2020 Health Care Heroes B Section
October 16 - November 5, 2020 Vol. 21, No. 20
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WEB EXCLUSIVE Housing outlook:
The latest on home sales activity wilmingtonbiz.com
Ballot research
New Hanover County commissioner candidates Q&A Page 10
MADE: Wood wielders
341 Repurposed finds focus Page 14
PHOTO BY MICHAEL CLINE SPENCER
Index Economic Indicators .............................. 3 Technology ............................................. 4 The List .............................................. 5, 6 Hospitality ..........................................8-9 Real Estate...........................................13 In Profile...............................................14 Business of Life.............................. 18-19
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Voting trends: New Hanover County Board of Elections workers, shown above at the county’s government complex, have fielded more absentee ballots this year.
AN ELECTION
LIKE NO OTHER V
BY CECE NUNN
oters handed ballots in this month at two tables outside the New Hanover County Board of Elections office at the county government complex.
Like everything about 2020, this year’s elections are a little more complicated than they used to be, and there’s a lot at stake in the outcome. Absentee ballots are a major topic of discussion this year, as more voters opt to avoid the voting crowds on Nov. 3, Election Day, because of the
coronavirus pandemic. That means changes for local boards of election and election offices. “I think every county board had to adjust their operations accordingly to ensure that they had the capacity to manage the absentee by mail voting process and the expected increase in volume,” said Rae Hunter-Havens, elections director for New Hanover County. To accommodate space needs, “the county allowed us to use the vacated suite next door for an absentee ballot processing center,” Hunter-Havens said of the election board offices at the county government
complex off South College Road. “That space was recently vacated by the veterans affairs office.” As of Oct. 9, more than 440,000 people had cast absentee ballots in North Carolina, more than 13,000 of those in New Hanover County, according to the N.C. State Board of Elections absentee vote count. Hunter-Havens said the initial mailing for New Hanover totaled more than 18,000 absentee ballots in September. But the ballots aren’t the only remarkable aspect of this year’s election. North Carolina is a battleground state, meaning the presidential vote is up for grabs. See ELECTION, page 15
Page 2
October 16 - November 5, 2020
wilmingtonbiz.com
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
CUCALORUS 26 FILM FESTIVAL
NOVEMBER 11-25, 2020
BUY PASSES NOW AT CUCALORUS.ORG!
Join the 26th annual Cucalorus Festival this year for a celebration of independent artists and cinematic selections that range from totally wild and confusing to uplifting and hilarious. The festival comes to you this year through a series of drive-in experiences at the Curbside Cinema at UNCW combined with a hefty schedule of online screenings and late-night performances. Passes are on sale now and include an all-access online pass for only $50.
6 DRIVE-IN SCREENINGS COMING TO CUCALORUS CURBSIDE CINEMA
NOVEMBER 12, 2020
NOVEMBER 13, 2020
NOVEMBER 14, 2020
Best Summer Ever
Beast Beast
Drought
MICHAEL PARKS RANDA, LAUREN SMITELLI
DANNY MADDEN
HANNAH BLACK, MEGAN PETERSEN
Sage and Anthony face the drama of high school after falling in love at a dance camp over the summer.
The lives of three young people in a suburban Southern town intersect in unforeseen ways.
During a southern drought in '93, Carl, who is on the autism spectrum and fascinated by weather, hopes to chase a storm he is predicting.
NOVEMBER 19, 2020
NOVEMBER 20, 2020
NOVEMBER 21, 2020
Freeland MARIO FURLONI, KATE MCLEAN
An aging pot farmer races to bring in what could be her final harvest, fighting against the threat of eviction as the impact of the legalization of the cannabis industry rapidly destroys her idyllic way of life.
Hairy Parachute Shorts: Comedy Films
Dramarama
Oh Dear! / Sit Down Comedian / Dusseldorf / Afro / Don’t Touch Your Face / Tampoo / The Price of Cheap Rent / Coffee Shop Names / FITNESS! Or a story about SWEAT
It’s summer 1994, and a group of conservative drama teens throw their final murder mystery party before heading off to college.
JONATHAN WYSOCKI
wilmingtonbiz.com
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
October 16 - November 5, 2020
Page 3
| ECONOMIC INDICATORS | AUGUST AIRPORT PASSENGER TRAFFIC
AUGUST UNEMPLOYMENT NEW HANOVER AUGUST 2020:
PENDER AUGUST 2020:
BRUNSWICK AUGUST 2020:
UP FROM AUGUST 2019:
UP FROM AUGUST 2019:
UP FROM AUGUST 2019:
3.7%
4.2%
5.2%
JULY SALES TAX COLLECTION (NEW HANOVER COUNTY)
SALES TAX COLLECTION JULY 2020
6.5% 5.9% 7.5%
$24,337,972 UP FROM SALES TAX COLLECTION JULY 2019 AUGUST 2020 DEPARTURES
20,939
19,587
DOWN FROM AUGUST 2019 DEPARTURES
DOWN FROM AUGUST 2019 ARRIVALS
50,724 Source: N.C. Department of Commerce
50,475
Source: Wilmington International Airport
SEPTEMBER AVERAGE HOME SALES PRICE
300 300
400K
100K 50K
2018
$367,964
200 200
$332,692
300K
$319,365
250 250
150K
2019
2020
JULY ROOM OCCUPANCY TAX
$2,451,218
$2,484,924
(NEW HANOVER COUNTY)
2019
2020 Source: Wilmington 2020 CVB
JULY 2020
150 150 100 100
5050 0
0
Source: Cape Fear Realtors
2019
Residential Commercial
350K
200K
Source: N.C. Department of Revenue
MONTHLY BUILDING PERMITS (BRUNSWICK COUNTY)
(SINGLE-FAMILY, TRI-COUNTY AREA)
250K
$22,873,642
AUGUST 2020 ARRIVALS
7/19
819
8/19
919
9/19
1019
10/19
1119
11/19
1219
12/19
1/20
120
220
2/20
320
3/20
420
4/20
520
5/20
620
6/20
720
7/20
820
Source: Brunswick County Code Administration
UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS NEW HANOVER COUNTY 20K
continued claims
continued claims COVID-related
15K
Initial claims* Initial claims COVID related Continued claims* Continued claims COVID related
10K
$2.01
initial claims
5K
AVERAGE PRICE PER GALLON FOR WILMINGTON ON OCTOBER 8, 2019:
initial claims COVID-related
0
MARCH
APRIL
AVERAGE PRICE PER GALLON FOR REGULAR UNLEADED IN WILMINGTON ON OCTOBER 8, 2020:
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
Source: N.C. Department of Commerce *An initial claim is filed by an unemployed person after separation from an employer. A continued claim is filed by an unemployed individual for at least one continuous week of benefits.
$2.38 Source: AAA
Page 4
October 16 - November 5, 2020
wilmingtonbiz.com
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
| TECHNOLOGY |
A
Connect focus: social justice
fter years of running Cucalorus Connect, an annual conference that explored the intersection of technology and startups with social justice and humanity, Cucalorus isshifting the conference to focus more on conversations around pressing social issues and less on technology. The current events surrounding racial injustice encouraged Cucalorus planners to approach the Connect conference through a different lens. “What I’m most proud of is that we’ve been reflexive and adaptable and willing to change what Connect is, and that’s been driven by the changing nature of the world around us,” said Dan Brawley, the festival’s head. “George Floyd and the movements that are happening all around us, around undoing JOHANNA racism, certainly inspired us to take this evolving container within Cucalorus and be responsive to what’s happening. And luckily we had this container that was adaptable.” This year’s Cucalorus Connect conference, Nov. 16-20, will be virtual because of the coronavirus pandemic. The theme “Community Conversations on Race” will explore how racism impacts people on an everyday basis and how storytelling and action can create change. The conference will include one session every day via Zoom at 2 p.m. The format for some of the sessions will include the screening of a film at the beginning followed by a discussion with the community. The conference will be like the Community Conversation series Cucalorus started earlier this year. “Instead of a panel where you listen to a quote-unquote expert, what we want is folks from the community to be able to come together and talk to each other,” he said. “There will be policymakers there. And the hope is that policymakers will have a chance to hear from people in the community and that the outcome will be a shift in the way policymakers think.” The lineup includes “From Hardship to Hope,” featuring the screening of Negros led by Ebony Golden; “Housing Justice” and “StoryShift Accountable Storytelling,” both led by Working Films; “Impolite Con-
CANO
INFO J U N K I E Randall Johnson Executive Director, Southeastern Office for the North Carolina Biotech Center; NCEDA president
PHOTO C/O CUCALORUS
On the screen: This year's Cucalorus Connect conference, which will focus on conversations around social justice, includes the screening of the film Negros by Dorian Emerson.
versations about race, education, justice and health,” featuring a panel of local leaders; and “Leadership: Today’s Decisions, Tomorrow’s Reality” with the screening of Future Ancestors. This year’s schedule was curated by Kevin Maurer, author and director of community engagement for Cape Fear Collective, and Rebecca Trammel, advocate and community organizer with Community Conversations and other organizations. “In the midst of confusion and division, Cucalorus is creating space for perspective and proximity. We are zooming in on the problem of racism, the people who are most directly impacted and to policymakers who can affect systemic progress in our community,” Trammel said. While the conference is stepping away from technology and entrepreneurship, it does not mean the topics are out of the Cucalorus frame. Two popular Connect sessions, the 10x10 Challenge, which paired startups with filmmakers who were challenged to create a promotional video, and Rocket Pitches, which introduced innovative startups to an audience, may be moving to a separate event in the spring, Brawley said. “We have a strong partnership with UNCW CIE [Center for Innovation Entrepreneurship] doing programs throughout the year together,” he said. “I think it’s an ongoing conversation about what that could look like next year to have 10x10, the Rocket Pitches and maybe some of the other more business-focused aspects of what we’ve done at Cucal-
orus Connect over the last five years in a different container.” Cucalorus added the Connect conference in 2015 and focused primarily on startup ventures its first year. The transition to its emphasis on social justice has been years in the making. “The bigger move was probably last year when half of the events really shifted from being around entrepreneurship and technology to being more about social justice,” Brawley said. “And this year we’ve just completed that transition. Furthermore, Cucalorus is hoping to make the three sections of the festival – stage, film and connect – more seamless, he said. “The other thing that we’re hoping is that the boundaries between film, stage and connect become blurred. We have a keynote that’s almost part of our stage program this year,” Brawley said. This year’s keynote speaker is Kristina Wong, a comedian, theater performer and actor who delves into themes regarding race, sex and privilege. “Our goal is to hold an engaging conference that galvanizes the Cucalorus community around change,” Maurer said. “We want to open up the minds of the Cucalorus community to inequity and systemic issues plaguing our nation to create the foundation on which we can build future Connect conferences, using this year as the beginning of a multi-year effort to strengthen connections towards the long-term goal of undoing racism.”
