TE Support Ltr Gravely
May 26, 2020
The North Carolina Awards Committee
NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources 109 East Jones
Street, Suite 315
Raleigh, NC 27601
Subject: Nomination of Thomas W. Earnhardt for the North Carolina Award for Public Service
Dear Members of the North Carolina Awards Committee:
I support without reservation the nomination of Tom Earnhardt for the North Carolina Award for Public Service. His UNC-TV program, Exploring North Carolina, his genuine enthusiasm, and the creative twinkle in his eyes when you discuss this state speak for themselves.
I have personally experienced his love and devotion for small businesses and young people's commitment to entrepreneurship throughout the state. My personal experiences have been with his LOVE for Boulted Bread Bakery in Raleigh where he goes weekly to not only purchase for himself and many friends the warm, newly-baked breads, but also where I have watched him savor the stories of how each type of bread is baked and kneaded with love and care.
Tom knows about the latest fishing lure shop in the eastern part of the state, or the best honey or the most beautiful wildflower farm – all started by young North Carolinians. Tom mentors, encourages, and I suspect remembers every person he has met. He considers our young North Carolinians the greatest "fine arts" we have. I consider Tom one of the finest leaders our state has ever had. It is his contagious curiosity, energy, and devotion to this great state of North Carolina that honors each of us.
Tom's service to North Carolina extends from natural resources to the lives of our citizens for whom he always takes the time to discuss what they are doing and what natural resources they enjoy in this state.
Tom is a lifelong learner and giver who, I am sure, has rarely said no to a village of folks who want to learn about this state, its history, its civic duty and its natural resources.
Nothing documents Tom's life's trail in North Carolina better than his television program, produced and mostly financially supported by him. He speaks to the common man, the North Carolinian who is here because it is "home" in every sense of the word.
Tom is a remarkable and unique public servant with a special way of encouraging North Carolina's entrepreneurs and young people. Thank you for considering my letter of support for Tom's nomination for the North Carolina Award for Public Service.
Sincerely,
[[SCAN_REGION_1_840_40_920_350|Handwritten signature of Susan E. Gravely]]Susan E. Gravely
CEO and Founder, VIETRI Inc.
Hillsborough, North Carolina