on a regular basis are 98% from Stanly County. Terry serves on the Stanly County planning and zoning board and is a member of the home builders association where he has served as president. He has been named builder of the year three times. Terry and Darla are supporters of habitat for humanity, supporter and sponsor of the ‘dare program’ and are both sunday school teachers at their local church."

By working together, we can continue to enhance the well being of the counties we serve and make a difference in our community.

Bank of Stanly operates full service banking offices in Albemarle, Norwood and Oakboro. Uwharrie Capital Corp, the parent company, is a multi-bank holding company located in Albemarle, NC. The corporation offers a full range of financial solutions through its financial services companies including Bank of Stanly, Anson Bank & Trust, Cabarrus Bank & Trust, Strategic Investment Group and Strategic Investment Advisors.