MADE to order
MADE Great Goods from Greater Wilmington
September 18-October 1, 2020, Vol. 21, No. 18
Visitors welcome
Local museums, other attractions able to reopen Page 28
$2.00
2020
Mansion matters wilmingtonbiz.com
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WEB EXCLUSIVE Learn the latest about local luxury home sales
Find out the winners of this year’s MADE Awards
W ILMINGTONB IZ C O N F E R E N C E & E X P O
Inside out
Restaurants create outdoor spaces Page 39
SEPT 30 & OCT 1
Index Technology ...........................................27 Hospitality ...........................................28 Real Estate...........................................34 The List ................................................36 Economic Indicators ............................37
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R O U N D TA B L E DISCUSSIONS
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PRESENTING SPONSORS
NO MASK REQUIRED! IN-DEPTH CONVERSATIONS HEAR DIRECTLY FROM SIGNIFICANT NEWSMAKERS IN THE CAPE FEAR REGION
KEYNOTE TA L K S NCINO CEO PIERRE NAUDÉ AND U.S. SENATE CANDIDATES CAL CUNNINGHAM AND THOM TILLIS
MADE SPONSOR
L E A R N M O R E I N S I D E A N D R E G I S T E R N O W AT
WilmingtonBizExpo.com
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Greater Wilmington Business Journal
wilmingtonbiz.com
September 18 - October 1, 2020
W ILMINGTONB IZ
EXPO SCHEDULE
C O N F E R E N C E & E X P O
SEPTEMBER 30 8:00AM 8:30AM
PIERRE brellaNAUDÉ introceo, ncino
KEYNOTE
9:00AM
O N E -O N -O N E ME E T IN G S W I T H E X H I B I T O R S & AT T E N D E E S
9:30AM
CONVERSATIONS
10:00AM
BIG DEVELOPMENTS
10:30AM
O N E -O N -O N E ME E T IN G S W I T H E X H I B I T O R S & AT T E N D E E S
11:00AM
SEMINARS
11:30AM
GROWTH
THE ECONOMY
12:00PM
O N E -O N -O N E ME E T IN G S W I T H E X H I B I T O R S & AT T E N D E E S
12:30PM
ROUNDTABLES
1:00PM
BUSINESS OWNERS
LEADERSHIP
BREWING PEACE TEAMWORK
ANALYTICS
SUPERINTENDENTS
ENTREPRENEURS
1:30PM 2:00PM
O N E- O N - O N E ME E T I N G S W I T H EXH IB IT O R S & AT T E N D E E S
2:30PM 3:00PM 3:30PM 4:00PM 4:30PM 5:00PM
OCTOBER 1 8:00AM 8:30AM
KEYNOTE
U.S. SENATE RACE: brella introCAL CUNNINGHAM & THOM TILLIS
9:00AM
O N E -O N -O N E ME E T IN G S W I T H E X H I B I T O R S & AT T E N D E E S
9:30AM
CONVERSATIONS
10:00AM
NOVANT + NHRMC
10:30AM
O N E -O N -O N E ME E T IN G S W I T H E X H I B I T O R S & AT T E N D E E S
11:00AM
SEMINARS
11:30AM
TEAMS + SYSTEMS
LEASE VS. OWN
12:00PM
O N E -O N -O N E ME E T IN G S W I T H E X H I B I T O R S & AT T E N D E E S
12:30PM
ROUNDTABLES
1:00PM
SUSTAINABILITY
MADE WINNERS
CAPE TECH SOLAR ENERGY FILM INDUSTRY
OPPORTUNITY DISTRICT ATTORNEY
1:30PM 2:00PM 2:30PM 3:00PM 3:30PM 4:00PM
O N E- O N - O N E ME E T I N G S W I T H EXH IB IT O R S & AT T E N D E E S
4:30PM 5:00PM
F O R C O M P L E T E I N F O R M AT I O N A N D T O REGISTER, VISIT WilmingtonBizExpo.COM
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
wilmingtonbiz.com
September 18 - October 1, 2020
Page 3
How do you MEET NEW CUSTOMERS, VENDORS and other CONTACTS in a global pandemic? LE T US S HOW YO U IN FO U R SIM P L E S T E P S … 1
2
3
4
R EGI STE R
CHECK YOUR EMAIL
CREATE YOUR PROFILE
CONNECT
FOR THE WILMINGTONBIZ CON FERENCE & EXPO AT
AND CLICK THE LINK TO JOIN THE EVENT
INCLUDING WHAT YOUR ORGANIZATION OFFERS AND NEEDS
SEE THE ATTENDEES WHO ARE “ MAT CHE S ” AND S CHE DUL E 15-MINUTE V I DE O ME E T I NGS WITH THEM
WilmingtonBizExpo.com SEPT 30 & OCT 1
2020
ILMINGTONB BIZIZ W ILMINGTON CC OO NN FF EE RR EE NN CC EE& &E E X XP PO O
W ILMINGTONB IZ C O N F E R E N C E & E X P O
Connecting the business community amid the shutdowns
T
his year’s WilmingtonBiz Conference & Expo is bringing back memories. Under vastly different circumstances, Greater Wilmington Business Journal launched our region’s annual business expo in January 2011 soon after the Wilmington Convention Center opened. Our goal was simple – help our often disconnected KAISER business community make one-on-one connections, learn about local companies and hear from interesting speakers about current events. Pulling together this two-day expo in a new facility with three keynote events, 24 seminars and more than
100 exhibitors was exciting and exhausting. Fast-forward to 2020, when we have nine expos under our belts. Six days before this year’s planned March 18 event, we had to postpone because of Covid-19. We pushed the date far back to September 30, hoping we’d all be able to gather by then. As we realized this summer that Plan B wouldn’t work, memories of planning the 2011 event began coming back. We started doing the same thing we did nearly a decade ago – creating an event that allows our business community to gather and make new connections. The first priority was picking a platform that allows attendees to meet valuable contacts and talk with them one-on-one. After weeks of searching and
demos, we selected a platform called Brella that includes technology to match you with potential customers, vendors and other valuable connections. It also allows you to schedule and conduct one-on-one video meetings on the platform. We then started rethinking the WilmingtonBiz Expo itself. Unbound by those pesky details of time and space, we thought big. Instead of trying to squeeze everything into one day, we expanded the event to two days to give people more time to learn about exhibitors and schedule one-on-one meetings. And we significantly expanded the programming into four areas: • Keynotes with nCino CEO Pierre Naudé as well as U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis and challenger Cal Cunningham. • Conversations with the CEOs of Novant Health and NHRMC, East
West Partners Chairman Roger Perry and more. • Seminars on a variety of topics including data analytics, expanding your business, investing, solar energy, commercial real estate and leadership. • Roundtables with timely discussions on the film industry, angel investing, plans for the school year and more. We hope you’ll join us. You can learn more on these pages and register now at WilmingtonBizExpo.com. Let me know if you have any ideas, questions or just want to share memories of when this event felt new the first time. Rob Kaiser is the publisher of Greater Wilmington Business Journal. He can be reached at (910) 343-8600 x204 or rkaiser@wilmingtonbiz.com.
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September 18 - October 1, 2020
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Greater Wilmington Business Journal
Your One Stop Shop for All Insurance Needs. Auto, Home, Commercial, Medicare, Life & Retirement Planning.
If we can’t offer the best price for a product, we don’t offer the product! 888.241.1470 │ ADMIN@TEAMIFG.COM │ WWW.TEAMIFG.COM
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September 18 - October 1, 2020
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C O N F E R E N C E & E X P O
SEPTEMBER 30 & OCTOBER 1 ABOUT OUR SPONSORS
MADE SPONSOR
PRESENTING SPONSORS
ADAM REES Chief Distribution Officer, Innovative Financial Group
“I
nnovative Financial Group is pleased to be the presenting sponsor of the 2020 Wilmington Biz Expo. As we grow and become more involved in the Wilmington community, we want to make sure that we can help as many people as possible, whether it be a connection, providing support, or selling our products. We have grown tremendously nationwide in the past 5 years, with over 6,000 brokers, and look forward to growing and developing local relationships as we continue to expand. Please visit teamifg.com to contact us or learn more on how we can help!”
“H
LORI HARRIS & LYNN WHITESELL Co-Founders & Managing Partners, Harris Whitesell Consulting
arris Whitesell Consulting, LLC is honored to be Presenting Sponsor of the 2020 Wilmington Biz Expo. We are a business management consulting firm, headquartered in Wilmington. It is our mission to create partnerships based on trust, excellence and impact - from assessment to action. We provide human resource and talent management services: assessments; executive and leadership coaching; development; change management, change leadership, and transition; culture and engagement; succession; customer strategy; workshops; and keynote speaking. At the expo, be sure to: set an appointment with us, join our roundtable, attend our seminar, or visit our virtual booth. Gain insights into how you can maximize your leadership effectiveness and business success! Let’s connect!”
SEMINAR SPONSORS
KEYNOTE SPONSORS
RICK DECRESCENTE VP Retail Experience NC, Excite Credit Union
“E
xcite Credit Union is proud to again sponsor the Wilmington Biz Conference & Expo and MADE Awards. Being part of the Wilmington Business Community for over 45 years has been an honor. At Excite, we treat our members like neighbors, not numbers, and get their money to work as hard as they do. We give everyone the chance to build a financially stronger future, so together, we can build a stronger community. Every single Excite member and partner strengthens our mission to make a difference and give back; this is why we continue to partner with the Business Journal. Please stop by our virtual booth and say hello or visit us online at excitecu.org.”
WILMINGTONBIZ EXPO ALL-ACCESS PASS ONE-ON-ONE MEETINGS VALUABLE EXHIBITS ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS STRATEGY SEMINARS IN-DEPTH CONVERSATIONS KEYNOTE SPEAKERS INVESTMENT: $35
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September 18 - October 1, 2020
wilmingtonbiz.com
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
wilmingtonbiz.com
September 18 - October 1, 2020
Page 7
SEPTEMBER 30 • 8:00 AM
KEYNOTE
W ILMINGTONB IZ C O N F E R E N C E & E X P O
C
Naudé oversees nCino’s rapid growth
EO Pierre Naudé took the helm of Wilmington-based nCino in 2012, steering the banking software firm’s growth from five employees to more than 900 and from a private firm to its debut on the Nasdaq in July. On its first day of trading, nCino’s stock skyrocketed by more than 150%. NAUDÉ nCino, a spinoff of Wilmington’s Live Oak Bank that had $138 million in revenue in its most recent fiscal year, is now valued at close to $7 billion. Born in South Africa, Naudé grew up on a farm before joining the military and then going into banking. He decided that he wanted to build his career in the States, but also knew to
excel in the U.S. he would need an American college degree. So while holding down a banking job, he put himself through night classes at Upper Iowa University and earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and management. Naudé met Live Oak founder Chip Mahan at Altanta-based S1 Corp., where Mahan was previously chairman and CEO. Naudé had been in global senior management at Unisys Corp. before that. In 2019, Naudé said watching nCino grow into a worldwide leader in cloud banking with offices in five countries has been the ultimate highlight of his career. In Wilmington, he said nCino has found the infrastructure, talent and resources to propel it from a small startup to a powerful industry leader.
PHOTO C/O NCINO
Nasdaq debut: nCino CEO Pierre Naudé appears on the big screen in Times Square in July on the day his Wilmington-based banking software firm debuted on the Nasdaq.
ful Q & A Sponsors’ Content Distributed By Greater Wilmington Business Journal
BUSINESS TAX BREAKS AND SOLAR ENERGY businesses really save money and get Q: Do tax breaks by using solar energy?
A:
With rising utility costs and decreasing material costs, solar energy is now becoming a popular cost-saving alternative for business owners. When considering solar for your business, one of the key incentives is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit. This government incentive allows solar system purchasers to take a direct dollar for dollar credit against their federal income tax liability—equal to 26% percent of the total system cost for the year 2020. On the remaining 74% of the solar installation cost, business owners can take traditional depreciation similar to other equipment purchases. Solar qualifies for both bonus depreciation and accelerated depreciation, where business owners can depreciate the entire asset value in the first year, and an accelerated depreciation can be taken over a six-year period. While the deprecation component of solar is not unique, the tax credit is exceptionally beneficial and unlike other strategies. If your business is projected to have tax liability at the end of the year, an investment in solar can be extremely valuable. Money that would otherwise go directly to the IRS can instead be put into an asset that will reduce your operational costs, and increase the value of your building. If you are thoughtful about the material selected for your system, as well as the firm chosen to install it, that asset is expected to perform for 35 - 40 years. For more information contact Robert Parker at (910) 409-5533 or visit capefearsolarsystems.com Robert Parker Senior Project Manager & Commercial Project Developer, Cape Fear Solar Systems
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Greater Wilmington Business Journal
wilmingtonbiz.com
September 18 - October 1, 2020
OCTOBER 1 • 8:00 AM
W ILMINGTONB IZ C O N F E R E N C E & E X P O
KEYNOTE
North Carolina’s race for the U.S. Senate
U
.S. Senator Thom Tillis and challenger Cal Cunningham will speak at the 2020 WilmingtonBiz Conference & Expo. Each candidate will appear separately to deliver remarks and answer audience questions. WilmingtonBiz Expo attendees will be able to submit questions to the candidates online during the event. North Carolina’s race for the U.S. Senate is one of the most hotly contested seats in 2020. The result could determine if Democrats or Republicans control the U.S. Senate.
CAL CUNNINGHAM Cal Cunningham, Democratic challenger to U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) in the November election, grew up in Lexington. At age 27, he was elected one of the state’s youngest senators, representing Davidson, Rowan and Iredell Counties
CAL CUNNINGHAM
THOM TILLIS
After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Cunninghm volunteered to join the U.S. Army Reserve and has since served three active duty tours, including overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan. He continues to serve in the rank of lieutenant colonel with an Army Reserve unit that trains one weekend
a month. His various community service work includes being named vice chairman of Gov. Roy Cooper’s Crime Commission. Cunningham and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Raleigh with their two teenage kids, Caroline and Will.
THOM TILLIS U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) has been representing North Carolina’s 13th Congressional District since 2015. Born in Huntersville, the Senator was elected in 2006 to the N.C. House of Representatives and selected by his peers to serve as Speaker of the House from 2011 to 2014. During his private-sector career, he was a top-level executive at PricewaterhouseCoopers and IBM. He spent 29 years in technology and management consulting. Currently, he serves on four committees, according to his bio: The Armed Services Committee Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Banking, Housing, & Urban Affairs Committee and the Committee on the Judiciary Tillis lives with his wife, Susan, in Huntersville, and they have two children and two grandchildren.
BizExpo Seminars: Business Growth Lessons From The Trenches… Over the last several years, these businesses have consistently and systematically grown their customer base, sales and profits. Learn their top processes, strategies and tactics that can work for you in your business at the Biz Expo. SEPT. 30 SEMINAR: TOP 7 WAYS TO MASSIVELY GROW SALES, PROFITS AND CASH FLOW OCT. 1 SEMINAR: TOP 7 WAYS TO BUILD LEVERAGE IN YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH TEAMS AND SYSTEMS ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION: PICK THE BRAINS OF EXCEPTIONAL LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS
Meet with the ActionCOACH Exhibitors and Receive Your 2020 Business Tool Box
BETSY KAHN
Owner, Copycat Print Shop
BRYANT BASS Owner, Bass Built Custom Homes
DAREK HUCKBODY Owner, Battle House Tactical Laser Tag
Coach Reggie of ActionCOACH Master Coach to high growth businesses 910.338.0194 reggieshropshire.actioncoach.com
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
wilmingtonbiz.com
September 18 - October 1, 2020
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SEPTEMBER 30 • 9:30 AM
CONVERSATIONS BIG DEVELOPMENTS BREWING PEACE W ILMINGTONB IZ C O N F E R E N C E & E X P O
Chapel Hill-based East West Partners is involved in numerous big projects in our region. These include three developments in downtown Wilmington — the $80 million, 13-story River Place mixed-use project, the renovation of the more than 100-year-old Gaylord Building at 226 N. Front Street as well as a proposed $90 million, mixed use project near PPD. East West is also partnering with Bald Head Island Limited on a $565 million development in Southport called Project Indigo. We will talk with Roger Perry, East West’s chairman, about these projects as well as his firm’s approach to complex developments.
