Third generation business remains family-owned and operated

Cameron Hall learned about the heating and air conditioning business from his father and grandfather. He took the helm of Gideon Heating & Air Conditioning in January 2023, but it’s still a family-owned and -operated business. As Cam walks through the property, he points out an uncle, a cousin, and others.

The Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is pleased to announce the six award honorees recognized at its Annual Awards Luncheon and Silent Auction on May 20. The Annual Chamber Awards Luncheon celebrates excellence in six categories: Volunteer of the Year, Non-Profit of the Year, Businessperson of the Year, Hospitality Business of the Year, Business of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement.

The program will educate classes about all facets of Pender County

The Burgaw Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism agree that Pender County is a diverse and beautiful county to work, live, and play. In August, the two chambers of commerce will launch Leadership Pender, a program designed to familiarize attendees with the county’s educational system, history and culture, economic development, the non-profit sector, public safety, governments, healthcare, and workforce development.

Exellence honored, Silent auction returns

The Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is pleased to announce that the Annual Awards Luncheon and Silent Auction is set for May 20 at the Historic Assembly Building, 720 Channel Blvd., Topsail Beach. The Annual Chamber Awards Luncheon honors excellence in six categories – Volunteer of the Year, Non-Profit of the Year, Business Person of the Year, Hospitality Business of the Year, Business of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement.

Recipients of the Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards honored in April

PENDER COUNTY - The North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service has presented the 2025 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award to five recipients from Pender County. The award recipients are: Barbara Everly, Deniss Yott, Tammie Parris, Annette Erny, and Liz Trojan.

For nearly three decades, the Historical Society of Topsail Island (HSTI) has provided scholarships to graduating seniors from local high schools.

For nearly three decades, the Historical Society of Topsail Island (HSTI) has provided scholarships to graduating seniors from local high schools. At the annual scholarship luncheon held on April 10th this year, HSTI awarded four scholarships amounting to a total of $18,000.

Don't leave without meeting someone you didn't know when you walked through the door!

SURF CITY, NC – The Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism invites local business professionals to its spring Coastal Connections networking event on Monday, April 29, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Surf City Brewing Company.

Volunteer liaison needed at 4 C's Food Pantry

Do you have a bit of free time and want to do something meaningful that will help your community? The 4C’s Food Pantry in Hampstead is looking for someone to fill a volunteer position (non-paid) as our Community Liaison. We are new to the Chamber and hope you will help us find just the right person for the job!

Celebrating the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere's ride

The Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism and the Historical Society of Topsail Island are teaming up to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of Paul Revere’s Ride on April 18, beginning at 7 p.m. at The Assembly Building, 720 Channel Blvd.

We mourn the loss of Stephanie, a creative and talented young lady

On Friday, Feb. 7, Stephanie Key, 38, passed away unexpectedly. She worked for Pender County Tourism as a “tourism assistant.” Her title should have been “creative workhorse.” The first time I met Stephanie; she worked for Onslow Tourism. I worked for the Chamber and was dragged into a workshop on software that was supposed to put all of us on the same calendar. Stephanie spent a good hour training us. She walked over and asked if I had any questions. I smirked and asked, “You don’t think I’m really going to use this,

Two networking events added

The Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is pleased to announce the expansion of its premier networking group, WomenConnect. Starting in March, two events will be added to the schedule, giving local businesswomen even more opportunities to connect and share valuable business insights. In addition to the monthly luncheon group that currently meets at Hampstead’s Nineteen Restaurant, a second luncheon meeting will be held at Rick’s Restaurant in Sneads Ferry.

Hurkle-durkling is a Scottish term that means to lounge in bed or sleep-in when you are normally out and about. It's a phrase that has been used since the mid-1800s.

When you visit the Greater Topsail Area, we encourage you to hurkle-durkle at least one day on your vacation. Wait, you’re thinking. What is hurkle-durkle? It’s not to be found in any visitor guide. Hurkle-durkling is a Scottish term that means to lounge in bed or sleep-in when you are normally out and about. It's a phrase that has been used since the mid-1800s.

