Bill Lehnes: 2025 Distinguished Citizen — A Leader for Community & Economic Growth

Rocky Mount, NC — The Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce has named Bill Lehnes its 2025 Distinguished Citizen of the Year, honoring a business leader whose influence extends well beyond his own company and into the heart of the Twin Counties.

Lehnes, best known locally as the owner and operator of Chick-fil-A in Rocky Mount, is being recognized for his commitment to community leadership, philanthropy, and workforce development. Through both his business and civic involvement, he has built a reputation for investing in people and supporting initiatives that strengthen the region.

As a Chamber member and community advocate, Lehnes has supported efforts to connect employers with local resources, promote small business growth, and elevate Rocky Mount as a place where opportunity thrives. His leadership reflects a broader vision of business success rooted in service and long-term community impact.

Honoring Lehnes at the Chamber’s 122nd Annual Meeting wasn’t just a recognition of individual achievement — it also underscored the Chamber’s broader mission. For more than a century, the Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce has worked to foster economic growth and advance the commercial and civic well-being of the region, representing more than 640 member businesses and serving as a key driver of local economic momentum.

By naming Lehnes Distinguished Citizen of the Year, the Chamber is celebrating what’s possible when business leadership meets community passion — a combination that continues to move the Twin Counties forward.