TRU Colors is building a 64,000 square foot brewery in Wilmington that can produce 55,000 barrels of beer annually (enough to fill 18 million cans of beer). Even more unique, the brewery will be operated by current gang members. The goal is to build a national brand while providing economic opportunities to gang members and reducing violence. TRU Colors plans start distributing its beer in March 2021 and then start expanding into other markets. C O N V E R S AT I O N W I T H
C O N V E R S AT I O N W I T H
R O G E R P E R RY
FOUNDER & PRESIDENT EAST WEST PARTNERS Roger has spent over 40 years envisioning and developing quality mixed use communities throughout North Carolina and Virginia. Providing expertise in master planning, negotiations and relationships, he is an active and integral part of each East West Partner project.
GEORGE TAYLOR
PRESIDENT & CEO TRU COLORS
KAHLILAH “KO” OLOKUNOLA
EVP OF HUMAN RESOURCE TRU COLORS
JUAN “PRESS” BETHEA
DIRECTOR OF BREWING TRU COLORS
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Greater Wilmington Business Journal
wilmingtonbiz.com
September 18 - October 1, 2020
OCTOBER 1 • 9:30 AM
CONVERSATIONS CAPE TECH NOVANT + NHRMC W ILMINGTONB IZ C O N F E R E N C E & E X P O
In October, the New Hanover County commissioners and NHRMC trustees are expected to vote on a final agreement to sell the county-owned hospital to Winston-Salem-based Novant Health. The proposed deal includes an estimated $1.9 billion in sale proceeds to the county, $3.1 billion for NHRMC’s routine capital expenses and strategic master plan projects over the next decade, an expansion of UNC Health/UNC School of Medicine’s presence at New Hanover Regional and other commitments on areas ranging from charity care to employees to health equity. Ahead of the vote, we talk with Carl Armato, president and CEO of Novant Health, and John Gizdic, president and CEO of New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
The technology scene in the Cape Fear region has seen significant steps forward in recent years with successful exits, nCino’s huge IPO this year and a growing batch of promising upstarts. We talk with several executives in the local technology scene to get an inside view of growing tech firms in our area. C O N V E R S AT I O N W I T H
C O N V E R S AT I O N WITH
TODD JOHN
C A R L A R M AT O
PRESIDENT & CEO NOVANT HEALTH
JOHN GIZDIC
PRESIDENT & CEO NHRMC
OUR CLIENT’S SUCCESS IS OUR SUCCESS.
BROKERAGE | CONSULTING | PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 1430 Commonwealth Dr., Ste. 102 | Wilmington, NC 28403 | 910-350-1200 www.cbcsuncoast.com ©2020 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, dba Coldwell Banker Commercial Affiliates. All rights reserved. Coldwell Banker Commercial® and the Coldwell Banker Commercial are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, dba Coldwell Banker Commercial Affiliates fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated.
FOUNDER & CEO PLAYERSPACE
TRACE SMITH CEO, UNTAPPD
JENNIFER TURNAGE
FOUNDER XELLE VENTURES
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
W ILMINGTONB IZ C O N F E R E N C E & E X P O
wilmingtonbiz.com
September 18 - October 1, 2020
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SEMINARS SEPTEM BER 30 • 11:00 AM
TOP 7 WAYS TO MASSIVELY GROW SALES, PROFITS AND CASH FLOW BETSY KAHN | Owner, Copycat Print Shop BRYANT BASS | Owner, Bass Built Custom Homes DAREK HUCKBODY | Owner, Battle House Tactical Laser Tag
THE ECONOMY, THE PANDEMIC & THE ELECTIONS; WHAT’S NEXT?
MAXIMIZING TEAMWORK DURING TIMES OF DISRUPTION
MIKE CUNNINGHAM | President Coastal Financial Advisors
LYNN WHITESELL | Co-founder and Managing Partner, Harris Whitesell Consulting
ANALYTICS: DATA TO INFORMATION TO INSIGHT DR. STEPHEN HILL | Associate Professor of Business Analytics and Director the MS Business Analytics Program at UNCW
OCTOBER 1 • 11:00 AM TOP 7 WAYS TO BUILD LEVERAGE IN YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH TEAMS AND SYSTEMS BETSY KAHN | Owner, Copycat Print Shop BRYANT BASS | Owner, Bass Built Custom Homes DAREK HUCKBODY | Owner, Battle House Tactical Laser Tag
LEASE VS. OWN: COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
SOLAR FOR YOUR BUSINESS: HOW TO PROFIT FROM SOLAR ENERGY
MOVING FROM CRISIS TO OPPORTUNITY
MARK JOHNSON | EVP/Sales Manager Coldwell Banker Commercial Sun Coast Partners
ROBERT PARKER | Senior Project Manager & Commercial Project Developer, Cape Fear Solar Systems
RICHARD WALSH | Director, UNCW Swain Center for Executive Education & Economic Development
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September 18 - October 1, 2020
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
wilmingtonbiz.com
W ILMINGTONB IZ
SEMINARS
C O N F E R E N C E & E X P O
SEMINARS SEPT 30 • 11AM
TOP 7 WAYS TO MASSIVELY GROW SALES, PROFITS AND CASH FLOW Over the last several years three local businesses, Bass Built Custom Homes, Copycat Print Shop, and Battle House Laser Combat have consistently and systematically grown their customer base, sales & profits. In this session, you will learn their top processes, strategies, and tactics that can work for you in your business.
KAHN
BASS
HUCKBODY
Presented by ACTIONCOACH. Speakers include: BETSY KAHN, Owner, Copycat Print Shop, BRYANT BASS, Owner, Bass Built Custom Homes, DAREK HUCKBODY, Owner, Battle House Tactical Laser Tag
THE ECONOMY, THE PANDEMIC & THE ELECTIONS; WHAT’S NEXT? There is a great deal of fear and uncertainty with all of these events coming together at once. Learn more about the rapid transformation to a digital economy, the reshaping markets, increasing tax rates and how they affect your personal financial planning and retirement. Mike Cunningham will present vital information you won’t want to miss! Join Coastal Financial Advisors to learn more about your options. All Attendees will qualify to receive a Complimentary, Personalized Financial Readiness Session and Income Maximization Review! Schedule your visit at the end of the workshop. Investment advisory services are offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor. Presented by MIKE CUNNINGHAM.
Cunningham is President of Coastal Financial Advisors. He currently holds the FINRA Series 65 license, which allows him CUNNINGHAM to provide investment advisory services and his registration as an Investment Adviser Representative with Foundations makes him subject to a fiduciary duty with respect to his clients. As a certified retirement analyzer software analyst with advanced training in areas such as tax, stock market analysis, technical analysis, qualified plan distributions and Social Security planning, Mike is well positioned to assist clients in building out a successful plan for retirement. When he’s not working, he enjoys boating with his wife, golf and spending time with family. He also enjoys volunteering at his church, Habitat for Humanity, and the Cameron Executive Network (CEN), a mentorship program at UNCW.
MAXIMIZING TEAMWORK DURING TIMES OF DISRUPTION “Not finance. Not strategy. Not technology. It is teamwork that remains the ultimate competitive advantage, both because it is so powerful and so rare.” -Lencioni To achieve the ultimate competitive advantage of teamwork, you must root out causes of dysfunction on the teams where you work, and then learn the keys to overcoming them. How is your team currently performing? Where does your team need to focus its energy moving forward? • Explore the top 5 behaviors of great teams • Discover a simple yet powerful model for building more productive teams • Learn how to put the model into practice Presented by LYNN WHITESELL. Whitesell is a global organizational effectiveness and development executive, management consultant, and executive coach – and co-founder and Managing Partner
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
W ILMINGTONB IZ
ANALYTICS: DATA TO INFORMATION TO INSIGHT The Mayo Clinic. A cutting-edge high school football coach. Netflix. What do these three, seemingly different entities, share in common? They use analytics to create value. How can you use your data to your advantage? In this session, we will explore current trends in business analytics and discuss three strategies that you can use to transform your data into valuable and actionable insight. We will also describe opportunities at UNCW for analytics training and education. Presented by DR. STEPHEN HILL. Hill is an Assistant Professor of Operations Management in the Information Systems and HILL Operations Management Department in the Cameron School of Business at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW). A native of Alabama, Dr. Hill received his doctorate in Operations Management from the University of Alabama in 2008. At UNCW Dr. Hill teaches courses in analytics, operations management, and supply chain management. He has
wilmingtonbiz.com
September 18 - October 1, 2020
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SEMINARS
C O N F E R E N C E & E X P O
of Harris Whitesell Consulting, LLC. Both through HW Consulting, as well as her previous roles as global head of WHITESELL talent management and training & development for large global organizations over the past 25 years, she has helped create cultures that engage and perform, coached hundreds of executives, leaders and teams, and developed thousands of professionals around the world. Lynn helps clients challenge their current skill set and unlock untapped areas to become better leaders and team members. Managing Partner at Harris Whitesell Consulting.
received several awards in recognition of his teaching. Dr. Hill’s research focuses on application of analytics techniques in a variety of areas such as: supply chains, sports, and healthcare. He is also interested in research related to innovative approaches to education. Dr. Hill enjoys traveling, photography, and sports (especially college football).
SEMINARS OCT 1 • 11AM
TOP 7 WAYS TO BUILD LEVERAGE IN YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH TEAMS AND SYSTEMS Over the last several years three local businesses, Bass Built Custom Homes, Copycat Print Shop, and Battle House Laser Combat have consistently and systematically grown their customer base, sales & profits. In this session, you will learn their top processes, strategies, and tactics. Presented by ACTIONCOACH. Speakers include: BETSY KAHN, Owner, Copycat Print Shop, BRYANT BASS, Owner, Bass Built Custom Homes, DAREK HUCKBODY, Owner, Battle House Tactical Laser Tag
LEASE VS. OWN: COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE Join Coldwell Banker Commercial’s Mark Johnson for an in-depth look at when it’s right for a small business to lease and when to consider buying. Presented by MARK JOHNSON, EVP/Sales Manager Coldwell Banker Commercial Sun Coast Partners. Mark joined JOHNSON CBC Suncoast in 2012, with an extensive background in real estate, retail management/finance, and small business ownership.
Originally from the Washington, DC area, Mark relocated to Wilmington to pursue a career in commercial real estate brokerage. As a co-founder of RoseMark Commercial Advisors Inc, he and his partner Janet Rose specialize in Medical Office, Multifamily and large Residential Development Properties. While they have successfully completed transactions in all segments of CRE, their focus remains on large, complicated transactions. Their combined expertise in investments, the 1031 exchange process, land aggregation/entitlement, leasing, etc. prepared them to serve sophisticated clients, provide data-based recommendations and together they achieve top results.
SOLAR FOR YOUR BUSINESS: HOW TO PROFIT FROM SOLAR ENERGY This seminar is ideal for business owners, CEOs, CFO, Business Advisors, Builders, Commercial Developers and any professional wanting to gain solar industry insights. This session will cover solar financials, tax incentives, marketing advantages, and Q&As. Saving money and reducing operational cost is a top priority for successful businesses. With rising utility costs and decreasing material costs, solar energy is now a popular cost-saving alternative for business owners. If your business is projected to have tax liability at the end of the year, an investment in solar can be extremely valuable. Money that would otherwise go directly to the IRS can instead be put into an asset that will reduce your operational costs, and increase the value of your building. If you are thoughtful about the material selected for your system, as well as the firm chosen to install it, that asset is expected to perform for 35 - 40 years. Presented by ROBERT PARKER. Parker is a Wilmington native that graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with degrees in Economics and Environmental Studies. Robert is a NABCEP® PV Certified Solar
Installer (#PV-041616-013206). The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP®) is the most respected, well-established and widely recognized national certification organizaPARKER tion for professionals in the field of renewable energy. Robert has been a guest speaker for NABCEP, Wilmington Cape Fear Home Builders Association, Cape Fear New Home Sales & Marketing Council and several environmental groups. He has been featured in many publications, various news outlets and TV spots for his industry expertise. Robert oversees all commercial solar installations for Cape Fear Solar Systems and has worked with many well-known area businesses to help them increase business profits using solar energy.
MOVING FROM CRISIS TO OPPORTUNITY This session will outline how business leaders moved through the pandemic over the past seven month. This has been a challenging time for many. You will learn how leaders responded, in some cases redefined their business and are now positioning for new opportunities in the future. Presented by RICHARD WALSH Walsh is the Director at UNCW Swain Center for Executive Education & Economic WALSH Development. He has over 20 years of industry experience providing advanced expertise in leadership solutions, organizational transformation and executive coaching. Rich served as a senior executive of strategy, human resources, leadership and organizational development at AT&T, GE and Bull of France. He then served as associate dean of a top-ranked, U.S. business school, where he led a consortium for executive education.
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R O U N D TA B L E 1 PICK THE BRAINS OF EXCEPTIONAL LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS Here’s your chance to ask anything to successful Wilmington-area business owners. DISCUSSION LEADER
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
wilmingtonbiz.com
SEPTEMBER 30 • 12:30 PM
ROUNDTABLES R O U N D TA B L E 2
R O U N D TA B L E 3
R O U N D TA B L E 4
LEADING THROUGH DISRUPTION
THE SUPERINTENDENTS
ANGELS + ENTREPRENEURS
Area school superintendents discuss education plans during the COVID-19 disruptions and what’s next for students in their districts.
Representatives from several angel investing groups in the Wilmington region will talk about raising funds and investing, offering perspective for both entrepreneurs and investors.
DISCUSSION LEADERS
DISCUSSION LEADERS
Covid-19 has presented a host of challenges — and opportunities — for leaders to navigate. We provide a compass. DISCUSSION LEADERS
SUPERINTENDENTS
REGGIE SHROPSHIRE PARTNER AT ACTIONCOACH
LORI HARRIS LYNN WHITESELL CO-FOUNDERS & MANAGING PARTNERS OF HARRIS WHITESELL CONSULTING
CHARLES FOUST NEW HANOVER COUNTY SCHOOLS
STEVEN HILL PENDER COUNTY SCHOOLS
JERRY OATES BRUNSWICK COUNTY SCHOOLS
CHARLIE BANKS
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF VENTURESOUTH
CARLOS PARAJON
JIM ROBERTS
FOUNDER WILMINGTON MANAGING ANGELS FOR LOCAL PARTNER ENTREPRENEURS AT HARBOR (WALE) ISLAND EQUITY PARTNERS
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
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R O U N D TA B L E 1 THE TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE: A S U S TA I N A B L E BUSINESS MODEL FOR SUCCESS
The triple bottom line framework is gaining popularity to focus on people, planet and profits — instead of just profits alone. DISCUSSION LEADER
wilmingtonbiz.com
September 18 - October 1, 2020
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OCTOBER 1 • 12:30 PM
ROUNDTABLES R O U N D TA B L E 2
R O U N D TA B L E 3
MADE IN THE CAPE FEAR
FILMING IN A PANDEMIC
Winners of the 2020 MADE Awards will talk about their products and answer questions.
Leaders of our local film community give updates and answer questions about the local film industry amid COVID-19. DISCUSSION LEADERS
MADE
R O U N D TA B L E 4 A CONVERSATION WITH THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY Ben David, district attorney for New Hanover and Pender counties, will talk about law enforcement and court system issues amid national and local protests and the push for law enforcement reforms. DISCUSSION LEADER
Great Goods from Greater Wilmington
BILL VASSAR EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF EUE/SCREEN GEMS STUDIOS
ROBERT PARKER SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER AT CAPE FEAR SOLAR
JOHNNY GRIFFIN DIRECTOR OF THE WILMINGTON REGIONAL FILM COMMISSION
BEN DAVID DISTRICT ATTORNEY FOR NEW HANOVER AND PENDER COUNTIES
Another Successful Transaction Murchison, Taylor & Gibson, PLLC is pleased to have served as M&A counsel to Carolina Marine Terminal Inc. in connection with the sale to Transportation Infrastructure Partners, a joint venture between Ridgewood Infrastructure LLC and Savage Companies. G. Stephen Diab, Member/Partner W. Berry Trice, Member / Partner Mark A. Allebach, Member/ Partner Faison G. Sutton, Member/Partner
1979 Eastwood Road, Suite 101, Wilmington, NC 28403 | (910) 763-2426
VISIT US AT WWW.MURCHISONTAYLOR.COM Wilmington’s Law Firm since 1955 for Business Law, Mergers & Acquisitions, Litigation, Health Care, Employment, Real Estate Transactions and Estate Planning.
