North Brunswick Chamber

According to the chamber: Waves4K.I.D.S. is a not-for-profit 501(c)3, all-volunteer organization dedicated to providing financial support and essential services to satisfy the unmet needs of children associated with child protective services and foster care in Brunswick County.

Founded in 2004 and headed up by Kay Wolf, it currently serves more than 1,000 youth and their families and/or foster parents. The group collects donations for services such as educational grants, tutoring, summer camp tuition and more.
 

Wilmington Chamber

The Wilmington Chamber of Commerce picked the Wilmington Regional Film Commission Inc. for its Entrepreneurship Award this year.

Success by the film commission, which markets southeastern North Carolina to the production industry “can easily be seen over the last three years, when productions spent more than $500 million in the region. In addition to that economic impact, the WRFC helps employ the 1,700 film crewmembers that live in the region by recruiting projects,” according to the chamber’s submission, which added that if freelance film workers were employed by a single business, it would be among the top five largest private sector employers in the county.

“Last year the tumultuous political climate regarding film incentives and the change to a grant incentive program created a formidable obstacle for our area to compete with other states in attracting  productions,” the chamber stated. “To be successful, the WRFC does not remain static. The Commission continually rolls with the changing political climate and employs the tools they are given. Film Commission Director Johnny Griffin works diligently with elected officials and stakeholders to improve the incentive program, while continuing to market all of the other positive aspects that make this region an enviable location in which to film.”
 

Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber

Coastal Cosmetic Family Dentistry began operations in 1997 and now has five dentists. “The team at Coastal Cosmetic Family Dentistry is deeply involved in the community and participates in Dentistry from the Heart which provided 517 people with free dental services,” chamber officials said.

Oak Island Accommodations, owned by Dick and Sherri Marshall, has been in service in the area since 1991. It currently manages 700 properties in Boiling Spring Lakes, Oak Island and Southport with a full staff of 44 and seasonal staff of up to 275.
 

Pleasure Island Chamber

“From humble beginnings in a strip mall, Southern Sign Company [opened in 2004 by owners Clark and Andrea Wilson] has now evolved into a wholly owned 4,000-square-foot design and production studio,” chamber officials said. “Having experienced rapid and significant business growth over the last 11 years, Clark and Andrea recognized the changing landscape of brand advertising and the role of signage in marketing. As a result, they have expanded from a two-person operation to a robust nine-person team of
talented and creative graphic artists and sign makers.”
 

Burgaw Area Chamber

Four County Electric Membership Corporation, a not-for-profit electric cooperative, is owned by the members it serves. The cooperative, founded in 1937 provides electric service to more than 32,200 homes, farms and businesses in Bladen, Columbus, Duplin, Onslow, Pender and Sampson counties.

“Four County EMC invests time, money and expertise to build the local economy and strengthen relationships with members and community,” according to the
chamber’s submission.
 

Greater Topsail Area Chamber

Topsail Chamber of Commerce gave its award, called The Impact Award, to A’N’A Builders/Access Realty.

“A family operation, Mo and Anita Afify, along with their son, Michael, own and operate A’N’A Builders and Access Realty,” chamber director Tammy Proctor said. “A’N’A Builders developed commercial land, which attracted McDonald’s and the Surf City Neighborhood Wal-Mart, as well as others. Access Realty specializes in sales and vacation rentals.”
 

Brunswick County Chamber

Body Edge Fitness (Excellence in Small Business)
The Purple Onion Café (Excellence in Business)