As the executive director of the local Biotech Center, Johnson calls himself a “big consumer of news” meaning he checks publications on a regular basis. That includes the Greater Wilmington Business Journal, StarNews, News and Observer, The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Business NC, The Economist and more. For pleasure, he enjoys Our State, Wake Forest Magazine and Boating Magazine. Favorite websites and blogs Johnson regularly checks for work or pleasure include NCEDA.org, NCBiotech. org, NCBioneer.com and RadioParadise.com. “I love to watch classic movies on TCM, a wide range of most sports from rugby to tennis to hockey, HBO’s Last Week Tonight, Seinfeld reruns and Food Network cooking shows with my family,” Johnson said. “My wife and I bingewatched Ozark on Netflix over the summer and can hardly wait for season 4.” Favorite authors include Malcolm Gladwell, Daniel Pink, as well as fiction authors Milan Kundera, Saul Bellow and Ernest Hemingway. “I also love the writings of poets, such as Sharon Olds, Charles Simic, Mary Oliver and Wallace Stevens. Right now, I’m reading Zorba the Greek and Listening to Design.” Often-used apps include Zoom and SeeSaw. LinkedIn: @randalljohnsonnc
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Greater Wilmington Business Journal
October 16 - November 5, 2020
Page 5
| THE LIST |
Physicians Groups
Ranked by the number of local doctors RANK
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9
9 11 12 13
GROUP NAME ADDRESS PHONE WEBSITE
NO. OF LOCAL DOCTORS
NO. OF NP/PAS
NO. OF FULLTIME STAFF/ NO. OF 2019 PATIENT NURSES VISITS
NHRMC Physician Group 2131 S. 17th St. Wilmington, NC 28402 343-7000 www.nhrmcphysiciangroup.org
220
109
173
734 650,665
Wilmington Health 1202 Medical Center Drive Wilmington, NC 28401 343-3300 www.wilmingtonhealth.com
115
98
171
843 N/A
Novant Health Medical Group 240 Hospital Drive NE Bolivia, NC 28422 721-1000 www.novanthealth.org
52
35
261
629 182,472
SPECIALTIES Cardiology, family and internal medicine, gastroenterology, endoscopy center, general surgery, maxillofacial surgery, neurology, oncology, pediatric specialties, psychiatry, pulmonary care, rheumatology, sleep services, urgent care, urology, hospitalist care, women’s health services and midwifery Primary care services through Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Ob/ Gyn, and Pediatrics departments. Urgent care services; including Today’s Cares, Today’s Care Pediatrics, Today’s Care+, and Urgent Care in Jacksonville. Services include: Allergy/Immunology, Audiology, Bariatric Surgery, Cardiology, Clinical Pharmacy, Clinical Research: WH Research, Colorectal Surgery, Dermatology and more. Family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedics, general surgery, plastic surgery, urology, surgical oncology, vascular surgery, pulmonary and sleep medicine, endocrinology, neurology, psychiatric medicine
TOP LOCAL OFFICIAL
HOSPITAL AFFILIATION/ YEAR LOCALLY FOUNDED
Dan Goodwin, Vice President of the Physician Network
NHRMC 2009
Jeff James, CEO
NHRMC 1970
Justin Asbury
Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center 2006
American Anesthesiology of the Carolinas 2520 Independence Blvd., Suite 201 Wilmington, NC 28412 442-1100 WilmAnes.com
33
5
9
8 60,000
Anesthesiology with subspecialty training in pediatrics, cardiothoracic, regional/pain management, neurosurgical and critical care medicine
Rob Shakar MD, Medical Director
EmergeOrtho PA 2716 Ashton Drive Wilmington, NC 28412 332-3800 www.emergeortho.com
30
29
N/A
400 280000
Orthopaedics, physical medicine and rehabilitation, pain management, prodiatry and primary care sports medicine
Stephen L. DeBiasi, CEO, FACHE, CMPE
Delaney Radiologists Group, PLLC 1025 Medical Center Drive Wilmington, NC 28401 762-3882 www.delaneyrad.com
29
8
1
105 80,480
Coastal Children's Services 2212 S. 17th St. Wilmington, NC 28401 667-2970 ccneo.net
22
30
0
Wilmington Pathology Associates PA 1915 S. 17th St., Suite 100 Wilmington, NC 28401 362-9511 www.wilmingtonpathology.com
9
2
N/A
Radiology, neuroradiology, musculoskeltal radiology, pediatric radiology, L. Neal Beard Jr., Managing women’s imaging, interventional radiology Partner
NHRMC, Cape Fear Hospital, NHRMC Atlantic Surgicenter, Dosher Memorial Hospital, Pender Memorial Hospital, Brunswick EmergeOrtho ASC and multiple physician offices Formally Wilmington Anesthesiologists PLLC founded in 1976 and now American Anesthesiology, 2009 NHRMC, NHRMC Orthopedic Hospital, Wilmington SurgCare, NHRMC Atlantic SurgiCenter, Dosher Memorial Hospital, Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center, Brunswick Surgery Center 1955 NHRMC, Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center, Pender Memorial Hospital, Dosher Memorial Hospital 1982
60 n/a
Pediatric: neonatology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, pulmonology, inpatient services, neurology, newborn services, pediatric critical care, cardiology
Fernando Moya, Medical Director, Children’s Hospital; CEO of CCS
NHRMC Women’s & Children’s Hospital, SRMC, Onslow Memorial, Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, Southeast Regional Medical Center, Columbus Regional Medical Center 2009
12 N/A
Anatomic pathology, clinical pathology, surgical pathology, dermatopathology, hematopathology, gynecologic pathology, cytopathology and gastrointestinal pathology
Babatunde A. Olatidoye, President
NHRMC, NHRMC Orthopedic Hospital, Pender Memorial Hospital, Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center 1976
NHRMC 1977
NHRMC 2000
Coastal Carolina Radiation Oncology 1988 S. 16th St. Wilmington, NC 28401 662-8440 www.nhrmc.org/services/cancer/ treatments/radiation-therapy
7
2
7
44 N/A
Radiation oncology, radiation therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, IMRT
Patrick Maguire Michael Papagikos Michael Nichols Rex Kiteley Tiffany Morgan John Kyle McCool, MD Mustafa M Abugideiri, MD Morgan R Scarlett, PA-C Morgan P. Carson, PA-C Charles Neal
Wilmington Gastroenterology 5115 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC 28403 362-1011 www.wilmingtongi.com
7
10
12
75 40000
Diagnosis and treatment of digestive and liver diseases including colorectal cancer screening
Steve Peterson, Administrator/CEO
Dermatology Associates 6781 Parker Farm Drive Wilmington, NC 28405 763-1555 DermatologyAssociatesWilmington.com
6
N/A
N/A
33 N/A
Medical dermatology and cosmetic dermatology
Kimberly Edwards, President
4
5
7
30 N/A
Pediatrics
Debbie Naylor, Operations Manager
NHRMC 1989
1
1
N/A
9 N/A
Orthopaedic surgery, sports medicine, joint replacement
Douglas Messina, President
NHRMC Orthopedic Hospital, Wilmington SurgCare 1995
Carolina Pediatrics of Wilmington P.A. 715 Medical Center Drive Wilmington, NC 28401 763-2476 www.carolinapedswilm.com Carolina Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Specialists PA 1717 Shipyard Blvd., Suite 350 Wilmington, NC 28403 799-0110 www.carolinasportsmed.com
List is based on voluntary responses to a Business Journal survey.
Page 6
October 16 - November 5, 2020
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Greater Wilmington Business Journal
| THE LIST |
Hospitals
Ranked by number of licensed acute-care beds RANK
1 2 3 4 5
HOSPITAL ADDRESS PHONE EMAIL WEBSITE New Hanover Regional Medical Center 2131 S. 17th St. Wilmington, NC 28401 667-7000 feedback@nhrmc.org nhrmc.org New Hanover Regional Medical Center Orthopedic Hospital 5301 Wrightsville Ave. Wilmington, NC 28403 667-8100 feedback@nhrmc.org nhrmc.org Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center 240 Hospital Drive NE Bolivia, NC 28422 721-1000 N/A NovantHealth.org Pender Memorial Hospital 507 E. Fremont St. Burgaw, NC 28425 300-4000 feedback@nhrmc.org pendermemorial.org Dosher Memorial Hospital 924 N. Howe St. Southport, NC 28461 457-3800 marketing@dosher.org www.dosher.org
TOTAL NO. NO. OF PHYSICIANS/ LICENSED TOTAL NO. BEDS LOCAL STAFF
SPECIALTY SERVICES
ADMINISTRATOR/ AFFILIATION/ YEAR FOUNDED
800
740 7,149
Description: (NOTE: Licensed beds and physician/staff numbers are the main New Hanover Regional system numbers) Teaching hospital, regional referral center and UNC School of Medicine branch campus. The tertiary care center for a seven-county area. Offers specialty medical and surgical care, which includes women's and children's, orthopedic, rehabilitation and psychiatric hospitals and one of nine trauma centers in the state certified at Level II or above. Other specialty services include: three 24-hour emergency departments, four adult intensive care units, neonatal and pediatric intensive care, neurosurgery, pediatric surgery, open heart surgery, vascular surgery and oncology services. Also provides clinical continuing education and business services for regional health care providers through SEAHEC.
John Gizdic President and CEO — 1967
800
740 7,149
Description: (NOTE: Licensed beds and physician/staff numbers are the main New Hanover Regional system numbers) Highly specialized orthopedic services and features specially trained orthopedic nurses, therapists, technicians and surgeons who are board-certified or eligible in orthopedic surgery. Specialists in hand and shoulder, foot and ankle as well as arthroscopic surgeries, sports medicine and joint replacement. Also a full-service 24-hour emergency department, inpatient and outpatient surgery, respiratory therapy, rehabilitation medicine, radiology services and laboratory services.
John Gizdic President and CEO NHRMC 1957
74
308 836
24-hour emergency department; maternity center; surgical services, including orthopedics and general surgery; imaging services, including MRI, CT, 3-D mammography, ultrasound, X-ray, nuclear medicine, bone density testing, and stereotactic breast biopsy; cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary services; outpatient services, including physical therapy and cardiac rehabilitation; diagnostic cardiac catheterization; pharmacy; laboratory services; diagnostic sleep services; and midwifery services
Shelbourn Stevens President Novant Health 1977; New hospital opened in 2011
67
221 193 (plus 83 NHRMC Home Care staff)
Emergency department, general surgery, gynecology, urology, podiatry, ophthalmology, skilled nursing facility, short-term rehabilitation, outpatient rehabilitation, infusion therapy, home care
Ruth Glaser President Managed by NHRMC 1951
302 187
24-hour emergency department; inpatient and outpatient surgical services and procedures, including general surgery, total joint replacement orthopedic surgery, gynecology, ophthalmology, ENT, podiatry, pulmonology and urology; cardiopulmonary and respiratory therapy services; diabetes education; diagnostic imaging, including 3-D digital mammography, MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, vascular imaging, echocardiography, DEXA scan, and X-ray; endoscopy; laboratory services; nutritional counseling; post-op anesthetic pain control; inpatient and outpatient physical, occupational, speech and lymphedema therapies; sleep disorders lab; sports therapy; Wound Care Center; and a 25-bed, medical/surgical inpatient care unit with 24/7 hospitalist coverage. Dosher also owns and operates eight family medicine, women’s health and urgent care clinics across Brunswick County.
Brad Hilaman Lynda Stanley CEO/CMO President, Dosher Memorial Hospital/ Foundation DNV-GL Healthcare 1930
25
List is based on voluntary responses to a Business Journal survey.
G WilminGton ilmington Business Journal Greater reater W Business Journal
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October 1616 - November 5, 6, 2020 October - November 2020
Page Page77
ful DISCUSSIONS Sponsors’ Content Distributed By Greater Wilmington Business Journal
DOSHER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL CONTINUES TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THEIR COMMUNITY We have expanded our medical staff this year, bringing on two additional family medicine physicians, one on Oak Island and one in Southport. We have welcomed a new gynecologist to the staff as well as a new general surgeon who, in addition to performing a wide breadth of general surgeries, specializes in endoscopic and advanced minimally invasive procedures. Our Wound Care Center, which has won several awards for patient satisfaction and a high outcome rate, has expanded in space and hours to meet a growing need for this type of specialized treatment. The recent relocation of our Urgent Care clinic to the Dosher Wellness Center includes expanded hours, so that people who need an after work appointment will be able to seek treatment on weekdays through 6:30 pm. LYNDA STANLEY, MHA, FACHE, President, Dosher Memorial Hospital & Foundation
BRAD HILAMAN, MD, JD, FACOG,
CEO CMO, Dosher Memorial Hospital
www.dosher.org (910) 457-3800 How has Dosher Memorial Hospital’s sound financial strategy pre-pandemic impacted their ability to navigate the economic impact of COVID-19? Our focus at Dosher prior to the impact of the pandemic was, and continues to be: To provide exceptional patient care, to make sure employees have a great place to work, and to increase revenue so that Dosher can remain financially stable and viable. Initiatives taken to increase the efficiency of our operating rooms and our revenue cycle have helped us navigate the economic impact of what has been a challenging year for healthcare organizations across the US.
While the COVID-19 public health emergency has caused many healthcare organizations to struggle, how has Dosher Memorial Hospital been able to thrive and grow? Collaboration has always been at the epicenter of our success. Our ability to thrive during COVID is rooted in a 90 year history of staff, volunteers, doctors, trustees, and members of our community working together to ensure the establishment of the hospital in 1930 and to support its growth, making a heartfelt investment in the patients we treat while always seeking ways we can be even better at what we do. New programs, equipment, and technology have allowed us to evolve, but we have always prioritized humanizing healthcare as much as we do modernizing it. Throughout the pandemic, our staff has been extremely adaptable to changes we’ve made in operations and heightened safety measures. Our community has rallied for us through donations of meals, masks, and monetary contributions. A caring community, a committed staff, and service lines that fit the demographic of local residents, such as cardiac rehab, wound care, stroke and total joint replacement rehabilitation, lymphedema management, and diabetes education, have all contributed to keeping Dosher financially viable.