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Greater reater W WilminGton ilmington B Business usiness JJournal ournal G
ful DISCUSSIONS Sponsors’ Content Distributed By Greater Wilmington Business Journal
THE ECONOMY, THE PANDEMIC, THE ELECTIONS...NOW WHAT?
MIKE CUNNINGHAM President, Series 65 Licensed Advisor Coastal Financial Advisors LLC
(910) 338-0655 WWW.COASTALFALLC.COM
How has the economy changed over the last year and how do we proceed with investing? Our economy and more importantly, the global economy is going through a rapid transformation to a “digital economy”. This is huge and can be equated to moving to the internet or from land phone lines to cell phones. Several economists and portfolio managers believe this transformation is also playing out in the stock markets
around the globe and especially here in the USA. We now see two (2) economies here in the USA. You have the new “digital” economy which is all your technology companies and those other companies that are rapidly shifting their businesses to a digital platform. And you have the “mainstream” economy which consists of those businesses that are more service-oriented and non-digital. Think of retail, movie theatres and restaurants, leisure and travel businesses. This also means we have two (2) stock markets, digital and mainstream. This better explains why the overall markets continue to set new record highs while unemployment is at an all-time high. Digital companies and the rapid transition to a digital economy are leading the way.
Are specific consumer behaviors helping the transformation to a digital economy? The combination of a strong consumer economy leading up to and into the Covid-19 pandemic is responsible for a dramatic shift in consumer behavior. People are now spending more online than ever before. Groceries, household goods, electronics, clothing, and more are being ordered online and picked up or delivered. The pandemic has driven consumers to buy online where they may not have just a short six months ago. This is the new digital economy.
What is the number one catalyst to be aware of when planning for economic recovery? As companies continue to report their earnings each quarter, we see surprises every week. Look at Best Buy for example. This company continues to push its e-commerce strategy and is shifting 30-50 percent of their retail store space to “delivery hubs” in order to better compete in the new digital economy. They had great earnings and the stock moved up as a result. Company earnings are and will continue to be the key driver of the stock markets. However, there is one other significant catalyst that will affect the markets. The pandemic forced the shutdown of the economy. Controlling Covid-19 and most importantly, having a successful vaccine will unleash the economies around the world. This is significant because it will be a huge global catalyst. This means you have to be invested to take advantage of this pending catalyst.
What are your predictions for tax increases over the next few years? The shutdown of the economy due to the pandemic also resulted in the need to support the businesses and individuals that are unemployed, as unemployment
SPONSORS’ CONTENT DISTRIBUTED BY GREATER WILMINGTON BUSINESS JOURNAL
hit a new high. This meant the government had to print more money (debt) to provide the stimulus packages which to date total $6.6 trillion and there is talk of another $1-3 trillion. There is an old adage that states “you can’t print your way out of a recession.” In short, printing more money causes inflation as the money supply increases. Inflation devalues the US dollars which means US bond values as well. When the government is unable to sell bonds (the value is too low) they have no choice but to print more money which could potentially lead to hyperinflation and more debt. When the interest on the US debt becomes too high it starts to crowd out other programs like Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare. The only solution is to raise taxes. If you look at the math and science behind the numbers, we believe there are few options other than to raise taxes and that this will be a major source of debate since we are in an election season. Planning for increased taxes is essential, especially for those individuals who have their retirement assets in a 401(k), IRA, 403(b) or TSA. For more information, please visit our website at www. coastalfallc.com or call us any time at (910) 338-0655. Mr. Cunningham provides a variety of services under the brand Coastal Financial Advisors, LLC. Investment advisory services are provided through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SECregistered investment advisor.
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360 PAINTING 360painting.com - For over a decade, we have been working hard to become one of the best painting companies in North America by meeting the needs of home and business owners across the U.S. and Canada. AARP NC SBC aarp.org - We are a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people age 50 and over. AARP is dedicated to enhancing quality of life for all as we age. We lead positive social change and deliver value to members through information, advocacy and service. We also provide a wide range of unique benefits, special products, and services for our members. A & I INC. ai-restoration.com - A&I Fire and Water Restoration is a full-service general contractor serving throughout North and South Carolina. We provide a multitude of quality services, including: fire and water restoration, mold remediation, along with specialty services to fit the unique needs of the restoration business.
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EXHIBITORS SEMINAR SPONSOR ACTIONCOACH actioncoach.com - ActionCOACH helps guide entrepreneurs and business owners to greater success with game plans that work and guaranteed systems that have been proven all over the world. AIRMAX HEATING & COOLING airmaxhvac.com - Airmax is a full-service HVAC contractor providing heating and cooling repair, installation, and service, including air quality solutions. ALL STAR FLAGS allstarflags.com - All Star Flags stocks stock many sizes of US Flags, International Flags, State Flags, Military Flags, and Historical Flags. They also offer full service installation teams, custom flags, temporary vinyl banners and signage AQUESTA BANK aquesta.com - Aquesta is a community bank serving the NC communities around Lake Norman, Charlotte, Wilmington and Raleigh. The bank is headquartered in Cornelius, NC and offers a full array of banking products
and services to meet your needs.
lifetime warranty.
AMERICAN WATER & FIRE americanwaterfire.com - We handle everyday disasters and are not just for big emergencies. American Water & Fire of Wilmington, NC is here for you.
BRIAN HAMILTON FOUNDATION brianhamilton.org - The Brian Hamilton Foundation was established with one principle in mind: with the right resources and support, anyone can be a successful entrepreneur.
THE ARTWORKS theartworks.co - theArtWorks, which includes an Art Village with 50+ working studios, as an international art destination, provides a creative environment for artists, educational opportunities, and enhances the community through art. BAKER ROOFING bakerroofing.com/wilmingtonroofing-company - Baker Roofing Co., established in 1915, is a full-service building envelope contractor recognized as one of the leading specialty contractors nationwide. BATHFITTER bathfitter.com - A bathroom remodeling solution that lasts a lifetime. Enjoy your remodel with no messy, disruptive demolition work. What’s more, all our products are backed by a limited
BRUNSWICK COMMUNITY COLLEGE SBC brunswickcc.edu/continuing-education/ small-business-center - Small Business Centers provide local, experienced counselors as advisers for new and existing businesses. Available on an as needed basis, this confidential service acts as a sounding board for new ideas and/or concerns you may have about your business. CAPE FEAR COMMUNITY COLLEGE cfcc.edu - With over 23,000 students enrolling in classes every year, CFCC is a major economic development partner in our area. CFCC is dedicated to providing world-class workforce training and quality higher education for New Hanover and Pender counties.
The CIE nurtures emerging ventures and connects entrepreneurs to a world of startup support services. Whether you’re from the community or UNCW faculty, staff, student, or alumni, we’re here to accelerate the launch and growth of your business. THE CIE IS OPEN AND ACTIVELY ASSISTING ENTREPRENEURS WITH: · Virtual networking and education programs · Private offices, conference rooms, co-working space, and virtual tenancy · Team-based mentoring · Investor readiness programs · Guidance on grants and other funding · Online Givitas network for giving advice · High school entrepreneurship programs
GROW YOUR NEW VENTURE HERE
Want to help early stage ventures? The CIE welcomes mentors with startup expertise and those with specific industry knowledge and general business experience.
TAP INTO THIS COMMUNITY OF SUPPORT BY JOINING THE CIE TODAY.
www.uncw.edu/cie cie@uncw.edu | 910-962-2206 UNCW is an EEO/AA institution.
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Thinking about Selling Your Business? Contact us for a Confidential Conversation! REGINA FISHER | BUSINESS BROKER Selling a business is a big decision for a business owner, both financially and emotionally. We are experts in the process of business sales and we guide our clients as fiduciary advisors. 910.520.0737 | REGINA@BRISTOL.GROUP | BRISTOLGROUPONLINE.COM
RED EARTH Marketing HOME BUILDER AND DEVELOPER SERVICES SINCE 1998
HOME RENDERING & FLOOR PLANS
EXHIBITORS
CAPE FEAR CREW capefearcrew.org - With more than 55+ members, Cape Fear CREW is the leading organization for women and men commercial real estate professionals within the Cape Fear region of North Carolina. CAPE FEAR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY capefearhabitat.org - Give today and change lives Families in New Hanover, Pender, and Duplin Counties partner with Cape Fear Habitat to become part of their own housing solution, working to build a better, brighter future. SEMINAR SPONSOR CAPE FEAR SOLAR SYSTEMS capefearsolarsystems.com - We have been designing and installing solar panel systems on North Carolina homes and businesses since 2007. Our reputation speaks louder than our words. CFCC SBC cfcc.edu/sbc - The SBC offers free business seminars and confidential one on one counseling to those interested in learning more about starting or growing their businesses. CINTAS CORPORATION cintas.com - Cintas leads the industry in supplying corporate identity uniform programs, providing entrance and logo mats, restroom supplies, promotional products, first aid, safety, fire protection products and services, and industrial carpet and tile cleaning. CLEAN JUICE cleanjuice.com - A fresh Juice and Smoothie bar offering a clean approach to on-the-go food. Come see what we are about! Your body will love you for it. SEMINAR SPONSOR COASTAL FINANCIAL ADVISORS coastalfallc.com - Coastal Financial Advisors, LLC, offers knowledge-based
Freedom to grow. VIRTUAL STAGING
BUILDER SITE PLANS
“We’ve been working with John and his team for over 25 years. Their ability assess a market or opportunity and then build a program to effectively deliver on that plan is truly “pitch perfect.” (EVERY. SINGLE. TIME)” Dave Spetrino- Founder PBC- Build + Design
Wilmington, NC Based | 910.777.1141 | RedEarthMarketing.com
Whatever your business dreams, we’re building the network to get you there.
advice and objective strategies to deliver client-focused plans whether you are retired, nearing retirement or building your career and wealth. COASTAL WOMEN’S VENTURES facebook.com/CWV17 - CWV is a collaborative program focused on business coaching, mentoring, small business education and loan capital assistance. Services provided by the program support the YWCA Lower Cape Fear’s mission to empower women through economic advancement. SEMINAR SPONSOR COLDWELL BANKER COMMERCIAL SUN COAST PARTNERS cbcsuncoast.com - Coldwell Banker Commercial Sun Coast Partners takes the guesswork out of commercial real estate and provides the expert guidance you need to make sound decisions and investments that will stand the test of time and volatile markets. COPIERS PLUS copiers-plus.com - Copiers Plus understands that providing unparalleled service includes providing the best equipment and supplies the industry has to offer. That’s why Copiers Plus partners with award-winning industry leaders providing the most reliable equipment and supplies available. CORNING CREDIT UNION corningcu.org - We are committed to helping our members prosper by being a trusted resource and advisor for financial services. DIGNITY MEMORIAL dignitymemorial.com - With a new facility in the spring of 2020, Coble Funeral & Cremation Service is a fullservice funeral home and cremation provider located directly on the grounds of the beautiful Greenlawn Memorial Park in Wilmington, NC.
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Imagine better C A R E
F O R
C H I L D R E N
Our proposed partnership will provide the children of southeastern North Carolina with more affordable, accessible, high-quality care. • Expansion of the UNC pediatric subspecialty program, including cardiology, pulmonology, hematology/oncology, endocrinology, neurosurgery and neurology • TytoHome access means instant peace of mind, allowing parents to connect with Novant Health providers who can virtually examine children’s ears, throat, lungs and more • Recognition among Newsweek’s Best Maternity Hospitals 2020 for 6 Novant Health medical centers as well as NHRMC, meaning moms and babies are in the best hands
Discover all we can do for children in our region Visit NovantHealth.org/imaginebetter
© Novant Health, Inc. 2020
ECA628766a
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KEYNOTE SPONSOR
EMERGEORTHO emergeortho.com - EmergeOrtho has been providing specialized, patientcentered orthopedic and spine care since 1955. Our team includes 29 physicians, 30 physician assistants and 37 physical therapists, all dedicated to delivering high quality, compassionate care.
of local businesses. FREEDOM BOAT CLUB freedomboatclub.com - Freedom Boat Club is the oldest and largest boat club in the nation and makes participating in the boating life simpler and more affordable. GREATER WILMINGTON BUSINESS JOURNAL wilmingtonbiz.com - Greater Wilmington Business Journal is the Wilmington, NC region’s number one resource for business news and information. PRESENTING SPONSOR
SEMINAR
MADE SPONSOR
EXCITE CREDIT UNION excitecu.org - Excite Credit Union was created for you — your needs, your desires, your real-life situation. Established in 1952, Excite Credit Union is a member-owned, financial cooperative serving more than 40,000 members. EXPRESS EMPLOYMENT PROFESSIONALS expresspros.com/wilmingtonnc - Express Employment Professionals of Wilmington, NC is a leading staffing provider helping job seekers find work with a wide variety
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
EXHIBITORS
C O N F E R E N C E & E X P O
DUKE ENERGY duke-energy.com - Duke Energy makes life better for millions of people every day by providing affordable, reliable and increasingly clean energy.
wilmingtonbiz.com
HARRIS WHITESELL CONSULTING harriswhitesellconsulting.com - We help successful people and organizations achieve guaranteed and measurable leadership improvement. H & S MANAGEMENT handsmgmt.com – A full-service commercial & residential maintenance company focused on giving back to the community. H&S has pledged that at least 1% of Total Revenue will go directly back to non-profit organizations in southeastern NC.
HIGHLAND CONSTRUCTION highland-inc.com - Highland Construction and Restoration is a locally owned and family operated licensed general contractor that can handle all your restoration and renovation needs, from start to finish, top to bottom. Highland is a preferred vendor for most insurance carriers and can guide you through the insurance claim process. HONOR FLIGHT OF THE CAPE FEAR AREA honorflightcfa.org - Honor Flight of the Cape Fear Area honors WWII, Korea War, and Vietnam War era Veterans by taking them free of charge to Washington, DC for a day of remembrance and honor as they visit their memorials and monuments. INFINITY PAYMENT SYSTEMS infinitypaymentsystems.com - Our smart payment processing solutions allow you to accept face-to-face transactions, eCommerce transactions, and many other flexible payment solutions for your business. PRESENTING SPONSOR
INNOVATIVE FINANCIAL GROUP askifg.com/north-carolina - Innovative Financial Group is a Financial Services firm that helps individuals and families
create strategies for all aspects of their life, from protection with the use of insurance to saving for retirement and beyond. JHS DOCUMENT IMAGING jhsdoc.com – JHS offers complete document management services. Software, scanning services, document destruction (shredding), and document storage. LOWER CAPE FEAR LIFECARE lifecare.org - A nonprofit agency providing access to the highest quality LifeCare, education, and supportive services to our patients, their families, and the communities we serve. MATTHEWS MOTORS matthewsmotorswilmington.com Matthews Motors is a premium full service used car dealership located in Wilmington. We pride ourselves on delivering the best customer service and dealership experience to Hyundai, Nissan, Ford, Kia and Jeep drivers throughout the area. MCKEE HOMES mckeehomesnc.com - McKee Homes is an Eastern NC area home builder focused on attention to detail and service,
FIRST TIME DEVELOPER OFFERING
Premier Homesites
46 HOMESITES FOR SALE, AVERAGING $237K & .77 ACRES PER SITE
in Landfall
Visit Landfall.PrestonDev.com or call (919) 481-3000
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EXHIBITORS
C O N F E R E N C E & E X P O
building in the Raleigh, Wilmington, Fayetteville and Fort Brag areas.
| wilmingtontoday.com | carolinamarketingcompany.com –The team at CMC works hard to highlight life in southeastern North Carolina through various print and digital reach with North Brunswick Magazine, South Brunswick Magazine, Wilmington Today, Discovery Maps, and LifeInBrunswickCounty.com.
KEYNOTE SPONSOR
MEGACORP LOGISTICS megacorplogistics.com - MegaCorp, an award winning, asset based, logistics firm with remarkable growth, is headquartered in Wilmington, NC with offices throughout the country, servicing the continental US and Canada.
KEYNOTE SPONSOR
NC COASTAL INSURANCE nccoastalhomeinsurance.com – We offer the most affordable insurance products and services to the Brunswick, New Hanover, Onslow, Pender and all additional counties along Coastal NC. As a locally based agency, we understand the unique needs of our coastal residents.
NORTH STATE BANK northstatebank.com - North State Bank has seven full-service banking offices in Wake and New Hanover counties. All offices are led by market presidents who know their areas, know banking and know how to get things done.
