Kim Tesoro, a key figure in Orange County’s tourism and business community, recently died after a battle with cancer and several members of the local business community each found ways to honor her after her passing.

The Tesoro family shared news of Kim’s death on July 21, saying she died on July 19 in the company of her children and relatives. She was 57 years old.

Kim Tesoro. (Photo via the Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce.)

Tesoro led the Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce for five years, taking over the role of CEO after the departure of Sara Stephens and stepping up her responsibilities from being its program development director. A co-owner of the Hot Tin Roof bar on West Margaret Lane which she founded in 2013, she also served on the Town of Hillsborough’s Tourism Board for several years — including in the vice chair role.

Tesoro stepped down from her role with the chamber in late 2022 as she battled cancer, helping the organization transition to new CEO Scott Czechlewski and continue to advocate for local business-minded policies. After the news of her death was publicly shared, the Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce shared a post remembering her on their social media.

“We are grateful for her dedicated work and the passion she displayed for the Town of Hillsborough,” the chamber wrote. “Her contributions to the people and community she loved will live on, a legacy of service that touched many lives. We will remember her infectious smile, creativity, feisty nature and leadership…a bright light that will forever shine in the hearts of those fortunate enough to know her. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time, and we offer our sincerest condolences.”

Similarly, Hot Tin Roof shared a post on Facebook honoring Tesoro shortly after her passing. The bar went on to hold a celebration of life for its co-owner, hosting karaoke and offering some of her favorite drinks as specials.

Following a private ceremony for family on July 24, there was a public event for Tesoro held at the Colonial Inn to also celebrate her life. The family encouraged community members to dress in pinks and purples in her honor. The event came just a week after the Hillsborough/Orange County chamber also honored her at the Colonial Inn — thanking Tesoro for her work as it held its first Women in Business Luncheon in years.

Further south in the county, the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau also shared its condolences over Tesoro’s passing. In its monthly tourism newsletter, the organization included a statement crediting Tesoro for her work in the county’s business community.

“[Tesoro] was a great supporter of Hillsborough and supporter of Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau’s tourism efforts,” said the visitors bureau. “She will be greatly missed.”

The family’s obituary of Kim Tesoro can be found here.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our biweekly newsletter.

 

Related Stories
‹
Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber Voices Support of Proposed RTLP Project
Leadership of the Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce recently shared its support of a proposed industrial project that has drawn much community attention. CEO of the Chamber Kim Tesoro sent a letter to the Orange County Board of Commissioners on Monday voicing her organization’s interest in the Research Triangle Logistics Park development. She said the […]
Labor Day to Affect Local Government Services Around Orange County Community (2025)
Monday marks the observance of Labor Day, which is meant to celebrate the contribution of workers and employees across the United States. With that, the local governments in Orange County will be giving many of their employees the day off, which will affect certain local government services. Ahead of the holiday on Monday, September 1, […]
Orange County Arts Community Set for Uproar Festival Despite Recent Flood Damage
Orange County's Uproar Festival of Public Art returns on Aug. 1 – and it comes as the arts community recovers from catastrophic flooding.
Work on I-40 Widening Project Set to Close Lanes, Exit Ramps Overnight in Hillsborough
The ongoing work to widen I-40 in Orange County is set to disrupt overnight traffic patterns for the rest of the week, according to NCDOT.
'We Need Help': Orange County Flood Victims Beginning to Pick Up the Pieces
Orange County residents whose homes were flooded during Sunday's storm shared their emotions and what help they need in the aftermath.
Celebration of July 4 to Alter Local Government Services in Orange County
The celebration of Independence Day on Friday, July 4 will affect several local government services in and around Orange County. Here’s a look at what will and won’t be happening that week: Town of Chapel Hill All Chapel Hill administrative offices will be closed Friday. Residential trash pickup will not be affected. Commercial trash will […]
Orange Rural Fire Department Responds to Blaze at Hillsborough Storage Facility
The Orange Rural Fire Department responded to a commercial structure fire at the Surety Storage facility in Hillsborough late Tuesday night. Surety Storage is located at 2707 North Carolina Highway 86 South. According to a release from the fire department, the first engine to arrive quickly reported smoke and fire conditions from “several” storage units […]
Hillsborough Man Wins More Than $500,000 From Lottery Ticket
Daniel Allison of Hillsborough won a $512,111 prize off of a $1 lottery ticket last week. Allison bought his ticket for the Cash 5 game online, then matched all five drawn numbers to win the jackpot. The odds of such a win are 1 in 962,598. Allison claimed his prize at the lottery headquarters in […]
Habitat for Humanity Breaks Ground on 75-Unit Townhome Neighborhood in Hillsborough
Habitat for Humanity and local leaders gathered on June 12 to formally begin the work on Auman Village, a townhome community in Hillsborough.
Memorial Day to Affect Local Government Services Around Orange County (2025)
The observation of Memorial Day on Monday, May 26 will affect multiple local government services around the Orange County community. Here’s a complete list of which services in which towns will be moved due to the holiday: Town of Chapel Hill Memorial Day is an official town holiday. Most town and other administrative offices will […]
›