Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce
Bell’s Supply Inc.

Family-owned Bell’s Supply Inc. of Oak Island has installed more than 35,000 HVAC systems in its quarter-century of business and has earned the community’s trust and good will, said Karen Sphar, executive vice president of the Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce. She said the company’s significant growth, coupled with a high level of customer satisfaction, was key to its selection for the chamber’s award. Company owners Tim and Kevin Bell have also been active in the community as sponsors for youth sports teams, involved members of the chamber, civic volunteers and community partners, Sphar said.

Burgaw Area Chamber of Commerce
Festivities with Flair

In the 25 years since she launched her business, Pam Batten has seen it grow from a country crafts retailer to an event design, planning and management company. Festivities with Flair has handled a wide range of assignments in Pender County and beyond, from weddings and corporate events to large regional affairs such as the Carolina Hurricanes’ grand opening. “She constantly studies new trends and concepts in decorating and event planning. Her patience, perseverance, courage and passion for what she does drive her and her business to success,” said Kelsey Seitter, executive director of the Burgaw Area Chamber of Commerce.

Wilmington Chamber of Commerce
Live Oak Bank

Since its founding in 2007, Live Oak Bank has achieved significant success with its niche concept. The bank’s primary activity is providing SBA-guaranteed loans to professionals in several fields. Originally targeting its lending to veterinarians wishing to buy an existing practice or start their own, the bank has gradually added other verticals in professions such as dentists and financial advisors. It has also launched nCino, a company that markets Live Oak’s proprietary loan management software to other banks. “Live Oak Bank has clearly defined an innovative business model to provide business loans to small, independent businesspeople in niche industries,” said Connie Majure-Rhett, president and CEO of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce. “Their entrepreneurial approach to a historically very traditional industry sets them apart. They’ve had great success, becoming the nation’s second largest originator of small business loans with clients nationwide.” 

North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce
Magnolia’s Bed and Biscuit

Since opening in Leland in early 2012, Magnolia’s Bed & Biscuit has thrived. The pet boarding facility, owned by Angie and Brian Ball, has tapped into area residents’ pet pampering mindset and offers luxury to animals and peace of mind to owners, said North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce president Dana Fisher. “They’ve taken luxury for pets to a new high,” Fisher said. “They have doggie suites with raised beds and TVs and live webcams so you can check on your pet while you’re gone. Saturday night is movie night.” Understanding the way Leland residents regard their pets has contributed to Magnolia’s success, Fisher said. “We are a retirement community,” she said. “When the kids get out of the house, pets become your babies and you want them treated with special care.”

Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce
Shuckin’ Shack 

When friends Matt Piccinin and Sean Cook opened Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar in Carolina Beach five years ago, their goal was to create a casual spot where people could enjoy local steamed seafood. Success at their original location led the business partners to expand recently to downtown Wilmington, and its total staff has grown from six to more than 30. “Even though The Shack is expanding, its roots are deep in Carolina Beach and the local customers who have become more like family,” said Greg Reynolds, assistant director of the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce.