North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce recognizes award winners and welcomes new board members at Annual Dinner

The North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) honored its annual award winners and welcomed new board members during its Annual Dinner on June 23 at the Leland Cultural Arts Center. 

“This evening was about celebrating the people and organizations that make northern Brunswick County such a vibrant place to live and do business,” said Thom Kelly, Executive Director of the North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce. “From our award recipients to our dedicated board members, volunteers, sponsors, and Chamber members, each plays an important role in strengthening our business community. We are grateful for the leadership of outgoing President Shari Leone, excited to welcome Christina Atti-Uptegrow as our new president, and look forward to another year of building connections and supporting local businesses together.”

“This year’s honorees represent the innovation, leadership, and commitment that strengthen our community every day. We are proud to recognize their accomplishments and grateful for all they do to help our region thrive,” said Shari Leone, outgoing NBCC Board President.

The following members received awards:

  • New Members of the Year: Cape Fear Ghost Crabs & The Pit Backyard BBQ
  • Woman of the Year: Mary Klein, Advocate for Green Compass Global
  • Entrepreneur of the Year: Karen Wrenn, CEO of Brunswick Organizing Solutions
  • Young Professional of the Year: Shelby Lloyd, Community Engagement Partner for Novant Health
  • Non-Profit of the Year: Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity
  • Business of the Year: JBG Services, Painting Division
  • Partnership Excellence Award: Pioneer Strategies

The Chamber also recognized its incoming board members. Each will serve a three-year term on the board. 

  • Jonathan Paschal, Assistant Superintendent for Brunswick County Schools
  • Jeremy Gunn, Owner of JBG Services, Painting Division & Former Board President
  • Jessica Federman, Director of Marketing for Battleship North Carolina
  • Aldo Fiallega, Branch Manager for REV Federal Credit Union in Leland
  • Jamie Howell, Owner/President of Saltwater Signworks
  • Jennifer Alaimo, Director of Commercial and Property Management for Michael and Son Restoration

Returning board members include: 

  • Christina Atti-Uptegrow, Business Development Manager for Town Square Wilmington
  • Amber Buchholz, Co-Owner of Pelican Prowash
  • Karl Elken, Chief Geek Carolinas & Georgia for Sales Geek
  • Heather Evans, Business Developer for Bland Landscaping Company
  • Victor Fernandes, Owner/Coach for Fernandes Fit LLC
  • Steve Hulon, Director of Customized Industrial & Workforce Training for Brunswick Community College
  • Mary Klein, Advocate for Green Compass Global and, Foundational Affiliate for Atmosphera
  • Shelby Lloyd, Community Engagement Partner for Novant Health
  • Danita Mitchell, New Home Specialist for D.R. Horton
  • Brittany Reinert, Business Development Representative for BlueTone Media 

The following members concluded their board term: 

  • Brandon Hill, Founder & CEO for Gimmzi Smart Rewards
  • Dr. Paul Hvrol, Chiropractic Physician for Coastal Integrative Health
  • Shari Leone, Marketing Relationship Manager, Corning Credit Union
  • Nate Moore, Project Safety Manager for the Walkingson Group
  • Tom Powers, Owner of Powers Professional Administrative Services

“I intend to be the person who continues to show up. I want to support the continued growth and direction of this Chamber while helping it remain rooted in the sense of community we all share,” said incoming president Christina Atti-Uptegrow. “Some of my areas of focus will be to continue to diversify and strengthen our local business community, deepen our investment in local schools and organizations that support children and, help instill the same spirit of community in the future leaders who will one day stand in this room. I know what it feels like to look across a room and feel supported. That feeling is powerful, and it is one I hope we will continue to create for one another throughout the year ahead.”

The North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) supports and promotes the business community in northern Brunswick County, N.C. Its membership includes businesses currently located in northern Brunswick County, businesses who are seeking to grow or establish a footprint here, non-profit organizations, governmental bodies, and individuals who wish to support our local business community. The NBCC’s primary service area includes Belville, Leland, Navassa, Northwest, Sandy Creek, Town Creek and Winnabow. To learn more about the NBCC, visit https://northbrunswickchamber.com.