Greater Wilmington Business Journal - March 5 Issue

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Festive talk

How the Azalea Festival will be different Page 19

March 5 - 18, 2021 Vol. 22, No. 5

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$2.00

WEB EXCLUSIVE Top sales

The highest-priced transactions of 2020 wilmingtonbiz.com

Spain exiting

Retiring Habitat chief shares insights Page 11

Next phase

Autumn Hall grows Page 12

PHOTO BY MICHAEL CLINE SPENCER

Index Banking & Finance .............................4-5 Health Care ........................................6-7 Economic Development.......................... 8 The List ............................................9, 15 In Profile...............................................11 Real Estate .................................... 12-13 Business of Life.............................. 18-19

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Looking at the future: Wearing a mask, Jacquelin Meade listens to presentations from fellow students in her organic chemistry senior seminar class taught by Wendy Strangman, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry at UNCW.

A YEAR LATER COVID CHANGED LIFE AS WE KNEW IT, AND THE ADAPTATIONS CONTINUE

BY JENNY CALLISON n addition to anything else that it has wrought, a year of COVID-19 has forced officials, business owners and just about everyone else to use their greatest creative powers and to remain flexible. In some cases, pandemic restrictions have spurred innovation. In other cases, entities are simply hoping that, as the virus becomes less of a threat, they can return to pre-COVID operations. But no one knows when that will be.

I

For example, the city of Wilmington’s community services director said Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, shut down since last March, should be up and running again in a few months. In October, City Council awarded entertainment purveyor

Live Nation a contract to manage the venue. “As of now, Live Nation is planning concerts at normal capacity at both the Hugh Morton Amphitheater at Greenfield and North Waterfront Park beginning this summer,” Amy Beatty said. “Of course that is subject to change depending upon COVID conditions.” Live Nation representative DJ Lindfors was a bit more cautious in his assessment. “We’re certainly looking forward to the return of live music to the Greenfield Lake Amphitheater” and North Waterfront Park, he said. “Obviously, our plans are fluid as they relate to evolving COVID developments. We are closely monitoring

local regulations and when they allow for it, we’ll return to normal capacity.” Like the amphitheater, performance venues elsewhere stood vacant, with months of booked programming scuttled, while the area’s smaller special events spaces faced cancellations of weddings and other gatherings. The larger venues’ ability to open with limited capacity – even with recent easing on the numbers – doesn’t cover costs, say operators. It’s not just entertainment venues that are second-guessing. Public educational institutions have had to make a series of adjustments over the past 12 months. Both higher education campuses and K-12 classrooms have shifted their learning models, including developing several hybrid arrangements. Last month, the New Hanover County School board voted to let youngsters in kindergarten See YEAR, page 10


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March 5 - 18, 2021

wilmingtonbiz.com

Greater Wilmington Business Journal

Michael Jordan Gifts $10M to launch additional medical clinics with Novant Health

Expect care that’s easy to access and afford. Right here in Wilmington, N.C. We are thrilled to announce that Michael Jordan has pledged a $10 million gift to open two medical clinics in New Hanover County. The clinics will bring comprehensive primary care, including behavioral health and social support services, to the area’s most vulnerable communities. Planned to open in early 2022, the Wilmington clinics will provide crucial preventive care services to all, including those who are uninsured or underinsured. Thanks to Michael’s gift, we’ll be able to more quickly — and more directly — improve access to affordable care for all. Now that’s a remarkable new day.

Discover more about the partnership NovantHealth.org/NHRMC

© Novant Health, Inc. 2021

ECA701299


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March 5 - 18, 2021

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| FROM WILMINGTONBIZ.COM | This is a sampling of stories from the Business Journal’s Daily Update. Subscribe at wilmingtonbiz.com.

Feds investigate nCino hiring practices (Feb. 26) Wilmington-based banking software firm nCino (Nasdaq: NCNO) is under federal investigation, according to an SEC filing in February. The Form 8-K filed with the SEC by the firm in February stated that the company “and certain of its officers and other employees were served with grand jury subpoenas wherein the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice is seeking documents and information in connection with an investigation of the Company’s hiring and wage practices under US federal antitrust laws.” The filing stated that nCino is fully cooperating with authorities. “Previously, the Company received a letter from a law firm representing one individual seeking to resolve potential civil antitrust claims against the Company and Live Oak Bank … relating to an alleged unlawful agreement not to solicit or hire certain employees,” the filing stated. The filing also said nCino “believes

its hiring and wage practices do not violate antitrust laws.” As part of Live Oak’s annual report filed in February with the SEC, officials disclosed, “On December 15, 2020, the Company [Live Oak] received a letter from a law firm representing an individual claiming that the Company sought to restrain the mobility of employees in violation of antitrust laws by agreeing not to solicit or hire certain employees. In the letter, the individual threatens to assert claims against the Company and others on a class-action basis. No complaint has yet been filed.”

PPD awarded funds to study PTSD drugs (Feb. 22) PPD Inc. (Nasdaq: PPD) has been awarded Defense Health Agency funds to support PTSD drug development, according to a news release. The global contract research organization has received a Research Project Award (RPA) “to develop and execute an adaptive platform clinical research trial of drug interventions to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),” stated the release. Officials said that there are only two drugs approved by the FDA to

treat PTSD. Those drugs were developed nearly two decades ago. PPD will work with federal groups to test the effectiveness and safety of at least two drug candidates for the treatment of PTSD in U.S. military active duty personnel and veterans, stated the release.

TOP-READ STORIES ONLINE Here are the most popular stories for February 21 - 28 from the Business Journal’s website.

1. Feds investigating nCino employment practices under antitrust laws

Aerospace manufacturer relocates to Ohio (Feb. 19) QRP Inc., a manufacturer of locking quick release pins for the aerospace industry, has closed its Brunswick County headquarters. QRP’s facility, previously at 2307 Mercantile Drive NE in Leland, closed in December and moved to Ohio, company officials said in a recent email. The move was a decision by the firm’s parent company to consolidate into a larger facility there. A few employees relocated to Ohio with the move, a QRP official said in an email, but when asked, could not say how many people were employed with the company before the move. According to Brunswick Community College job training officials, the company move impacted at least 60 displaced employees, who are now being worked with to get training.

2. ‘Just enough’: Bar owners react to first indoor drinking allowed since pandemic began 3. BCAR names officers, directors 4. Owner ends auction for Frying Pan Tower (2018 story) 5. At Mayfaire, local store expands 6. New ownership dawns for sunroom firm 7. Local chef sells beachside restaurant 8. WilmingtonBiz Talk: Booming housing market 9. Brunswick County airports awarded grants 10. Buying homes, sight unseen To read more, go to wilmingtonbiz.com

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Greater Wilmington Business Journal

| BANKING & FINANCE |

T

SBA softens some lending policies “

he Small Business Administration has made recent changes to its lending programs that benefit both lenders and their smallest business borrowers. Those changes were part of the consolidated $2.3 trillion federal appropriations package signed into law Dec. 27, which also allocated $284 billion for the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). “There are increased guarantee percentages for the bank,” said Mike McGinley, executive vice president – small business JENNY lending at Live Oak Bank. He cited the provision that temporarily (through Sept. 30, 2021) enhances the terms of the 7(a) loan program by increasing the SBA’s loan guarantee to lenders to 90% and offering reduced or no fees for the borrower and the

CALLISON

lender. “Also, the guaranteed percentage for express loans of up to $350,000 increased from 50% to 75%,” McGinley added. “These can be term loans or lines of credit.” The extra cushion of protection is designed to encourage participation in SBA lending by more financial institutions and to make it less risky for them to do so, McGinley said. Another lender incentive comes in the form of reduced or waived fees, he continued. “There is an upfront fee banks pay; it’s like an origination fee and is passed along to the borrower,” McGinley said. “That has been removed completely through September. Then there’s an ongoing annual fee of 55 basis points (0.55% of the loan balance) that is paid by the bank to the SBA. This fee is not passed along to the borrower. That fee has been removed on any loan originated through the end of September 2021.” For borrowers, the December legislation provides a government subsidy of three months’ worth of

Increased guarantees, fee reductions and subsidy payments: these are huge for the COVID 6.” MIKE MCGINLEY EVP-small business lending Live Oak Bank

principal and interest payments up to $9,000 per month for new loans. If the monthly P&I payment is more than $9,000, the borrower would pay only the amount above that threshold, McGinley said. For borrowers getting a second round of subsidy through the new legislation, that grace period is only two months. For borrowers in especially hardhit industries, those terms are slightly more generous. McGinley pointed out that three of the 10 verticals he manages at Live Oak – franchise

restaurants, educational services and fitness centers – are among what the bank calls its “COVID 6”: those industries at greatest risk because of the pandemic-related economic downturn. The bank’s other COVID 6 verticals are hotels, wine and craft beverages and franchise restaurants. “Increased guarantees, fee reductions and subsidy payments: these are huge for the COVID 6,” McGinley said. “And these changes, from a borrower’s perspective, make [a 7(a) loan] more affordable for them. Subsidy payments give them a head start and drive people to the program. If they would have gone for a conventional loan six to nine months ago, now [the 7(a)] is more attractive. That focuses more attention on the SBA loans, and it’s good for us.” McGinley said Live Oak Bank has seen an increase in its 7(a) applications, an increase that began even before the recent changes were announced. And things could get hotter if terms improve even more. “There’s more stimulus coming as part of Biden’s [economic stimulus]


Greater Wilmington Business Journal

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| BANKING & FINANCE | bill,” he said. “We don’t know how it will affect small businesses, but it could increase the appropriation.” The extension of subsidies for Self-Help Credit Union’s 7(a) borrowers is helpful, said Tracy Ward, who heads up SBA lending for the Durham-based credit union. She explained that the majority of their borrowers are very small businesses, including minority-owned businesses. And she’s seen an uptick in applications from them for SBA loans. “The higher guarantee for lenders helps the borrower as well,” she added, explaining that the SBA’s temporary 90% guarantee can encourage a lender to take a chance on an applicant with a less-than-sterling credit history. Since Self-Help is also a Community Development Financial Institution, Ward and others at the credit union are applauding a borrower-friendly change to the 504 lending program and waiting for SBA guidance on program details. The 504 program lends to businesses for capital improvements. “Normally, if a 504 borrower refinances, it cannot take any equity out of the building, but the SBA is changing that rule,” she said. “A

business that refinances its 504 now through December of this year can pull some equity out to reinvest in its business operations and help it survive.” Refinancing is done through a bank or credit union, either the borrower’s original 504 lender or another lender, Ward explained, adding this is a good time to refinance, with interest rates on 25-year fixed-rate loans below 3%. Many small and minority-owned businesses in the Wilmington market may not be aware of changes in the SBA 7(a) program that may make them more attractive to a lender, said Chase Faircloth, manager of SelfHelp’s Wilmington branch. “We are trying to get the word out more so we can help more businesses grow,” he said. “We do have resources available as well as loan counselors and internal partners we can reach out to and make things as simple as we can for small businesses.”

SBA provides look at latest PPP lending activity A news release from the U.S. Small Business Administration on Feb. 22 shared several statistics that, accord-

ing to the agency, show it is prioritizing the “smallest of small businesses” with its latest round of Paycheck Protection Program loans. The percentage comparisons are with the rounds of PPP funding that took place in the spring and summer of 2020. For businesses with fewer than 10 employees, the share of funding is up nearly 60%. For businesses in rural communities, the share of funding is up nearly 30%. The share of funding distributed through Community Development Financial Institutions and Minority Depository Institutions is up more than 40%. “While reported data illustrates we have made real strides in ensuring these funds are reaching underserved communities, we believe we can still do better,” SBA senior adviser Michael Roth said in the release. To make those improvements, the SBA announced changes to the PPP application process. It established a 14-day, exclusive PPP loan application period for businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 20 employees that began Feb. 24. And, starting early this month, the agency stated it will:

• Allow sole proprietors, independent contractors and self-employed individuals to receive more financial support by revising the PPP’s funding formula for these categories of applicants; • Eliminate an exclusionary restriction on PPP access for small business owners with prior nonfraud felony convictions, consistent with a bipartisan congressional proposal; • Eliminate PPP access restrictions on small business owners who have struggled to make federal student loan payments by eliminating federal student loan debt delinquency and default as disqualifiers to participating in the PPP; • Ensure access for noncitizen small business owners who are lawful U.S. residents by clarifying that they may use their Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to apply for the PPP. “The SBA is a frontline agency working to create an inclusive economy, focused on reaching women-owned, minority-owned, low- and moderate-income, rural, and other underserved communities in meaningful ways,” Roth said. For more info, go to sba.gov/ppp and treasury.gov/cares.