How has your staff and services expanded to meet the needs of the community?
How has Dosher Memorial Hospital’s existing telehealth program met the demand for telemedicine in the current environment? Telemedicine has been a part of our hospital’s in-patient service for hospitalist and specialty needs and is also used for psychiatrist visits in the Emergency Department. In order to deliver primary care safely since the onset of the pandemic, telemedicine was implemented at our clinics the end of March, when stay-athome orders were instituted. The Dosher primary care network was able to use our existing Electronic Medical Record, which had a platform for telehealth. By using our existing EMR, we were able to employ telehealth visits quickly for our clinic patients, while also having access to their medical record and completing documentation, including billing, during the visit. Having an all in one option was a great choice for our providers and patients so that it streamlined the process for quality care.
What plans does Dosher Memorial Hospital have post-pandemic for continuing to provide a progressive, positive patient experience while maintaining a sound business model? Part of providing a progressive, positive patient experience is giving our community the tools to improve their health before they develop chronic conditions or face medical emergencies. The formation of the Brunswick Wellness Coalition, of which Dosher is a founding partner, provides educational programs and support, such as walking programs, health screenings, and nutrition talks, to help local residents embrace a healthier lifestyle. The Coalition remains active during COVID-19 to support the more than 40 community nonprofit partners. The Dosher Foundation was the recipient of a $40,000 COVID-19 response grant from the North Carolina Healthcare Foundation, half of which will be managed by the Brunswick Wellness Coalition in order to fund wellness kits for local churches, which will include necessary technology for members to connect to healthcare providers for telemedicine visits. Equally important to investing in our community and patients is investing in our staff. Ensuring a sound business model begins with empowered employees, who feel cared for, supported, and seen. Additional COVID-19 grant funds were allotted for the Dosher employee assistance fund. We’ve allowed employees to cash out on paid time off to help with COVID-19 hardship and have offered support for the management of stress and anxiety with qualified clinicians, free of charge. The recent formation of an employment engagement committee, suggestion boxes, and extended hours in HR help ensure that our employees are given a voice and also recognized for their accomplishments.
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Greater Wilmington Business Journal
| HOSPITALITY |
Wilmington Rail Trail stays on track BY LAURA MOORE he Wilmington Rail Trail is one step closer to becoming a reality and beginning a chain reaction of projects that could change the landscape for pedestrians, bicyclists and outdoor enthusiasts in the downtown Wilmington area. “We’re in the home stretch,” Rhonda Bellamy, executive director of The Arts Council of Wilmington & New Hanover County, said. With the Wilmington Rail Trail Public Survey that closed Oct. 9, the exhaustive process of preparing to develop a master plan for the trail in partnership with community leaders, city and county officials, business and organization representatives, neighborhood residents and other stakeholders is complete. “The survey results and research done on the sites will inform the master plan, which will allow the consulting firm that we are working with out of Raleigh to draft the plan and provide a 30-day comment period for public feedback, which will enable us to have a complete master
T
PHOTO C/O WILMINGTON RAIL TRAIL
On a journey: The Wilmington Rail Trail would give pedestrians access to a trail via rail beds in the city.
plan by the end of the year,” Bellamy explained. The overall plan is to transform the old Atlantic Coast Line rail bed that runs through the Northside community of downtown Wilmington between Campbell and Bruns-
wick streets from McRae Street down to Third Street near Cape Fear Community College’s Wilson Center into a public corridor for foot and bicycle traffic. “Few cities have available land in the middle of the city that’s been
unutilized, and this pedestrian rail bed runs right through the center of a community and will serve these residents,” Bellamy said. “This pedestrian plaza will allow access through several points along the trail with cultural and recreational amenities.”
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
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October 16 - November 5, 2020
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| HOSPITALITY | The partnership alliance that has worked to make the Rail Trail a reality looked at similar projects such as the New York City’s High Line and the Swamp Rabbit Trail in Greenville, South Carolina, for inspiration. According to the Wilmington Rail Trail website, the goals of the trail include creating a “unique space for art, exercise, and community engagement…foster economic development…(and) honor and celebrate the local history and culture.” In addition to being a walking and biking path, it will be a place to view public art exhibits, including sculptures and murals. What exactly fits into the space and where it is placed will be determined after consulting all stakeholders. “We always wanted this to be a community effort, and longtime residents of the Northside neighborhood are very excited. They know the value of a park in that area,” Bellamy said. The project represents the marriage of planning and public input, say officials who have been collaborating on it. “We are working with the Rail Trail to maintain current existing right of ways and what appropriate cross sections are to be in line with
what citizens of Wilmington and the northside neighborhood want to see in that area,” said Abby Lorenzo, project manager with the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO). “With the feedback from the survey, we can wrap everything up and get a unified vision of what it will look like.” Based on a progress report provided from the survey, a safe area for walking and biking recreation was listed as a perceived benefit to the trail, in addition to opportunities for health and wellness and an increased quality of life. Aubrey Parsley, a member of the steering committee for the WMPO and the city’s director of Wilmington Rail Realignment, calls it “a fantastic project with a ton of potential.” “The master plan will firm up the vision of what the trail could be and how the community could use it,” Parsley said. “The trail is multi-modal with key coordination for connecting parts of downtown with the Northside neighborhood. The connectivity is exciting, especially when you add in the potential for a passenger light rail. A lot of pieces [will] come together with this project.” The long-term strategy is to bring
passenger rail service to Wilmington, and the Rail Trail preserves the access for the potential of light rail service to be built while maintaining a safe corridor for pedestrian traffic. The completion of the master plan allows the community to see what that potential is and how the Rail Trail will serve them; it also provides the opportunity to seek out funding for the project, officials said. “The first step was to develop a master plan, and the next phase is to identify funding to fund improvements,” Mike Kozlosky, executive director of the WMPO, said. While the WMPO will make some money available for the project, in addition to potential funds from the N.C. Department of Transportation, and the city’s Capital Improvement Plan, grants will be sought to fill any gaps needed. The Rail Trail is only a section of a much larger plan created in 2013 with the Wilmington/New Hanover County Comprehensive Greenway Plan. “This is only the beginning phase of the overall downtown Greenway Plan that will link downtown with Forest Hills, then eventually connect to the Cross City Trail,” Kozlosky,
explained. “This sets the stage for use of the corridor for multi-modal transportation and passenger rail at some point.” The utilization of this trail is made possible through a lease with the Department of Transportation, which is interested in maintaining future rail service, according to Kozlosky. In the meantime, the Rail Trail hopes to serve the community and visitors alike. “It’ll be a showpiece, not just for the Northside neighborhood, but for visitors. I really see visitors utilizing this trail,” Lorenzo said. “One Hill Tree [TV show shot in Wilmington] fans can use it to see the famous [Sixth Street] bridge, and I think it will really attract people and they will utilize it.” Whether using it for recreation or for transportation, it aims to serve both roles in a safe and enjoyable fashion. “Ultimately, the Rail Trail will have a positive impact on the city of Wilmington and our transportation network,” Kozlosky added. To learn more about the Wilmington Rail Trail, visit wilmingtonrailtrail.com or find on Facebook at Facebook.com/wilmingtonrailtrail.
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| NHC COMMISSIONER CANDIDATES |
V
oters can pick three of the six New Hanover County commissioner candidates. Early voting runs through Oct. 31, and Election Day is Nov. 3. For more info, go to the county’s Board of Elections website at elections.nhcgov.com. For more elections coverage and info on candidates, visit WilmingtonBiz.com.
JONATHAN BARFIELD JR. DEMOCRAT Occupation: Broker/ owner, Barfield & Associates Realty Experience: Served 12 years on the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners, four times as chair and three times as vice-chair Info: barfieldforcommish.com 1. “The first pillar of economic development is a strong public education system and our community college as many companies when they look to locate in our area are concerned about the quality of education their children will receive. CFCC plays a vital role in helping to create a trained and skilled workforce so that employers can be ready to open their operation day one with the ability to recruit locally. Lastly, continue to partner with our eco-
CANDIDATE QUESTIONS 1. What would you do in office to promote economic development? 2. If elected, would you vote to change the contract to sell
nomic development partners WBD, WDI, the Chamber of Commerce – support them in the work that they do in promoting our county, but also put the tools in their hands that they can do just that.” 2. “With the contract that was just passed if it were to be broken by either party that party would have to pay a $25-million breakage fee. I supported the sell based on 12 years of serving as a county commissioner and four years serving on NHRMC’s Board of Trustees, based on information received from the culmination of the PAG meetings and all of the briefings and updates that I received. I would not want to deliver to the citizens of New Hanover County a $25-million-dollar bill to pay because I know want to change the terms of the deal.” 3. (1) “Have an increased focus on
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NHRMC to Novant Health that was recently approved? Editor’s note: The current board of commissioners approved the final agreement on Oct. 5, and the deal is expected to close sometime in
housing affordability. As we recruit more companies to our county there must be an affordable housing stock that will serve all salary ranges of their operation, not to mention the many UNCW graduates that would greatly benefit our county by keeping their talents here. (2) Increased funding and focus on mental health and substance use disorders services in our county. (3) Have an update to the Garner Report to see what new opportunities may exist for our region.” LESLIE COHEN DEMOCRAT Occupation: Business owner/artist Experience: Title IX Committee of NHC Schools, 2018 candidate for N.C. House 20
the first half of 2021. There is a $25 million fee if either side breaks the deal before then. 3. Name three specific goals you would have while in office. Info: electlesliecohen.com
1. “Companies want to be located in places where it is easy to recruit and retain employees. Making New Hanover County a better place to live and work also makes it a better place to do business. We are facing unprecedented challenges during the global pandemic and the economic fallout that it has wrought. I will work closely with the Chamber of Commerce, local business leaders and small business owners to support businesses as we recover. I will also work with the state legislature to reinstate permanent film incentives and restore more of those good-paying jobs to our county.” 2. “It’s not clear that changing that contract will be possible. I would have liked for different partnership models to be explored before settling on an outright sale. If other options
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| NHC COMMISSIONER CANDIDATES | are still available, I think they should be weighed before a final decision is made. The hospital is a community asset, and we must protect our local assets for a healthy financial future and to ensure the highest quality healthcare for our region.” 3. “(1) Move the 4 p.m. board meetings to 6 p.m., reinstate and televise board agenda review meetings and make work sessions publicly accessible. (2) To fully fund WAVE Transit and build it into a robust system to serve all our citizens as we grow over the next several decades. (3) To give our public schools the support they need to keep our children, our teachers and support staff, and our families safe and healthy as we recover from the COVID crisis.” DEB HAYS REPUBLICAN Occupation: Realtor/ Broker Experience: Wilmington Planning Commission chair, the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, Wilmington Downtown Inc., chair and commissioner of the Wilmington Housing Authority Info: debhaysfornhc.com
1. “Focused Effort – research, realize and agree on type of companies and jobs we need and want then target our efforts accordingly. We are most competitive with small- to midsized companies that have proven to thrive here, spawning additional startups that provide a continual incubator (ex: Live Oak Bank, CastleBranch, nCino, tekMountain). Focused Approach – a united marketing and economic development effort creating a comprehensive and common marketing approach for our area. This would deliver a collaborative and consistent theme, showcasing an impactful reoccurring message for all to use whether it be for recruiting companies, jobs, students, etc.” 2. “No … the focus of effort now needs to be on the priorities for use of the proceeds; in particular the community foundation. This unprecedented opportunity has the potential to benefit the citizens of New Hanover County for generations to come … a true game-changer for our community. Care, diligence and attention need to be paid to every formative step throughout the process and on-going. This has an even greater potential than the Duke
Endowment. We have a responsibility to our current and future generations to create a foundation of community care that is inclusive of all our citizens.” 3. “(1) Economic & Job Growth – Economic Development with a Focused Effort and Approach! Continue to support and enhance those businesses, small and large, that have made our area home. (2) Education – the core of everything we do! Strong educational foundation and supportive plan must continue to be enhanced to provide the skills necessary for a dynamic workforce. (3) Opportunity Housing and Quality of Life – Live, Work, Play in the same area is opportunity housing. Strong paying jobs provide housing affordability in more ways than any other solution. The work is now to enact for the preservation of the charm of our County while moving forward positively for all citizens.” KYLE HORTON DEMOCRAT Occupation: Internal medicine physician and public policy advocate
Experience: 2018 Democratic congressional nominee for North Carolina’s 7th District Info: electkylehorton.com
1. “COVID has made job retention difficult – let alone job creation. While I hope that stimulus funds like the EIDL, PPP, and Golden Leaf loans will increase; I will support small businesses as well as sole proprietorships and minority-owned businesses given worsening disparities. I’ll support tax incentives and credits to create jobs in industries expanding to meet public health needs. Now is a unique opportunity to invest in infrastructure including advancing the Stormwater Utility efforts, building affordable/workforce housing and investing in workforce training for less-skilled workers to get them job-ready for the future.” 2. “It will depend on the Attorney General’s review. The community foundation should be accountable to the taxpayers. This is our hospital, and its proceeds are our money that should be managed in a publicly accountable foundation governed by public meetings law. There are public foundations granted expanded authority for riskier investment strategies garnering higher ROIs. I See CANDIDATES, page 15
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| REAL ESTATE |
Riverlights marks a milestone BY CECE NUNN arol and Mike Kirsche moved to Riverlights nearly four years ago, becoming the first residents to occupy a home in the 1,400-acre master planned community on River Road in Wilmington. “We wanted to be near a small city with character and charm, within close proximity to a full complement of medical facilities, shopping, diverse dining options, the ocean, recreational activities, churches and close by an airport,” Mike Kirsche said. Riverlights checked the boxes for them. “It met all our criteria, needs and wants,” he said. This month, Riverlights officials are celebrating reaching 500 home closings, with plans for more residential and commercial growth. “Just reaching that milestone is pretty remarkable and a testament to the collaborative planning process and envisioning process that the community went through,” said Nick Cassala, vice president of operations. “As we think about the celebration of 500 home closings, our thoughts are already on the future, and in fact we’re already projecting the dates in 2021 when we reach both the 600 milestone and 700 milestone.” Cassala added, “Everything in Riverlights is playing out as planned, and with even more vibrant offerings available in the Marina Village to complement the residential growth, I think it’s just going to continue to flourish over the next few years.” Riverlights includes a conventional neighborhood and Del Webb Wilmington, a neighborhood for homeowners ages 55 and older. The commercial component of Riverlights, Marina Village, includes restaurants, an art gallery, a wine shop, a bike shop, a place to play indoor golf and more. Other businesses might be on the horizon, Cassala said. “We would like to see a neighborhood grocery introduced in Riverlights. We don’t have any active conversations at this time with respect to that use,” but it’s something that could develop as the population continues to increase, he said. Apartments are another major part of that growth. The first apartment community in Riverlights, Mosby at Riverlights, is under construction and anticipated
C
PHOTO C/O CAROL AND MIKE KIRSCHE
First residents: Carol and Mike Kirsche moved to this home in Riverlights nearly four years ago.
to add at least 250 residents. All of the apartments in two mixed-use buildings at Marina Village are already leased up, and preleasing at Mosby could begin before the end of this year. Investors purchased the first mixed-use apartment building, with its 18 apartments, for more than $4.6 million in 2018. Middleburg Communities, a Vienna, Virginia-based real estate investment, development, construction and management firm, bought the site for Mosby at Riverlights at the end of 2019. In the works at Riverlights are plans for more multifamily projects. “Those transactions haven’t been completed as of yet, but there will continue to be a diverse offering depending on how the market responds over time,” Cassala said. As in any master planned community, residents can attract other residents they know or who are family members. That’s been the case for the Kirsches with respect to friends from their previous Brunswick County neighborhood. “Several friends have visited us, love what they see and are contemplating a future move to Riverlights,” said Mike Kirsche, whose home is a one-story, 1,700-square-foot cottage,
“our ideal perfect retirement home.” Engaged couple Marlee Langton, a nurse, and Matt Randolph, a doctor, moved to Riverlights about a year ago from Michigan. They both work at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. “We met in Michigan; we were both born and raised there,” Langton said. “And when we got together, I said, ‘One of the things I’m not going to compromise on is, when I get the chance, I’m going to move to warm weather,’ something I always wanted to do.” Langton and Randolph chose to design their home with a minimalist/ Scandinavian/modern farmhouse feel, differing from the typical cottages in the community. Of the 500-family Riverlights milestone, Langton said, “I think it’s great. I’m so glad to see people moving here into Wilmington. I mean obviously we were one of those transplants. And I know that Wilmington is kind of reaching capacity, but we love sitting on the porch and seeing people walk by, walking their dogs. It doesn’t feel crowded to me.” Langton and Randolph, and the Kirsches, praised the neighborhood’s amenities, which includes a 38-acre lake, eight parks and access to the
Cape Fear River. “My fiancée and I like to kayak, and on a day when you don’t feel like taking a kayak out [to one of the other waterways] … you’ve got it right in your backyard,” Randolph said. “It’s fantastic.” One challenge not just facing Riverlights but other communities where homes are being built is getting supplies in a timely manner. Those include appliances, along with lumber, which has increased exponentially in cost, and other materials. That affects the price of housing. “Folks want homes and they want them quickly, but the industry as a whole is going to have a little bit of a challenge delivering them,” said Cassala, adding that supply-chain issues can extend a building timeline “sometimes a couple of weeks to maybe a couple of months depending on the size of the home and also the size of the builder.” Riverlights has a builders guild of several local and regional homebuilding firms. Developed by Newland Communities and owned by North America Sekisui House LLC and Newland Real Estate Group, Riverlights is planned to have a total of 2,790 single-family, patio, multifamily and townhome dwellings.
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| IN PROFILE | Repurposing to build a business BY CHRISTINA HALEY O’NEAL
H
usband-and-wife team Ronald and Karen Pinney have been creating beach-themed decor for about five years. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic impacts, business for the couples’ home decor and furniture operation, 341 Repurposed, has been booming, so much so that they’ve had to add a storefront and new workspace to keep up with the orders coming in. Born out of an artistic outlet to help with the healing process after Karen Pinney’s father passed away, Ronald Pinney credits his wife with helping bring out his artistic side, he said. “We realized in the middle of it all I was artistic too,” Ronald Pinney said. “I handle the woodworking part and anything to do with straight lines, like flags, and she does all the other abstract art and dry brushing techniques and painting. “It was really just based on the area we lived in. We love beach decor,” he said. Working with wood isn’t new for Ronald Pinney, who spent much of his career in construction. “My whole background has been construction, up until 2010 when the economy was bad. We actually had a very profitable construction company … in Charlotte, and we walked away from it all to come to Wilmington to serve in a homeless ministry,” Ronald Pinney said. The Pinneys spent time with the ministry for three years, and later found a new avenue for business in 341 Repurposed. But this particular economic downturn sparked by the coronavirus pandemic, has actually pushed the couple to grow the firm. A lot of the couples’ festival showings were canceled this year due to mass gathering restrictions, so the Pinneys took the time to plan their new storefront location. “We talked about doing a store, but there has never been enough time because we have been so busy doing festivals and markets. And then this year with COVID, we pursued the idea, based on wanting to do it and then thinking ahead, thinking that the fall shows were all going to be canceled, which most of the large stuff is gone as far as festivals,” Ronald Pinney said. Prior to the pandemic, the business
MADE
Great Goods from Greater Wilmington
MADE Great Goods from Greater Wilmington
PHOTO BY MICHAEL CLINE SPENCER
Building decor: Robert Pinney, who owns 341 Repurposed with his wife, stands at their shop among the beach-themed products they make.
consisted mostly of selling at festivals in the area and in other nearby coastal markets, as well as out of state in Virginia and South Carolina. The firm also sells decor through an Etsy store online and has several locations around town where products are sold on consignment or wholesale. The couple opened their new store, on Carolina Beach Road, at the end of July, on top of receiving more orders from their Etsy store, which has seen clients from places as far away as the West Coast and in Canada. It’s been an interesting road for the Pinneys, with more followers on Facebook and Etsy, which has seen sales jump significantly, Ronald Pinney said. “We were shocked as to what to do for the middle of March to the middle of April. But by the middle of April, we knew we wanted to start the store and we knew we were still selling. The economy hurting didn’t soften our sales,” Ronald Pinney said. “We actually had people buying our table sets with their stimulus checks.” A lot of the products 341 Repurposed makes are custom pieces, such as Adirondack chairs, tables or wall decor. The couple is also making inventory to put in its storefront in
Wilmington. They recently opened a new workshop location at 110 Portwatch Way in September. “The new space is great. We are all under one roof instead of being spread out in different units. Once we get this organized, it should help with our flow and we should be way more productive and allow us to grow,” Ronald Pinney said. “But I think we’re going to need more space the way it’s going.” The couple is also seeing both new and return clients now, some of whom are building on decor for their beach properties since the tourist season has passed, he said. As for their next steps, the Pinneys will soon look to add more employees to the business. “We’ve been subcontracting some work, but I think we’re going to have to hire some people to help for this next part,” Ronald Pinney said, adding that there is a great need for a shop superintendent. Ronald Pinney said, “We definitely need people to come in here that I can trust to make a quality product in a timely manner and help this thing grow.”
341 REPURPOSED
7008 CAROLINA BEACH ROAD 110 PORTWATCH WAY No. of employees: 2 Year founded: 2015 Top local officials: Ronald and Karen Pinney, owners Company description: 341 Repurposed is a local company specializing in wooden beachthemed furniture and wall decor. Products made locally: 341 Repurposed makes many forms of tables, including surf boardand traditional-shaped bar tables, farmhouse tables, coffee tables, end tables, entryway tables and sofa tables. They also make stools and benches as accessories to the tables or to be sold separately, as well as a variety of beach-themed interior and exterior wall decor. Its wall decor includes North Carolina-shaped art, handpainted, beach-themed art, flip flop- and surf board-shaped shutters and wall art. What made the company decide to make its goods locally? Ronald Pinney: “We love living at beach, and we love the beach life. When we found out about the opportunities to attend and sell handmade products at local farmers markets and festivals, we made the decision to start 341 Repurposed and started making products in our garage and have grown the business enough to recently acquire a 3,000-square-foot commercial location to make our products.” What’s your target market? Pinney: “In July of 2020, we opened a storefront location at 7008 Carolina Beach Road. This location will be where we will offer our products on a full-time basis, and we will continue to sell at local farmers markets and festivals. Our goal is to sell our products to locals and tourists looking for that unique gift as an addition to their home.” What’s next? Pinney: “Planning to continue growing in the local market as well as growing our online sales and eventually opening new retail locations.”
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| NHC COMMISSIONER CANDIDATES | From CANDIDATES, page 11
still believe this should’ve been a ballot referendum and the process delayed in respect to the pandemic and possible electoral change. Larger monopolies could bring layoffs, higher costs and lower wages. I will protect jobs and get the best deal for taxpayers.” 3. (1) “To restore faith in leadership with improved transparency by shifting meeting times away from 9-5 hours, restoring the agenda meetings and hosting regular town halls to engage the public. (2) Strengthen public education by increasing the local teacher salary supplement as well as support staff yearly supplements. I’m also committed to investments in increased broadband and internet access which is even more necessary with COVID. (3) Smart growth with reduced traffic: sustainably fund WAVE and invest in public transit to get cars off the road, reduce fossil fuel consumption and improve convenience working toward a more rider-friendly, walkable and bikeable community.” BILL RIVENBARK REPUBLICAN Occupation: Retired Experience: Current New Hanover County school board member Info: facebook.com/billrivenbark4countycommision 1. “To promote economic development, I would ensure our natural resources are protected, support our public schools as well as our institutes of higher learning such as Cape Fear Community College and UNCW. The most desirable
employers and organizations want to invest and locate in areas where their employees want to live, their children can get an exceptional education and a well-trained workforce is available. By keeping our air and waterways clean, making our education system the best it can be and supporting a well-trained workforce, we will continue to be seen as a great place to live, work and invest.” 2. “I watched NHRMC born on the backs of our local physicians, citizens and philanthropists. While I’m not a fan of giving that away for a quick payout, I understand in order to continue to meet the needs of our region requires significant financial investment that the hospital isn’t prepared to make. I do support private/public partnerships, and though I’m not fluent in the intricacies, it speaks volumes to me that unanimous decision from the diverse PAG group and 17 of the 18-member NHRMC Board voted in support of moving forward with the Novant/UNC partnership with only one dissenting vote.” 3. (1) “Renew our commitment to ensuring our health, education and human services are funded, efficient and effective for all county residents. This includes fully funding schools and improving the conduit between all departments to ensure our most vulnerable citizens are fully supported in a collaborative fashion. (2) To enhance the partnerships between vocational education and industry, we can make our region a place where our students can get great jobs and attract employers looking for skilled workforces. (3) Preserve and protect our natural resources and quality of living in the area to ensure continued quality of life for all citizens.”