NORTH CAROLINA MILITARY BUSINESS CENTER ncmbc.us - The mission of the NCMBC is to leverage military and other federal business opportunities to expand the economy, grow jobs and improve quality of life in North Carolina.
NORTH CAROLINA WESLEYAN COLLEGE ncwc.edu - North Carolina Wesleyan College is a 4-year co-educational college. With a foundation in the liberal arts, the college prepares students for successful careers, professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. The college is affiliated with the United Methodist Church.
NORTH BRUNSWICK MAGAZINE / WILMINGTON TODAY lifeinbrunswickcounty.com
NOTHING BUNDT CAKES nothingbundtcakes.com - Step into our bakery and let the aroma of freshly-
baked Bundt stir your senses. Choose from ten luscious Bundt flavors and forty unique cake designs while you browse a treasure trove of unique gifts, charming cards and inspired decorator items. PENDER COUNTY NC pendercountync.gov - Ranked as the fastest growing county in North Carolina, Pender County has grown 15 percent since 1990. With a population of 34,000. Discover why families, businesses and industries are turning their attention to this Southern blend of casual living and planned growth. PIEDMONT ADVANTAGE CREDIT UNION pacu.com - PACU is a Member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in the counties of Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Duplin, Forsyth, Guilford, Iredell, Mecklenburg, New Hanover, Pender or Rockingham, N.C. PINNACLE STORAGE pinnaclestorage.net - We specialize in helping you select what you need, and nothing extra you don’t. We offer many sizes so you can get a smart fit at the lowest monthly price-for both climate-
control and non-climate units. PIONEER STRATEGIES, INC. pioneerstrategies.com - Pioneer Strategies is a public relations and strategic communication firm that partners with clients to plan and implement strategic communication campaigns to achieve their goals. PORT CITY ELEVATOR portcityelevator.com - We install and service residential and light commercial elevators, dumbwaiters, Stairlifts, Platform lifts, and other accessibility equipment. PREMIER STAFFING SOLUTIONS premierstaffnc.com – Premier Staffing Solutions is an independent, woman owned and operated, staffing service that has a total staff with more than 40 years of combined staffing and HR experience. PROFORMA EXECUTIVE BUSINESS SERVICES lisland.proforma.com - Proforma is the leader in the printing, promotional products and packaging industries with a creative edge to add impact and value to your programs. As your agency without the agency fees, we provide the most
CAPE FEAR’S PREMIER WEALTH MANAGER PROVIDING FINANCIAL GUIDANCE IN THESE UNCHARTED TIMES Investment Recovery Strategies
Portfolio Risk Management
Retirement & Tax Planning
Let us assist you with a comprehensive risk and fee analysis to better understand your needs and protect your most important assets. Mike Cunningham President Series 65 Licensed Advisor
Call today for a complimentary review or visit our website to register for an upcoming educational workshop
(910) 338-0655 | www.coastalfallc.com
Investment advisory services are offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor.
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innovative & cutting edge product and service solutions through more than 750 offices across the globe. QUENCH USA quenchwater.com - Quench offers “Water-as-a-Service” solutions by providing filtered water systems, including bottleless water coolers, ice machines, sparkling water dispensers, and coffee brewers, to customers across North America. REAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CHAMPION rpmchampion.com - Your management solution for Wilmington area rental properties. We offer specialized, reliable property management services, from resident screening to leasing to maintenance to evictions. RED EARTH MARKETING redearthcorp.com – Red Earth is a leader in the marketing and sales for home builders, luxury resort operators and master-planned developers, bringing over two decades of experience in the sales, marketing and management of lifestyle and amenity-oriented real estate developments. RENS INSURANCE & FINANCIAL SERVICES mycapefearinsurance.com - Insurance and Financial Services is what we do. Improving the lives of the members of our community is why we do it. RICCOBENE ASSOCIATES FAMILY DENTISTRY brushandfloss.com - We provide superior dental care with a compassionate approach and amazing results offering patients a comprehensive range of dental services, from fillings to Invisalign to implants and everything in between. ROBERT TAYLOR GROUP roberttaylorgroup.com - The Robert Taylor Group is an employee benefits insurance agency helping small to mid-size groups here in North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina. RULMECA CORP rulmecacorp.com - Rulmeca Corporation is a leader in belt conveyor rollers & motorized pulleys for industry. We help calculate your power needs & fit you unique application. RUN FOR A LIFE runforalifewilmington.itsyourrace.com - This is a chance to have fun, run, or walk, to support a vision which is called Generation ZERO – the first generation of men free from prostate cancer. SALT AIR HEATING & COOLING saltairinc.com - Salt Air provides a full lineup of air conditioning/HVAC
wilmingtonbiz.com
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EXHIBITORS installation, repair, and maintenance services, as well as peerless guarantees. SANO STEAM sanosteam.com - Sano Steam was founded in Wilmington, NC in 1989, and, ever since, we have been cleaning and restoring a wide range of surfaces in not just homes, but businesses, too SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION sba.gov - Over the years, the SBA has developed many small business loan and assistance programs, special outreach efforts and initiatives to aid and inform small businesses. SBTDC sbtdc.org - The Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) has helped North Carolina businesses grow and create new jobs since 1984. We provide management counseling and educational services to small and mid-sized businesses. Most of our services are free of charge, and all are confidential. SCORE CAPE FEAR REGION capefear.score.org - SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and helping small businesses start, grow, and succeed nationwide.
a customized solution, provide you with a very competitive quote, and then handle every detail to make your project successful, including professional electrical services.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship works to identify and nurture high-growth, highimpact companies and to accelerate the entrepreneurial ecosystem in southeastern North Carolina.
STARNEWS MEDIA starnewsonline.com - Providing news as it happens in the newspaper and on StarNewsOnline.com, answering your questions about life in coastal N.C. on MyReporter.com, connecting you to niche social networks and providing content you can use.
THE UPS STORE theupsstore.com - The UPS Store in Wilmington, NC is here to help individuals and small businesses by offering a wide range of products and services.
SURFSIDE FRANCHISE surfsidefranchise.com - We are a full-service franchise consulting and development firm with extensive experience in the franchise industry. SWAIN CENTER uncw.edu/swain - The H. David and Diane Swain Center equips executives to lead their organizations into the future, prepares senior leaders to take on broader roles and engages the next generation of leaders. TD BANK td.com - Discover what it means to be Unexpectedly Human with TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank. Let’s talk. We’re here everyday 6am–11pm EST.
SEGRA segra.com – As one of the largest independent fiber networks in the Eastern US, we’re able to offer stateof-the-art communications solutions backed by always-on customer service. Whatever your business dreams, we’re building the network to get you there.
TEKMOUNAIN tekmountain.com - tekMountain is a privately owned, community driven incubator/accelerator dedicated to becoming the leader in the educational technology space, especially higher education, with a focus on the needs of Nursing and Allied Health programs and schools.
SIGNS BY TOMORROW signsbytomorrow.com/Wilmington - A local sign company with world-class expertise. At Signs By Tomorrow of Wilmington, we offer a wide variety of sign products and signage services that get your messages noticed.
THRIVE FAMILY DENTAL thrivefamilydental.com - We’re proud to be your local 5-star rated dentist in Wilmington, NC! Contact Thrive Family Dental today to schedule appointments for the entire family!
SITO CHIROPRACTIC sitochiropractic.com – We provide the exceptional chiropractic experience. We help our clients reach their true health potential and peak performance level. We assist you in making and achieving your personal health goals. And we do it all with compassion, keeping in mind your individual needs and comfort. SOUTHERN LIGHTING southernlightingservices.com - Whether you need an interior or exterior commercial lighting system, Southern Lighting Services can offer you the complete package of both lighting and electrical services. We will meet with you onsite to determine the specific needs and goals of your project, design
TRI-TECH FORENSICS tritechforensics.com - A leader in the forensics market, Tri-Tech Forensics, Inc. provides evidence collection and crime scene investigation products to crime laboratories and crime scene investigators throughout the world. SEMINAR SPONSOR UNCW CAMERON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS csb.uncw.edu - Business education at the Cameron School of Business is focused on the technical, analytical and interpersonal skills students will need to lead this fundamental change in the business world through the 21st century. UNCW CIE uncw.edu/cie - The UNCW Center for
URBAN COUTURE GROUP urbancouturegroup.com - Urban Couture is hailed among the premier wholesale clothing companies dealing in fashion, fitness and sports clothing. They specialize in custom cut & sew clothing, private label and many more aspects that the retail merchandise industry needs today. WACCAMAW TELECOMMUNICATIONS wactel.com - Our managed IT services can handle it all – your office, remote employees, cloud, and security while providing you with the highest level of customer service. WILMINGTON AREA REBUILDING MINISTRY (WARM) warmnc.org - The mission of WARM is to make people safer in their own homes by mobilizing volunteers to complete urgent repairs, hurricane recovery, and accessibility upgrades. WARM serves low-income homeowners in Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender Counties, many of whom are elderly and/or disabled. WILMINGTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE wilmingtonchamber.org - The Wilmington Chamber of Commerce works every day to strengthen the regional economy by cultivating business growth through member programs, lobbying efforts, economic development, and community improvement. KEYNOTE SPONSOR WILMINGTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT flyilm.com - The Wilmington International Airport (ILM) serves southeastern North Carolina with commercial air service on Delta, American Airlines, and United. YWCA OF THE LOWER CAPE FEAR ywca-lowercapefear.org - The YWCA is proud to be the oldest and largest women’s movement, providing services for women and their families in our community. The YWCA Lower Cape Fear is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace.
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September 18 - October 1, 2020
WINNERS
2020
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manufacturers
E X P O R T E R S FOOD/beverage
functional product ARTS
supporter BUSINESS
Spotlighting this year’s MADE Awards
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he Greater Wilmington Business Journal is publishing the winners of the fifth annual MADE Awards competition again in this issue because the coronavirus pandemic’s spread to the U.S. in March postponed the WilmingtonBiz Conference & Expo, which would have included this year’s MADE Awards Nunn winners. But there is some good news. Several of this year’s MADE win-
MADE Great Goods from Greater Wilmington
ners will participate in the upcoming virtual WilmingtonBiz Conference & Expo. They will be featured during one of the conference’s Roundtables talks that takes place 12:30-1:30 p.m. Oct. 1. For the Roundtables schedule, turn to pages 14 and 15. Those chosen by the judges this year covered a wide range of products being conceived and produced in the local market. The Greater Wilmington Business Journal launched the MADE Awards to spotlight makers, manufacturers, artisans, designers, small businesses and the business that support them
in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties. Nominations poured in from businesses vying in five categories: Manufacturers, Exporters, Functional Product (examples include tools, gadgets, beauty products, furniture and industrial/medical devices), Arts (such as apparel, accessories, textiles, home goods and stationery), Food & Beverage and Supporter (examples include patent law firms, manufacturing associations, SBA lenders and retail markets that carry primarily local products). Outside of the annual awards, the
Business Journal wants to continue to spotlight the MADE focus year-round. Each month in the print edition we’ll feature a company making goods and products in the Cape Fear region. To be considered for the feature, email newsroom@wilmingtonbiz.com. Congratulations to this year’s winners. - Cece Nunn, assistant editor cnunn@wilmingtonbiz.com For more information about the MADE winners and their companies, go to WilmingtonBiz.com.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
BLUE SHARK VODKA bluesharkvodka.com Year founded: 2019 Number of employees: 5 Top official: Mark Bloomquist, founder Company description: A family-owned and operated vodka company based out of Wrightsville Beach Target market: “Adults (21+) with an affinity for an exceptionally smooth tasting spirit.” Company growth: “After launching last summer, we expanded across the great state of North Carolina. Our family is continuing our focus on the dilemma of blue sharks. Blues are among the most docile of all shark species, so we are working on ways to preserve this misunderstood member of the shark family.” How did you originally come up with the concept for your product? “Each year our family travels around the world. Our idea for Blue Shark Vodka grew from our fascination with spirits, especially those with unique packaging and exceptional quality. Most importantly, we sought to create a clear spirit like the waters we love to dive – with a smooth, clean taste.” What are your future goals for the product? “We will organically grow our customer base and dive deeper; expanding strategically.”
LYSSA CAKES
SWEETS AND SPIRITS BAKERY
lyssacakes.com Year founded: 2019 Number of employees: 3 Top official: Alyssa Grace, owner and manager Company description: Cakes, cupcakes and custom cake art bakery Target market: “Anyone who likes sweets and anyone needing dessert for an event” Company growth: “We’re still fairly new, but business is growing steadily.” How has your product helped impact the region’s economic development? “We're still fairly new, but we look forward to increasing our workforce and bringing more business to this area of Mayfaire [Town Center, where the shop is located].” How did you originally come up with the concept for your product? “My parents owned a bakery and ice cream shop while I was growing up, so I’ve been baking as long as I can remember. I became interested in custom cake art by watching shows like Ace of Cakes with Duff Goldman. It’s unique and not something that everyone can do.” What are your future goals for the product? “To increase business and be able to add additional cake artists. I’m also starting to add cake and cupcake decorating classes so I can share my passion with everyone.”
sweetsandspirits. com Year founded: 2017 Number of employees: 3 Top official: Melanie Smith, owner/baker Company description: “Making memories with food to help our customers achieve a healthier lifestyle by providing ketogenic, gluten-free and sugar-free options” Target market: “We have identified health conscious, obesity, low carbohydrate, ketogenic, celiac disease, gluten sensitive, autoimmune issues and diabetics as our target audience.” How has your product helped impact the region’s economic development? “We have been able to provide our product to several local small businesses and restaurants. We continue to seek more businesses in our region.” How did you originally come up with the concept for your product? “I began keto two years ago and quickly realized that I could use food to help others achieve a healthier lifestyle.” What are your future goals for the product? “We hope to expand our shipping and as always we are working on new exciting products. Recently we launched our Noatmeal and Keto gluten-free sugar-free granola.”
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September 18 - October 1, 2020
wilmingtonbiz.com
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
WANTS TO HELP YOU STEP UP TO BETTER FINANCES Regardless of your starting point in life, you’re a neighbor, not a number. Everyone should have the chance to build wealth and learn how to manage their money better.
READY TO
Please reach out to Kandra Romeo, Director of Community Relations at kromeo@excitecu.org or 910.793.2235
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Greater Wilmington Business Journal
MADE Great Goods from Greater Wilmington
americanhammer.com Year founded: 1952 Number of employees: 10 Top official: Ted Leitter, president/CEO Company description: The largest U.S. manufacturer of hand-held industrial hammers Target market: Automotive, aerospace, agriculture, manufacturing, mining, military, municipal, MRO US steel, nuclear power, oil and gas and the plastic industry in general Company growth: “We’ve grown from a small niche company of just a few hammer lines to the largest OEM 100% made in America industrial hammer manufacturing company with over 650 hammer lines for every metalworking, nonsparking and nonmarring applications. We now satisfy the needs of every major and minor national and international producers of all things metal and gas. We currently have three U.S. patents for our unique safety inspired handle designs with more ideas in the works.” How did you originally come up with the concept for your product? “Ingenuity. At 19 years old, I talked my way in to be an employee at a very small hammer company and while there, I couldn’t help myself in thinking up better and more efficient ways of production and in turn the overall designs of our product. At 21, I purchased the company and continued with my obsession of achieving ‘the very best,’ which gave birth to really innovative designs in safety …”
Great Goods from Greater Wilmington
September 18 - October 1, 2020
MANUFACTURER
AMERICAN HAMMER
MADE
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SOUTH ATLANTIC SERVICES INC.
G-CODE HOLSTERS tacticalholsters.com Year founded: 1997 Number of employees: 60+ Top official: Scott Evans, CEO Company description: Builds holsters, accessories and tactical gear; products are 100% USA made with U.S.sourced materials Target market: Military, law enforcement, civilian, concealed carry and sportsman shooters Company growth: Edge-Works (G-CODE) began at home; “We quickly outgrew the garage and expanded into a large trailer. From there we moved into a pole barn, then in 2013 to our first real commercial space totaling 12,000 square feet. Today, the company occupies a 60,000-square-foot facility in Burgaw. How did you originally come up with the concept for your product? “While serving in the Marine Corps I often modified and improved my gear. This became a hobby and a passion and after leaving active duty I continued supplying my friends and various Marines at nearby Camp Lejeune. The hobby eventually became a business.” What are your future goals for the product? “G-CODE is a solution company. Our purpose has always been to solve problems for our customers. We do this with design and innovation and although our efforts manifest in many great products we never sit back and feel like ‘we have arrived.’ Likewise, execution in our workmanship is paramount in its importance to us and to our customers.”
southatlanticservices.com Year founded: 1971 Number of employees: 62 local employees, with about 276 between Wilmington and locations in Houston Top official: Frank Hamilton III, president/owner Company description: A Wilmington-headquartered contract manufacturing and packaging company. In addition to its Wilmington location, SAS has three facilities in the Houston area. Target market: Major oil companies, big-box retailers, automotive aftermarket retail chains, OEMs (new car manufacturers) Products made locally: Automotive and industrial coolants, diesel exhaust fluids, automotive lubricants and agricultural chemicals Company growth: “We have gained new customers, expanded geographically and grown from a small employer to over 275 employees.” Product distribution: The company ships finished goods throughout the United States and internationally to South America, Europe, Mexico and other parts of Central America. How has your product helped impact the region’s economic development? “The continued demand for our product has allowed us to offer stable employment opportunity for the region.”