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Greater Wilmington Business Journal

| HEALTH CARE |

NHRMC appeals denial for new facility BY VICKY JANOWSKI

N

ew Hanover Regional Medical Center is going back to state regulators to get permission to build a community hospital in Scotts Hill. Last month, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services denied NHRMC’s request to build a 66-bed hospital near the New Hanover and Pender county line. NHRMC filed its application for the facility last fall under the state’s Certificate of Need law. In response to the denial, NHRMC has filed a petition for a contested case hearing in the N.C. Office of Administrative Hearings, according to state officials. The $210 million hospital was proposed to include 36 new beds, as well as 30 relocated beds, eight operating rooms and some major equipment like CT scanners moved from NHRMC’s Orthopedic Hospital campus, with an estimated opening of October 2024. Health system officials said the new facility would ease capacity con-

RENDERING C/O LS3P

Building plans: NHRMC proposed building a community hospital, shown in a rendering above, in the Scotts Hill area off U.S. 17. State regulators, however, recently denied the application.

straints at NHRMC’s main campus on 17th Street and address growing care needs for those living near the U.S. 17 corridor. NHRMC also has said it plans to close its Orthopedic Hospital, which means moving the licensed beds and equipment to other locations.

“The growth in this market, coupled with the overcrowding and congestion in the downtown Wilmington area, have facilitated the need for a facility that better serves patients in northern New Hanover County. Orthopedic Hospital currently has 75 beds that will be fully relocated,

and the campus closed,” NHRMC’s application stated. More than half of the Orthopedic Hospital’s acute care beds already have been approved to move to NHRMC’s main campus this year, and hospital officials still hope to move the rest – 30 beds – to a new building in Scotts Hill. Officials detailed that New Hanover Regional Medical Center-Scotts Hill would be built as a satellite campus at a site where NHRMC already has an emergency department and outpatient surgery center. When the Certificate of Need, or CON, application was filed, NHRMC was not yet under a finalized deal agreement to be sold to Winston-Salem-based Novant Health, but that sale has since closed. On Feb. 9, state officials reviewing the CON application denied the request. In its application, NHRMC projected that when looking at all of its campuses together, patient occupancy for acute care beds would be


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| HEALTH CARE | higher than target levels in the years after a facility in Scotts Hill would open – from 86.5% to 90.7%, compared to a target of 75.2%. For the proposed Scotts Hill hospital, NHRMC projects the occupancy rate would be 67.4%-71.8% in the three years after it opens, with annual patient discharges ranging from 4,413 to 4,872. State regulators in their denial said that NHRMC’s CON application didn’t have the methodology to support its projections. “… the applicant does not adequately demonstrate how its projected volumes incorporate the concept of maximizing healthcare value for resources expended. The applicant does not adequately demonstrate the need to develop 36 new acute care beds and to relocate 30 existing acute care beds, eight existing ORs, and other existing assets to develop a new hospital campus,” according to the findings from the state. “Therefore, the applicant fails to adequately demonstrate how the proposed project will maximize healthcare value for resources expended in meeting the need identified.” NHRMC is not yet giving up on the plan.

“We are appealing as we continue to see the overwhelming need for additional services and beds in this region and feel this is in the best interest of our growing community,” hospital spokesman Julian March said earlier this week.

Wilmington Health acquires Penslow clinic Penslow Medical Center is now Wilmington Health at Penslow. The local independent physician practice announced the change March 1. Wilmington Health has had a partnership with the Holly Ridge practice since 2016, providing managerial services and staffing. “This transition will come with building improvements, internal referrals, additional access to imaging services, a robust medical record and more,” Wilmington Health officials said in the announcement, adding that the clinic’s purpose will remain as it has been since it opened in 1977, which is to serve the community including the uninsured and underinsured. “Our goal is to create a smooth transition for our patients, and it will be important that we keep our exist-

ing patients well-informed of practice changes,” Norman Taylor, clinical manager, said in the news release. The practice’s hours expanded to five days a week, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Grant helps support patient navigation Through a recent grant, Cape Fear HealthNet members will be able to get help navigating specialty appointments and follow-up care. The Leon Levine Foundation awarded Cape Fear HealthNet (CFHN) a grant, and the funding is being used to have a licensed practical nurse with Community Care of the Lower Cape Fear (CCLCF) provide care coordination services. CFHN’s mission focuses on ensuring that low-income residents have access to a medical home, receive preventive services and avoid unnecessary health complications. CCLCF is a 501(c)(3) that works on improving health outcomes for more than 90,000 public and privately-insured enrollees in New Hanover, Pender, Brunswick, Columbus, Onslow and Bladen counties. “CFHN and CCLCF recognized a need to increase referral appointment

compliance and help patients understand the importance of when to use their primary care provider, a health clinic and the Emergency Department,” a press release stated. Officials said that specialists who provided pro bono services to CFHN members “would often have trouble engaging patients to follow through with much needed health care services or have patients miss appointments,” according to the release. With the dedicated position, the nurse will work with individuals to educate them about the importance of sticking to specialty appointments and take advantage of services being offered. “The LPN will also ensure that members receive their medications, understand treatment plans, go to any follow-up appointments and have resources that can reduce barriers to their overall health,” officials said. “Barriers can include what is commonly referred to as social determinants of health including food insecurity, housing issues, transportation issues and concerns with interpersonal violence and toxic stress. The CCLCF LPN will address these barriers and link the member to a resource that can help.”


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Greater Wilmington Business Journal

| ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |

Report spotlights region’s advantages

S

outheastern North Carolina can gain a foothold in a wide range of industries, according to an analysis of the North Carolina’s Southeast 18-county region. The area’s growing sectors, such as fintech and life sciences, are the strongest competitive advantages when it comes to attracting jobs and investment CHRISTINA HALEY in the region, said Steve Yost, president of North Carolina’s Southeast. North Carolina’s Southeast conducts business and recruitment efforts, including in the Wilmington micro-region encompassing New Hanover, Pender, Brunswick and Columbus counties. The regional economic development organization released in February the North Carolina’s Southeast Competitive Positioning 2020, an analysis of the organization’s 18-county region that includes its economic landscape, workforce characteristics, industrial product and marketing strategies. “This is the most in-depth economic and workforce analysis that we’ve ever done of the Southeast region, and as part of it, we tried to do some breakouts of each county and then also looking at some of the subregions, like the Wilmington micro-region to some degree,” Yost said. The 212-page document includes future industry trends, workforce demands, an educational analysis and a sector analysis, as well as best practices for strengthening regional competitiveness. The report found that the largest county labor forces are in New Hanover and Cumberland counties, representing about 33% of the 18-county regional pool. “Having that injection of the population growth – having that continuous growth in the workforce-age demographics, which not every state in the country has or every location in North Carolina has – it’s just absolutely a top strength,” Yost said. High-growth sectors in the Wilmington micro-region are in construction products and services, production technology and technology, according to the report. The analysis also notes the health care and

O’NEAL

FILE PHOTO

Growing industry: Cardinal Foods President and CEO Corey Barnhill stands inside the Burgaw facility where the company is planning a major expansion.

education sectors make the region attractive and are among some of the Wilmington area’s top employers. Yost said one area of opportunity and growth for the Wilmington micro-region is to broaden the technology sector, especially in the fintech, life sciences and biotechnology industries. “And tied in with tech is advanced manufacturing,” Yost said. “That comes through the analysis as well that advanced manufacturing is so technology-oriented today and will be more so in the future, and having that accessibility to a quality workforce in the [Wilmington] micro-region. So, there is going to be growth opportunities for advanced manufacturing and satellite production technology for metal products or in aerospace … or could even be value-added food manufacturing.” The aerospace industry, while noted in the report as an industry unique for the area, “has experienced job losses in the last five years,” according to the report. The COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly hard on this sector, with the demand for travel being diminished by the virus and the regulations to stop its spread. The hospitality and tourism industries, big sectors for the Wilmington area, have also been hard hit by the pandemic. Yost said that he expects those jobs will come back

and continue to play a strong role in the Wilmington region’s economy. But the post-COVID business climate, Yost said, brings a potential to snatch up more jobs and investment as businesses move and people relocate to the area, bringing their skills and talent with them. “The whole combination of the business sectors that have formed the [Wilmington] micro-region economy overall is strong in a lot of ways. It’s thriving, even now with COVID,” Yost said. “And add that in with population growth, which is the strongest of anywhere in the Southeast region … you have that whole underlining strength of a diverse economy for the Wilmington micro-region to build from.” To read the full report, visit North Carolina Southeast’s website at ncse. org/publications.php.

Burgaw agricultural business expanding Burgaw-based Cardinal Foods LLC has plans to expand its existing facility to an additional 56,000 square feet for food-grade processing and invest $26 million. It’s a move that officials say could add about 50 jobs with an average salary of about $38,500, above the average salary in Pender County. The local food processor, at 201

Progress Drive in Pender Industrial Park, will double its size and workforce, officials said. Cardinal Foods plans this expansion to better serve blueberry, sweet potato and butternut squash farmers, from Florida to New Jersey. The largest benefit, however, will be to North Carolina growers, stated a news release. “This investment will enable Cardinal to be one of the largest sweet potato fry manufacturers in the world,” Cardinal Foods President and CEO Corey Barnhill said. “Due to a lack of processing capacity regionally, a large majority of fruits and vegetables travel outside of North Carolina – as far away as Idaho and Canada – to be processed.” In addition to the company’s investment, Cardinal Foods is earmarked to receive an economic development incentive package for the project. Pender County commissioners approved $33,750 for the project, and the town of Burgaw has also agreed to provide another $33,750, for a total of $67,500 in local incentives. The state, through its Building Reuse program, has also set aside $350,000 in grant funds for the project. The expansion also qualifies for a $50,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund, which requires a dollar-for-dollar match at the local level, stated county documents. These investments are to be made over a three-year period.

ILM lands Boston flight American Airlines will launch a Boston seasonal flight at Wilmington International Airport (ILM) this summer. The flights between Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and ILM will run each Saturday from June 5 through Aug. 14, said Julie Wilsey, ILM’s airport director. American will run a 67-seat regional jet, scheduled to arrive in Wilmington at 2:45 p.m. and depart Wilmington at 2:55 p.m. each Saturday. ILM was slated to have an American Airlines flight to BOS last spring, but the COVID-19 pandemic. “A great advantage for this flight is that American and JetBlue have an agreement in place to connect their networks in the Northeast. Passengers will be able to connect to JetBlue destinations from the ILMBOS flights,” Wilsey said.