Fusion Blue opens restaurant in Holly Ridge

Fusion Blue Cuisine is known for its catering and food truck. In their recipe for success, the owners have added the Fusion Blue Bistro, a restaurant serving the Greater Topsail Area. When the former Deli Works location became available on Sound Road in Holly Ridge, they opened Fusion Blue Bistro. They continue to utilize the food truck, and they accept catering opportunities. “We appreciate the support this community has shown us,” said Chris. “We have a lot of businesses that are catering their Christmas parties. We

Breezeway Motel and Restaurant wins the 2025 Tourism Impact Award

Camden County Heritage Museum and Historic Jail, the Breezeway Motel and Restaurant, and Denise Bridgers with Taylor Companies, owner of Lu Mil Vineyard, were presented the 2025 Tourism Impact Awards by North Carolina Coast Host on Jan. 10.

Meet Sea Green Natural Cleaning

Sea Green Natural Cleaning was established in 2021, but the company’s owner, Cathy Mails, has been practicing natural cleaning since 1984. “We only use home cleaning products that are made using sustainable manufacturing practices and with safe, biodegradable ingredients that don't negatively impact the environment,” said Cathy. “We only have one planet. We have one life and we need to use products that are not harmful to our environment and our health.”

Grants can enhance the Chamber's programs

SURF CITY – The Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Board of Directors established the Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. The new Foundation has been approved by the NC Secretary of State. “The foundation will enable the Chamber to apply for grants to enhance the Chamber’s programs,” said Tammy Proctor, Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism director.

State remains a filming hotspot, with hit streaming series “The Summer I turned Pretty” and new series “The Hunting Wives,” “The Waterfront,” and “The Runarounds”

Film productions across the state generated more than $302 million in direct in-state spending in 2024. This year is the second highest year-end total since 2015, when the state’s current film grant program began, and the third highest total since 2000, when the state began offering film incentives to support its film industry.

Chilly and Choppy waters didn't deter 2024 Flotilla Captains

The 2024 Topsail Flotilla faced chilly and windy conditions, but 13 brave captains weathered the choppy Intracoastal Waterway on Dec. 14.

Plunge into the New Year with Share the Table

On New Year’s Day, hundreds of brave individuals will jump into the refreshing waters of the Atlantic Ocean, as the annual Dolphin Dip celebration begins. Share the Table has been hosting this popular event since 2018 and is offering a very special VIP experience for January 1, 2025.

Locally Owned Home and Hardware Store Scheduled to Open in Spring 2025

“The Helpful Place” will soon be part of the Surf City, Holly Ridge, and Topsail Island communities. Scheduled to open its doors in Spring 2025, Lori’s Ace Home & Hardware will be located at 14021 NC-50 in Surf City. True to the Ace brand, Lori’s Ace will provide an elevated service experience and high-quality product selection from the best brands like Stihl, Milwaukee, Big Green Egg, Traeger, Benjamin Moore, Yeti, and many more.

A test shot named state's best

Jeff Wenzel, owner and photographer at Above Topsail, has been awarded first place in the Children/Babies Portrait category at the annual Professional Photographers of North Carolina (PPNC) photo competition. Competing against more than 250 entries across various categories, Jeff's winning image is a striking black-and-white portrait of his son, Deacon.

Meet Shannon Boney, co-owner of Paradise Point Insurance, sharing important insurance information

Shannon Boney is the co-owner of Paradise Point Insurance. Shannon and her business partner, Hilal Isbell, started Paradise Point Insurance in 2024 to help clients understand the why and how of covering valuable assets. Shannon has worked in the insurance industry for more than 20 years. A native of Coastal Carolina, she understands the insurance challenges and needs.

Local Ice Cream Shop Earns National Honors in Prestigious Competition

The North American Ice Cream Association has announced the winners of its 2024 National Ice Cream Awards, and Scoops Microcreamery, a beloved local business, has achieved remarkable success. This recognition places Topsail Beach firmly on the map as a hub for exceptional frozen treats.

By Natascha Carroll Coaching

When a business gets stuck moving forward, it often uses data-proven tools to change company policies or perspectives and solve problems. For parents, it’s common to feel disconnected from their teens as they seek independence.

Historical Society of Topsail Island offers scholarships

Application for scholarships offered by the Historical Society of Topsail Island (HSTI) is now available online and at the counseling centers of Topsail High School, Dixon High School, and Pender Early College. Early College and homeschooled seniors must live in the Dixon High School or Topsail High School attendance area.

Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism event is open to the public

The Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is teaming up with Get-A-Clue Productions, Outback Steakhouse, and Share the Table for a murder mystery dinner theatre on Feb. 8, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale today.

The Flotilla is set for Dec. 14

TOPSAIL – The Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is accepting registrations for the 2024 Christmas Flotilla. To register for the flotilla go to https://business.topsailchamber.org/event-calendar/Details/annual-greater-topsail-area-flotilla-1188496?sourceTypeId=Hub. A captain’s meeting will be scheduled, and entries will be contacted.

Workshop will share tips and ideas to help cope with loss during the holidays

The Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism will sponsor a workshop titled "Navigating Grief During the Holidays." The key speaker will be Tina Akridge, a noted author who documented her grief journey. A mental health caregiver will also give tips on navigating grief.

Oct. 21, 5:30-7:30 p.m. network, carve a pumpkin, or help us judge

Are you struggling to communicate or connect with your teen?

I hear it all the time from parents struggling to communicate or connect with their teens: How do I get my teen to open up to me? Why is every conservation an argument? First let’s start with what normal teen development behavior is. They are wired to distance themselves from you and figure out who they are apart from their parents. They don’t like to take advice from their parents, but making you proud means the world to them, and studies have shown that acknowledging that you are proud of them builds confidence in t

Flotilla is set for Dec. 14

The Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is accepting registrations for the 2024 Christmas Flotilla. Due to Sea Tow’s generous sponsorship, the first prize for the flotilla’s best-decorated boat will be $1,000. Second and third-prize winners will receive $300 and $200, respectively.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern North Carolina to Host First-Ever Breakfast at the Kids’ Table event in Pender County.

Celebrate Fall on Island Time

For the 35th year, art and music lovers will gather in Topsail Beach, NC at the Autumn with Topsail Festival for Arts, Food & Beach Music! The festival takes place, rain or shine, Oct.18 From 5:00-8:30 p.m., Oct. 19 from 8:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m., and Oct. 20 from 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. on the grounds of the Historic Assembly Building, 720 Channel Blvd.

Area young professionals leading the charge

Topsail Young Professionals is the newest networking and career development group growing from the Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism.

Flotilla is set for Dec. 14

Don't put your boat in storage until AFTER Dec. 14!

Tour the new facility

Share the Table opens a new spacious location.

Pender and Onslow counties benefit from a robust tourism industry

Visit NC, a division of the North Carolina Economic Development Partnership, released the tourism data on visitor spending this week.

Topsail Chamber to host Christmas Market on Dec. 14

The Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism will host the Fourth Annual Flotilla and Christmas Market on Dec. 14 from 12 – 6 p.m. at Soundside Park, 517 Roland Ave. in Surf City. Applications for vendors are available now.

Transform Your Digital Marketing

The Lunch and Learn session will explore integrating multiple platforms into a single marketing program that builds success. Designed for small business owners, attendees will learn: • How to apply market segmentation to digital tactics • How to listen to what customers say and to watch what they do • How to improve your digital marketing return on investment • How to manage organizational change to improve digital marketing • How to expand reach across your entire organization

Fun indoor activities to do with the family

You’ve planned your beach vacation for months. But you didn’t plan on a rainy day or even a rainy afternoon. Don’t shutter yourself in the beach house. There’s so much to discover indoors! We have several businesses that provide entertainment for families. Here are some of our suggestions.

Evelyn Wheeler of Web Designs Your Way

Travelers add $35.6 billion to the state economy

Family entertainment coming to Greater Topsail Area

Exciting family entertainment will arrive with High Tides and Good Vibes in the Summer of 2025.

Turning the heat up on a cool, long-time business

Three generations of the Crawford Family have served the Greater Topsail community. So today, we turn the spotlight on Pleasant Air, a business that started in 1987 and is still running strong.

Networking for all

We're starting a new quarterly networking opportunity.

The Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism

Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce partners with CFCC Small Business Center

How would your business grow if you ran your business like Disney? Find out on March 12!

Missiles and More Museum set to open on March 1.

Ward Realty Vacation rentals Topsail Island

Topsail Chamber is accepting boat registrations for the 2023 Flotilla

New Hire, Executive Director, Tammy Proctor, Dr. Steve Hill, Topsail Chamber

Kiwanis Grant