FUNCTIONAL PRODUCTS
GRUNT TOUGH INC. GruntTough.com Year founded: 2019 Number of employees: 4 Top official: Brandon Noel, president/CEO Company description: A software and manufacturing company that is a VA-certified, service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) Target market: 5G and satellite installation and equipment providers Company growth: Grunt Tough initially took on 5G small cell site acquisition and installation here in Cape Fear area but quickly grew to also managing the project in the coastal areas from North Carolina down to Florida, all of southern Texas and parts of the Midwest How did you originally come up with the concept for your product? “Need drives innovation. 5G is brand new, so when trying to mount the small cell site equipment the best options available came from the satellite industry. However, it did not always work. Grunt Tough was challenged by one of the companies leading the installation efforts on behalf of the 5G Spectrum holders to come up with a better solution, and we delivered!” What are your future goals for the product? “Grunt Tough is expanding beyond just the nonpenetrating roof mounts and has plans to branch into manufacturing of mounting systems for 5G in many other capacities such as light/telephone poles, vehicular and even rapid deployment systems for wireless internet in remote areas.”
GUITAR CABINETS DIRECT
guitarcabinets direct.com Year founded: 2011 Number of employees: 12 Top official: KC Barnard Company description: Manufacturer of vintage reproduction guitar amplifier cabinets and custom furniture Target market: Musicians, designers and homeowners Company growth: The company originally provided guitar cabinets to one customer and now sells cabinets to consumers and trade accounts all over the world. How has your product helped impact the region’s economic development? “We hire people within the local community and much of the materials we use are provided by local vendors.” How did you originally come up with the concept for your product? “We reproduce vintage guitar amplifier cabinets from the early 50s to the late 60s.” What are your future goals for the product? “Continue to develop our web presence and consumer markets through a strong brand identity.”
SQUEAK getsqueakywithus.com Year founded: 2018 Number of employees: 5 Top official: Jayna Crittenden, founder Company description: Producer and distributor of safe, organic household cleaning products Target market: “Women 25-55” Company growth: “SQUEAK has grown organically through social media, ambassadors and customers that recommend SQUEAK to their friends, families and networks. We have grown from a local pickup here in Wilmington company to a wholesaler for retailers, subscription box companies and Amazon.” How did you originally come up with the concept for your product? “We are a little early to claim any significant economic impact in this region, but our impact goes deeper than money. Our mission is to help people understand why using less synthetics chemicals in their homes and spaces can significantly improve their health and the health of their families.” What are your future goals for the product? “My goal and dream for SQUEAK is to be recognized and relied on for bringing light to a shady, somewhat unregulated industry. All people deserve to know that the cleaning products they use inside of their homes and spaces could be laden with synthetic ingredients that have been linked to diseases like but not limited to asthma, chronic headaches, lung disease, infertility and even cancer.”
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September 18 - October 1, 2020
wilmingtonbiz.com
EXPORTER
CYGNUS TECHNOLOGIES cygnustechnologies.com Year founded: 1997 Number of employees: 40 Top official: Christine Dolan, COO Company description: Develops and deliver products, analytics and technical expertise in bioprocess impurity detection to ensure drug safety Target market: Global biopharmaceutical, bioprocessing, cell and gene therapy Company growth: The company was founded by Ken Hoffman and joined by his brother Jim in the Boston area. They relocated the business to Southport in 2003 to a small lab facility. Since then, Cygnus has seen double-digit year-on-year growth and has added 40 scientific and professional jobs. “Cygnus technologies is a globally recognized name in the industry. Customers visit the area from Asia, India, Europe and across the U.S. Cygnus ships product globally five days a week. Cygnus’ growth has
MADE Great Goods from Greater Wilmington
FLOW SCIENCES INC.
created over 40 professional and scientific jobs as well as internship opportunities for local students.” How did you originally come up with the concept for your product? “Our background had been in clinical chemistry using ultra-sensitive technology to diagnose human disease. We believed that technology would best meet the needs of the biopharmaceutical industry and through publications, early product offerings and participation at scientific conferences with the FDA and other industry stakeholders we were able to convince the industry to apply our technologies.”
ARTS
ebbingbranding.com Year founded: 2017 Number of employees: 5 Top official: Matt Ebbing, founder and chief creative director Company description: Creative agency that “helps develop, evolve and grow great brands. The agency provides diverse strategy, graphic design, content, illustration and advertising services.” Company growth: Originally founded as a one-man creative studio, EBBING Branding + Design now operates as a boutique creative agency with five full-time team members. How did you originally come up with the concept for your product? “After 15 years of working on diverse projects at advertising and design agencies in Colorado, Oregon, New Zealand and North Carolina, founder Matt Ebbing started this boutique creative agency to specialize in his strengths – developing or evolving brands that need to really connect with people.”
Great Goods from Greater Wilmington
theartworks.co Year founded: 2013 Number of employees: 2 Top officials: Jim Knowles, managing director, and Betsy Knowles, CFO Company description: “An art epicenter, where there are working studios, a fine art
gallery, a gift shop, event space, meeting rooms, classrooms and art classes.” The facility is 38,000 square feet with 7,200 square feet of gallery space. Target market: “We support the visual, the literary and the performing arts.” theArtWorks also rents space for corporate meetings, events or fundraisers or trade shows. Company growth: “We started out with an
ing of hazardous chemicals. This resulted in a product known in the industry as a ‘vented enclosure’ or ‘powder hood’ utilizing engineering techniques and the science of air flow.” What are your future goals for the product? “To build more sophisticated products for the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and chemical industries. Advances in nanotechnology and medicines further the need for containment of potent compounds. Our clients wish us to continue the growth of our company to a wider portfolio of products and the number of countries served.”
SWAHILI COAST
GameGearMaster.com Year founded: 2018 Number of employees: 1 Top official: Jakob Karlsmark, founder Company description: Creator of Terraino, a Lego-like tabletop terrain system users can build for pennies a piece Target market: The estimated 40 million tabletop roleplaying gamers worldwide Company growth: “GameGearMaster.com has had an impact nationwide and is also seeing users from around the world. Over the course of the past two years and nearly half-a-million site visits, thousands of people in 27 countries have built Terraino.” How did you originally come up with the concept for your product? “I looked at the 3D tabletop terrain products on the market and realized that they were very expensive. I set about finding an alternative that was pennies a piece, easier to make and made better use of your time investment.”
SUPPORTER
theARTWORKS
flowsciences.com Year founded: 1987 Number of employees: 69 Top official: Ray Ryan, president and CEO Company description: Produces glove boxes, fume hoods and solvent safety cabinets, powder hoods and HEPA fan-filter units Target market: Pharmaceutical and chemical industry research development and manufacturing Company growth: “We started out with testing services and are now a manufacturing company relied upon for equipment for the scale-up and manufacturing of HPAPI (high potency active pharmaceutical ingredients).” How did you originally come up with the concept for your product? “The NIEHS (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences) in Durham needed a new type of laboratory hood for the safe weigh-
GAMEGEARMASTER. COM
EBBING BRANDING + DESIGN
MADE
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
swahilicoastdesign.com Year founded: 2015 Number of employees: 8 (in Wilmington), 26 (in Tanzania) Top officials: Caroline Fisher, creative director and co-founder, and Tony Peele, production director and co-founder Company description: Wilmington-based design house working in partnership with East African artisans to create handcrafted, ethically-made accessories Target market: “Consumers who care about how their products are made” Company growth: “We started out as a wholesale sandal company aimed at high-end coastal boutiques, which was successful but had limited growth potential. We expanded our line dramatically, moving into accessories and gift items that appeal to a wider range of customers and retailers. We've also opened two retail stores in downtown Wilmington.”
individual art studio. It was just a defined space in the middle of the floor with tape around it, and that was the studio … I started building studios to create an art village that emulated New Orleans back in the early 1900s. From that I added classrooms and event rooms and recently added a fine art gallery and a gift shop.”
How has your organization helped impact the region’s economic development? “Economically, what we have done is provide opportunities for literally hundreds of people to get involved with the arts and for the arts to get involved with the community such that we create a substantial amount of revenue for our city, our county, our state without having to raise a tax rate."
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
wilmingtonbiz.com
September 18 - October 1, 2020
| TECHNOLOGY |
Local internet access expands
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ecent project announcements by two local internet service providers aim to pave the way for expanding internet access in the region, a technology necessity highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. ATMC, a member-owned communications cooperative with headquarters in Shallotte, received a $21.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to expand high-speed internet access to over 7,000 addresses in rural Pender County, according to a recent announcement. This is part of ATMC’s “Faster Pender” project for which the communications company will contribute $7.2 million in funds, bringing the total investment to $28.9 million. “This grant will make a considerable impact in Pender County for many years to come by helping JOHANNA us bring highspeed internet to thousands of residents that have been without it for far too long,” Keith Holden, CEO of ATMC, said in a press release. The project aims to bring internet access to 6,853 residential addresses, more than 285 businesses, 19 educational facilities, nine healthcare facilities, 15 critical community facilities, and 209 agricultural operations, according to the release. For the project to be underway, ATMC will conduct “a great deal” of preliminary work before construction can begin. “ATMC anticipates construction of the new fiber-optic network to begin during the middle part of 2021 after all necessary program paperwork and environmental studies have been completed,” the release stated. That network will cover about 538 square miles, including underserved communities in Atkinson, Currie, and unserved areas east of Burgaw and Rocky Point. As local workers, students and businesses went online during the COVID-19 pandemic, inequalities in internet access were stressed. “The need for rural broadband has never been more apparent than it is now – as our nation manages the coronavirus national emergency. Access to telehealth services, remote learning for school children, and remote business operations all require
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Bridging the gap: Towers in Nash County are part of CloudWyze’s efforts to bring reliable internet to the region.
access to broadband,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue said. ATMC has been previously awarded grants to expand internet in Duplin, Columbus and Robeson counties, as well as projects in rural communities of Supply, Ash, Bolivia, Winnabow and areas west of Shallotte, among others. Another local company also recently announced a partnership that will aid it in expanding internet access in New Hanover County. CloudWyze has been awarded a contract to update New Hanover County’s technology network, helping with the distribution of public Wi-Fi, according to a news release. The Wilmington-based internet and IT service provider received a New Hanover County TV Whitespace contract to update the network. “We are doubling down on our efforts for public Wi-Fi. Not only does the continuity of the TV Whitespace initiative reinforce New Hanover County’s status as an early adopter, this technology is easy-to-employ, and it gets internet into areas without a lot of infrastructure cost,” Leslie Chaney, IT director of New Hanover County said in a press release. “Without having to dig trenches or build poles that tower above the trees, we are able to extend our network
outside of public buildings to get more eyes and ears on our community.” White space technology uses unused TV channels between active ones to provide broadband internet access. This can be used to beam broadband into harder-to-reach rural areas. The technology, which has been used by the county to connect devices such as traffic light cameras and safety security cameras, will be upgraded to increase speed and reliability, as well as broadening its reach. “While we have been predominantly deploying a fixed LTE technology called Citizen Broadband Radio Service in rural communities, in some denser areas there are other technologies such as white space which are available and/or better suited to provide ‘last-mile access,’ and so TV Whitespace has been on our roadmap for some time,” Shaun Olsen, CloudWyze CEO, said in the release. “We’re excited at the opportunity to deploy this technology in our own hometown. It is our hope, over time, that white space technology will gain more traction, increasing the demand and supply as to further reduce its cost.” This is not the first internet expansion project in rural areas for CloudWyze. CloudWyze got its first government contract in 2018 to deliver wireless internet service to unserved and underserved areas of Nash County. The company completed phase two the project on Sept. 4 and is now bringing people online, said Melissa Pressley, vice president of sales and marketing for CloudWyze. In 2019, CloudWyze received a $1.5 million grant from the state’s Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology program to expand internet service in Halifax County. CloudWyze hopes to bridge the digital divide in Halifax county, one of the poorest counties in the state, by delivering internet service to 1,000 homes without service. Internet has now become an important infrastructure for all communities, U.S. Rep. David Rouzer, R-N.C., said in the ATMC release. “Once upon a time it was the interstate system, water and sewer that was key for commerce, and quite frankly today if you don’t have broadband, none of that matters,” Rouzer said. “Broadband is the infrastructure of today and of the future.”
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INFO J U N K I E Michealle Gady Founder, president and CEO Atrómitos, LLC Atrómitos, an SBA-certified woman-owned management consulting business, has been avirtual firm since its founding four years ago. “Atrómitos utilizes technology to run efficiently and effectively, but most importantly to stay in close communication and collaboration with our team members and partners,” Gady said. Gady says she cannot imagine running a business without the range of technologies available today. That includes its website, social media pages, cloud-based file sharing platforms like Dropbox, collaboration tools like Slack and software like Harvest and QuickBooks. Newspapers and magazines she regularly reads include the Greater Wilmington Business Journal, The New Yorker, The Economist and Wired. One favorite blog is the Atrómitos Our Ideas blog. “I am fortunate to have an incredibly brilliant and articulate team that writes engaging, informative articles on myriad topics.” Podcast recommendations from the Atromitós team includes Criminal, Mike Duncan’s Revolutions, This American Life and The Knowledge Project. “I’m a true Anglophile and love British TV. My recent discovery of BritBox has been an unending source of joy.” Gady recommends Bill Bryson’s books including “Down Under” and “The Road to Little Dribbling.” Find Gady on LinkedIn @micheallecarpenter.
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Greater Wilmington Business Journal
| HOSPITALITY |
Attractions get phase 2.5 boost BY LAURA MOORE ocal museums were finally able to reopen after nearly six months of closure as a result of COVID-19 restrictions. The news couldn’t come soon enough for many of them. Two-thirds of the Bellamy Mansion Museum’s revenue comes from people visiting the landmark, “so this is a huge deal to get people through the front doors,” Bellamy Mansion Executive Director Gareth Evans said. “We’ve been doing our online programming, but getting back to what we do, giving people tours and teaching them about history, that’s what we do and why we’re here.” The museum organized volunteers to go over the reopening plan, emphasizing safety protocols. Those protocols include limiting the number of visitors inside, masking, sanitizing and keeping social distance. “Businesses have been doing this for some time, so it’s good that we are getting to do it now too,” Evans said.
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Welcoming visitors back: The Bellamy Mansion Museum reopened Sept. 11 after being closed for nearly six months because of the coronavirus pandemic.
We’re going above and beyond
The Wilmington Railroad Museum was the “first museum in Wilmington proper to open, and it went wonderfully,” according to Executive Director Holli Saperstein. Volunteers and its board of directors rallied to finish projects, clean and sanitize in preparation for the opening weekend. The museum reopened its doors on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend. “It was such a pleasure. Everybody was so good about masks and all used the sanitizing stations. Everyone followed the protocol,” Saperstein said. The first weekend welcomed 87 guests, following the state mandate of half capacity, which will continue to affect the pandemic’s overall financial impact on the museum. “We can only take 50% of our normal traffic and it will still be a while before we can break even,” Saperstein said. “There’s no making up for lost time. It is just devastating to lose 90% of our income.” Saperstein explained how they
19 HAND SANITIZER STATIONS
ENHANCED CLEANING & DISINFECTING
Learn about our safety measures and enhanced cleaning protocols at flyilm.com/ilm-safe-travels
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
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September 18 - October 1, 2020
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| HOSPITALITY | are continuing to apply for grants and look for other ways to sustain the museum. She said she hopes that people will take advantage of the museum for homeschool lessons. “I hope people are anxious to get out of the house and use this as a great opportunity to take kids out of the house and learn about transportation,” Saperstein said. The N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher opened Sept. 14 with a few changes to protect the health and safety of visitors and staff. “We can’t wait to do what we do best, which is to share the truly astounding animals and habitats we care for,” said Maylon White, director for the N.C. Aquariums Division, in a news release announcing the reopening. To adhere to the new safety measures, the aquarium admission will be available online only at ncaquariums.com, and guests will reserve their tickets for specific arrival times. “This will allow the aquariums to best provide a safe and enjoyable visit by reducing overall building capacity,” the release said. “Also in accordance with Executive Order 163, both guests and employees will need to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing.”