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| THE LIST |

Marinas

Ranked by total capacity RANK

MARINA ADDRESS

PHONE WEBSITE EMAIL

TOTAL CAPACITY/ DRY STORAGE/ WET SLIPS

FUEL/ ELECTRICITY

1

Inlet Watch Yacht Club 801 Paoli Court Wilmington, NC 28409

392-7106 www.inletwatch.com troy@inletwatch.com

694 525 169

No 30 amp and 50 amp

2

Southport Marina Inc.* 606 W. West St. Southport, NC 28461

457-9900 www.southport-marina.com info@southport-marina.com

550 350 200

ValvTect marine gasoline and diesel 30, 50 and 100 amps

3

Bradley Creek Yacht Club 6338 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC 28403

350-0029 www.bradleycreekmarina.com bcmoffice@bradleycreekmarina.com / gm@bradleycreekmarina.com

481 316 165

No 30 and 50 amp

4

Ocean Isle Marina & Yacht Club 2000 Sommersette Road SW Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469

579-6440 www.oceanislemarina.com Tmoon@oceanislemarina.com

445 420 25

Gas and diesel 30 amp and 50 amp

5

Creekside Yacht Club 6334 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC 28403

350-0023 www.creeksideyachtclub.com generalinformation@creeksideyachtclub.com

400 400 0

Yes, 89/90 nonethanol unleaded

6

Sloop Point Boat Storage 579 Lewis Road Hampstead, NC 28443

821-1024 slooppoint.com info@slooppoint.com

224 224 0

For members yes

7

Atlantic Marine 101 Keel St. Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

910-256-9911 www.atlanticmarine.com info@atlanticmarine.com

205 200 5

Gas only No

8

Harbour Village Marina 176 Harbor Village Drive Hampstead, NC 28443

270-4017 www.harbourvillagemarina.com hvmanager301@aol.com

192 0 192

Gas and diesel 30 and 50 amp

9

MarineMax Wrightsville Beach 130 Short St. Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

256-8100 www.marinemax.com jay.wissman@MarineMax.com

188 188 0

No Yes

RAMP

TOP MARINA OFFICIAL/ YEAR LOCALLY FOUNDED

SUPPLIES

RESTROOM

PRESSURE WASH

Troy Moore, General Manager/Broker-In-Charge 1974

Hank Whitley, Marina Manager 1964

BOAT LIFT RESTAURANT

Jon Crews, General Manager Kathy Raines, Office Manager 1964

Tim Moon, General Manager/Dockmaster 1987

Howard Stanley, General Manager 1999

2018

David Floyd, President 1976

Mike Moran, Harbourmaster 1983

Chris Brock, General Manager 1972

David Christopher, Dockmaster/Manager 1967

Ben Traynham, Marina Manager 1988

Ian Cummings, Dockmaster Michael Bianchi, General Manager 2001

10

Seapath Yacht Club 330 Causeway Drive, P.O. Box 690 Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

256-3747 www.seapathyachtclub.com dockhouse@seapathyachtclub.com

187 0 187

Gas and diesel 30 and 50 amps

11

Masonboro Yacht Club and Marina 609 Trails End Road Wilmington, NC 28409

791-1893 www.masonboroboatslips.com david@masonboro.com

186 86 100

No Yes

12

Bald Head Island Marina P.O. Box 3069 Bald Head Island, NC 28461

457-7380 www.baldheadislandmarina.com dockmaster@bhisland.com

179 0 179

Gas and diesel 30, 50 and 100 amps

13

Safe Harbor South Harbour Village Marina* 4909 Fish Factory Road Southport, NC 28461

454-7486 https://shmarinas.com/locations/safe-harborsouth-harbour-village mbianchi@shmarinas.com

153 0 153

Diesel and nonethanol gas plus oil 30, 50 and 100 amps

14

Wilmington Marine Center 3410 River Road Wilmington, NC 28412

395-5055 www.wilmingtonmarine.com dockmaster@wilmingtonmarine.com

140 20 120

Diesel and nonethanol gasoline 30 and 50 amp

15

Port City Marina 10 Harnett St. Wilmington, NC 28401

251-6151 www.portcitymarina.com info@portcitymarina.com

110 0 110

Diesel/gas 30, 50, 100, 480 3 phase

15

Wrightsville Beach Marina and Transient Docks 6 Marina St. Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

256-6666 www.wrightsvillebeachmarina.com wbmarina@bellsouth.net

110 0 89

Yes Yes

17

Federal Point Yacht Club 910 Basin Road Carolina Beach, NC 28428

458-4201 www.fpyclub.com cmm@fpyclub.com

108 0 108

No 30 and 50 amps

18

Cape Fear Marina/Off The Hook Yachts 1701 J.E.L. Wade Drive Wilmington, NC 28401

Leasing: 772-9277/Dockmaster: 762-1256 service.offthehookyachts.com/marina service@offthehookys.com

107 35 72

No Yes

19

Anchors Away Boat Yard 585 Lewis Road, P.O. Box 279 Hampstead, NC 28443

270-4741 www.anchorsawayboatyard.com service@anchorsawayboatyard.com

100 100 0

No Yes

20

Carolina Beach State Park 1020 State Park Road Carolina Beach, NC 28428

458-7770 ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/cabe/main.php carolina.beach@ncparks.gov

54 0 54

Gasoline and diesel 30 and 50 amp service

21

Sawmill Point Marina 1015 Nutt St. Wilmington, NC 28401

772-9277 sawmillpoint.com/p/marina/ service@offthehookys.com

42 0 42

No 30 and 50 amp

List compiled from voluntary responses to a Business Journal survey. *Southport Marina and Safe Harbor South Harbour Village Marina are slated to complete hurricane damage repairs this year.

Jay Wissman, Operations Manager Carrington Smart, General Manager 1998

Mike Loch, Marina Manager Mike Loch, Dockmaster 1987

Taylor Haberl, Dockmaster 2015

Sam Clary, Dockmaster 1996

Deborah Conard, Manager 1996

Connor Bennett, General Manager Renn Williamson, Dockmaster 1998

Chris Bubin, Yard Manager 2002

Chris Helms, Park Superintendent 1976

Connor Bennett, General Manager 2017


Page 10

March 5 - 18, 2021

wilmingtonbiz.com

Greater Wilmington Business Journal

| FROM THE COVER | 219 Station Road, Suite 202 Wilmington, NC 28405 (910) 343-8600 Fax: (910) 343-8660 wilmingtonbiz.com PUBLISHER Rob Kaiser rkaiser@wilmingtonbiz.com PRESIDENT Robert Preville rpreville@wilmingtonbiz.com EDITOR Vicky Janowski vjanowski@wilmingtonbiz.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Cece Nunn cnunn@wilmingtonbiz.com REPORTERS Johanna Cano jcano@wilmingtonbiz.com Christina Haley O’Neal chaley@wilmingtonbiz.com VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Maggi Apel mapel@wilmingtonbiz.com SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Craig Snow csnow@wilmingtonbiz.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Courtney Barden cbarden@wilmingtonbiz.com Ali Buckley abuckley@wilmingtonbiz.com

KEN Marian Welsh mwelsh@wilmingtonbiz.com

LITTLE

OFFICE & AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Sandy Johnson sjohnson@wilmingtonbiz.com CONTENT MARKETING COORDINATOR Morgan Mattox mmattox@wilmingtonbiz.com EVENTS/DIGITAL COORDINATOR Elizabeth Stelzenmuller events@wilmingtonbiz.com CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER Suzi Drake art@wilmingtonbiz.com DESIGN/MEDIA COORDINATOR Molly Jacques production@wilmingtonbiz.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jenny Callison, David Frederiksen, Kyle Hanlin, Jessica Maurer, Laura Moore FOUNDER Joy Allen SUBSCRIPTIONS To subscribe to the Greater Wilmington Business Journal, call (910) 343-8600 x201 or visit wilmingtonbiz.com. Subscriptions cost $9.95 per month or $95 per year. ADVERTISING For advertising information and rates, call (910) 343-8600 x204 © Copyright 2021 SAJ Media LLC

From YEAR, page 1

through fifth grade return to fulltime, in-person learning March 8, with students in grades 6 through 12 continuing a combination on-site and remote model. Families can continue to opt for an all-virtual experience if they prefer. UNCW, which has seen success with its current hybrid model supported by vigorous testing, tracing, mask-wearing and distance-keeping on campus, decided to forego in-person commencement exercises in May in favor of a safer virtual ceremony. Nevertheless, Chancellor Jose Sartarelli is optimistic about the nearterm future. “I know many of you want to know what the summer sessions and fall semester will be like,” he stated in a message to the campus community last month. “We are planning for a ‘normal’ summer at this time, recognizing that UNCW typically offers quite a bit of online academic programming in the summer. We also are planning for a more ‘normal’ fall to include more sections of in-person and hybrid classes; more students living on campus; more in-person sports, events and activities; more online and hybrid camps, as well as a possible return to in-person youth programs; and, well, just more Seahawk fun.” Big events were non-starters. Organizers canceled the N.C. Azalea Festival (read more about the festival on page 19) and a similar fate befell Riverfest 2020 and the Orange Street ArtsFest. Instead, several organizations, including the Wilson Center and Cucalorus, looked to the past for inspiration and launched a drivein movie series. Curbside Cinema, the partnership between Cucalorus, UNCW and WHQR Public Media, took a break for the winter months and will return to the outdoor screen at UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium parking lot this month. Speaking of film, COVID may be partly responsible for the surge in film activity that has EUE/Screen Gems Studios filled to capacity and other projects taking a serious look at the Wilmington area, said Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo. With people at home, and theaters closed or severely restricted in capacity, the demand for streamed content has exploded, he noted. “A lot of production companies are producing a tremendous volume of content, and we have [a well-established] industry here,” Saffo said. While the streaming segment was already growing month by month

and studios realize this platform is tremendously important, COVID has sped up the demand for at-home viewing, said Wilmington Film Commission Director Johnny Griffin. Once the film industry established COVID protocols that would allow shooting to resume, the phone started ringing in Griffin’s office and at EUE/Screen Gems. “Every studio has its own streaming service now, not to replace movie theaters but as an additional way to distribute and view content. All of them are rushing to make content,” Griffin said. “Wilmington is on a roll, which produces good news. When high-level [film] people are here [as part of a project], they’re already working on future projects, so they are getting a test-drive of Wilmington. Work breeds work.” Several industries objected to what they viewed as inconsistent restrictions from N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper; one business association took him to court. The Bowling Proprietors of the Carolinas and Georgia sued Cooper in June, claiming that his pandemic-related restrictions unfairly kept bowling alleys closed while allowing some businesses with similar levels of risk – restaurants, barber shops, salons, tattoo parlors – to operate under strict social distancing and cleaning guidelines. “We were closed from March 28 until July 7,” said D.C. Knight, general manager of Carolina Lanes Beach Bowl, noting his facility reopened on the latter date when Special Superior Court Judge James Gale ruled in favor of the Bowling Proprietors Association. Bowling lanes stayed open a week: Cooper appealed the decision to the N.C. Supreme Court, which blocked Gale’s ruling and forced bowling alleys to close down again. Knight said his facility chose to ignore the ruling and to remain open, employing strict sanitizing and distancing measures and requiring customers and staff to wear masks. Those measures continue to be enforced, he added, and bowlers have started to come back, especially during the winter weather. While restaurants may have chafed under the COVID restrictions, some successfully adapted to offering takeout and delivery services prior to a May easing that allowed them to operate indoors at 50% capacity. Some found ways to serve outdoors. Some thrived: Takeout-only Topsail Steamers reported increased sales because its carryout food is well suited for casual outdoor gatherings. Food trucks were in high demand. Other restaurants succumbed

to the economics of COVID and closed, some permanently. The past year’s casualties include Wilmington’s Tama Café and South College Sandwich & Deli. Bars, meanwhile, have been under more severe restrictions. Forbidden to provide indoor service and required to stop serving alcohol at 9 p.m., some bars closed for the duration, while some served outdoors or took their spirits on tour via mobile units. Effective Feb. 26, Cooper’s office allowed bars to resume indoor service with limited capacity (30%), and to extend serving hours until 11 p.m. With more people staying home and bars restricted, however, sales at New Hanover County’s ABC stores have soared, Saffo noted. “They’re up dramatically, which creates additional revenues to the city and county, helping to offset the costs of providing [public] services,” he said. And it’s not just locals who are drinking. The area’s beaches saw a healthy tourist season once the state allowed hotels to reopen and vacation home rentals to resume. “Tourism has been disjointed, but not at our beaches,” Saffo said. “[The beaches] had a phenomenal year. Looking at our [room occupancy tax receipts], it was a remarkable year. But we lost business at the convention center, which supports hotels downtown. I think it will come back.” Paycheck Protection Program loans have helped many area small businesses stay afloat. Small Business Centers at Brunswick Community College and Cape Fear Community College went entirely virtual with their free small business workshops, coaching and counseling and saw increased demand for their services. New Hanover County also stepped in with small grants funded by the federal CARES Act. “The county assisted 130 small businesses (82 of which are minority and women-owned businesses) with $10,000 grants, for a total of $1.3 million in local business support,” County Manager Chris Coudriet said in a December report. “An additional $1.3 million was provided for housing assistance and childcare assistance for local families – all through CARES Act funding.” Coudriet added that the county’s Health and Human Services staff provided “hundreds of consultations” to help businesses reopen and operate safely.


Greater Wilmington Business Journal

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March 5 - 18, 2021

Page 11

| IN PROFILE | Habitat chief builds his next chapter BY CECE NUNN teve Spain, executive director of Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity, plans to retire in April after more than 16 years of helping families find shelter and permanent, affordable housing.