SKIP WATKINS REPUBLICAN Occupation: Financial adviser and University of Mount Olive economics instructor Experience: NHC commissioner (2014-18), NHC Board of Elections Info: facebook.com/skipwatkins 1. “Like most communities, New Hanover County wants high-quality jobs. But competition is fierce. We must use our strengths. The county already has a strong incentive plan if needed. We work closely with Wilmington Business Development and related support groups. We have strong banking and pharma startups here and should leverage those. We must sell our quality of life (i.e. beaches, etc.) but also maintain a business friendly environment. We must also encourage existing businesses in their growth.” 2. “The county entered into a three-party contract. All members would have to agree to any changes. None could happen unilaterally. If any party breaks the contract there is a $25 million penalty. I cannot imagine a situation warranting a change unless all three groups agreed.” 3. “(1) To maintain fiscal responsibility. I helped spearhead the first property tax reduction in over 25 years with taxpayers keeping $10 million per year in their pockets and STILL increased education funding. (2) To provide opportunities for everyone via economic growth by partnering with the business community, WBD, community leaders, leaders in education and relevant stakeholders. (3) Basically follow a common sense approach to governing as I did previously as a commissioner.”
| FROM THE COVER | From ELECTION, page 1
“Based off past results and when we’re looking at polling, it’s a little bit more favorable for Trump just relative to the other battleground states,” said Aaron King, political science associate professor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. “And so I think in that sense, Trump really needs to win North Carolina because if he loses North Carolina that probably means he also lost some of the other battleground states.” Drilling down further, New Hanover County specifically is a tossup, according to a New York Times opinion piece about 10 bellwether
counties in the U.S. According to the article, New Hanover County hasn’t voted for a Democrat for president since 1976. But that doesn’t mean Trump will win this year because the county has a lot of the types of voters that have been gravitating toward challenger Joe Biden, the article stated. Other contests to watch locally include the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners race and the state rematch between Sen. Harper Peterson, D-New Hanover, and former senator Michael Lee. A race that could affect the U.S. Senate has run into some potential October surprises. Incumbent U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., is being
challenged by Cal Cunningham, a Democrat and lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. In recent weeks, Tillis tested positive for COVID-19, and Cunningham became embroiled in allegations of sexting and an extramarital affair. North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race is drawing even more attention because it could decide which party controls the Senate. King pointed out that not only have some people already voted via absentee ballots, but voters also in general might justify whatever news story is out there about a candidate they support to continue to support that candidate no matter what.
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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wilmingtonbiz.com
| BIZ LEADS | Reader’s Guide BizLeads is a collection of information gathered from greater Wilmington courthouses, state government offices and informational websites. These listings are intended to help the business community find new customers and stay on top of happenings with current customers, vendors and competitors. New Corporations lists firms that were recently incorporated in the state of North Carolina. All information is gathered from the North Carolina Secretary of State website. Addresses listed may not be the actual address of the business.
NEW CORPS Aug. 16 - 31
COASTAL CAROLINA REFURBISHING LLC 6336 Oleander Drive Suite 4 Wilmington 28403 Agent: Sheri S. Smothers COASTAL COMPLIANCE LLC 605 E Wilmington St Burgaw 28425 Agent: Suzanne Barnes Price COASTAL GLASS RESTORATION LLC 209 Smith Ave #2676 Shallotte 28470 Agent: Jonathan Morgan COASTAL LAND PROPERTIES LLC 5617 Maxwell Place Wilmington 28409 Agent: Kim V. Greene COASTAL POOLSCAPES LLC 2001 Deer Island Lane Wilmington 28405 Agent: Michael R. Baker Jr. COASTAL R&R LLC 8720 North Fork Way NE Leland 28451 Agent: Melinda Clary COASTAL VENDING LLC 1016 Bellerby Cv Leland 28451-9406 Agent: Jane Honeycutt Crowder COASTAL WOOD CREATIONS LLC 565 Steele Loop Wilmington 27411 Agent: Elven Conrad Smith IV COUNTRY CLUB MHP LLC 1122 Country Club Rd Wilmington 28403 Agent: Abraham Laham CREST NC LLC 3500 Oleander Dr Suite F-20 Wilmington 28403 Agent: Kabir Sethi CROW’S NEST TATTOO LLC 5285 Sellers St #21
Shallotte 28459 Agent: Samantha Trant CRUMPOTINO LLC 402 Carl Street Suite 102 Wilmington 28403 Agent: Joelle Thomas CSB GLOBAL ENTERPRISE LLC 4776 Atrium Ct Wilmington 28405 Agent: Christopher Shaner Brown D MORENO LOGISTICS LLC 7410 Whitney Dr Wilmington 28411 Agent: Dany A. Moreno D.C GENUINE CUSTOM JEWELRY & REPAIRS LLC 221 Westchester Rd Wilmington 28409 Agent: Deshon E Carter D&D HOME REPAIR LLC 10118 U.S. Highway 117 South Rocky Point 28457 Agent: Christopher Denny DALEN GROUP INVESTMENTS L.L.C. 7 Pender Street Ocean Isle Beach 28469 Agent: Diane Dalen DANIEL’S CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING L.L.C. 4046 Carmele Rd. Castle Hayne 28429 Agent: Daniel Santiago Hernandez DELTA ELEV8 LLC 5105 Gorham Ave Wilmington 28409 Agent: Benjamin Erichsen DESTINATION DONUTS LLC 8307 Dunes Ridge Place Sunset Beach 28468 Agent: James C Lane DIASOZO L.L.C 3600 S College Road Suite E 169 Wilmington 28412 Agent: Naja Wah DISCOVERY INSPECTIONS INC. 6132 Carolina Beach Rd Ste 4 Wilmington 28412 Agent: David W Coefield
DIVERGENT TRAVELS LLC 8778 Old River Rd Burgaw 28425 Agent: Montreal T Smith
6328 Wrightsville Ave H6 Wilmington 28403 Agent: Elizabeth N Kuperus
DOCK & DECK DUDES L.L.C 810 Heartwood Loop Rd NE Leland 28451 Agent: Joleigh Lewis
ER OF WILMINGTON LLC 2029 Eastwood Rd #143 Wilmington 28403 Agent: Mark Reiser
DON SCANLAN REALTY LLC 8709 Champion Hills Dr Wilmington 28411 Agent: Don Scanlan DOTSON LAND COMPANY LLC 5877 Lake Joel Dr. Ocean Isle Beach 28469 Agent: Robert Edward Dotson DOUBLE DOWN PROPERTIES LLC 1424 N. Howe St. Southport 28461 Agent: Ryan W. Johnson DOUBLE L HOLDINGS LLC 427 Ocean Hwy W Supply 28462 Agent: Angela C. Lewis Dread Man trucking LLC 14 Diamond Dr Castle Hayne 28429 Agent: Mathis Harrison DTMT LLC 6328 Wrightsville Ave H6 Wilmington 28403 Agent: Elizabeth N Kuperus DWOAKLEY INC. 211 W. Bald Head Wynd Bald Head Island 28461 Agent: Douglas W Oakley EAGLECON MEDICAL DEVICES LLC 8759 Ramsbury Way Wilmington 28411 Agent: Ryan M. Ley EASTERN CAROLINA HURRICANE PANEL SYSTEMS LLC 685 Bullrush Ct Calabash 28467 Agent: James H. Glemming EDEN TRANSITIONAL LIVING INC 1039 Saint Johns Church Rd Hampstead 28443 Agent: Robert Guillaume Hagerman EFB PROPERTIES LLC 2172 Ocean Station Road SW Supply 28462 Agent: Gary L. Boling ELECTRIC PROPERTIES LLC 6222 Baywood Drive Wilmington 28403 Agent: Mark S Rose ELIZABETH LAND AND RENTAL LLC 2515 Hidden Pointe Dr Wilmington 28411 Agent: Joseph W Whatley ENK INVESTMENTS LLC
ESCAPES IN A BOX LLC 914 Church Street Navassa 28451 Agent: Suprena Hickman FEL LLC 4908 Gate Post Lane Wilmington 28412 Agent: Fred E. Lewis IV FISHER COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES LLC 5507 Dunmore Road Wilmington 28409 Agent: Gary W. Fisher Flourish Mental Wellness PLLC 201 N. Front Street Wilmington 28405 Agent: Bethany Tennant Four Tides Property Service L.L.C 5504 Bernhardt Ct Wilmington 28409 Agent: Corey Quinlan FRESH PIC’NS FARM & SEAFOOD MARKET LLC 5600 Ocean Hwy Shallotte 28470 Agent: Jeffrey Green FRIENDS OF BELVEDERE INC. 3819 Park Avcenue Wilmington 28403 Agent: GM Entity Services Inc. GARLAND SIMON ENTERPRISES INC. 581 Foxwood Dr Rocky Point 28457 Agent: Garland Simon GARNET ELECTRICAL LLC 2008 N New River Dr Surf City 28445 Agent: James Leland GEHRIG PAYMENT SOLUTIONS LLC 629 Woodland Forest Court Wilmington 28403 Agent: Madeline Ebelherr GENERIAN HOPE FOUNDATION 1300 Landfall Drive Wilmington 28405 Agent: Norvell Miller IV GENERRAGE LLC 5112 Treybrooke Drive Wilmington 28409 Agent: Cameron B Edwards GENESIS BLOCK FOUNDATION INC. 1015 Nutt Street Apt 105 Wilmington 28401 Agent: Tracey J Newkirk GO TURF LLC 5303 Hanahan Dr Wilmington 28403 Agent: David Floyd
GONE COASTAL TRANSPORTATION LLC 119 Watts Landing Rd Hampstead 28443 Agent: Eva Weber-hays GORTON GLOBAL PLASTICS LLC 3650 Bridgewater Dr Southport 28461 Agent: Patrick J Gorton GP HOSPITALITY GROUP LLC 7627 Lost Tree Road Wilmington 28411 Agent: Argyro Papanikolaou GRASSY BRANCH FOX PRESERVE LLC 1448 Town Creek Rd NE Leland 28451 Agent: Morris Ray Skipper Jr. GROVE ACRES LLC 5103 Lancome Ct Wilmington 28409 Agent: Franklin R Williams GS & SON PROPERTIES LLC 514 3rd Ave S. Kure Beach 28449 Agent: Lonnie G. Segers Jr.