Take a walk to local movie sites in town of Burgaw The town of Burgaw might seem a long way from California’s Tinseltown, but it has been a star in its own right as the backdrop to many Hollywood films. Now, movie buffs can visit these locations on their own. Pender County Tourism announced the launch of Pender County Film Tours with the Hometown Hollywood Film Tour in downtown Burgaw. The Pender County Tourism department created the Hometown Hollywood Film Tour, a walking tour based on the locations from well-known films and TV series filmed within Pender County, focusing on the historic downtown area of Burgaw, the Courthouse Square and familiar storefronts. “We are excited to introduce this Downtown Burgaw Walking Film Tour,” said Olivia Dawson of Pender County Tourism. “Pender County and the town of Burgaw have been popular locations sought out for many films and television series.” Shops, parks, schools, street corners, Courthouse Square and more are backdrops for dozens of productions, including Stephen King’s Silver Bullet (1985), I Know What You Did
Last Summer (1997), The Runaway (2000), The Divine Secrets of the YaYa Sisterhood (2002), Idlewild (2006), Tammy (2014) and TV series Revolution (2012) and Under the Dome (2013). Visit pocketsights.com/tours/ tour/Burgaw-Hometown-Hollywood-Downtown-Burgaw-Pender-County-Film-Tour-4013 or download the PocketSights app to take the free tour and for tour information. For more information, contact the Pender County Tourism Office at 259-1278.
Supporting excellence and all that it inspires.
Beaches get a boost but Wilmington lags After a slow spring due to the pandemic, area beach towns saw a sharp increase in business this summer while the city of Wilmington did not share in the boom. New Hanover County saw a half percentage of an increase in Room Occupancy Tax (ROT) collections in June compared with the same month last year, according to figures released by Wilmington and beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau. This was the first increase seen in this year’s figures with April and May seeing decreases of 87% and 41% respectively from 2019. Tourism officials are hopeful the latest numbers are a sign that people are more comfortable traveling again, said Kim Hufham, president and CEO of the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority, doing business as Wilmington and Beaches CVB. And while figures for the month of June were trending up for the area’s beach towns, numbers for the city of Wilmington were down during that same period, Hufham said. “While we are seeing some positives in our beach accommodations sector, Wilmington is still struggling,” Hufham said. “With the size limitation on gathering still in place, our meeting and convention business continues to be on hold.” Zach Brigman, general manager of Embassy Suites by Hilton Wilmington Riverfront, said a big unknown is what the downtown hotels might see after the summer is over. “Something we’re also seeing right now is that the majority of business we’re getting is all leisure travel. Whereas in previous years, we’re seeing a mix between leisure, groups, conventions, corporate – we were getting a much different business mix to say the least,” he said. - Christina Haley O’Neal
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Airport authority welcomes new board member Rhodes The New Hanover County Airport Authority has welcomed NICK RHODES as a new board member. Rhodes was appointed by the New Hanover County Commissioners to Rhodes serve a four-year term. He served 21 years in the Air Force, holding several senior management positions in systems engineering and acquisition program management. After retiring as a lieutenant colonel, Rhodes worked as a management consultant. The New Hanover County Airport Authority also elected DONNA GIRARDOT as chair of the board for a third consecutive term. HARRY STOVALL was named vice chair and SPRUILL THOMPSON was named board secretary.
McLeod named to CFCC Board of Trustees
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JASON MCLEOD has been appointed to the Cape Fear Community College Board of Trustees. McLeod is the business development manager for ECS Southeast LLP. At ECS, McLeod provides support and leadership to grow the business practices for the company in Eastern McLeod North Carolina, officials said. He has also spent nearly a decade in commercial real estate brokerage. McLeod was elected this year to serve on the N.C. Economic Development Association Board of Directors. He also serves on the board for North Carolina’s Southeast, a regional economic development group. McLeod is a graduate of the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
Kelly named newest assistant county manager New Hanover County has named SHERYL KELLY as an assistant county manager. Kelly was previously the county’s budget officer, a role she has held since 2018, officials said. She was chosen for her new position after
an internal search and recruitment effort. Kelly will manage the county’s parks and gardens department, N.C. Cooperative Extension and Arboretum, public library, Cape Fear Museum, the county’s soil and water conservation district and the board of elections. Kelly takes on the new role with the county following the retirement of former Kelly assistant county manager Kathy Stoute, who retired on Sept. 1 after 13 years with the county. With this change, Assistant County Manager Tufanna Bradley will be transitioning into Stoute’s role to lead the county’s health and human services departments; and Kelly will be assuming the responsibilities of Bradley’s current departments.
Elliott joins Nest Realty as new broker Nest Realty of Wilmington has welcomed DEBBIE ELLIOTT as a broker. Elliott, the owner of public relations and crisis management firm Talk Inc., brings decades of experience in marElliott keting and public relations to her new career. Elliott started her career in public relations 35 years ago at an agency in Boston that specialized in commercial and residential real estate, she said. She decided to “combine my expertise in marketing and real estate into a new opportunity as an agent at Nest Realty,” Elliott said.
Majestic hires Herwehe as division manager Majestic Kitchen & Bath Creations Inc. has announced the addition of BRANDON HERWEHE to its Wilmington facility. Herwehe joins as division manager and will supervise the production, installation, scheduling and services in the Wilmington area, as well as the coastal Carolina region from Jacksonville to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He will report to Frank Muraca, the company’s chief operating officer. Prior to joining Majestic, Herwehe served 10 years on active duty as an Army Special Forces operator.
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
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September 18 - October 1, 2020
Page 31
| 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 Aug. 1- 15
106 SHEARIN HILLS DRIVE LLC 5228 Us 421 N Wilmington 28401 Agent: Chris Wilhoit 49571 BLACKBERRY ROAD LLC 5228 Us 421 N Wilmington 28401 Agent: Chris Wilhoit 5TH ELEMENT HOME INSPECTIONS INC. 127 Patalanda Rd Wilmington 28409 Agent: John Boron 6898 OCEAN INC. 179 N Palm Dr Winnabow 28479 Agent: John Albertson 809 EASTWOOD ROAD LLC 5228 US 421 N. Wilmington 28401 Agent: Chris Wilhoit ABE’S RENOVATION LLC 513 Plymouth Drive Wilmington 28405 Agent: Manuel Najar ACECIL3 LLC 899 Palmer Drive Carolina Shores 28467
Agent: Tommy Holbrooks ADE MULTISERVICE LLC 4701 Wrightsville Avenue 2-101 Wilmington 28403 Agent: Amneris Deleon ADLER MEDIA GROUP LLC 3333 Wrightsville Ave Suite G Wilmington28403 Agent: Charles Holtzclaw AFTER THE RACE PODCAST LLC 1909 Elsie Circle NE Leland 28451 Agent: Paul A Louis Jr AJ&J’S CARPENTRY AND HOME IMPROVEMENT LLC 2706 Dare Street Wilmington 28412 Agent: Aaja ClaiborneJohnson ALL AROUND TOWN MOBILE VETERINARY SERVICES P.C. 111 Hidden Fawn Lane Hampstead 28443 Agent: Lorraine M. Gervais ALL DOCKS MARINE CONSTRUCTION L.L.C. 1627 Ashton Lake Rd Burgaw 28425 Agent: Jimmy Lee Horrell Jr
AMERPERU LLC 1904 Eastwood Rd Ste 310A Wilmington 28403 Agent: The Humphries Law Firm P.C. AML PROPERTIES LLC 5103 Marina Club Dr Wilmington 28409 Agent: Clint A Cascaden ATLANTIC BREEZE PROPERTIES LLC 4361 Ocean Breeze Avenue SW Shallotte 28470 Agent: Christopher Mezzanotte AWL PROPERTY HOLDINGS LLC 5006 Carleton Dr Unit 5 Wilmington 28403 Agent: Austin Lilly B.R.K RENOVATIONS L.L.C. 217 Conifer Dr Hampstead 28443 Agent: Brandon Kutil BARBARA HIGHSMITH READING ACADEMY 1921 Church St. Wilmington 28403 Agent: Ronald Highsmith BEACHCAFE LLC 221 Pilot House Place Carolina Shores 28467 Agent: James J. Cuddy Jr. BEACHWOOD HOME IMPROVEMENT LLC 424 Beachwood Ave Topsail Beach 28445 Agent: Rhoades Dutton BEFORE WORK SURF CLUB CO. 6 C Sunset Ave Wrightsville Beach 28480 Agent: Jee Spencer Lem BELLA’S CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE LLC 1107 New Pointe Blvd Ste B 12 Leland 28451 Agent: Eileen M Kessel BELLE ET BEAU CHILDREN’S FRENCH FASHION L.L.C. 1316 Chestnut St Wilmington 28401
Agent: Kristen Jones BLUE CLAY LOC LLC 120 Cove Side Lane Hampstead 28443 Agent: Richard Alan Owens Jr BLUEGRASS PROPERTIES OF NC LLC 7036 Wrightsville Ave Suite 101 Wilmington 28403 Agent: Ben Wright BOAT LIFT SPECIALISTS LLC 2004 Robert Ruark Drive-SE Southport 28461 Agent: Ben Stewart BONNIE SELLS THE BEACH LLC 344 Shipyard Blvd Wilmington 28412 Agent: Anthony S Nobilio BRAINFOOD LLC 5089 Blueberry Rd Currie 28435 Agent: Tremaine Simpson BRAVO BEACH LLC 512 Center Dr Hampstead 28443 Agent: Wes Wrenn BROOKLYN REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS LLC 401 Chestnut Street Suite G Wilmington 28401 Agent: Mark Spencer Williams Esq. BROOKS INITIATIVES LLC 619 N 4th St Unit 302 Wilmington 28401 Agent: Rosalind Brooks BRUNSWICK CONTRACTING SERVICES LLC 5660 John Deere Green Trl NE Winnabow 28479 Agent: Michael J Allen BRYANT’S LEVELING SERVICES LLC 1675 Ophelia Lane SW Supply 28462 Agent: Kyna BryantHardy BSL PROPERTY HOLDINGS LLC
333 Monlandil Dr Wilmington 28403 Agent: Bradin Lilly BUSINESS FOR MINE LLC 970 Randolphville Rd NE Bolivia 28422 Agent: Shaveta Galloway CAPE FEAR BIRD OBSERVATORY INC 3501 Oleander Drive Ste 6 Wilmington 28403 Agent: Jill M Peleuses CAPE FEAR CONSTRUCTION LLC 119 King Moore Rd Leland 28451 Agent: Reinaldo Aragon Sanchez CAPE FEAR LATINOS 3825 Market St Suite 2 Wilmington 28403 Agent: Francisco J. Villareal CAPE FEAR OYSTERS LLC 2236 Acacia Drive Wilmington 28403 Agent: David Wortman CAPE FEAR SPECIALTY VEHICLES LLC 541 Camway Dr Wilmington 28403 Agent: David Pellegrino CARDINAL CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE L.L.C. 329 Johnston Dr Wilmington 28412 Agent: Christian Jones CAROLINA SISTERS LLC 115 S Wright St. # 831 Burgaw 28425 Agent: Kelly Longley CATALYST PROPERTY SOLUTIONS LLC 7623 Dunbar Drive SW Sunset Beach 28468 Agent: Tyler French CBRHYNE INC. 806 Garrison Court Wilmington 28411 Agent: Casey B. Rhyne CLOUD NINE ENTERPRISES PLLC 114 North Palm Drive Winnabow 28479 Agent: Georgia Gray
CLOUSER LAW PLLC 3921 Executive Park Blvd. Southport 28461 Agent: Zachary T. Clouser COASTAL CAROLINA ROOFING CONCEPTS INC 4705 Southport Supply Road Suite 105 Southport 28461 Agent: Matthew Scharf COLLINS CREATIONS LLC 5004 Hunt Club Rd Apt. 1 Wilmington 28403 Agent: Christina Collins COVE VENTURES LLC 480 Cove Rd Burgaw 28425 Agent: Christa Jordan CROSSING WATERS PLLC 4602 Manchester Drive Wilmington 28405 Agent: Cynthia R Fitzsimmons CSR COASTAL LLC 8423 Bald Eagle Lane Wilmington 28411 Agent: Margaret Claire Reddick CURBSIDE DETAILING LLC 126 Cove Side Ln Hampstead 28443 Agent: Connor Hobson D & A TILE SERVICES INC 205 Alexander Place Wilmington 28411 Agent: Deyanira Mera D.O.S. ENT. L.L.C. 8050 Ocean Hwy W Sunset Beach 28468 Agent: Dashawn Roberson DDT MURRAY FARM INVESTMENT LLC 60 Gregory Rd NE Ste 1 Belville 28451-9276 Agent: D I Logan DECODING RELATIONSHIPS LLC 1106 Royal Tern Dr. Hampstead 28443 Agent: Jennifer Parrella DELPAR PROPERTIES LLC 1424 N. Howe St. Southport 28461
Agent: Ryan W. Johnson DIAMOND NAILS OF NC LLC 8207 Market St Suite A Wilmington 28411 Agent: Jason Tri Deo
FORRISTER’S CLEANING & HOME IMPROVEMENTS LLC 5679 Kingtown Rd NW Ash 28420 Agent: Ashley Renee Forrister
DIETZ PROPERTY GROUP LLC 8659 Orchard Loop Rd NE Leland 28451-7771 Agent: Michelle Dietz
FREEMAN CO CONSULTING LLC 226 Marlboro St Apt 1113-C Wilmington 28403 Agent: Cody Freeman
DIRTY ICE FISHING LLC 1305 Old Lamplighter Way Wilmington 28403 Agent: Mindy Rose Justice
G-RAE HOLDINGS LLC 516 Market Street Wilmington 28401 Agent: David A Creech
DONNA LEE DESIGNS LLC 3230 Midvale Dr #409 Wilmington 28412 Agent: Donna O’keefe
GARLAND OPERATING LLC 115 N. 3rd Street Suite 301 Wilmington 28401 Agent: Thomas G Varnum
EAGLECON IT LLC 8759 Ramsbury Way Wilmington 28411 Agent: Ryan M. Ley
GARLAND RE LLC 115 N 3rd Street Suite 301 Wilmington 28401 Agent: Thomas H Varnam
ELLE GUARDIA LLC 143 Downy Drive Hampstead 28443 Agent: Skip Eames
GATEKEEPER NC LLC 5700 Oleander Drive Wilmington 28403 Agent: Rick E. Graves
ESSENTIALLY TOPSAIL LLC 214 Bates Retreat Hampstead 28443 Agent: Michele Josephine Lechmanick
GERRIE TOWNHOMES OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC. 513 Rivage Promenade Wilmington 28412 Agent: Keith Hicks
FARMERS SHED LLC 1305 Canal Drive Unit 7 Carolina Beach 28428 Agent: Jason Bolin
GHOST HILL PRESS LLC 117 Arlington Drive Wilmington 28401 Agent: Pamela Sherman
FDW LINK PROPERTIES LLC 306 Colonial Drive Wilmington 28403 Agent: Laurie Link
GIBSON GRACE DESIGNS LLC 501 Sanguine Lane Shallotte 28470 Agent: Crystal Griffin
FIT NUTRITION LLC 1311 Goley Hewett Rd SE Bolivia 28422 Agent: Keisha Grissett
GOOSENECK LLC 10 South Cardinal Drive Wilmington 28403 Agent: Robert J Hollis
FITZGERALD PROFESSIONAL SERVICES LLC 9421 NC 210 Rocky Point 28457 Agent: Daniel Fitzgerald
GOST LLC 1735 Stanbury Rd SW Supply 28462 Agent: Christopher Thompson GRASSY SOUND
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Greater Wilmington Business Journal
| BIZ LEADS | 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 ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Judy Budd jbudd@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 EXECUTIVE Ali Buckley abuckley@wilmingtonbiz.com KEN
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OUTDOORS LLC 115 Cove Side lane Hampstead 28443 Agent: Lindsey Procida GROWING GREEN FARM LLC 5670 Hwy 53 West Burgaw 28425 Agent: Bobby Gene Futrell II HARRIS HAULING & TRUCKING LLC 2363 Adams Street Wilmington 28401 Agent: Patricia Hill HATCHET AND HAMMER LLC 305 Headwaters Dr Hampstead 28443 Agent: Matthew Donnelly HAUSER REAL ESTATE COMPANY LLC 227 River Gate Lane Wilmington 28412 Agent: Sara Elizabeth Hauser-Bonnett HOLMES EVENT & RENTAL LLC 2620 Northchase Pkwy SE C101 Wilmington 28405 Agent: Jerealease Holmes HOME & HEART CLEANING LLC 201 Alston Blvd C 35 Hampstead 28443 Agent: Stephanie Evans HOMES BY RIA DESIGNBUILD LLC 1520 Lewis Landing Avenue Wilmington 28405 Agent: Maria Collins HOUSEFINCH LLC 4605 Fairview Dr Apt 328 Wilmington 28412 Agent: Dwight S Akerlind I2U L.L.C. 220 Guinevere Ln Apt 108 Wilmington 28403 Agent: Anindya Chanda INDIGO ALCHEMY LLC 833 Bradshaw Terrace Wilmington 28412 Agent: Maryanne Spatola ISLAND TIME BOAT RENTALS LLC 3819 Park Avenue Wilmington 28403 Agent: GM Entity Services Inc. ITSY BITSY STUDIOS L.L.C 116 Stoney Creek Lane Leland 28451 Agent: Jesse Williams J & B APPLIANCE OF COASTAL CAROLINA LLC 6 Gate 4 Carolina Shores 28467 Agent: Daniel Todd J.J. LEE’S H.V.A.C LLC 2307 Oakley Rd Apt B Castle Hayne 28429 Agent: James Bertram Lee Jr JET UNIVERSAL TRANSLOADERS INC.