S

Spain began his local nonprofit work with Wilmington Interfaith Hospitality Network, now called Family Promise of the Lower Cape Fear, in 2005 before taking the helm of Cape Fear Habitat in 2013. The homes Cape Fear Habitat builds with the help of volunteers are sold to qualifying, low- to middle-income families with an affordable mortgage at no more than 30% of their monthly income. “Steve’s vision has driven tremendous growth and service through our organization in the eight years he has served as executive director,” said David Parks, Cape Fear Habitat’s board president, in a news release. “When Hurricane Florence impacted our region, Steve led his team to pivot and focus on home rehabs and rebuilds which was so desperately needed – and still is. And during the COVID-19 pandemic, he continues to lead his team to build and provide affordable homes, all while changing the way volunteers are being used, how donations are being obtained, and how the homeownership and construction process occurs to keep everyone safe.” Spain’s successor, Lauren McKenzie, will begin as executive director April 1. McKenzie currently serves as Cape Fear Habitat’s director of finance and operations and has been in this position for three years. Spain recently answered some questions about his time with Cape Fear Habitat and his plans for the future. GWBJ: Since your start as executive director at Cape Fear Habitat in 2013, how were you able to grow the organization to double the amount of house closings? Spain: “Over my tenure, we have doubled the number of new homes closed annually from 8-12 a year to 16-24 a year. We were able to do this by increasing our construction staff and volunteers, acquiring more property through purchase and donation and finding new, cost-effective ways to raise capital.” GWBJ: What do you consider your greatest achievement with Cape Fear

PHOTO BY ARIS HARDING

Exit interview: After serving since 2013 as Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity’s executive director, Steve Spain is retiring next month. Spain looks back at the nonprofit’s growth and what’s next for it.

Habitat and why? Spain: “Well, it’s not my really an achievement of mine but of our homeowners that makes me the most proud: The homes built during my tenure have already produced over $2 million in home equity for the owners. “Home ownership is the most reliable way to build wealth for moderate income Americans, and Habitat helps make it available to individuals and communities who traditionally have not had that opportunity. Home equity means being able to weather financial hard times and make dreams come true: dreams of children going to college, of buying another home, of retiring securely and leaving something of value for the next generation. “I am also very proud of the relationships Habitat has built and strengthened with local governments, businesses and other nonprofits. Hurricane Florence and the pandemic have served as potent reminders that we can do so much more together than by operating in our own separate silos. “From an organizational man-

agement point of view, my greatest achievement has been to build, encourage and support an incredibly talented staff – and to stay out of their way!” GWBJ: What were some of your biggest challenges? Spain: “The biggest challenge for me was learning to manage an organization that is a construction company, mortgage banker, retailer and financial education agency all at once! Getting those disparate endeavors to all pull together to meet our mission of providing affordable homeownership opportunities is the most challenging – and rewarding – part of my job. Some of the bigger ongoing challenges have been finding affordable land in New Hanover County, connecting with potential homeowners in Pender and Duplin County and running three retail stores during a pandemic.” GWBJ: How do you feel about your successor, Lauren McKenzie? “Lauren is just the right person to lead Habitat at this time. In her three years here she has really embraced our mission and brought incredible expertise and enthusiasm to the or-

ganization. After Hurricane Florence, she created and directed our ReBuild program that has mucked out, repaired or replaced more than a hundred homes severely damaged by the storm. “She also led our board of directors in creating our 2020-2025 Strategic Plan. To say that she’s going to hit the ground running is an understatement. She’s been on the ground and running hard for quite a while already. I feel very happy knowing that the future of Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity is in her very capable hands.” GWBJ: What do you plan to do during your retirement?” Spain: “My wife and I plan to do a lot of traveling in the next few years, once that is more possible again. Earlier in our careers, we lived and worked overseas, and that has given us a larger than usual ‘bucket list’ of places to visit across the globe. Our adult children both live in Wilmington, so this will remain our U.S. base. One way or another, I’m sure we’ll both stay involved in the ‘do-gooder’ business through volunteering and advocacy.”


Page 12

March 5 - 18, 2021

wilmingtonbiz.com

Greater Wilmington Business Journal

| REAL ESTATE | Autumn Hall’s next phase emerges BY CECE NUNN utumn Hall has been growing into its next phase, with construction underway on one of two buildings in the works that will hold commercial space.

A

RENDERING C/O LS3P

On the rise: This new building at Autumn Hall so far will hold office space, a coffee shop and a restaurant.

The master planned community sits on more than 230 acres off Eastwood Road and already includes houses, apartments, office users and more. Under construction these days is the first building in the latest phase of the community’s expansion. At the corner of Autumn Hall Drive and Eastwood Road, the building is nearly 20,000 square feet, with about 10,000 square feet of class A office space and nearly 10,000 square feet of restaurant and retail options. The retail offering will be anchored by a 2,264-square-foot Starbucks coffee shop with a drive-thru and a 5,500-square-foot, upscale restaurant to be owned and operat-

ed by well-known local restaurateur Ash Aziz, said Mike Brown, of Wilmington-based commercial real estate firm Cape Fear Commercial (CFC). CFC is the brokerage in charge of the latest Autumn Hall phase. The restaurant is expected to be called Origin Food and Drink, Aziz said. “Ash Aziz, who is widely recognized as one of the best operators in the local restaurant community, plans to bring forward a restaurant concept that is going to be very exciting,” Brown said. “We could not be more pleased that Ash has put his trust in the vision of Autumn Hall.” Aziz said Origin “will serve the best regional ingredients, fresh local fish, farmers market produce, a creative seasonal menu and wines from around the world.” He said while it is planned to be upscale, it won’t be intimidating,

founded in

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as a general contractor and real estate developer

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ENR Ranking for Southeast Top Contractors

17-year award-winner of NC Dept. of Labor Gold Safety Award

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for minority participation and mentorship on projects

Building Structures. Building Relationships. 575 MILITARY CUTOFF RD, SUITE 202 | WILMINGTON, NC | 910.376.5442 | SAMETCORP.COM

Healthcare | Interiors | Industrial | Education | Sports Multi-Family | Senior Living | Civic | Real Estate Development


Greater Wilmington Business Journal

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March 5 - 18, 2021

Page 13

| REAL ESTATE | and the atmosphere will be “coastal elegant.” “The space features open-air indoor and outdoor dining, seating 150 people,” Aziz said. “It will be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner and brunch on the weekend.”

Autumn Hall has become a thriving community over the past decade with its own identity and unique sense of place.” MIKE BROWN Cape Fear Commercial

Aziz owns Circa 1922 in downtown Wilmington and Pizzeria Il Forno at The Pointe at Barclay. He said he plans to open the new restaurant in February 2022. “Autumn Hall is an ideal location for a neighborhood restaurant,” he

said. Origin is expected to be a welcome addition to Autumn Hall’s latest phase. The restaurant will likely employ between 50 and 60 people, Aziz said. Previously, Aziz had planned to open a restaurant at River Place, a 13-story mixed-use development in downtown Wilmington, but announced in July last year that he would no longer be moving forward with what would have been called Bijou on the River. Aziz said he feels the timing will be better for Origin to be open in about a year (Bijou was set to open in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic) and the location is better for what he wants to do. “I’m a lot more comfortable being on this side of town in Autumn Hall,” said Aziz, who has had several restaurants in the area, including his first restaurant 23 years ago, Rialto in Wrightsville Beach. For Origin, Aziz said, “I’m going to make sure it’s a destination.” As for the rest of the Autumn Hall building currently under construction, Brown said Cape Fear Commercial will move from Renaissance Park off Military Cutoff

Road to 8,167 square feet on the second floor. He said, “We are presently in discussions with a second tenant to fill the remainder of that floor.” Cape Fear Commercial “has outgrown our space at Renaissance, and in advance of our move, we are going to begin marketing our space at Renaissance for lease. There is a lot of activity in Renaissance Park and it is a great office space and has been a great home for CFC for over a decade,” Brown said. “It will make a great choice for the next tenant.” The first building in Autumn Hall’s latest phase is 80% leased with about 2,000 square feet of retail still available on the ground floor, Brown said. The building was designed by LS3P, an architecture, interiors and planning firm. Thomas Construction Group is the general contractor for the project. “We have continued to place emphasis on honoring the theme of Cape Fear Heritage Architecture, which has made the existing residential phases along with past projects like Dungannon Village and Carolina Bay so unique and inviting to local residents,” Brown said.

He said that following closely behind the first building, a second building in the next phase at Autumn Hall will be located on the opposite corner of Autumn Hall Drive and Eastwood Road. The building will contain 25,655 square feet of office space, and it has also been designed by LS3P with Thomas Construction Group again as the general contractor. Brown said at the end of February, “Building 2 is fully designed and has received a positive reception from local tenants. We are presently working to finalize leases with several key tenants. This will be another exciting project and we look forward to sharing more details in upcoming weeks.” Brown said that Autumn Hall “has become a thriving community over the past decade with its own identity and unique sense of place. This is much to the credit of our residents and existing business owners who are the lifeblood of Autumn Hall. “It has been really fun to watch and I look forward to seeing what is in store as this latest phase of construction is completed and comes online.”

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Page 14

March 5 - 18, 2021

Greater Wilmington Business Journal

wilmingtonbiz.com

| ACHIEVERS | Send information about company hires, promotions or awards to editor@wilmingtonbiz.com

Brunswick Realtors group names officers Cape Fear CREW is Pleased to Announce the Category Finalists and Achievement Award Winners for the 2021 Awards of Excellence

April 29th 2021 • 11:00AM Wilmington Convention Center Dealmaker Award

Edgewater Commerce Park/421 Landmark Dr. Investment Sale Pender Commerce Park Spec Warehouse/33 Acme Way Development River Place Development, Leasing & Sales

Economic & Community Enhancement Award Polyhose/Project Cheddar; Pender County Towne Place; Carolina Beach Truist Place; Whiteville

Best Interior Award End of Days Distillery Big Sky Design Office Space Dr. Donald S. Bland DDS

Filmmaker is named Cucalorus board chair

Career Advancement for Women Award

Maggi Apel and Vicky Janowski, WILMA’s Women to Watch Leadership Initiative Sheri Shaw, UNC Wilmington Jenna Curry, Port City Young Professionals

Placemaking Award Bradley Creek Station Live Oak Bank FitPark Hi-Wire Brewing

Evolve Award

Town of Leland Department of Planning and Inspections - Infovision Software Downtown Alive ILM Live Oak Bank – Payment Protection Program Loans

Impact Award Winner

Cindee Wolf, Cynthia Wolf Design Solutions

Beth Quinn Excellence Award Winner Julie Andrews, Logan Homes

Thank you to our committed Partners for 2021! Presenting Partner Live Oak Bank

Platinum Partners

Logan Homes Odyssey Mechanical Page Productions

Award Partners

Highland Roofing Company MoMentum Companies

Parking Partner

Wade Associates

For more information about partnerships or the event, please visit www.CapeFearCREW.org

The Brunswick County Association of Realtors has named JENNIFER BROWN as its 2021 president. Brown, of Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage, succeeds 2020 president Brooke Rudd-Gaglie, of Brown Margaret Rudd & Associates Inc., according to the Brunswick County Association of Realtors (BCAR). Other BCAR officers are: president-elect Bob Percesepe, of Blue Chip Real Estate; and treasurer Clif Cheek, of Keller Williams Realty.

Gold Partners

Embassy Suites Greater Wilmington Business Journal Realtors Commercial Alliance Southern Sign Company The Braddock Group Theory and Practice Productions Wilmington Business Development WithersRavenel

Silver Partners

Cape Fear Commercial Capital Design Chambliss & Rabil Clarendon Properties Corning Credit Union First National Bank North Carolina’s Southeast

Bronze Partners

Big Sky Design Carolina Specialties Clancy & Theys Construction Company KW Communications

The Cucalorus Film Foundation has announced that BYRON HURT will chair the nonprofit art organization’s board of directors for 2021-22. Hurt has been a member of the Hurt board for two years and also been part of the Cucalorus Festival. “Byron is an intuitive leader and his vision will help to drive transformation and adaptation within the Cucalorus community during these unprecedented times. Cucalorus is lucky to have another outstanding filmmaker taking this key leadership role,” Cucalorus Executive Director Dan Brawley said. Hurt serves as an adjunct professor at Columbia University and was a filmmaker-in-residence at American University.

