The Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau recently announced the 2025 winners of its annual Tourism Star and Tourism Legacy awards.

Kim Hufham, president and CEO of the CVB, presented the awards during the organization’s annual Travel Rally breakfast and celebration, that was held on Wednesday, May 7th at the Wilmington Convention Center. 

“Each year during National Travel and Tourism Week, the Wilmington and Beaches CVB recognizes individuals working in the hospitality industry whose extraordinary contributions help to make Wilmington and our island beaches the best of the Carolina coast,” Hufham stated in the release. “This year’s Jane Peterson Tourism Legacy Award honorees are Bobby and Maxine Nivens, owners of Britt’s Donut Shop, and Kim and John Hirchak, founders of the Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington and The Black Cat Shoppe. The CVB also presented 2025 Tourism Star Awards to two deserving hospitality employees: Sara Flowers Roberts, store manager of Wilmington Water Tours, and Janine Powell, Director of Donor Relations for Airlie Gardens.” 

Established in 2017, the Tourism Star award recognizes hospitality and tourism industry professionals "who demonstrate pride and commitment to the hospitality industry and exemplify a selfless spirit of service and leadership that enhances the visitor experience," according to the release.

Roberts, store manager of Wilmington Water Tours, is a North Carolina native "who has spent the past four years transforming everyday interactions with visitors into memorable moments," the release stated.

"A shining light on our riverfront and a true ambassador for our destination, Sara brings warmth, knowledge, and unmatched hospitality to everyone she meets. Whether she’s greeting visitors at the shop kiosk or managing crowds lining up for a cruise, Sara makes each person feel welcome," the release stated. "Sharing her enthusiasm and deep knowledge of the area, Sara has assisted thousands of visitors, distributing over 15,000 maps last year alone. She always goes above and beyond, balancing full-time work, single motherhood, and academic pursuits as a UNCW student."

Powell, director of donor relations for Airlie Gardens, has spent the past 18 years enhancing the county’s tourism landscape, according to the release.

"In her role with Airlie Gardens and New Hanover County Parks, Janine Powell wears many hats, from raising funds and writing grants to leading PR and marketing efforts and managing social media," the release stated.

Powell began her career with the county in 2007, working at Cape Fear Museum of History & Science.

"Since joining the Parks and Gardens team in 2009, Janine’s efforts have garnered media recognition for Airlie in state and national publications, helping to contribute to record-breaking visitation. Last year alone, she conducted 23 tours for travel influencers and journalists," the release stated.

A University of North Carolina Wilmington graduate, Powell’s accolades include the university’s Distinguished Citizen of the Year award and New Hanover County Stellar Awards.
 
The Tourism Legacy Award was established in 2018 in honor of the late Jane Peterson, the CVB’s first executive director, "to recognize visionary leadership and significant contributions to the hospitality industry," the release stated. 

Kim and John Hirchak, founders of the Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington and The Black Cat Shoppe, were recognized "for their transformative impact on Wilmington’s tourism through storytelling and creativity. The journey began in the 1970s when Kim, fascinated by Wilmington’s ghost stories, began researching the city’s paranormal history. Her passion eventually evolved into a mission to preserve and share the area’s hidden past. In the late 1990s, she partnered with her husband John and daughter Lindsay to develop a theatrical walking tour that blended ghost tales with historical context," according to the release. "Launched in 1999 with just six stories, the Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington has grown to include 29 full-length tales and several companion experiences such as the Haunted Pub Crawl, the Wilmywood Movie & TV Location Walk, and the Black Cat Shoppe. The tours, known for their costumed guides and theatrical storytelling, have drawn more than 500,000 participants over 25 years." 

John Hirchak has also authored two books, Ghosts of Old Wilmington and Legends of Old Wilmington. 

A 2025 Jane Peterson Tourism Legacy Award was also presented to Robert “Bobby” and Maxine Nivens, owners of Britt’s Donut Shop, "for their remarkable contributions to the cultural and tourism identity of Carolina Beach. Since taking over the beloved Boardwalk institution from founder H.L. 'Harvey' Britt in 1974, the Nivens have safeguarded and elevated Britt’s into a nationally recognized destination, featured in outlets such as National Geographic Traveler, Our State Magazine, and USA Today. With Maxine by his side and Harvey’s trust in their stewardship, Bobby, who worked at Britt’s as a teen, helped transform Britt’s into more than a donut shop – it became a treasured summer tradition and a generational touchstone."

Beyond their role as business owners, the Nivenses "have left an enduring mark through their quiet generosity and community engagement," the release stated. "They’ve supported schools, churches, veterans, and numerous charitable efforts, and served as mentors to generations of young local employees – many of whom fondly refer to themselves as 'Britt’s kids.'" 

Three generations of the Nivens family who work in the business attended the award ceremony.

"During the award presentation Carolina Beach Mayor Lynn Barbee expressed deep gratitude for the lessons and values he learned as a 'Britt’s kid,'" the release stated.