350 Benton Road SE Bolivia 28422 Agent: Cristina Beasley
1 Lodge Ct Castle Hayne 28429 Agent: Robert Johnson
JOHNSON KENNELS OF NORTH CAROLINA LLC 1000 Balfoure Drive Wilmington 28412 Agent: Atiba D Johnson
LITTLE SISTER BIG DREAMS LLC 1165 Carlyle St SW Calabash 28467 Agent: Stephanie Cordell
JONES DISABILITY CONSULTING L.L.C 5281 Barcroft Lake Dr Leland 28451 Agent: Deborah Jones
LIVE OAK COUNSELING AND ASSOCIATES PLLC 33 Pelican Point Road Wilmington 28409 Agent: Wendy Wilkerson Laursen
JSB CONSTRUCTION LLC 205 Summer Rest Rd Wilmington 28405 Agent: John Samuel Baker JUDGE FAMILY LLC 129 S. Palm Drive Winnabow 28479 Agent: Bryan Judge JUST ONE TOUCH CREATIONS LLC 515 Shaky Road Atkinson 28421 Agent: Kathi Davis KAS MANAGEMENT LLC 4425 Old Towne St Wilmington 28412 Agent: Kimberly Derosier KEEM TRANSPORTATION INC 1004 Mayflower Dr Wilmington 28412 Agent: Lakeem Devines Ellis KITCHEN AND LIGHTING DESIGNS LLC 3819 Park avenue Wilmington 28403 Agent: GM Entity Services Inc. KNOLL ENTERPRISES LLC 19 E Henderson St Wrightsville Beach 28480 Agent: Andrew Knoll KRAKEN DIVE SERVICES LLC 1195 Grandiflora Dr Leland 28451 Agent: Ryan Enroth LATITUDE CONSTRUCTION LLC 252 NE 64th Street Oak Island 28465 Agent: Nataly Covington LAYLA’S PROPERTYS LLC 344 Shipyard Blvd Wilmington 28412 Agent: Kimberly Lynds LEGENDARY MEDICAL WEAR L.L.C. 621 Piner Rd Wilmington 28409 Agent: Danielle Green
LLC 10194 Whispering Cove Ct Leland 28451 Agent: Richard L Rogers MYHOMEPRO.CLUB INC. 758 North Shore Drive Southport 28461 Agent: John Hall N3701D LLC 1 N 3rd Street Wilmington 28401 Agent: Steve Wells
LIZ + MARGARET LLC 1821 Buena Vista Cir Wilmington 28411 Agent: Kristina Smith
NAILED IT CONTRACTORS INC. 5001 Lady Fern Ct Wilmington 28409 Agent: Scott Brady
LOCK & KEY PRODUCTIONS LLC 143 McMilly Rd NW Shallotte 28470 Agent: Richard Thomas
NATHANIEL R. ULMER ESQ. P.L.L.C. 314 Walnut Street Wilmington 28401 Agent: Nathaniel Ulmer
LOW TIDE PROPERTIES LLC 303 Vesta Ct Surf City 28445 Agent: Salvador Souto IV
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DENTAL ASSISTING INC. 719 Orange Street Wilmington 28401 Agent: Mina Carey
MAGSIG CONSTRUCTION LLC 5544 Eagles Nest Dr Wilmington 28409 Agent: Skyler Magsig
NAVIGATIONAL STUDIOS 1114 Fanning Street Wilmington 28401 Agent: Malik Shabazz
MAIERVENTURESUSA LLC 345 Knollwood Dr Hampstead 28443 Agent: Timothy James Maier MAIN STREET INSURANCE LLC 1001 Military Cutoff Rd Ste 101 Wilmington 28405 Agent: Ladd Gasparovic MARION’S STYLING SALON LLC 409 Sharon Drive Wilmington 28409 Agent: Marion Benoit MCDANIEL FARMS LLC 7217 Fisherman Creek Dr Wilmington 28405 Agent: Brian K Causey MENTOR MEDIA LLC 713 Indica Court Unit 302 Wilmington 28405 Agent: Andrew Mentor MMHP LLC 2827-202 Bloomfield Ln Wilmington 28412 Agent: Crystal K. Pellom MRJ DISTRIBUTING LLC 95 St Lawrence Dr Rocky Point 28457 Agent: Amber Johnston
LELAND FARM AND NURSERY LLC 6698 Mossy Run Drive Leland 28451 Agent: Cory Goulet
MURRAY FARM HOLDINGS LLC 60 Gregory Rd NE Ste 1 Belville 28451-9276 Agent: D I Logan
LENNON OAKS FARM LLC 901 Calabash Road Calabash 28467 Agent: Jimmy Lennon McLamb
MURRAY FARM RENTALS LLC 60 Gregory Rd NE Ste 1 Belville 28451-9276 Agent: D I Logan
LIBBA8 LLC
MVMNTL EXPLRTN GRP
NEW WAVE LLC 6687 Carolina Beach Rd Wilmington 28412 Agent: Hannah Baker NNM MANAGEMENT LLC 812 Castle Street Wilmington 28401 Agent: Nikishiea Nicole McKnight OLIVIA FAITH TURNAGE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND 4631 Main Street Shallotte 28470 Agent: Tonia Trest Twigg ON10 MEDIA LLC 4713 Castle Hayne Road Castle Hayne 28429 Agent: Johmachiel James OODAX HOLDING L.L.C. 417 N New River Drive Surf City 28445 Agent: Giles Duncan Walger PAUL THE BIKE GUY LLC 1452 Crimson Leaf Ct SE Bolivia 28422 Agent: Paul Wyzga PHILLIPS SEPTIC PUMPING INC 764 Mill Creek Rd S.E. Bolivia 28422 Agent: Daniel Clint Phillips PINEY RUN FARMS LLC 1800 Eastwood Rd. Wilmington 28403 Agent: Mary M. Alber POOL NINJAS LLC 9815 Sturgeon Dr NE Leland 28451-8455 Agent: Tyler Skiles PORT CITY OPTOMETRY PLLC 3259 Kellerton Place
Wilmington 28409 Agent: Rasika Whitesell R W PARKER CONSULTING LLC 6940 Runningbrook terrace Wilmington 28411 Agent: Russell Worth Parker RAMZI CONSTRUCTION LLC 3500 N Kerr Avenue Wilmington 28405 Agent: Jeeseka Morales RANGER-1 TRANSPORT LLC 305 Ryefield Ct Leland 28451 Agent: Tavarres Brown RAVELLO RESIDENCE LLC 513 S. 2nd St. Wilmington 28401 Agent: Patrick Block REGIAS CLEANING LLC 3500 N Kerr Avenue Wilmington 28405 Agent: Jeeseka Morales REPORE CONSULTING LLC 1123 S Fisher King Dr SE Bolivia 28422 Agent: Antonio D Roper
SALT SALON AND DRY BAR LLC 5032 Whitner Drive Wilmington 28409 Agent: Tiffany Ann Utsinger SAVE SOUTHERN HERITAGE HISTORY INC. 713 Caswell Beach Road Oak Island 28465 Agent: Kathleen M Hines SEA STAR DOULA SERVICES LLC 1140 Mill Creek Loop Leland 28451 Agent: Amanda M Babineau SEABREEZE LANDSCAPE & DESIGN LLC 801 Hatteras Court Wilmington 28409 Agent: Christopher H. Mays SEAHAWK INSPECTION SERVICES L.L.C. 5217 Clear Run Drive Wilmington 28403 Agent: Matthew Eric Skiba SEASIDE CANVAS & UPHOLSTERY LLC 143 Downy Drive Hampstead 28443 Agent: Skip Eames
RIVENBARK TRUCKING LLC 143 Downy Dr Hampstead 28443 Agent: Skip Eames
SEGURA’S HOLDINGS LLC 2105 Troon Ct Wilmington 28403 Agent: Cristian Segura
RL CLOSE REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS LLC 630 East Beach Drive Oak Island 28465 Agent: Robert Close
SHIRE SHOALS LLC 112 Coquina Drive Wilmington 28411 Agent: Grace Brookshire
RONDEVU INC 115 Acadian Loop Apt 204 Hampstead 28443 Agent: Hamza Jamal
SINGH INVESTMENTS II LLC 800 Eastwood Court Burgaw 28425 Agent: Nootan Singh
ROSEY’S CLEANING LLC 1027 Bell Swamp Road Winnabow 28479 Agent: Rocio Mendez Cruz
SINGH INVESTMENTS III LLC 800 Eastwood Court Burgaw 28425 Agent: Nootan Singh
ROSIE’S GAS & GRILL LLC 801 N Howe St Suite 2 Southport 28461 Agent: Rosa I LemusVillanueva
SOIL MATES PLANT COMPANY L.L.C. 2519 Sapling Circle Wilmington 28411 Agent: Samantha S Gertz
RSSC HOLDINGS LLC 406 Spike Rush Court Wilmington 28405 Agent: R Scott Clemons
SOL ESTHETICS LLC 138 NW 15th St Oak Island 28465 Agent: Julie Darlena Raspino
SA FAMILY & TOBACCO LLC 6620 Gordon Rd Suite D Wilmington 28411 Agent: Shadie Abdallah
SOMERS LAND AND SEA LLC 6102 E Oak Island Dr Oak Island 28465 Agent: James K. Somers
GET ALL THE DATA! Receive a weekly Data Feed with new corporations, people in new positions, contracts up for bid, press release roundups, real estate transactions and building permits. Learn more and subscribe at WilmingtonBizData.com
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ful DISCUSSIONS Sponsors’ Content Distributed By Greater Wilmington Business Journal
APR RESTORATION & COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT Expanding And Solidifying Why They Are “The Trusted Local Resource”
BERNICE LOPES Cheif Marketing Officer APR Restoration
Owning a home is probably one of the biggest investments some of us will have in a lifetime; it is with this in mind that selecting a reputable contractor to take care of your property needs becomes critical, especially when it comes to emergency services and unexpected weather events.
With this in mind, and with a full understanding of the emotional impact a Water, Fire or Storm loss can have in someone’s livelihood, APR is set up to provide a service model to respond to our customers in a timely manner. We are committed to providing an open communication dialog, quality workmanship, and an overall excellent customer service experience. “Our goal is to provide ease to an already traumatic experience. We serve as a facilitator to our customers when they need us the most and we take that responsibility seriously,” Wesley Daniel, President of APR Wilmington states. One of our founding core values is “do the right thing and the right things will happen.” We have our customers best interest at heart and our teams are committed to not only provide top notch service but to make sure our customers know this. In 2018, we established our APR Wilmington office and ever since we have worked with many home and commercial owners on restoring their properties after an emergency loss has happened. A quick look at our website and our customer reviews is a testament of how our Wilmington
“The company is a one-stop shop, helping clients with water mitigation, fire restoration, mold remediation, storm damage, roofing and other repairs. That wide array of services, combined with their experience and personal touches, makes them a unique option for potential customers.” community feels about us. One of those experiences can be heard by the Pastor Joey Canady when he shares in a video how APR assisted them; “The company is a one-stop shop, helping clients with water mitigation, fire restoration, mold remediation, storm damage, roofing and other repairs. That wide array of services, combined with their experience and personal touches, makes them a unique option for potential customers.” “APR was founded on the basic principle of transforming the restoration industry with an integrated approach from the initial emergency through the end of the restoration process,” APR Restoration Chief Marketing Officer Bernice Lopes said. “The restoration process is complicated enough, and we want to help our clients by doing the right thing without them having to be bounced around between companies to ultimately save time in the recovery and limit the exposure for the insurance company financially.” With a brand-new office in New Bern, NC, APR’s goal now is to position themselves as the “trusted local resource” here in Eastern NC. We were recently selected as one of the best water damage companies in Raleigh, and it is our personal commitment to bring that same level of service to the communities we serve in the Eastern side of our state,” Mrs. Lopes concludes.
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WWW.APR-NC.COM 877-942-7762 2908 A Orville Wright Way, Wilmington, NC 28405
SPONSORS’ CONTENT DISTRIBUTED BY GREATER WILMINGTON BUSINESS JOURNAL
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Greater Wilmington Business Journal
REAL ESTATE
Lumber prices through the roof BY CECE NUNN uring a recent discussion about how well the local housing market is doing, Brunswick County Association of Realtors CEO Cynthia Walsh summed up in one word what, on the other hand, is becoming a big problem. Lumber. The prices of lumber have increased exponentially over the past several months. The National Association of Home Builders says that lumber costs for the average single-family home have climbed more than 130% since April of this year. According to an NAHB analysis, the jump has resulted in an increase of more than $16,000 in the price of a new single-family home. The average cost increase for a new multifamily unit is about $6,107. “That’s really, really concerning,” Walsh said during a BizTalk in August. “We are seeing these new homes could potentially jump up in price. And I’m not talking about, you know, just the giant new homes. I’m talking about the affordable homes, too.” She added, “We have a lot of those in Brunswick County, where you can buy a brand new home, pick out your kitchen cabinets, pick out your flooring; you get to do that and you’re under the $200,000 mark. So that’s pretty affordable.” But with the lumber costs affecting the home prices, “that could take it out of what that single working mother would be able to qualify for,” Walsh said. The reasons for the increase were highlighted during a virtual broker breakfast panel hosted by the Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Association. “Let’s use a technical term from economics: the lumber market’s crazy right now,” quipped Robert Dietz, chief economist for the National Association of Home Builders, who was one of the panelists during the Sept. 2 discussion. He said the sawmill industry expected much larger declines in home construction as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, which hit the U.S. in March. “What’s been surprising is we have not seen a rebound in production,” Dietz said. Nationwide, sawmill employment lost 6,000 jobs at the start of the
D
PHOTO BY CECE NUNN
Wood woes: At a Wilmington construction site sits a pile of lumber, the price of which has skyrocketed in recent months.
pandemic, he explained. “They only gained about half of those back, whereas in the building industry we’ve gained 80% of our job losses back.” He said he’s heard concerns about social distancing in mills as possibly contributing to the lumber price issue, but he’s a little skeptical of that as an explanation. “I kind of know what a sawmill looks like. It’s not a harder environment than say a food processing plant or other kinds of manufacturing facilities that seem to have overcome things,” Dietz said. “So if that’s the case, then why aren’t we seeing a ramp up in production to kind of tame some of these price increases?” He said the answer is tariffs. “There’s still an effective 20% tariff on Canadian softwood lumber; that’s where we get a third of our lumber supply in the U.S.,” Dietz said, “and so I think from a policy perspective, we need to temporarily suspend those lumber tariffs and get a new softwood lumber agreement with Canada . . . and then encourage and facilitate the domestic industry to produce more.” That also means addressing environmental regulations that slow timber production and the labor
market. “One thing that we’ve heard throughout a variety of industries is the expanded unemployment insurance benefits [$600 federal unemployment benefit] helped people pay the rent,” Dietz said, “and the income effect was really important, but it kind of has a negative substitution effect on reducing some of those people’s efforts to look for jobs. And so we need to provide the income support while enabling those industries that are hiring to go ahead and hire and I think if we accomplish those policy tasks, we’ll see some taming of these lumber prices.” Local experts pointed to other contributing factors. “We all went home for 90-plus days. Some people are still at home, and a lot of folks picked up remodeling projects while they were home during stay-at-home orders and that demand was unforeseen from the lumber mills,” said Cameron Moore, executive officer of the Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Association. “That also had a direct impact on the number of board linear feet that was out there.” And while construction and real estate was deemed an essential service in North Carolina, that wasn’t
the case in some other states, Moore pointed out. “You put all those together and it creates essentially a supply-and-demand perfect storm,” he said. Tim Milam, president of Wilmington-based Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage, was also part of the virtual broker breakfast panel and shared his take on the lumber price issue. “I think one of the things that we need to continue to do in the real estate industry is educate and remind our agents that these price increases are not the builders’ wish to increase the prices, to increase their margins,” Milam said, “and we need to remember that the builders that are building all these homes have very slim margins in the first place.” For new home contracts that have yet to be signed, Moore said, “there is an opportunity to raise prices but you’ve got to put it into perspective that it’s basically an inflated price; you’re trying to recoup the margin you lost because of the increase.” At this point, Moore said, “everyone in my opinion is going to be part of the crisis, is part of the equation to try to present some solutions to it, whatever solutions can be presented right now.”