Kenoyer to join WHQR WHQR Public Media has hired KELLY KENOYER to join the news team in April as a reporter/host. Hiring Kenoyer is another step in growing the newsroom, said WHQR Kenoyer News Managing Editor Ben Schachtman, in a news release. Kenoyer developed audio journal-

ism skills as a podcast producer for the nonprofit Investigative Reporters and Editors and as a radio reporter at a radio station in Columbia, Missouri, stated the release. Kenoyer attended the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication. She earned a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri.

Zapple appointed to state building code council New Hanover County Commissioner ROB ZAPPLE has been appointed by Gov. Roy Cooper to serve on the N.C. Building Code Council. Zapple was appointed as the county commissioner/county manager Zapple representative member. He is a licensed general contractor and the owner and president of Rob Zapple Design and Build Inc. He has served as a county commissioner since 2014. Zapple also serves and serves on the board for various organizations in the community. The Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Association and N.C. Home Builders Association both recommended Zapple for the council.

Williams, Mann lead transportation committee The Cape Fear Rural Transportation Planning Organization Transportation Advisory Committee elected officers for 2021. Brunswick County Commissioner FRANK WILLIAMS was re-elected chair, and Whiteville Mayor TERRY MANN Williams was re-elected vicechair, stated the release. The two have headed the committee as chair and vice chair, respectively, since 2014. The Cape Fear Mann Rural Transportation Planning Organization (RPO) covers Brunswick, Columbus and Pender counties. It serves as the intergovernmental organization for local elected officials, the N.C. Department of Transportation and residents of the region to address rural transportation issues.


Greater Wilmington Business Journal

wilmingtonbiz.com

March 5 - 18, 2021

Page 15

| THE LIST |

Golf Courses

Ranked by Men's Championship Slope RANK

CLUB NAME COURSE ADDRESS

PHONE/ WEBSITE

13

Carolina National Golf Club 755-5200 Heron to Ibis www.carolinanationalgolfclub.com 1643 Goley Hewett Road SE Bolivia, North Carolina 28422 Carolina National Golf Club 755-5200 Egret to Heron www.carolinanationalgolfclub.com 1643 Goley Hewett Road SE Bolivia, North Carolina 28422 Carolina National Golf Club 755-5200 Ibis to Egret www.carolinanationalgolfclub.com 1643 Goley Hewett Road SE Bolivia, North Carolina 28422 Country Club of Landfall 256-8411 Nicklaus-Ocean/Pines Course www.countrycluboflandfall.com 800 Sun Runner Place Wilmington, NC 28405 Country Club of Landfall 256-8411 Nicklaus-Marsh/Ocean Course www.countrycluboflandfall.com 800 Sun Runner Place Wilmington, NC 28405 Ocean Ridge Plantation (800) 233-1801 Leopard's Chase www.bigcatsgolf.com 6330 Castlebrook Way Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina 28469 Ocean Ridge Plantation (800) 233-1801 Panther's Run www.bigcatsgolf.com 351 Ocean Ridge Parkway SW Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina 28469 Country Club of Landfall 256-8411 Nicklaus-Pines/Marsh Course www.countrycluboflandfall.com 800 Sun Runner Place Wilmington, NC 28405 Eagle Point Golf Club 686-4653 Eagle Point Golf Club eaglepoint.golf 8131 Bald Eagle Lane Wilmington, North Carolina 28411 Bald Head Island Club 457-7310 Bald Head Island Club www.bhiclub.net P.O. Box 3070 Bald Head Island, North Carolina 28461 Ocean Ridge Plantation (800) 233-1801 Tiger's Eye www.bigcatsgolf.com 360 Ocean Ridge Parkway SW Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina 28469 Farmstead 575-7999 Farmstead Golf Links www.farmsteadgolflinks.com P.O. Box 4159 Calabash, North Carolina 28467 Cape Fear National at Brunswick Forest 383-3283 Cape Fear National at Brunswick Forest www.capefearnational.com 1281 Cape Fear National Drive Leland, North Carolina 28451

13

Magnolia Greens Golf Course 1800 Tommy Jacobs Drive Leland, North Carolina 28451

1 1 3 3 5 5 5 8 8 10 10 12

15 15 17 17 19 19 21 22 23

Cape Fear Country Club Cape Fear Country Club 1518 Country Club Road Wilmington, NC 28403 Country Club of Landfall Dye Course 1550 Landfall Drive Wilmington, NC 28405 Beau Rivage Golf & Resort Beau Rivage Golf & Resort 649 Rivage Promenade Wilmington, North Carolina 28412 Compass Pointe Golf Club Compass Pointe Golf Course 2431 The Pointe Club Drive Leland, North Carolina 28451 Lockwood Folly Country Club Lockwood Folly 19 Clubhouse Drive SW Holden Beach, NC 28462 Ocean Ridge Plantation Lion's Paw 351 Ocean Ridge Parkway SW Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina 28479 Olde Point Country Club Olde Point 513 Country Club Drive Hampstead, North Carolina 28443 Porters Neck Country Club Porters Neck Country Club 8403 Vintage Club Drive Wilmington, NC 28411 Meadowlands Golf Club Meadowlands Golf Club 1000 Meadowlands Trail NW Calabash, North Carolina 27107

MEN'S WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP TEES CHAMPIONSHIP SLOPE/ TEES SLOPE/ MEN'S COURSE WOMEN'S RATING COURSE RATING

YARDAGE RANGE PUBLIC/PRIVATE/ SEMI GREEN FEES

AMENITIES

GOLF PRO/ ARCHITECTS USED/ YEAR FOUNDED

146.0 74.6

N/A 67.7

4,666-6,961 Semi $60

27-hole course, practice range, golf lessons, Plantation Grille open for lunch every day and open for dinner Tuesdays and Fridays

146.0 75.2

N/A 68.4

4,738-7,017 Semi $60

27-hole course, practice range, golf lessons, Plantation Grille open for lunch every day and open for dinner Tuesdays and Fridays

145.0 74.6

N/A 68.1

4,728-6,944 Semi $60

27-hole course, practice range, golf lessons, Plantation Grille open for lunch every day and open for dinner Tuesdays and Fridays

Steve Beecroft Jeff Phieffer Fred Couples 1998 Steve Beecroft Jeff Phieffer Fred Couples 1998 Steve Beecroft Jeff Phieffer Fred Couples 1998

145.0 75.3

122 69.7

7,000-4,800 Private $165

45-hole course, full practice facility, full sports center, locker facilities, dining, tennis courts, two clubhouses, 20,000-square-foot practice green, short game practice area

Jason Cherry Jack Nicklaus 1990

144.0 75.7

123 69.5

7,100-4,800 Private $165

45-hole course, full practice facility, full sports center, locker facilities, dining, tennis courts, two clubhouses, 20,000-square-foot practice green, short game practice area

Jason Cherry Jack Nicklaus 1990

144.0 73.4

139 74.5

4,502-6,836 Public $50-$125

Clubhouse, restaurant, pro shop, driving range, L-93 Bent greens

144.0 73.2

137 75.7

5,023-7,089 Public $45-$90

Driving range, putting green, restaurants,TifEagle greens

143.0 75.0

125 69.4

7,000-4,800 Private $165

45-hole course, full practice facility, full sports center, locker facilities, dining, tennis courts, two clubhouses, 20,000-square-foot practice green, short game practice area

Jason Cherry Jack Nicklaus 1990

143.0 76.2

129 70.7

5,253-7,471 Private N/A

Golf club

Billy Anderson Tom Fazio 2000

142.0 73.9

144 76.0

6,850-6,100 Private N/A

Practice facility, full-service golf shop, golf instruction, tennis, pools and aquatics park, fine dinning, casual dinning, croquet, multi-purpose complex

142.0 74.1

132 71.8

4,872-7,155 Public $60-$140

Clubhouse, restaurant, pro shop, driving range, TifEagle greens

141.0 75.6

117 69.7

4,998-7,242 Semi/Resort Call pro shop

Full-service pro shop, snack bar/lounge, practice range, putting green

Willard Byrd/Dave Johnson 2001

140.0 74.8

142 76.2

4,811-7,130 Public $95/18 Holes; $50/nine Holes

Forest Restaurant, pro shop, locker rooms, event lawn, covered veranda, practice facilities, chipping and putting greens

Justin Spann Tim Cate 2009

383-0999 www.magnoliagreensgolf.com

140.0 74.7

118 66.2

4,564-7,127 Semi $69

27 holes, practice range, chipping green, putting green, practice bunkers, full instruction programs, full club repair, fully stocked golf pro shop, on-site restaurant

762-4751 www.capefearcountryclub.net

139.0 74.3

76.5 138

4,863-7,005 Private $80-$95

Pro shop, driving range, par 3 course, short game area, pool, tennis, fine dining, family activities center, fitness center

Josh Pierce Rick Ferrell Tom Jackson 1998 Joey Hines Original Donald Ross design 1896

256-8411 www.countrycluboflandfall.com

139.0 74.0

123 68.5

7,000-4,800 Private $165

45-hole course, full practice facility, full sports center, locker facilities, dining, tennis courts, two clubhouses, 20,000-square-foot practice green, short game practice area

Jason Cherry Pete Dye 1985

392-9021/(800) 628-7080 beaurivagegolf.com

138.0 73.0

118 68.2

Greg Pitts Joe Gessner 1988

777-7766 www.compasspointegolfclub.com

138.0 74.6

109 66.1

Overnight lodging, bar/grill, pro shop, meeting/event 4,517-6,527 conference room, full practice facilities, elevated Semi-private resort course facilities, driving range, putting green, chipping area with sand $39-$69 bunker, pool, tennis courts, outdoor tiki bar 18-hole golf course, all 18 holes have a par 3 tee, practice 4,733-7,228 range, putting greens, chipping greens, bunker practice Semi area, full instruction programs, fully stocked golf shop, on$79 site restaurant

842-5666 www.lockwoodfolly.com

137.0 72.9

121 70.6

5,029-6,836 Semi-Private $69

18-holes golf, driving range, practice putting green; fullservice bar and restaurant; full-service catering; 175-seat banquet facility

Eric Morgan, PGA Willard Byrd 1988

(800) 233-1801 www.bigcatsgolf.com

137.0 73.5

133 72.7

5,363-7,003 Public $45-$90

Clubhouse, restaurant, pro shop, driving range, MiniVerde green type

Bill Long Jack Roberts Willard Byrd 1990

270-2403 www.oldepointgolf.com

136.0 74.0

123 70.4

5,105-6,931 Semi Varies by season

Pool, tennis courts, restaurant, driving range, short game facility, private golf lessons

Jerry Turner 1975

686-1177 portersneckcountryclub.com

135.0 74.1

123 71.2

4,400-7,112 Private N/A

Pro shop, grill, range, putting green and short game area

Robert Loper Tom Fazio 1991

287-7529 meadowlandsgolf.com

132.0 74.0

123 69.7

5,041-7,054 Semi Call for pricing

Putting green, driving range, snack bar/beverage area, pro shop, lessons

Willard Byrd 1997

Bill Long Jack Roberts Tim Cate 2007 Bill Long Jack Roberts Tim Cate 1996

Andrew Kohn George Cobb-Tim Cate 1974 Bill Long Jack Roberts Tim Cate 2000

Josh Pierce Rick Ferrell Rick Robbins 2016

List based on voluntary responses to a Business Journal survey. *The Clubs at St. James declined to participate in the list.

Want to be considered for The List? Request an industry survey by emailing lists@wilmingtonbiz.com. The Business Journal will feature the following lists in upcoming publications: Residential Real Estate Companies


Page 16

March 5 - 18, 2021

Greater Wilmington Business Journal

wilmingtonbiz.com

| BIZ LEADS | Reader’s Guide BizLeads is a collection of information gathered from greater Wilmington courthouses, state government offices and informational websites. These listings are intended to help the business community find new customers and stay on top of happenings with current customers, vendors and competitors. New Corporations lists firms that were recently incorporated in the state of North Carolina. All information is gathered from the North Carolina Secretary of State website. Addresses listed may not be the actual address of the business.