121 Olde Point Rd Hampstead 28443 Agent: Daniel Benson INSTITUTE FOR CHILDHOOD PREPAREDNESS LLC 276 Brookshire Place SW Ocean Isle Beach 28469 Agent: Andrew Roszak INTEGRITY CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LLC 5003 Oquinn Blvd SE Ste F Southport 28461 Agent: Arthur R Littlewood IV
J SMITH CONSULTING LLC 8100 Mason Ridge Lane Wilmington 28409 Agent: Julie Smith
KEYSER ST. INVESTMENTS LLC 122 Saltwater Landing Drive Hampstead 28443 Agent: Michael J Rokoski
JACI PONZONI LLC 1201 Canal Drive Carolina Beach 28428 Agent: JACI PONZONI
HARDSCAPE LIVING LLC 542 Ocean Hwy Supply 28462 Agent: Aaron VanNatter
JDS OASIS PROPERTIES LLC 125 Royal Poste Rd Unit Number 3303 Sunset Beach 28468 Agent: Jessica D Smoker
HAZY DAZE INC. 157 NE 17th St. Oak Island 28465 Agent: Loraine Tammaro
KINDERMUSIK WITH SARAH LLC 5455 Eastwind Road Wilmington 28403 Agent: Sarah Hand L&M DRYWALL SERVICES LLC 3115 Wrightsville Ave Suite F. Wilmington 28403 Agent: Cesar A. Palma LANGVILLE PROPERTIES LLC 500 Seventh St. N. Carolina Beach 28428 Agent: Ed Langville
JEFRO INC 2840 S College Road #455 Wilmington 28412 Agent: Jeffrey Silver
LANVAN ENTERPRISES LLC 533 South Front Street Wilmington 28401 Agent: Landon M. Barker
JMT GLOBAL LLC 5006 Carleton Dr Wilmington 28403 Agent: Joseph Matthew Tyner
LATIN COAST LLC 4910 Bridger Rd SW Unit 15 Shallotte 28470 Agent: Laura Baez
HER I ADORE LLC 4314 Market St. Unit 5 Wilmington 28403 Agent: Delmar Holmes Jr
JOE’S LAND MAINTENANCE INC. 72 Crystal Rd Southport 28461 Agent: Joseph David Southern
HOME PLACE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION & CARE LLC 898 Wine Cellar Circle Wilmington 28411 Agent: Connie Chalaire
JUAN INTERIOR TRIM LLC 4910 Bridger Rd Unit 15 Shallotte 28470 Agent: Laura Baez
IMPRIMIS INTERNATIONAL LLC 9308-2 Honey Tree Lane Calabash 28467 Agent: Margaret A. Martin-Hord
JUDGE LEGACY INC. 129 South Palm Dr. Winnabow 28479 Agent: Joseph Bernard Judge
INGRAM LAND SERVICES INC 281 June Bug Trail SE Bolivia 28422 Agent: Norman Ingram
JULIE WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY LTD 2510 Royal Palm Lane Wilmington 28409 Agent: Julie Hill Wilson
INSIDE ICONS LLC
KEELFAM PROPERTIES LLC 2117 New Savannah Road Burgaw 28425 Agent: Mitchell L Keel KELLY’S MERCANTILE LLC 5230 Rooks Rd Atkinson 28421 Agent: Renee Williamson Bloodworth
JC CONCRETE SERVICES LLC 2629 Maco Rd NE Leland 28451 Agent: Juan Fernando Cuevas
HASTEN SERVICES LLC 3243 Seagrass Court Southport 28461 Agent: James Merrill
JUST FOR YOU FLORISTS LLC 10300 Us Hwy 17 Wilmington 28411 Agent: James Thomas
iWash 365 Clinton Laundry LLC 3819 Park Ave Wilmington 28403 Agent: GM Entity Services Inc.
GS BALBINO CONSTRUCTION LLC 112 Kilarny Road Wilmington 28409 Agent: Genese Souza Balbino
HARMONIC RHYTHM LLC 2396 W Oak Bridge Way NE Leland 28451 Agent: Kathleen E West
LANDSCAPING LLC 6000 Mulberry Ct Castle Hayne 28429 Agent: Julio C Agundiz Salazar
JULIO’S PAINTING PRESSURE WASHING &
LAUREN GORDY DESIGN LLC 525 Tanbridge Rd Wilmington 28405 Agent: Lauren Gordy LEAHMAN’S TERMS CO. 702 Mason Knoll Dr Wilmington 28409 Agent: Patrick Leahman LEANN PETERS COUNSELING PLLC
500 Bishop Drive Hampstead 28443 Agent: Leeann Peters LEINWAND REAL ESTATE LLC 518 Rose Avenue Wilmington 28403 Agent: P. David Leinwand LITTLEBIRD PROPERTIES LLC 5901 Offshore Court Wilmington 28409 Agent: Bill Aldridge LIVE OAK GOLF ACADEMY LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY 1005 Garden Club Way Leland 28451 Agent: Philip Miley LONG’S CONSTRUCTION & SOD FARM LLC 2262 Ash Little River Rd NW Ash 28420 Agent: Willie H. Long Jr LOREM CORP 1417 Canal Drive #2 Carolina Beach 28428 Agent: Kevin Dovel LOULOU’S WATERFRONT RESTAURANT INC. 427 Ocean Hwy W Supply 28462 Agent: Angela C. Lewis LOW TIDE STEAKHOUSE LLC 303 Vesta Ct Surf City 28445 Agent: Salvador Souto IV LUBE-TECH LLC 8631 Golden Glow Way NE Leland 28451 Agent: Eric Smith LUCKUP LLC 385 Esthwaite Drive SE Leland 28451 Agent: Ross Pitman LUMINA COTTAGE LLC 1900 Eastwood Road Suite 10 Wilmington 27411 Agent: Ross Tomaselli MAICOL PAINTING INTERIOR & EXTERIOR LLC 509 Cobblestone Dr. Unit 207 Wilmington 28405 Agent: Yesenia Carolina Trochez Pineda MARSH PARK INVESTMENTS LLC 220 Marsh Oaks Drive Wilmington 28411 Agent: Jeffrey S. Cohen
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Greater Wilmington Business Journal
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October 16 - November 5, 2020
Page 17
| ACHIEVERS | Send information about company hires, promotions or awards to editor@wilmingtonbiz.com
New role for Williams on commissioners association Brunswick County Commissioners Chair FRANK WILLIAMS has become president-elect of the N.C. Association of County Commissioners. Williams previously served as second vice president of the association in Williams 2018 and first vice president in 2019. He will succeed to the office of president in August 2021, officials said. As a Brunswick County commissioner, Williams is in his second term. Williams also serves as chairman of the Cape Fear Rural Planning Organization Transportation Advisory Committee and on the boards of the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization and Brunswick Business and Industry Development. He was also recently appointed to the National Association of Counties’ International Economic Development Task Force and the Rural Action Caucus Steering Committee, stated the release.
Physicians join NHRMC Physician Group NHRMC Physician Group – New Hanover Medical Group has welcomed PATRICE EGLINTON to its Ogden office and STEPHANIE HORAN to the Myrtle Grove office. Both physicians are practicing family medicine. Eglinton Eglinton completed her family medicine residency at New Hanover Regional Medical Center, where she served as chief resident. She earned a Doctor of OsteoHoran pathic Medicine degree from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. She earned a bachelor’s degree from N.C. State University. Horan also completed her family medicine residency at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. She earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree and her bachelor’s degree from Campbell University.
Thomas Construction hires Hagwood to ops team Wilmington-based Thomas Construction Group added LYLE HAGWOOD to its operations team. Hagwood has joined the firm as a project manager and brings more than 10 years of commercial conHagwood struction experience in North Carolina. Hagwood, who is based in Wilmington, is co-managing the renovation and expansion of Pennybyrn at Maryfield, a retirement community in High Point. “The Pennybyrn project includes a renovation of a 92,000 square foot, 3.5 story senior living facility that includes an activity center and 240 apartments and new construction of an additional 42 units along with parking. Work is expected to begin in the Fall of 2020,” stated a news release. Haywood gained experience after college as a project engineer, before going on to manage projects ranging in value from $12 million to $58 million, stated the release. His previous work includes historic renovations, medical office buildings and military complexes. He graduated from East Carolina University’s construction management program.
Flynn joins Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage has welcomed DREW FLYNN to its team. Flynn is an experienced agent with a background in the hospitality industry. “Drew is a proactive and likable professional who Flynn does what it takes to get the job done for his clients,” said Kimberly Sands, manager of the firm’s Carolina Beach office. “We are very proud to have him here.” He has been a resident of Carolina Beach since 2005, officials said. “I’m thrilled to now be a part of Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage, as it allows me to pass on to my clients the insights and guidance of everyone on the team, from the marketing, training and IT departments to the administrative staff and leadership,” Flynn said.
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RESTAURANT ROUNDUP
BUSINESS OF LIFE
This is a sampling of stories from the Business Journal’s weekly Restaurant Roundup email. Subscribe at wilmingtonbiz.com.
On Front Street, market sells produce and more Atiba Johnson and Khalil Morris, co-owners of the newly opened Front Street Market & Produce, 604 S. Front St., say they saw a need and are working hard to fulfill it. “In recent years there has been a push for more access to groceries in the downtown area,” Johnson said. Johnson, who has owned several local businesses and is involved with local nonprofit organizations, said it was important to him to provide easy access to fresh produce and grocery staples to downtown residents, many of whom rely on public transportation to shop for food. Johnson said the building had been vacant for some time and was in need of significant repairs, including a new HVAC system, when he and Morris took over the lease in February. The market carries fresh produce, milk, eggs, bread, cereal and other staples. Johnson said he and Morris are working with local farmers to carry seasonal produce, though they do supplement with produce from other vendors in order to have a wide enough variety on a regular basis. The market also carries beer, wine, juice and soda, and there is a bar at the front of the store.
This year’s Greek Festival becomes drive-thru only While many local festivals have been postponed or canceled in light of COVID-19, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church will hold its annual Wilmington Greek Festival the weekend of Oct. 23-25, modifying the event as a drive-thru-only festival. St. Nicholas was supposed to have celebrated its 28th annual Greek Festival in May, but decided to postpone given social distancing guidelines. But having a drive-thru component is not entirely new to the festival – about five years ago, festival chairman Basile Katsikis came up with the idea of implementing a drive-thru as an option for the elderly, the handicapped and those who simply wanted a quick, convenient meal. Katsikis also proposed that a drive-thru could be a saving grace should inclement weather arise.
Despite some initial reservations on the part of fellow organizers, Katsikis said the drive-thru has been a very successful component of the festival ever since. And now it has made it easy for organizers to implement a drive-thru-only model that will allow the festival to take place safely as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. All festival workers will be temperature-checked at the start of each shift, and everyone will be required to wear a hat or hair net, an apron, a mask and gloves. All food will be packed in individual Styrofoam to-go containers.
Burry Chocolates brings sweet treats to Hampstead About a month ago, Emily and Brandon Burry opened the doors of Burry Chocolates, a Hampstead-based chocolate shop specializing in handmade sweets crafted from family recipes. Brandon’s grandfather, Al Burry, started The Fudge Shoppe in Flemington, New Jersey, in 1961, and he grew up around the shop, working there with his grandfather on weekends throughout high school. “My grandparents lived above the shop so we were there all the time,” Brandon Burry said. The Fudge Shoppe has had a very loyal following over the past several decades and has been featured on The Food Network and in numerous publications, according to the Burrys. He would eventually join the Marine Corps, but always had in the back of his mind the idea to one day own a chocolate shop of his own. The Burrys credit the support of their family with their ability to open the shop. Brandon’s parents are co-owners and his aunts and uncles who still run The Fudge Shoppe have mentored them through the process of getting the business up and running. Many of the specialty chocolates they carry are currently made at The Fudge Shoppe. Many of the shop’s other sweets are made on-site, however, including chocolate-covered Oreos, espresso beans and graham crackers, ABC (almond butter crunch), toffee and fudge. They also hand-dip fresh fruit each morning, including blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries. Burry Chocolates is located at 21572 U.S. 17 N. in Hampstead. -Jessica Maurer
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
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October 16 - November 5, 2020
Page 19
| BUSINESS OF LIFE | Seeing demand for flexible space BY CECE NUNN o matter how big your home is, the coronavirus pandemic could be making it feel smaller after six months of working, learning and mainly just staying at home. Inspired by his work with Wilmington’s Cargo District and its use of containers, Bryan Kristof has been working on a new company that offers a potential solution: backyard flex spaces made of shipping containers. He founded Craftspace with Gregg Howell, with designs by architect Ben Wilker of Wilker Design Co. “When I came over here [to the Cargo District in Wilmington] and I partnered with Leslie Smith, I moved Coworx over here at the very beginning, and then I collaborated with [Smith] on developing the concept for the Cargo District. When we did the Coworx space, that was kind of our first experience using containers,” said Kristof, who has since sold his interest in Coworx, a coworking concept. “Gregg actually is still a member of Coworx -- that’s how we met.” Howell wanted to tap into something new. “He came to me one day and said, ‘I’m kind of looking for something new and exciting.’ He has a background in the logistics and the trucking industry,” Kristof said. “That was a nice complement to what we needed.” They formed Craftspace in January with a different idea than what eventually worked out. “Really the initial focus was to kind of upcycle these containers to create spaces primarily for outdoor glamping or camping, that kind of thing,” Kristof said. “So we got about three months down the road working on some design ideas and then of course the bottom of the world fell out in March. So we quickly pivoted over to focus on creating some smaller backyard spaces.” The U.S. contains millions of unused shipping containers, according to the Craftspace website. “That’s 960,000,000 SF of space. Enough to build 7 Empire State Buildings every year, for the next 50 years,” the website states. “At Craftspace, we’re putting these containers back to work by creating modular building solutions for the great out-
N
PHOTO BY MICHAEL CLINE SPENCER
Backyard bungalows: Craftspace COO Gregg Howell (from left), CEO Bryan Kristof and architect Ben Wilker are shown with the backyard units they are making from cargo containers.