Business Journal Greater reaterW WilminGton ilmington Business Journal
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ful DISCUSSIONS Sponsors’ Content Distributed By Greater Wilmington Business Journal
LIGHTING THE WAY FOR AREA BUSINESSES
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Greater Wilmington Business Journal
| THE LIST |
Catering Companies
Ranked by number of full-time local employees RANK
COMPANY ADDRESS
PHONE EMAIL WEBSITE
NO. OF FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES/ NO. OF PART-TIME EMPLOYEES/ % BUSINESS-CATERING
MIN-MAX SERVED/ PRICE RANGE PER PERSON
FOOD SPECIALTIES
TOP LOCAL OFFICIAL/ YEAR FOUNDED
256-4273 info@middleoftheisland.com www.middleoftheisland.com
30 150 100%
50-10,000 12$ to 90$
Southern buffets, fried seafood, breakfast, prime rib/steamed oysters, crab legs; mobile kitchens for cooking on-site
C.M. Rogers Owner 1988
1
Middle of the Island Catering 614 S. College Road Wilmington, NC 28403
2
A Thyme Savor Catering and Market 3704 Carolina Beach Rd Wilmington, NC 28412
262-2962 jeff@athymesavor.com www.athymesavor.com
28 8 75%
2-2,000 $5-$200
3
Diamond Food Enterprises Catering 127 S. College Road #44 Wilmington, NC 28403
399-3811 or after hours 392-7167 diamondfoodenterprises@gmail.com www.diamondcateringservices.com
9 15 60%
10-2,500 $9 and up
American, Southern, Italian, hors d'oeuvres, Mediterranean, dietary
Steve Lambros Owner 1991
3
Pine Valley Market 3520 S. College Road Wilmington, NC 28412
350-3663 catering@pinevalleymarket.com www.pinevalleymarket.com
9 6 60%
2-900 $10-$60
Fresh Scratch made foods. Custom Menus. Certified Angus beef, local produce and seafood, paella, Southern specialties, unique appetizers, bite-sized foods
Kathy Webb Christi Ferretti 1997
5
Coastal Catering and Events 19 Clubhouse Drive SW Supply, NC 28462
842-8444 joe@coastalcateringandevents.com www.coastalcateringandevents.com
4 10 85%
2-1,500 $12-unlimited
Any style of food; customized menus for clients
Joe Caldropoli Owner 2007
6
Angie's of Chris' Restaurant 853 S. 17th St. Wilmington, NC 28401
343-9902 eppytp@bellsouth.net www.angiescatering.net
2 N/A 10%
10-1,000 $10 to $100
Greek cuisine, chicken dishes, custom orders
Angie Tsingelis 1990
6
Little Pond Caterers 2016 Princess Place Drive Wilmington, NC 28405
960-7663 info@littlepondcaterers.com www.littlepondcaterers.com
2 20 80%
2-125 $20-$85
Cuisines from many regions and cultures; special diets accommodated
Karin Mills Co-Owner 2005
Cousler Italian, Greek, American, Country, Southern, Jeff and Danielle Owners French, Asian 2006
List is based on voluntary responses to a Business Journal survey and includes companies whose business is made up of 50 percent or more from catering services.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020
8AM - 9AM
SPONSORSHIPS STILL AVAILABLE
MOVING FROM CRISIS TO OPPORTUNITY Abigail Dunne-Moses Global Director, Center for Creative Leadership
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September 18 - October 1, 2020
Page 37
| ECONOMIC INDICATORS | NEW HANOVER JULY 2020:
2019 vs 2020 (JULY) WILMINGTON MSA CIVILIAN LABOR FORCE
JULY AIRPORT PASSENGER TRAFFIC
JULY UNEMPLOYMENT PENDER JULY 2020:
BRUNSWICK JULY 2020:
200,000
8.4% 7.6% 9.5% UP FROM JULY 2019:
UP FROM JULY 2019:
UP FROM JULY 2019:
3.9%
4.3%
5.3%
LABOR FORCE
JULY 2020 DEPARTURES
19,554
DOWN FROM JULY 2019 DEPARTURES
DOWN FROM JULY 2019 ARRIVALS
51,100 AUGUST AVERAGE HOME SALES PRICE
2018
2019
2020
JULY ROOM OCCUPANCY TAX (NEW HANOVER COUNTY)
Source: N.C. Department of Commerce
Residential Commercial
JULY 2020
5050 7/19
719
8/19
819
9/19
919
10/19
1019
11/19
1119
12/19
1219
1/20
120
2/20
220
3/20
320
4/20
420
5/20
520
6/20
620
7/20
720
Source: Brunswick County Code Administration
TRI-COUNTY VISITOR SPENDING
2019 2018
2020 Source: Wilmington CVB
2020
$634M
$599M
$400M
$613M
$500M
$659M
$700M
$200M $100M 0
NEW HANOVER
AVERAGE PRICE PER GALLON FOR REGULAR UNLEADED IN WILMINGTON ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2020:
$2.09
PENDER
$300M
$102M
$602,812
$826,780
12,397
6,280
0
100 100
00
$600M
2019
UNEMPLOYED
150 150
Source: Cape Fear Realtors
2019
JULY
2020
50,000
50,409
$106M
50K
$362,165
200 200
$330,899
300K
$320,026
250 250
100K
JULY
300 300
350K
150K
2019
149,668
MONTHLY BUILDING PERMITS (BRUNSWICK COUNTY)
400K
200K
100,000
Source: Wilmington International Airport
(SINGLE-FAMILY, TRI-COUNTY AREA)
250K
156,640
JULY 2020 ARRIVALS
19,775
Source: N.C. Department of Commerce
150,000
BRUNSWICK
Source: Visit NC
AVERAGE PRICE PER GALLON FOR WILMINGTON ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2019:
$2.38 Source: AAA
Page 38
September 18 - October 1, 2020
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Greater Wilmington Business Journal
RESTAURANT ROUNDUP
BUSINESS OF LIFE
This is a sampling of stories from the Business Journal’s weekly Restaurant Roundup email. Subscribe at wilmingtonbiz.com.
GLOW announces chefs appearing next year
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For all of your commercial real estate needs in Brunswick County 2711 BOWMAN ST. | $5,250,000.00 9.03 Acres, with over 400’ on ICW and 136’ on Boone’s Neck Rd, located across street from Oyster Harbour. Zoned MR-3200. Owners licensed NC Real Estate brokers and principals of listing company Call Chris Bryan (910) 443-1189 6 DOCTORS CIRCLE SW 5&6, SUPPLY, NC 28462 $1,200,000.00 Medical Investment property available For Sale - 6,063 SF presently leased to an excellent tenant - 9.92% cap rate. Present Lease expires Sept. 30, 2021. Two Three Year Options remaining of Triple Net Lease. Call Wayne Durham (910) 612-2007 334 WHITEVILLE ROAD NW, SHALLOTTE, NC 28470 Three Parcels to be sold as one. Totaling 10.89 Acres across Hwy 130 from Lowes Hardware, First Bank, and Carolina Coast Family Dentistry. Parcel #19700091 1.99 Acres, Parcel #19700031 6.47 Acres, Parcel #19700092 2.43 Acres Call Wayne Durham (910) 612-2007 225 SMITH AVE, SHALLOTE, NC | $595,000.00 Commercial building located on Smith Ave., 6,000 SF building (3,000 SF of office space/3,000 SF of warehouse space) located on 1.87 acres. Call Wayne Durham (910) 612-2007 PREMIUM MEMBER
Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington (GLOW) officials have announced the celebrity chefs who will participate in the academy’s annual celebrity chef fundraising event next year. In a combination of virtual and in-real-life appearances, chefs Emeril Lagasse, Guy Fieri, Tyler Florence and Robert Irvine will interact with guests attending the event on GLOW’s Wilmington campus, where classrooms will be decorated and set to host no more than 20 guests each, dependent on sponsorship level. GLOW is North Carolina’s only single-gender public charter school. The school opened in August 2016, with its inaugural sixth-grade class. Irvine will be on campus to welcome GLOW guests, while chefs Lagasse, Fieri and Florence will be streaming live from their homes, test kitchens and restaurants via Zoom. Each chef will introduce their recipes as guests are served a four-course meal. The event is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021, at 7 p.m., with sponsor events beginning earlier in the evening. Guests will be limited to classrooms and outdoor patios, in keeping with social distancing guidelines. For information about sponsorships, contact GLOW Development Director Sarah Brickels at sbrickels@ glowacademy.net. - Jessica Maurer
Bringing culture, more at African Caribbean Market The key to a good batch of egusi or ogbono is all in the fish, according to Felix Emeka. Felix and his wife, Tammi, recently opened African Caribbean Market & More behind Long Leaf Park at 4209 Oleander Drive, Unit 7. Egusi and ogbono are seeds ground in Nigerian soups, often used as thickening agents. They’re staples Felix Emeka enjoyed in his homeland as a child. Both soups are made with a variety of meats (goat, chicken), fish and crayfish, plus red palm oil, onion and chopped greens and leaves, sometimes even okra and spicy pep-
pers. “One of my favorite [ingredients is] cod stockfish,” Felix Emeka said. “It tastes different when you prepare a good egusi with stockfish, along with smoked fish. It’s almost like you’re back in your mother’s kitchen in the village.” Customers can find the stockfish at the market. It’s the main reason the Emekas decided to open a new business: to pass on the love they share when cooking together, especially with hard-to-find global ingredients. They want their market to add another level of diversity to Southeastern North Carolina, all the while connecting people. The market carries Caribbean soft drinks, coco bread, spicy buns, specialty canned, bottled and packaged items like saka saka (cassava leaves), coconut bulla cakes and more. - Shea Carver
Nutty Buddies opens in The Cotton Exchange Allen Carpenter and Zach Harmon, owners of Rooster & The Crow located in Chandler’s Wharf, have opened a new concept, Nutty Buddies, at The Cotton Exchange. The new eatery came about after the closure of The Scoop, an ice cream and sweets shop that had occupied the space since 1978. Despite the fact that Carpenter and Harmon had already rented the space across from their existing restaurant, they decided to move forward with taking over the space at The Cotton Exchange and instead use the additional space at Chandler’s Wharf to expand their socially distanced indoor seating capacity at the restaurant. They have completely renovated the space at The Cotton Exchange, and added additional courtyard seating. Nutty Buddies not only serves 16 flavors of ice cream along with shakes, floats and malts, but Pineapple Dole Whip, a dairy-free, vegan soft serve treat, black and white cookies, homemade popcorn in flavors such as Oreo, caramel, and kettle corn, and homemade banana pudding from Rooster & The Crow. It also serves warm sandwiches prepared with Boar’s Head meats and cheeses, homemade pimento cheese and house-brined grilled chicken. Sandwiches are made to order and served with chips. - Jessica Maurer
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
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September 18 - October 1, 2020
Page 39
| BUSINESS OF LIFE |
Making room for outdoor dining BY SHEA CARVER he U.S. is in month six of dealing with a global pandemic. North Carolina is in phase 2.5 of allowing openings of approved businesses. As a result, many eateries and drinkeries—including distilleries, bottle shops, wineries and breweries (still, no bars)—are expanding outdoor spaces to accommodate more customers and help with increased revenue. More so, it’s a safer protocol to follow in the coronavirus pandemic, as any droplets and particles customers breathe will disperse quicker in open air than when inside. Rx installed a Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization system to purify air circulating from their HVAC for indoor diners; however, owners James and Sarah Rushing Doss said they felt the time was right to begin listening to customer requests, too. Regulars have been asking for outdoor seating at the eatery at Fifth Avenue and Castle Street for a while now. “We didn’t want to haphazardly pull some tables out on the sidewalk to try to make it work,” Rushing Doss tells. “That is not the Rx experience we want to provide.” To match the artful and cozy vibe of their upscale Southern cuisine, they enlisted the help of Christopher Yermal of Old School Rebuilders to help preserve green space and redevelop existing structures. Yermal will add a 48-by-20-foot enclosed and covered space off the side of the building. Although it will take up part of Rx’s parking lot, the Rescue Mission of Cape Fear across the street has allowed them use of their lot, in addition to surrounding offstreet parking. “We plan to install large louvered shutters around the perimeter of the space to encourage or restrict airflow based on the weather/season,” Rushing Doss adds. "We’re also going to install sola tubes in the ceiling, which will provide enough light to grow plants in the space.” To break up the space, there will be permanent nature-based art installations from local sculptor Michael Van Hout. The courtyard addition will include 30 to 40 seats, with tables separated 6 feet per social-distancing measures. It will double Rx’s current capacity to help them achieve
T
PHOTO BY MICHAEL CLINE SPENCER
Catering to customers: Sarah Rushing Doss and her husband, James Doss, owners of Rx Restaurant and Bar, are adding outdoor space to their Wilmington eatery.
pre-COVID numbers of occupancy. More so, it gives the Dosses more ideas and opportunities to grow their business. “We want patrons to enjoy their entire experience while dining with us, and ambience is a part of that,” Rushing Doss says. “After COVID-19 is behind us, we'll then have so much flexibility with [the patio]. We can host events and private parties, art shows, intimate concerts, fundraisers, beer and wine dinners, oyster roasts, pig pickin’. . . The possibilities feel endless.” Up the street at 1815 Castle, End of Days Distillery co-owner Beth Faulkner also envisions live music, events and parties on their newly constructed outdoor space. The $20,000 addition utilizes eight barrels from their distillery as hightop tables, flanked by four barstools each. It also has sail shades to com-
fortably situate 32 more customers. “Although this was something that was in our eventual plans, COVID forced us to move forward earlier than expected,” Faulkner says. Actually, the distillery won the 2020 Coastal Entrepreneur Award for Covid Innovation. “Ensuring social distancing for our customers was a top priority once we were allowed to reopen.” Customers are required to maintain social distance in public space, wear masks when entering the distillery and walking around, plus when interacting with staff (also required to wear masks at all times). Masks can only be removed when eating and drinking. EOD sustained business through the pandemic by selling to-go bottles of award-winning hand-crafted gin, vodka and rum (recognized by the 2020 Denver International Spirits
Competition, NY International Spirits Competition and SIP International Awards). It also began production of hand sanitizer from its overrun of pure-grain alcohol. “We began by giving out free hand sanitizer to healthcare and essential workers,” Faulkner says. "In addition to this initiative we were able to support many small businesses and corporations that needed assistance [securing the hard-to-come-by sanitizer].” The distillery operates Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and has food trucks booked most Wednesday through Saturday evenings. “We finished our rickhouse a few months ago and have started our aging products line,” Faulkner said. “We hope to release barrel-rested gin later this year, in addition to barrel-aged rum.”
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