Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Announces Annual Awards

TOPSAIL BEACH, N.C. — Excellence and community were celebrated Wednesday, Sept. 23, as the Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism presented its annual awards during its luncheon.

“The selection committee accepts nominations from the membership,” said Tammy Proctor, Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism director. “The award winners reflect a spirit of entrepreneurship and a strong sense of community.”

This year’s eight award recipients were:

• Community Impact Award: Reel Housewives of Topsail Island, an organization that has raised more than $1 million for local families affected by breast cancer.
• New Business of the Year Award: High Tides and Good Vibes, a company that has filled a much-needed entertainment niche with bowling, games and dining.
• Business of the Year Award: Hidden Ships Distillery, the Greater Topsail Area’s first distillery and the recipient of numerous national and international awards.
• Businessperson of the Year: Pat Fontana, writer and owner of WordsWorking and Onslow Business, a publication dedicated to reporting business news in Onslow County.
• Hospitality Business of the Year: 50 South, owned by the Rocky Godwin family, which has served visitors for years with recreational equipment and activities, including surfboards and bicycles.
• Nonprofit of the Year: Ocean Fest, an organization dedicated to environmental protection. Through its events, Ocean Fest has donated more than $250,000 to local environmental causes.
• Volunteer of the Year: Vicki Fincham, a member of the Chamber’s board of directors who also volunteers with Kiwanis of Topsail Island, Dixon school booster clubs, Share the Table, Ocean Fest and Dixon Business Alliance.
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Riverview Café, owned by the Terwilliger family and recognized as the longest continuously operating restaurant in Onslow County.

The annual awards program was hosted by the Historical Society of Topsail Island at the Historic Assembly Building in Topsail Beach. Surf City Line catered the luncheon.

For more information about the Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, call 910-329-4446.