NEW CORPS Feb. 10-24

1122 ACTIVEWEAR LLC 4927 Seabrook Court Wilmington 28403 Agent: Melisa Ronda 1205 ENTERPRISES LLC 557 Riverwood Dr. SE Bolivia 28422 Agent: Kathleen M. Yuhasz 144 DESIGN LLC 206 Causeway Dr. #1370 Wrightsville Beach 28480 Agent: Dustin Gross 2505 CAROLINA BEACH ROAD LLC 1512 Eastbourne Drive Wilmington 28411 Agent: Daron Yemini 3STACKS OF HIGH SOCIETY LLC 2004 Ashland Court Wilmington 28405 Agent: Jason W Henderson 4 OAKS FARM BC LLC 2313 Waverly Drive Wilmington 28403 Agent: Gary L Winstead 4837 CB 207 LLC 310 North Front Street Suite 200 Wilmington 28401

Agent: Jeffrey P. Keeter A & Y CONSTRUCTION LLC 2870 Worth Dr Wilmington 28412 Agent: Laura Baez A&A INVESTMENTS LLC 122 Marshfield Drive Wilmington 28411 Agent: Jason Aaron Dennis A8 SPA INC. 6331 Carolina Beach Rd Ste 1 Wilmington 28412 Agent: Guiqiu Zhang ACME SMOKED FISH CORP. 360 Acme Way Wilmington 28401 Agent: RC Creations LLC AFB WOODWORKS LLC 1025 Page Ave Wilmington 28403 Agent: Adrian Fielding Brown ALAN ROOFING LLC 136 E Westwood Drive Wilmington 28405 Agent: Julian Resendez ALMOG REAL ESTATE LLC 1800 Eastwood Road Wilmington 28403 Agent: Moshe Abir AMBER YOUNG INTERIORS L.L.C.

7101 East Yacht Drive Oak Island 28465 Agent: Amber Leigh Young

STORAGE LLC 14223-A NC Hwy 50 Surf City 28445 Agent: Mohamad E Afify

CONSTRUCTION NC LLC 702 Pine Cone Drive Winnabow 28479 Agent: Julian Resendez

RV STORAGE LLC 990 Little Kelly Rd Rocky Point 28457 Agent: Douglas Reeves

925 S Kerr Avenue Ste K4 Wilmington 28403 Agent: David Brown

AMERICAN TRUCKING LLC 8371 Ocean Highway West Sunset Beach 28468 Agent: Gerald Gore

BIBLICAL SOLUTIONS COUNSELING PLLC 4044 Chapra Drive Wilmington 28412 Agent: Josh Hartzler

BRY VENTURES LLC 707 Chablis Way Wilmington 28411 Agent: BLM Services LLC

CHALMERS HAIR DESIGN INCORPORATED 6340 Lenoir Drive Wilmington 28412 Agent: Tiffany Chalmers

DCL ENTERPRISES WM LLC 20 Salisbury St West Wrightsville Beach 28480 Agent: DAMON LILLY

APE LOGISTICS LLC 4122 Fairlawn Drive Wilmington 28405 Agent: April King APPLE HILL STUDIOS INC. 4423 Grey Oaks Court Wilmington 28412 Agent: Louis Mark Teachey ARKADIA ENTERPRISES LLC 320 Royal Palm Avenue Surf City 28445 Agent: Rhonda Kay Davis ASPIRE HEALTH TRANSFORMATIONS LLC 920 Coast Walk Lane Carolina Beach 28428 Agent: Cynthia Hudson Doran BAKER FAMILY PROPERTY LLC 2001 Deer Island Lane Wilmington 28405 Agent: Michael R. Baker Jr. BARRON FRAMING LLC 1928 Jeff Trail SW Supply 28462 Agent: Arturo Mejia Barron BATS AK LLC 102 Lisa Court Wilmington 28411 Agent: Robert B. Clemens Jr.

BIG BRO FOUNDATION INC 486 Grouse Court Wilmington 28403 Agent: Lamar Morris BILDERBACK HOLDINGS INC 303 S Topsail Dr. Ste. B Holly Ridge 28445 Agent: Anne Bilderback BLACK DOG FINANCIAL LLC 118 SW 22nd Street Oak Island 28465 Agent: Susan Wrenn Smith BLACK FOX LLC 1434 Villa Place E Wilmington 28409 Agent: Derrick Duckworth BLACKWATER OAKS CAMP GROUND LLC 1344 Sunnyside St. Shallotte 28470 Agent: Jessica Nicole Price BOLLINGER RENOVATIONS INC. 1018 Lord Thomas Rd Wilmington 28405 Agent: William L Bollinger III BONNIE MALONEY REAL ESTATE SERVICES INC. 8492 Oak Abbey Trl NE Leland 28451 Agent: Bonnie Maloney

BEACHSIDE VILLAGE HOA INC 14223-A NC Hwy 50 Surf City 28445 Agent: Mohamad E Afify

BRATON PROPERTY GROUP LLC 7900 Greythorne Court Wilmington 28411 Agent: Michael Lee Braton

BEACHSIDE VILLAGE SHOPPES LLC 14223-A NC Hwy 50 Surf City 28445 Agent: Mohamad E Afify

BROTHER D TRUCKING LLC 687 Heartwood Dr Winnabow 28479 Agent: Daniel Georges

BEACHSIDE VILLAGE

BROTHERS

BUILD-A-GRIP LLC 605 Goldeneye Court Wilmington 28411-9464 Agent: Mollie Rackley BULKHEAD TECHNOLOGIES LLC 57 Bayberry Cir Carolina Shores 28467 Agent: James Shelton Cioe BUMPY BATSON ROAD BRIGADE 422 Batson Road Hampstead 28443 Agent: Jessica Corbett BUTCHER AND BARREL LLC 575 Military Cutoff Rd Ste 106 Wilmington 28405 Agent: Jillian C.S. Blanchard BUYSELLSEACOAST LLC 200 N Front St Wilmington 28479 Agent: Nicholas Newell CALL YOUR THERAPIST DESIGN COMPANY LLC 2109 Metts Ave Wilmington 28403 Agent: Crystan Leigh Weaver CAMINO REAL VI CORPORATION 176 E. Conolly Ct Hampstead 28443 Agent: Ana Maria Rodriguez CANTER CULTURE CANDLES LLC 1121 Military Cutoff Road C-171 Wilmington 28405 Agent: Monica Blair Honeycutt

CHEN BROTHERS TRADING LLC 1851 Dawson Street Wilmington 28403 Agent: Qiong Chen CHRISTINA’S CLEANING LLC 2003 Zion Hill RD SE Bolivia 28422 Agent: Christina Aline Diescher CHRISTOPHER COMMERCIAL BUILDING COMPANY INC. 1122 Eventide Blvd. Wilmington 28411 Agent: William Edward Christopher III CHRISTOPHER J BARRETT INC. 818 Bailey Harbor Ln Wilmington 28411 Agent: Christopher J Barrett CLEANING SPOTLESS NC LLC 1117 Foxbow Cove Leland 28451 Agent: Evelin Jasmine Majano CLW VENTURES LLC 421 Shepards Rd Hampstead 28443 Agent: Renee Williamson Bloodworth COASTAL CAROLINA POOLS LLC 3101 Kirby Smith Dr. Wilmington 28409 Agent: Steven R Good COASTAL HILLBILLY L.L.C. 3312 Tipton Court Wilmington 28409 Agent: Robin W. Manning

CARDINAL FOODS (DE) LLC 201 Progress Dr Burgaw 28425 Agent: Corey T Barnhill

COASTAL SURGE ELECTRIC INC. 161 Wild Raven Street Shallotte 28470 Agent: Kyle Grainger

CAROLINA ADVENTURES LLC 2650 Liberty Ln SW Supply 28462 Agent: Jeremy Timco

COASTAL WATCH PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LLC 1523 Celtic Ct Bolivia 28422 Agent: Anna G Huffman

CAROLINA PROUD REALTY REFERRAL GROUP LLC 107 Chestnut St Ste 3 Wilmington 28401 Agent: Anna Hromyak CARPENTRY EXPERTS LLC 509 Mill Creek Ct Apt A Wilmington 28403 Agent: Derian Baudillo Lopez Amador

COOL BEANS WILMINGTON LLC 160 Fallbrook Lane Rocky Point 28457 Agent: Dacia Zimmer

DELLO-MARTIN COACHING LLC 4921 Nicholas Creek Circle Wilmington 28409 Agent: Eileen DelloMartin DEVELOPERS K W LLC 502 N. Sunset Blvd. Sunset Beach 28468 Agent: Justin Kinlaw DIAZ FLOOR RESTORATION LLC 891 Porters Lane Rocky Point 28457 Agent: Felipe 891 DOGWOOD LAKES DAM MAINTENANCE AND IMPROVEMENT LLC 179 Cornel Ln Hampstead 28443 Agent: Roger Morton

300 Columbia Ave #B Carolina Beach 28428 Agent: Jeremy Mortensen FERGUSON CREEK LLC 15 Scotland St Ocean Isle Beach 28469 Agent: Travis E Sharpe FLYING LEGS 28306 LLC 341 South College Rd Ste 55 Wilmington 28403 Agent: Wenfei Pan FOX HAT LLC 1032 Ocean Blvd W Holden Beach 28462 Agent: Regina Martin FULL BLAST DETAILING & POWER WASHING L.L.C. 260 Kel Ash Rd Rocky Point 28457 Agent: Christopher Craft FUTURE LAND MAINTENANCE LLC 530 John Humphrey Rd Burgaw 28425 Agent: Joshua Jones G2 ELECTRONIC REPAIRS L.L.C. 615 S 16TH ST #110 Wilmington 28401 Agent: Noah Grey Smith

EAST COAST PROPERTY GROUP LLC 7634 Vancouver Court Wilmington 28412 Agent: Larry T Salefsky

GATEHOUSE CUSTOM BUILDER’S LLC 2100 Marsh Grove Lane Southport 28461 Agent: Russell E. Pollock

EAST COAST REHAB PARTNERS PLLC 201 N Front St Ste 704 Wilmington 28401 Agent: Mia C Murphy

GET DUMPED LLC 1213 Culbreth Drive Wilmington 28405 Agent: Thomas W. Kerner

EASTERN ENGRAVING INC 1141 Ogelthorp Dr Calabash 28467 Agent: Shannon Short

GLEZA FLOORING & MORE LLC 831 Sago Bay Drive Wilmington 28412 Agent: Giovani Gonzalez Vazquez

EB RENOVATIONS LLC 3513 Melissa Ct Wilmington 28409 Agent: Edwin C Buddenhagen Jr

GMKB HOLDINGS LLC 1001 Military Cutoff Rd Ste 101 Wilmington 28405 Agent: Ladd Gasparovic

EDEN’S NATURAL LLC 1940 Island Pine Way Leland 28451 Agent: Crystal Moore

GORDON ROAD HOBBY LLC 802 Midnight Channel Road Wilmington 28403 Agent: Timothy L. Milam

EDGES HAIR STUDIO LLC 14562 US 17 N Suite 5 Hampstead 28443 Agent: Dana Porter EMPHASIS MEDIA LLC 1625 S. Moorings Drive Wilmington 28405 Agent: Sarah Sanguinetti ENCOURAGED LIFE 1608 Queen Street Wilmington 28401 Agent: Kyle Van Zandt

CSA HOLDINGS LLC 201 Alston Blvd C35 Hampstead 28443 Agent: Brian Rocco Evans

ENM HAIR LLC 120 Dogwood Ln. Hampstead 28443 Agent: Erin N Moore

CASHFLOW PROS LLC 1017 Ashes Dr. Suite 102 Wilmington 28405 Agent: Kelly M Toms

CUSTOM FRAMING OF NC LLC 3972 Old Ocean Hwy Ste C Bolivia 28422 Agent: Laura Baez

EVERYDAY NONSENSE LLC 1026 Cherrywood Ct Leland 28451 Agent: Michael Reaves

CASTLE HAYNE BOAT AND

D&J ENTERPRISES INC.

FAR OUT ON THE BOARDWALK LLC

GORED SOLUTIONS LLC 4240 Sawmill Road NE Leland 28451 Agent: Latoya Antoinette Lowery GREEN WAVES RESTAURANT GROUP LLC 3149 George II Hwy 3 Southport 28461 Agent: Vincent Herndon GRIFFIN PREMIER PUBLICATIONS LLC 2193 Freedom Star Rd. Longwood 28452 Agent: Holly Lynne Webber-Griffin GUNSMOKE LLC 6631 Amsterdam Way Unit A Wilmington 28405 Agent: Dale William Pitz HAIR FANTASY BEAUTY


Greater Wilmington Business Journal

wilmingtonbiz.com

March 5 - 18, 2021

Page 17

| BIZ LEADS | BAR LLC 6620 Gordon Road Suite K Wilmington 28411 Agent: Mellony Lavonda Robinson HANOVER REALTY GROUP LLC 7108 Sea Bass Ln Wilmington 28409-5044 Agent: Christopher Gordon Stewart

Agent: J Johnson

Agent: Bryce King

Inc.