doors.” Craftspace has partnered with Gulfstream Steel & Supply, out of Holly Ridge, to handle the steel fabrication for the backyard flex spaces. “For this particular flex space product, we actually took a 40-foot container and we chopped it up into four smaller sections that we can use for these backyard spaces,” Kristof said. Where do they get their containers? “Right now for the first flex space units that we’re building Gulfstream, who’s our steel fabrication partner, they’ve been sourcing the containers for us,” Kristof said, “For other projects we’ve done in the past we’ve used other local brokers.” Under city rules, you can’t run a business out of one of the flex spaces, explained Kathryn Thurston, zoning administrator for the city of Wilmington. There are other rules guiding square footage and setbacks, as well as a rule for most residential and commercial districts that requires a container to be covered because it’s made of corrugated metal. Wilker said, “We are planning to have some very nice wood cladding
on the exterior of our units to warm it up a bit and break up the metal corrugation.” Another trend with small spaces has been cropping up, even before the pandemic. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are similar to the flex spaces Craftspace is building but involve more construction and permitting. ADUs have been part of an ongoing affordable housing discussion among local officials in the Wilmington area. Accessory dwellings are an old idea, according to a website devoted to the structures. But “they fell out of favor in the middle of the 20th century,” an article on accessorydwellings. org states. “Now, however, they’re coming back, and they have lots of names. Planners call them ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units), but they’re also known as granny flats, inlaw units, laneway houses, secondary dwelling units, and a hundred other names. ADUs can be tiny houses, but tiny houses aren’t always ADUs.” Glenn Harbeck, director of planning, development and transportation for the city of Wilmington, said, “There’s definitely a pattern across the whole nation and Canada, really
all of North America. If you just Goole ADUs, you’ll find that it’s a clear massive trend. In fact, in California, Washington, the West Coast, they’ve passed general state-enabling legislation that either encourages local governments to allow them or prohibits local governments from disallowing them because they’re such an efficient way of providing affordable housing.” ADUs are expected to be another phase for Craftspace in the future. The current backyard flex spaces being worked on “are more considered a shed, really, because they don’t include a bathroom or a kitchen; they’re really not designed necessarily for living in,” Kristof said. But they do have electricity and require an electrical permit. Their prices are expected to start in the mid-$20,000s, Kristof said. Craftspace is currently in production on the first flex space units and are taking pre-orders. They are also looking for investors and plan to launch a national crowdfunding campaign before the end of the year. Kristof said, “Hopefully as we ramp up production, we’re going to need additional help with building.”
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October 16 - November 5, 2020
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HEALTH CARE HEROES 2020
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| HEALTH CARE HEROES 2020 |
Honoring this year’s heroes
T
he word “hero” has been used a lot this year. During a global pandemic, caused by an unknown virus, those who take on risk to help and treat others have earned that title and more. The Greater Wilmington Business Journal has put on the Health Care Heroes awards program since 2013 to honor the people and organizations making an impact on the quality of health care in the region. In planning this year’s awards VICKY program, we talked about whether to add a 12th category specifically recognizing the work done on the fight against the coronavirus. But we decided against it, noting that COVID-19 has permeated all corners of health care – from the work done by the health providers, volunteers, professionals, administrators and others who are recognized in the awards. And that was reflected in the nominations that came in this year from patients, peers, co-workers and families. From an infectious disease physician and communicable disease nurse to a respiratory therapist to a paramedic visiting patients in their homes so they can limit their exposure. They, along with countless others, have formed the frontline to help protect the community. And still, other health concerns never took a pause
JANOWSKI
just because the rest of the world did. Many of the finalists this year continued their efforts to address those issues as well. Included in this year’s awards special section is the finalists in 10 categories: Community Achievement, Community Outreach, First Responder, Innovation in Health Care, Health Care Executive, PA/NP, Physician, Nurse, Health Care Professional and Volunteer. Their nominators share their accolades on the following pages. One of those is a tribute to Dr. Hemantkumar “Henry” Patel, a well-known and respected cardiologist who died earlier this year (page 14). And this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient is Dr. Daniel Gottovi, who was key in the founding of Wilmington Health Associates (now Wilmington Health) and Lower Cape Fear Hospice (now Lower Cape Fear LifeCare) – two organizations that have played pivotal roles this year. We normally have a big party to recognize the finalists and announce the winners. A big part of the program is to give health care workers a much-deserved night out. This year, of course, is different, but the intention behind the honors remains. So, please join us in congratulating and thanking these Health Care Heroes. -Vicky Janowski, editor Greater Wilmington Business Journal vjanowski@wilmingtonbiz.com On Twitter: @vickyjanowski
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ABOUT THE JUDGING
Each year, the Business Journal opens up the CARE HEALTH nominations process to the community for the Health Care Heroes awards. Our outside judging panel combs through the nominations and applications to pick the finalists and winners in each of the 10 categories as well as the Lifetime Achievement honor. Judges who know or work with the nominees disclosed any potential conflicts. In the cases in which judges were nominated in a category, they were recused from the deliberation process.
HEROES
JOHNSIE DAVIS, New Hanover Regional Medical Center
JIM HUNDLEY SR., retired physician and businessman
KELLY EROLA, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare
ALEXIS HUNTER, Wilmington Health
MICHEALLE GADY, Atromitos
ZAC LONG, Well Care Health
CHRIS GEORGE, PNC Bank
ELAINE LOYACK, Delta Dental
CHARLES HARDY, UNCW College of Health and Human Services
NORMAN ROBINSON, New Hanover-Pender County Medical Society representative
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HEALTH CARE HEROES 2020
2 0 2 0 AWA R D S
HEALTH CARE
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HEALTH CARE
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pg 5
pg 10
COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT: DAN GOTTOVI
pg 5
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
pg 11
pg 12
HEALTH CARE
NURSE PRACTITIONER / PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
HEROES pg 13
NURSE
pg 6
HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL
FIRST RESPONDER
pg 12
PHYSICIAN
pg 7
INNOVATION IN HEALTH CARE
pg 15
HEALTH CARE EXECUTIVE
pg 14
VOLUNTEER
Healthier, Together At NHRMC and NHRMC Physician Group, we’re leading our community to outstanding health by looking deeper and working harder to find innovative ways to deliver great care. We’re bringing health screenings to area neighborhoods, offering free exercise and nutrition programs, and volunteering with community partners throughout our region. And we’re just getting started. Join us at NHRMC.org. Together, we can make healthier happen.
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HEALTH CARE HEROES 2020
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| HEALTH CARE HEROES: COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT | Honors an individual or team who successfully implemented a program addressing a problem in health care administration or delivery.
ELIZABETH BARNES TITLE: Co-founder and executive director ORGANIZATION: Hope Abounds Cancer Network Inc. WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: “Elizabeth is a woman of not just talk but action. Hope Abounds serves children and adults who have been diagnosed with cancer. However, they go beyond that, and facilitate the families around the individual diagnosed by supporting the unit as a whole. Without Hope Abounds, I would have been drowning in confusion, debt and fear. They gave me and my family hope when many times we saw none. “The organization fights for advocacy and explanations. They put together resources for the unique needs of those of us who are battling cancer. “The best part is how special they make you feel … Hope Abounds serves in every area of care from initial diagnoses to follow-up care years later. “At the time of my son’s diagnosis, I was starting school for my master’s to become a family nurse practitioner. Hope Abounds gave me such peace and encouragement that without them, I would never have finished school. Today, I can say I am now a board-certified FNP! There are so many ways Hope Abounds shines and thus why they deserve this award.” - Raishael Tessari, family nurse practitioner
MARISSA BRYANT FRANKS TITLE: Health equity outreach coordinator ORGANIZATION: New Hanover Regional Medical Center WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: “Marissa has done a phenomenal job leading initiatives aimed at mitigating health disparities all throughout her work here at NHRMC. Her most recent project has been dedicated to eliminating disparities in birth outcomes for Black moms and babies, which is extremely important work at a local, state and national level. “She has effortlessly and fearlessly lead this work by engaging and influencing a plethora of partners and organizations ranging from clinicians to nonprofits and does a great job connecting and collaborating with each. “She has been a pleasure to work with and a tenacious leader dedicated to change, despite recently giving birth and battling the effects of the pandemic our country is facing. “Her efforts and work speak for themselves, having earned much recognition in the arena of community outreach and advocacy. “Her drive, motivation and continued impact in battling health disparities is what makes her worthy of the Health Care Hero award. She is the definition of a fearless, innovative leader in health and health equity.” - A colleague
DESIRAE HRYNKO TITLE: Marketing manager ORGANIZATION: Wilmington Health WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: “In February of this year, I was promoted from my role as Business Office Team Lead to Marketing Manager of our amazing company, Wilmington Health. I have served at this company for six years, and I started in a Patient Representative (front desk, patient check-in role). “Wilmington Health is dedicated to transforming the healthcare delivery system, but also hugely committed to providing an exceptional patient experience. My role as Marketing Manager began in one of the most pivotal times in healthcare, when COVID-19 truly ramped up and measures had to take place for our company to position ourselves as COVID Safety Advocates. “Within my role, I supported our organization in launching and educating our community of our WH Anywhere Virtual Visit program, which provided excellent access to care for the communities we serve. This launched within a couple of days. “Additionally, I knew it was important for our organization to stand up with our neighboring healthcare organization/ hospital, NHRMC, to provide valuable PSAs to our community. I teamed up NHRMC healthcare leaders and our healthcare leaders/infectious disease experts in creating PSAs with their personal advice on slowing the spread.” - Self
| HEALTH CARE HEROES: COMMUNITY OUTREACH | Honors an individual or team who communicated to the community about a health issue, including treatments and best practices, health threats and other education initiatives.
JOE CONWAY TITLE: Director of health equity and human experience ORGANIZATION: New Hanover Regional Medical Center WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: “Joe cares deeply about people. Not just people he likes or has things in common with. ALL people. This love for his fellow human beings overflows into everything he does. Few people see the countless hours he spends researching, attending community meetings and advocating for our community’s most vulnerable groups. “He is never one to back down from a challenge and always does everything in his power to find a solution. I am continually amazed at the innovative methods he dreams up to push the envelope towards change in a fun way. In his role, he relentlessly chases down the health disparities throughout our region that threaten to jeopardize the care of our patients. “In partnership with NHRMC’s LQBTQ+ employee resource group, Joe was a barrier breaker that supported and empowered his fellow employees to make changes meant to create a more welcoming environment for our LGBTQ+ friends. So much so that our score when from 25/100 to 85/100 in just one year! …” - Elizabeth Barfield, health equity educator
TR NUNLEY TITLE: Program coordinator ORGANIZATION: Wilmington Transgender Support Services WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: “TR and I first met as copanelists at an LGBTQIA health fair in town. After introducing ourselves, he asked if I was a member of the ‘community.’ As a privileged white cis-female, I was a little caught off-guard, and quickly recognized the meaning of his question, fumbling around for the best way to explain that I was an ally. TR’s welcoming and easy demeanor through that conversation was just the start of my recognizing his meaningful and ubiquitous presence in all matters related to equality and equity, especially around sexual orientation and gender identity. “I reconnected with TR through his involvement in transgender support groups. … TR remains actively involved in the upkeep of local transgender support groups. … “In June 2020, TR received, on behalf of the local community, the Wilmington City Council’s first official proclamation of June as Pride month. ... “I believe it’s his tireless community outreach to support and advance the well-being and health of the local LGBTQIA community makes him a true health care hero.” - Karen Isaacs, physician
CRAIG WAGNER TITLE: Chief marketing and engagement officer ORGANIZATION: Lower Cape Fear LifeCare WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: “Since 1980, Lower Cape Fear Hospice has been the leading hospice agency in Southeast North Carolina, providing the highest quality care, comfort, support and education to patients, their families and our communities. This year, we are celebrating 40 years of service and, as of Jan.1, we have rebranded as Lower Cape Fear LifeCare (LCFL). “Led by Craig Wagner, our Chief Marketing and Engagement Officer, the organization has navigated tremendous change in 2020, including a new name, an updated logo and a spectrum of health services to enhance access to care at any point in people’s lives. These expanded services reach well beyond our core hospice care program. “They now include hospice care, palliative care, dementia care, grief care, community education and veterans care. “For sure, 2020 has not turned out as we had anticipated at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare. We had planned to celebrate our 40th anniversary in a number of ways throughout the year. ... The pandemic has certainly put a damper on most of those festivities, but the commitment…and courage… of Craig Wagner, as well as our senior leadership team, our Board of Directors and our staff has never wavered.” - Jason Clamme, engagement manager
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| HEALTH CARE HEROES: FIRST RESPONDER| Honors a first responder whose performance is considered exemplary by patients, peers and other health care providers.
