The Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce announced the recipients of the 2016-2017 Small Business Awards.

Kris Beasley at Southport Magazine was the recipient of the Small Business Award, according to a press release from the Chamber. Margaret Rudd & Associates Inc., Realtors were awarded the Customer Service Award.

The awards come from nominations both from the Chamber and the general public, according to the release. To compete for the award, a nominee must have been nominated for a Golden Pineapple Award during the 2016-2017 term as well as submit a packet of information for outside review by the Small Business and Technology Development Center at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

 “Beasley has spent her career in support of the community and started Southport Magazine in 2012 to support the town and businesses of this area. With the support of her husband and family, she has helped the local business community market their goods and services,” the Chamber said in the release.  “Beasley has built the business with strong customer service, training for her team and a drive to support the community with a variety of events including the Southport Maggie Awards Show.”

Margaret Rudd & Associates was organized in 1981. The company now has 20 full-time employees and 45 brokers supporting the Southport Oak Island region and Brunswick County. The company has also expanded into rental and property management.

“The team focus and customer service excellence is showcased in every interaction and results in excellent ratings and loyalty of the community, customers and businesses,” the Chamber said in the release.

Nominations for Small Business of the Year will be taken until May 2018. The next quarterly nomination deadline for the Golden Pineapple Award is July 31.