Agent: Mya Bryant

J&L SNACKS LLC 10162 Hawkeswater Blvd Leland 28451 Agent: James E Smith

L. BRETT WELLS D.D.S. AND JASON T GLADWELL D.D.S. P.L.L.C. 124 Walnut Street, Suite 101 Wilmington 28401 Agent: Jason T. Gladwell

MARCY PHELPS & ASSOCIATES INC. 757 Edgerton Dr. Wilmington 28412 Agent: Marcy M Phelps

MYERS PHYSICAL THERAPY AND WELLNESS LLC 1026 Bennet Lane Carolina Beach 28428 Agent: Laurie Etherington

MARIE’S TRANSPORTATION LLC 1208 Rankin St Wilmington 28401 Agent: Bobby Lloyd

NATIVE PLANT PROPERTIES LLC 117 Chimney Ln Wilmington 28409 Agent: Jennifer Deets

MARIPOSA TAPAS LLC 575 Military Cutoff Rd Ste 106 Wilmington 28405 Agent: Jillian C S Blanchard

NEW LIFE LAWN CARE & LANDSCAPING LLC 128 Woodcroft Ln Rocky Point 28457 Agent: Devin Wayne Whitaker

MASONBORO CUSTOM BOATWORKS LLC 6222 Ingleside Drive Wilmington 28409 Agent: James Ellis Keener

NEW PURPOSE LLC 305 Larkspur Lane Calabash 28467 Agent: Sheila K Mclamb

J&T HUBER LAND IMPROVEMENT LLC 259 Over St. Burgaw 28425 Agent: Jon D Huber

HEIDI HAS IT LLC 247 Hogan Court Wilmington 28412 Agent: Heidi Merryman

JBA 1919 LLC 1919 Masons Bluff Wilmington 28411 Agent: Jacqueline B Amato

HELPING HANDS CHORE SERVICE LLC 4806 Collegiate Dr Wilmington 28403 Agent: Charles Benjahmin Jewels-Plesset

JCJ COASTAL LLC 622 S 2nd Street #4 Wilmington 28401 Agent: Jimmy Hopkins

HEWETT’S LOT CLEARING LLC 5322 Kingfisher Dr Shallotte 28470 Agent: Demarea Desean Hewett HIGH-RISE PRODUCTIONS LLC 106 Laughing Oak Lane Apt 104 Wilmington 28401-6170 Agent: Charles Douglas Rising HIGHWAY 210 OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION INC. 5389 Highway 210 Rocky Point 28457 Agent: Dallas L Harris HIPP THINGS LLC 308 Live Oak Dr Sunset Beach 28468 Agent: Brandi Hipp HONA KAI STITCH LIMITED LIABILITY CO. 801 Hatteras Ct Wilmington 28409 Agent: Christina Glen Mays HOPEVULLY INSPIRED LLC 2200 Bel Arbor Drive Wilmington 28403 Agent: Hope Sloan HUNTER GATHERER PROPERTIES LLC 106 SE 24th St Oak Island 28465 Agent: Michael D Hunter IN GIFTED HANDS HOME CARE AGENCY LLC 1032 South 10th Street Wilmington 28401 Agent: Jessica L. Mcdonald INPROP LLC 1608 Wellington Avenue Suite 2 Wilmington 28401 Agent: Doc Hamm ISLAND GUY REALTY LLC 219 Ne 45th Street Oak Island 28465 Agent: Guy Roth ISLAND POWER NC LLC 501 Lake Park Blvd N Carolina Beach 28428 Agent: David Santacapita J. JOHNSON LAND CLEARING AND EXCAVATION LLC 90 Old Johnson Rd Se Bolivia 28422

JCSG HOLDINGS LLC 5841 Bentley Gardens Ln Wilmington 28409 Agent: Whitney L Hosey JD’S BRUSH CUTTING AND PROPERTY MAINTENANCE LLC 3085 Maco Rd Ne Leland 28451 Agent: Jonathan Ryan Davis JJ SOUTHPORT DOGOODERS LLC 400 Stuart Avenue Southport 28461 Agent: Rhonda K Coffer JMR SERVICES INC 1794 Red Cardinal Lane Bolivia 28422 Agent: John M Rocke JOANNE’S BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LLC 4720 Sweetfern Row #204 Wilmington 28411 Agent: Joanne K. Meleney JRABB AND SON TRUCKING LLC 5575 Ryans Trl Ne Leland 28451 Agent: James Rabb JUST 4 LAWNWORX LLC 1060 Little Lane NW Calabash 28467 Agent: Kathleen Green JUSTJAZZY54 LLC 704 Queen Street Wilmington 28401 Agent: Ulysses S Cook K AND M ELECTRIC 7406 Gilmore Dr Wilmington 28411 Agent: Patricia J Garraputa KAYKAY LLC 716 Tanbridge Road Wilmington 28405 Agent: Kimberly Kay King KEITH MICHAEL G LLC 816 South 11th St. Wilmington 28401 Agent: Keith Michael Gissubel KEY SERVICES PLUMBING LLC 3830 Ash Little River Rd Ash 28420 Agent: Joseph D Hedge KINGZ CUSTOM CONCRETE COATINGS LLC 1520 River Rd Se Winnabow 28479

LATIN FOODIES LLC 7100 Cape Harbor Dr Apt K Wilmington 28411 Agent: Yoleidy Maria Duque Mora LET US HELP YOU LLC 120 Hargrove Drive Wilmington 28411 Agent: Vivica Mcgee LEVITTES PLUMBING INC. 3007-A N Kerr Ave Wilmington 28405 Agent: Port City Bookkeeping Inc LEVY’S CLEANING SERVICES LLC 117 Mayberry Ct Wilmington 28409 Agent: Julian Resendez LIBERTY COASTAL RENTALS LLC 6309 Mallard Dr Wilmington 28403 Agent: Geoff T Schroeder LINCOLNSHIRE GROUP LLC 8716 Lincolnshire Lane Wilmington 28411 Agent: Jeffery J. Smith LINEN AND LEATHER NC LLC 13500 Nc Hwy 50 Suite 101 Surf City 28445 Agent: Sandra Lowry LWG HOLDINGS LLC 1442 Military Cutoff Rd. Wilmington 28403 Agent: Dianna Wheeler M HILL & COMPANY LLC 357 Olde Point Loop Hampstead 28443 Agent: Michael L Hill Jr. M&M HANDYMAN SERVICES LLC 1207 Columbus Cir Wilmington 28403 Agent: Matthew M Meyer MADE TO SHINE LLC 4401 Cohan Circle Apt 303 Wilmington 28405 Agent: Silvia Mara Neves MAKE IT PUBLIC LLC 50 Hillsdale Dr. Wilmington 28403 Agent: Megan Danielle Olivaria MAKES CENTS 910 LLC 4705 Greentree Road, Apt. A Wilmington 28405 Agent: Marcell Mitchell

MAYLIN TRADING LLC 1851 Dawson Street Wilmington 28403 Agent: Joshua S. Williams MCCAULEY PROPERTIES LLC 8121 Masonboro Sound Rd Wilmington 28409 Agent: Samuel Mccauley

NFFCHOF BILL DOOLEY CHAPTER INC. 1207 Airlie Road Wilmington 28403 Agent: Marie Dooley NORMA CORTEZ DDS II PLLC 716 Medical Center Drive Wilmington 28401 Agent: Norma Cortez

PILLAR LABS LLC 502 Mcginnis Lane Wilmington 28412 Agent: Alexandros Achilleas Georgiou POET & SCRIBE LLC 8120 Mainsail Lane Wilmington 28412-3217 Agent: Jonathan Stephens PORT CITY ADVENTURE RENTALS LLC 5102 Clear Run Dr. Wilmington 28403 Agent: Chris Capone PORT CITY INSHORE FISHING CHARTERS LLC 106 Long Leaf Drive Leland 28451 Agent: Bryan Thomas Armstrong M PRANCING PAWS CANINE CARE LLC. 5013 Mcclelland Drive #201 Wilmington 28405 Agent: Samantha Marie Thomas PREMIER MARKETING REAL ESTATE L.L.C. 5320 Bridgers Road Ext Ste. 4 Shallotte 28470 Agent: W. Richard Cox Law Firm Pllc

MCCLAIN CLEANING SERVICE LLC 59 Crystal Rd. Southport 28461 Agent: Keisha Ann Mcclain

NV MAKEUP INC. 5725 Oleander Drive, Suite D4 Wilmington 28403 Agent: David Andrew Rock Iii

MEDWORX HOME MEDICAL SUPPLIES LLC 109 Hinton Ave #13 Wilmington 28403 Agent: Daron Walters

OCEAN ISLE GRANDE MASTER ASSOCIATION INC. 11 Causeway Dr. Ocean Isle Beach 28469 Agent: Ladane Williamson

MEGAREXXTRUCKS LLC 9100 Salem Ct Wilmington 28411 Agent: Aaron J Richardet

PA WEISS INC 1121 Military Cutoff Rd Suite C #319 Wilmington 28405 Agent: Phillip Weiss

QUALITY FLORES MASONRY LLC 5700 Oleander Dr Wilmington 28403 Agent: Skip Eames

PALLAS HOLDINGS LLC 236 B Brunswick Ave. West Holden Beach 28462 Agent: Peter Pallas

R 4 RENOVATION LLC 127 Glendale Dr. Wilmington 28401 Agent: Syed Rizwan Ali

PATH TO SUCCESS INC 925 S Kerr Ave Suite K4 Wilmington 28403 Agent: Julian Resendez

RATCLIFF & ASSOCIATES LLC 301 Maria Court Wilmington 28412 Agent: William B. Ratcliff

MHK REAL ESTATE LLC 6222 Ingleside Drive Wilmington 28409 Agent: Mildred H. Keener MICHAEL J HUTTON LLC 520 N. New River Dr. Surf City 28445 Agent: Michael J. Hutton MIGHT AS WELL JUMP LLC 7878 Waterwillow Dr Leland 28451 Agent: Ryan M Cunningham MORALES ROBLERO LANDSCAPING LLC 6509 Greenville Loop Rd #6 Wilmington 28409 Agent: Wilson Morales MOST’KEY TRUCKING L.L.C. 1219 Milton Place Wilmington 28405 Agent: Shawn Deanthony Stokes

MANSBRAND LLC 313 S 5th Ave Wilmington 28401 Agent: Adrian Willis

MSG ENTERPRISE 88 LLC 16215 Hwy 53 W Atkinson 28421 Agent: Marvin Scott Graham

MAP HOLDINGS 3 LLC 3819 Park Avenue Wilmington 28403 Agent: Gm Entity Services

MYA’S MANIFESTATIONS LLC 719 Campbell St Wilmington 28401

PAYHAT LLC 720 N. 3rd Street Suite 301 Wilmington 28401-3474 Agent: Charles Schoninger PHILLIP MARSHALL HOLDINGS INC 4636 Crawdad Ct Wilmington 28405 Agent: Phillip Marshall PHINS UP PROPERTIES LLC 1610 S Shore Drive Surf City 28445 Agent: Jeffrey P Ashton PHOENIX THERAPY & WELLNESS PLLC 6902 Myric Court Wilmington 28411 Agent: Julee Llanos PHOTO PHACTORY LLC 3170 Hollering Point Lane Sw Supply 28462 Agent: Sheila Roberson

PROCOMMERCE UNLIMITED LLC 8406 Fiddlestick Way Wilmington 28412 Agent: Ray Jazayeri PTW SOLUTIONS INC. 3309 Bougainville Way Wilmington 28409 Agent: Jonathan A. Barker

RAVEENA DREAMS BUILDER LLC 3419 Wilshire Blvd Apt 204 Wilmington 28403 Agent: Franchesca Mary Lopez Casanova RAVEN INVESTMENT PROPERTIES LLC 9468 Lyn Marie Drive Ne Leland 28451 Agent: Jozy Thomas Raven RED BANK WINE LLC 6303 Wolfhead Court Wilmington 28411 Agent: Eric D Copeland REEDS TRUCKING LLC 2353 Shell Point Rd Shallotte 28470 Agent: Aldridge Lovell Reed REFINE FITNESS STUDIO LLC 115 Hinton Ave Suite 3

