At the recent Lower Cape Fear Stewardship Development Coalition Awards Luncheon, two New Hanover County projects received Outstanding Stewardship Awards for innovation and environmental awareness.
 
The two projects were the newly renovated 320 Chestnut St. building in downtown Wilmington and the New Hanover County Cape Fear Museum Park at 814 Market St.
 
“New Hanover County is delighted to be recognized for our innovation and stewardship in the community,” county manager Chris Coudriet said in a news release. “As an organization, we are committed to serving the community through good governance.”
 
The Cape Fear Council of Governments also recognized two New Hanover County employees with the Professional Excellence in Aging Award. Greg Kennedy and Ellen Connor received this esteemed recognition at the council’s 44th Anniversary Meeting and Awards Banquet Feb. 23.
 
“Greg and Ellen help to improve the lives of our County’s seniors every day,” Amber Smith, the Senior Resource Center director, said in the release.. “We are fortunate to have their passion and dedication at the Senior Resource Center.”
 
In a separate release, the county announced that Kym Crowell (at left), New Hanover County’s deputy clerk to the board, was one of 11 county clerks from across the state who recently received their designation as certified county clerks. Crowell has worked with New Hanover County for 21 years and is the first state-certified county clerk in New Hanover County government, the release stated.
 
In order to be certified, clerks must complete the UNC School of Government’s International Institute of Municipal Clerks Certification Institute, pass the required examinations and be an active member in good standing of the N.C. Association of County Clerks.
 
The city of Wilmington also announced that city manager Sterling Cheatham was presented with the Cape Fear Council of Governments’ Outstanding Local Government Manager award for 2015.
 
According to the Cape Fear Council of Governments, the recipient must “not only be a top notch public servant to their Board and jurisdiction, but also extend their involvement beyond their office to other managers in the region.” Cheatham has served as Wilmington’s city manager since November 2002, according to a news release.