Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce Presents Business Awards for 2023
The Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce held its 2023 Business Award Presentations today, recognizing outstanding businesses and individuals in the community. After a hiatus, the event returned to Rotary, where local businesses and elected officials gathered to celebrate the achievements of their peers.
The awards presented at the ceremony included the Microenterprise of the Year, Administrative Professional of the Year, Minority Business of the Year, Community Impact Award, Pinnacle of Achievement, and a new award, the Eric Cantu Veteran of the Year.
The recipient of the Microenterprise of the Year award was Fernando and Michelle Hicks, owners of Beary Smokey Smokehouse. The couple's journey began with a food truck, which unfortunately faced challenges during the pandemic. However, they persevered and established a cozy family-friendly restaurant that offers mouthwatering smoked meats and delicious side dishes. Fernando expressed gratitude for the award and thanked the community for their support.
Gloria Blake received the Administrative Professional of the Year award for her exemplary work performance, dedication, and positive representation of her company. She was praised for her trustworthiness, compassion, and commitment to community involvement. Blake thanked everyone for the recognition and shared her love for Kinston and Lenoir County.
The Minority Business of the Year award was presented to James Dawson, owner of A Touch From Him. Dawson's business provides exceptional service, focusing on convenience and customer satisfaction. His dedication to his craft and involvement in community organizations made him a deserving recipient of the award. Dawson expressed surprise and gratitude for the recognition, attributing his success to his faith and community support.
The Small Business of the Year award was given to the Bryan Hanks Show, hosted by Bryan Hanks. Known for his vibrant personality and enthusiastic sense of humor, Hanks has made a significant impact on the community through his radio show and involvement in local events. Overwhelmed by the honor, he thanked his supporters and emphasized his commitment to Kinston.
The Community Impact award recognized Belk, a department store that has been an integral part of Kinston since the 1930s. Belk manager Jeffrey Williford received the award. Belk's commitment to the local economy, sponsorship of various community events, and exceptional customer service were acknowledged. The store manager expressed pride in their community involvement and their dedication to supporting local initiatives.
The Pinnacle of Achievement award, which celebrates a woman who has made a significant difference in the community, was presented to Richy Huneycutt. Huneycutt was commended for her leadership, collaborative spirit, and dedication to improving Lenoir County. She thanked her colleagues and expressed her love for the community.
In a new addition to the awards, the Eric Cantu Veteran of the Year award was introduced to honor individuals who have served their country and continue to contribute to the community. Eric Cantu, the award's namesake, was recognized for his selfless service and commitment to honoring veterans. He was praised for his role in designing memorials and preserving the history of fallen soldiers. Cantu expressed gratitude for the award and dedicated it to the GI Joes living History Museum, an organization that honors veterans.
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