Wilmington 28403 Agent: Wendy F Criner RENEWABLE FOREST PRODUCTS LLC 936 US Hwy 117 S Burgaw 28425 Agent: H. Davis Burton Iii RGB CONSTRUCTION LLC 2827 Bloomfield Ln Unit 103 Wilmington 28412 Agent: Renato Goncalves Da Silva RIVERSIDE DREAM LLC 1311 Element Way #1206 Wilmington 28412 Agent: Jamisan Ryder Smith ROCKY POINT O&C LLC 1601 Limpkin Court Wilmington 28403 Agent: Campbell Steven T RPI CONTRACTORS LLC 164 Hydrangea Ln Hampstead 28443 Agent: Claude Andrew Cruse RPI LOGISTICS LLC 164 Hydrangea Ln Hampstead 28443 Agent: Claude Andrew Cruse RUSH RENTALS LLC 341 S. College Rd Ste.11 Wilmington 28403 Agent: Latina Ross RVM ENTERPRISE L.L.C. 1225 Hidden Shores Dr. SW Shallotte 28470 Agent: Ryu A Diaz-Wong S. GRADY ASSOCIATES LLC 2201 Shirley Rd Wilmington 28405 Agent: Sheena Angel Grady S.M.S.P. DEVELOPMENT LLC 419 Raleigh St Ste D Wilmington 28412 Agent: Justin Anderson S3 BUILDING GROUP LLC 209 Bradley Dr Wilmington 28409 Agent: Steven Stein SAGE GROUP PROPERTIES LLC 1904 Eastwood Road Suite 310A Wilmington 28403 Agent: The Humphries Law Firm P.C. SAILS CALL CONSULTING GROUP LLC 1819 Register Lane Wilmington 28411 Agent: Carl Chadwick Mcintyre

SATZ PROPERTIES LLC 9051 W 9th Street Surf City 28445 Agent: Brian Satz SAWCHUK RETAIL LLC 5003 Glen Cove Dr Southport 28461 Agent: Peter Sawchuk SCHRONCE ELECTRIC LLC 445 Harris Swamp Rd SE Bolivia 28422 Agent: Randy Schronce SEASIDE CLEANING LLC. 730 Galley Lane Apt 213 Wilmington 28412 Agent: Ciara L Jarrell SEASIDE INSPECTION SERVICES LLC 221 Stoneybrook Rd Wilmington 28411 Agent: Samuel G Svenson SECOND NATURE L.L.C. 745 Royal Bonnet Dr Wilmington 28405 Agent: Jennifer Biringer SGH MARKETING LLC 500 Sericea Ct Wilmington 28412 Agent: Scott Houghteling SHIRLEYS DINER INC 112-P Village Rd Ne Leland 28451 Agent: Bharat S Jethwa SHP OLYMPIC LLC 3414 Wrightsville Ave Wilmington 28403 Agent: Robbie B. Parker SKINIISLAY LLC 8956 Hawks Bill Dr Ne Leland 28451 Agent: Toye Junae Baker SKY’S THE LIMIT HOLDINGS LLC 5700 Oleander Dr Wilmington 28403 Agent: Rick E Graves SKYROCKET GROUP INC. 7220 Nordic Drive Wilmington 28411 Agent: Amy Ruhlman SLOOP POINT HOLDINGS LLC 10280 U S Highway 17 N Wilmington 28411 Agent: Joseph H Stilwell Jr. SNIKSAG PROPERTIES LLC 1908 Eastwood Road Suite 217 Wilmington 28403 Agent: Stephen Wayne Gaskins SOFFICIAL LLC 313 S 5th Ave Wilmington 28401 Agent: Adrian Willis

SAINT’S CARE L.L.C. 1387 Morgan Rd. Supply 28462 Agent: Marcus Bernard

SOLARIO CAPITAL GROUP LLC 1016 Golden Sands Way Leland 28451 Agent: Thomas A Hardaway

SAM MARSH MUSIC LLC 3236 Grey Leaf Dr Wilmington 28409 Agent: Samantha Marsh

SOLIS MASONRY LLC 9619 Sturgeon Drive Leland 28451 Agent: Arturo Solis Mendez

SAM TOWN LLC 6303 Wolfhead Court Wilmington 28411 Agent: Eric D Copeland

SOUTH OAK HOMES LLC 7303 Artifact Court Wilmington 28411 Agent: Rocco Villari


Page 18

March 5 - 18, 2021

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RESTAURANT ROUNDUP

BUSINESS OF LIFE

This is a sampling of stories from the Business Journal’s weekly Restaurant Roundup email. Subscribe at wilmingtonbiz.com.

Cinnamon roll bakery rolling into Wilmington Cinnaholic, a California-based bakery featuring cinnamon rolls as well as other sweets and coffee, is expected to open at Mayfaire Town Center this month. Shannon and Florian Radke set out to open a fully vegan bakery using high-quality ingredients when they founded Cinnaholic in Berkeley, California, in 2010. Cinnaholic specializes in createyour-own cinnamon rolls and other treats such as brownies, cookies and edible cookie dough. Local franchisee Rose Glinski was drawn to Cinnaholic because of the simplicity of the business model and the quality of the products. Glinski said that while the company provides a vegan product, the focus is on the flavor. “While we’re eager to support the vegan market and provide options for those with dietary restrictions, as well as support the environmental aspect of veganism, we want to create a product everyone can enjoy,” Glinski said. “I honestly don’t think you can tell the difference in the taste, and that’s something people will be pleasantly surprised by.” Glinski signed a franchise agreement with Cinnaholic in March of last year that covers the Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender County market. The bakery will be located at 6841 Conservation Way between Barnes & Noble and Ulta at Mayfaire Town Center.

Salt Fish sold as chef decides to head home Chef Kirsten Mitchell, founder of Salt Fish restaurant in Carolina Beach, has enjoyed her time at the coast but is ready to return home to the mountains of western North Carolina. Mitchell has sold the restaurant to a Carolina Beach resident, who currently wishes to remain unnamed. “This was always the plan, even before opening Salt Fish,” Mitchell said. “I had been looking in the mountains a few years ago for a place to start my own restaurant and it didn’t work out at the time, so this is the natural progression.”

Prior to opening Salt Fish in the fall of 2018, Mitchell owned and operated Vittles food truck and worked for several Wrightsville Beach area restaurants including Ceviche’s, Grand Cru Food and Wine and 1900 Restaurant and Lounge. Mitchell said that while Salt Fish has faced ups and downs throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, things were not as bad as she initially anticipated, and the impact of the pandemic was not the primary factor in her decision to sell. “I wasn’t going to [renew] my lease regardless of COVID,” Mitchell said. “I’ve been in Wilmington for 11 years, and I’m ready for a change of scenery to be with family and friends back home. It was my hope that I would find a buyer who would want to carry on the restaurant because we had built such a great following.”

New Anthem announces partnership with Advintage Bill Hunter and Aaron Skiles of New Anthem Beer Project have announced a partnership with Advintage Distributing of North Carolina. New Anthem opened its Dock Street taproom in 2016, followed by a larger production facility and taproom on Greenfield Street in the South Front District in 2019. While the new facility was designed to increase production and distribution, the closure of brewery taprooms at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic led Hunter and Skiles to focus predominantly on expanding this part of the business throughout 2020. And to reach some of the larger markets beyond the Triangle, they required a distribution partner. Skiles said he and Hunter interviewed over a half dozen distributors before determining that Advintage was the right fit. “There are a lot of great distribution teams in North Carolina, but very few provided coverage of the whole state,” Skiles said. “And Advintage has an all-craft beer portfolio, which was another selling point for us.” While their largest market now is Raleigh, New Anthem’s goal is to expand their footprint in Charlotte and the Triad, and begin distribution in Boone, Asheville and the Outer Banks. Through the partnership with Advintage, they will be able to distribute to bars and restaurants as well as retail outlets. -Jessica Maurer


Greater Wilmington Business Journal

wilmingtonbiz.com

March 5 - 18, 2021

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| BUSINESS OF LIFE | The N.C. Azalea Festival, reimagined BY LAURA MOORE he need for cancellations and postponements during the pandemic gave many organizations a chance to pause and ponder both their purpose and principles. The N.C. Azalea Festival officials used the past year to contemplate what is most important. “Our mission is two-fold: to stimulate the economy of the region and to promote volunteerism,” said Alison Baringer English, executive director of the N.C. Azalea Festival. English points to a UNCW Economic study that estimated that the Azalea Festival has an annual Baringer economic impact on English Wilmington’s economy of more than $50 million. “When we had to cancel in 2020, numerous news stories told how that affected local restaurants, boutiques, stores and hotels who depend on the Azalea Fest,” English said. “That’s been the impetus to stretch more events out, to gather more people together, and to get the economic boost the community needs right now.” While the official Azalea Festival with its new programming will debut the week of April 5-11, it will spread the celebration of spring throughout the year. The festival will continue its tradition with a full lineup of festival week events beginning with Queen Azalea No. 74 coming to town to celebrate with guests in smaller, more intimate, socially-distanced gatherings, according to the festival website. One reimagined event will be the queen’s coronation, “A Journey of 74 Socially-Distant Waves.” “Instead of one coronation with 600 people in attendance, we will do 74 mini-coronations,” English said. “We will visit signature places in the area, so the queen can hop out of the limo, say hello to one point of contact and then hop on to the next one.” The identity of this year’s queen, “a North Carolina resident,” is expected to be revealed during the second week of March. Another addition to the festival this year is the Pin Pals pin collecting program as one of its efforts to stimulate the local economy. Unique-

T

PHOTO C/O N.C. AZALEA FESTIVAL

Booked again: The Avett Brothers’ Scott Avett performs at a previous N.C. Azalea Festival concert above. The band is one of the acts returning in August after the COVID outbreak canceled last year’s festival.

ly designed 2021 commemorative pins can be purchased for $10 and pin-holders will receive discounts from participating businesses for the month of April. Pins can also be registered for a chance to win one of three grand prizes valued at more than $1,500. Interested businesses can participate for free. “It made sense to start it now as a way to achieve our mission and raise funds for our events. It is another way to help people to get out and about in the community,” English said. Another way to get people out and about in a safe way is the festival’s new Azaleas on Tour Porch Parade,

where local residents, businesses and organizations decorate their yards, windows or porches in the theme of spring. Participants register their displays to be included on an online tour map the week of April 5-11 and people can stroll or drive by. Registration ends March 31. The celebrity reception is generally the festival’s kick-off event that offers sponsors an opportunity to meet Queen Azalea at Cape Fear Country Club, where usually up to 600 people gather. This year’s reception has been changed to a drive-thru experience, where sponsors will drive in, collect a boxed lunch and sponsor swag, and see the queen for a safe and social-

ly-distanced event. Other signature events such as the street fair, the garden party, parade and concerts have all been rescheduled to July and August. Last year, The Avett Brothers, Sublime with Rome and Michael Franti & Spearhead were all scheduled to headline the Azalea festival concerts in April. They were then rescheduled for fall 2020, then rebooked again to Aug. 19-21, 2021. “We were miraculously able to line up all of our shows again, and we are so excited about our partnership with the city that will allow us to present the shows at the new and beautiful North Waterfront Park,” English said. The Avett Brothers were available for a second night since the new concert venue could not house the number of tickets that were previously purchased. Ticketholders were contacted to ensure that everyone could see the concert on the night of their choice. “It was a long, complicated process, to manually change the tickets, but it was the best decision we could have made,” English said. The street fair is scheduled to take place the weekend of Aug. 20-22 providing a wide array of shopping, food and entertainment opportunities. The street fair will host more than 250 vendors along the streets of historic downtown Wilmington and provide special entertainment areas such as the children’s area, multicultural area and the Wilmington Grill Music and Beer Garden. The parade is set to take place Aug. 21. All of these changes to the traditional event that has been celebrated for the better part of a century have allowed event organizers to reinvent and reimagine what the festival can be and do for the community. “It’s been fun, honestly, although certainly a challenge. But it’s given us a chance to think outside the box which we hope to continue to do so after the pandemic is over,” English said. Nearly 100 volunteer committees plan and organize all festival events. “We want to get the whole community involved, which would give us the means or ability for even larger events,” English said. “We want to continue to grow bigger and better each year.”


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March 5 - 18, 2021

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