BETHANY HART
JIM MISTOVICH
TITLE: Flight paramedic ORGANIZATION: NHRMC AirLink/VitaLink Critical Care Transport WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: “Bethany Hart is an accomplished patient-centered flight paramedic who’s loved by her patients, peers, community, and recognized as a national leader. During her eight years in prehospital care, the last three of which were as a critical care flight paramedic for AirLink/ VitaLink Critical Care Transport, Bethany has continuously sought to improve herself, her peers and her community. “Bethany brings an energy to every project in which she’s involved. She is the only provider on our team that has received compliments from her patient’s families during phone calls with our reimbursement team. “One of these stories stands out. Bethany and her partner had flown to a request to aid for a child who had been seriously injured. Bethany found her patient extremely anxious but needing urgent air medical transport to the trauma center. The patient’s mother waited worriedly outside the ambulance while Bethany and her partner tended to her child. After calming the patient, Bethany took the time to calm and reassure the mother while explaining her care plan for the transport. Bethany held the patient’s hand during flight and became the highlight of her hospitalization experience. “During Hurricane Florence, Bethany observed that fellow first responders could benefit from better personal preparedness. In response, Bethany prepared, applied and was accepted to present on ‘a staff member’s preparedness for storm response’ at the international Air Medical Transport Conference in the fall of 2019. “During the same conference, Bethany noticed that she was one of less than a few dozen African Americans at the conference. Rather than become upset, she connected with the conference sponsors and asked to become involved in improving diversity within the air medical transport profession. As a result, Bethany became an inaugural member on the Association of Air Medical Service’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee for the Critical Care Transport Industry!” - Kevin Collopy, supervisor
TITLE: Community paramedic ORGANIZATION: NHRMC EMS WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: “Jim has worked for New Hanover Regional EMS since 2008 and is a consistent high performer. Jim has worked as paramedic, field training officer, a member of the EMS Water Rescue Team, Bike Team and New Hanover County Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team. He currently serves as a community paramedic, providing mobile integrated healthcare resources to at risk patients in the Cape Fear region. “In his role as community paramedic, Jim works with patients in their homes providing access to acute and preventative healthcare, while helping patients find ways to better manage their medical conditions and navigate community resources. Jim has excelled at collaboration, fostering relationships and patient-centered care. “Jim cared for a woman living in a second-story apartment, which required her to navigate multiple stairs and thus prevented her from leaving her apartment in six months. The woman had physical limitations and mental health concerns contributing to her situation. She was unable to keep her medical appointments, fill her prescriptions or even grocery shop. “She often refused outside assistance and had strained relationships with her medical home, friends and family. At times, she refused to see Jim, but he continued to visit. He collaborated with the patient, property owner and community resources to renovate the property making it safer for the patient and medical transport to use. “He advocated and arranged in-home physician visits, access to mental health, prescription delivery, access to food and collaborated with social work to find alternate living arrangements. This is one example where Jim’s dedication and service created opportunities to help patients live a healthier and happy life. “During the current COVID-19 pandemic, Jim’s role as a community paramedic has additional importance. He has visited and cared for high-risk patients in their homes who are at risk for contracting COVID-19.” - Timothy Corbett, manager/division chief
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| HEALTH CARE HEROES: HEALTH CARE EXECUTIVE | Honors an individual whose job performance is considered exemplary by people within their organizations, peers and community members.
RYAN ESTES TITLE: Treatment operations director ORGANIZATION: Coastal Horizons Center Inc. WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: “Ryan Estes is deserving of the Health Care Hero Award as he has and continues to make a significant positive impact on the quality of healthcare in Wilmington. He provides fiscal, policy and clinical oversight to Coastal’s programs in 27 counties. Ryan is a strategic thinker and is always looking for ways to meet the needs of those we serve. He was both instrumental and successful in building our Child First, Day Treatment and Intensive Family Preservation Services. “Child First is a nationally-recognized, evidenced-based, infant and young child mental health treatment and prevention program that uses a stress- and trauma-focused approach to support the highest-risk families. Services are conducted in the home setting. Seventy percent of children treated within the Child First program show improvement in social emotional functioning and 67% show reduced disruptive behaviors and aggression … “Ryan is very skilled at procuring funding to meet our community’s needs. ... Through state and federal funding, he has been able to bring $15M in new services to the tri-county area. Within Coastal Horizons, Ryan creates initiatives to meet staff needs ...” - Elizabeth Redenbaugh, development director
DAVID SCHULTZ TITLE: Hospitalist and associate chief medical officer ORGANIZATION: Wilmington Health WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: “Dr. Schultz wears many hats in our organization; including bearing the title of hospitalist and Associate Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Schultz dedicates himself to Wilmington Health’s mission of being ‘committed to using collaborative, evidence-based medicine in providing the highest quality of care to the patients we serve.’ … “Dr. Schultz was directly involved in launching the Today’s Care+, which is a service to our community providing low-cost, high-quality, innovative access to emergency-related care. Thus far, this effort has decreased the volume of emergency room visits in our region; reserving the usage of our emergency rooms for our most critical cases. “Additionally, Dr. Schultz has served as a clinical voice of expertise for the launch of Anchor Senior Care Advantage, which has allowed our community members 60+ to attain a personal physician, have physician-directed care and access to care that is both comprehensive and coordinated. In addition to these initiatives, Dr. Schultz has served on the front lines as a Hospitalist serving at NHRMC throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.” - Desirae Hrynko, marketing manager
DAVID STANLEY TITLE: Executive director ORGANIZATION: Brunswick County Health and Human Services WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: “It takes a true leader to consistently motivate, inspire and engage a team through a health crisis and a dangerous hurricane while supporting four departments with more than 200 employees—and that is exactly what we have in our Health and Human Services Executive Director David Stanley. “…Ultimately why I am nominating him for this recognition—is that David has an invaluable skill in bringing individuals together and fostering their unique talents to achieve impossible goals. Never has David’s leadership been more crucial than during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. “David had the foresight to anticipate COVID-19 far before the first positive case was identified in March, spurring his team to develop a COVID-19 response plan in December 2019. “As more cases were identified and changes in federal and state recommendations constantly shifted, David was a steadying force for our organization—often contacting and working with local and state officials to clarify restrictions and guidance to ensure the spirit of the regulations and executive orders was communicated correctly with the public …” - Randell Woodruff, Brunswick County manager
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| HEALTH CARE HEROES: LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT |
Seeing needs, sowing solutions BY JENNY CALLISON aniel Gottovi isn’t an obstetrician, but he has helped birth two medical entities in Wilmington that have shaped the health care community here: Lower Cape Fear LifeCare and Wilmington Health. Gottovi, a retired pulmonologist, is honored with this year’s Health Care Heroes Lifetime Achievement Award for his role as one of the founding physicians of the hospice organization that is now known as Lower Cape Fear LifeCare. He led the group that launched the nonprofit in 1980 and became its first board of directors. The fledgling hospice organization cared for its first patient that same year. “I had taken The Washington Post for many years,” he said recently. “It has a Sunday journal [magazine] section, and it had an article about the first hospice program in the U.S. – in New Haven, Connecticut. I read that article. “At about the same time, I had a patient who had lung cancer that had spread to the bone. Cancer is very painful when it’s in the bone. He badly wanted to go home, but there was no way for us to do that. We did not have good pain management techniques and no hospice program.” That was in the mid-1970s, when hospice care in this country, where it existed, consisted of volunteers caring for dying patients, according to MedicineNet.com. The nation’s first official hospice program – the subject of that Washington Post story – was established in 1974 and was based on groundbreaking hospice work in England. Inspired by what he learned about the Connecticut program and distressed by his patient’s plight, Gottovi realized that Wilmington could benefit from a hospice organization. Other doctors were interested as well, including James Bryan II, an internist and professor of medicine and social medicine at UNC School of Medicine. “Jim Bryan was one of my teachers at UNC when I was a resident there,” Gottovi said. “He was very involved with the statewide hospice effort and helped us get off the ground.” Gottovi scheduled a public meeting at the county health department to discuss the possibility of starting a hospice here. The response was encouraging. “I was just happy that there was a
D
PHOTO BY MICHAEL CLINE SPENCER
In practice: Retired pulmonologist Daniel Gottovi made significant contributions to Wilmington’s health care landscape during his career, helping to create the area’s hospice organization and co-founding Wilmington Health.
lot of interest in the community, that people came to that initial show and tell,” he recalled. “The interest was among both medical professionals and laypeople.” With confirmation of both the need and the community’s support, Gottovi and others formed a steering group. The group eventually got a small grant from United Way of the Cape Fear Area that allowed the program to launch. It hired Eloise Thomas as part-time executive director. By the early ’80s, the hospice effort was off the ground and functioning. Gottovi was never a physician with the local hospice. His role was to organize and oversee its formation and to chair the original board of directors that prepared it to grow and flourish. “The whole idea was to provide home care, home support,” he added. “The facility we have now evolved later on.
“We ran training for volunteers to care for people at home. Many were nurses – particularly public health nurses – who were a strong support group. Some [volunteers] had no medical training as such. We taught them how to be with dying patients from various diseases and how to be supportive.” The pulmonologist’s early work to organize hospice began just a few years after he arrived in Wilmington. Originally from Albion, in western New York, Gottovi earned his medical degree at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. He and his wife, Karen, moved south where he completed a residency, followed by a fellowship in pulmonology, at UNC Medical Center. The teaching relationship between Chapel Hill and New Hanover County’s hospital pulled him to Wilmington. “I came here in 1971 to open
a practice and contribute to the teaching program at New Hanover,” he said, adding that he was asked to start a program in internal medicine. He also teamed up with cardiologist Norman Robinson to open a joint practice. Gottovi said Robinson migrated to Wilmington from Chapel Hill at about the same time as he did. “I was the only doctor in town with specific training in pulmonary diseases; Norman was the only doctor with a cardiology specialty,” he said. “When we came here we were the first new physicians in a long time.” What the two young doctors could not know was that their small practice would be the seed from which Wilmington Health would blossom. “Wilmington has grown a lot, and Wilmington Health grew as the community grew,” Gottovi said. “At first, we were mostly in internal medicine. When we wanted to hire a new specialist, we would ask local doctors, ‘What are you having to send to Chapel Hill?’ Early on, it was oncology. Then neurology.” The growing specialty group subsequently merged with a pediatric group and surgical group to expand beyond internal medicine. Later, Wilmington Health added a family practice unit. Gottovi retired in 2005 after spending 35 years with Wilmington Health. Then he and Karen moved to Raleigh, where she served as the director of the N.C. DHHS’s Division of Aging. When she retired five years later, Gottovi accepted a position on the medical staff of the Roanoke Chowan Community Health Center in Ahoskie, and the couple moved back to Eastern North Carolina. “Ahoskie needed help; I ended up working there for five years, doing general internal medicine and some pulmonary medicine,” he said. “I liked what I was doing and could have stayed longer.” But retirement living called, and in 2015 the Gottovis returned to Wilmington, choosing Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall as their home. These days, the doctor says he spends much of his time reading, from medical information to poetry to meditations to serious fiction. “I don’t do any medicine except I keep a very expensive subscription to UpToDate, an online medical resource, so I can find and print out information,” he said. “I guess you could say I do consultation about difficult diagnoses for family and friends.”
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| HEALTH CARE HEROES: HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL | Honors any health care providers other than physicians or nurses whose performance is considered exemplary by patients, peers and other health care providers.
JANET AXELSON TITLE: Medical social worker ORGANIZATION: Well Care Health WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: “Janet Axelson has been a medical social worker for 17 years, and she has been a respected member of the Well Care Home Health team for over seven years. “She has experienced the incredible benefits of social work firsthand. ‘Growing up, we didn’t have a lot of money, and we frequently needed public assistance. I met many social workers when I was a child, and they were always so helpful to us,’ said Janet. ‘That’s when I knew I wanted to be a social worker.’ “Janet was a single mother of two and recently divorced when she decided to finish her education and finally realize her dream of helping others. ‘I worked as a waitress on weekends and went to school during the week. It was not easy, but my experiences as a child motivated me to work hard and keep going. I knew I wanted to become a social worker and help others who were in the same situation I faced,’ she said. “Janet graduated with her bachelor’s degree in social work from UNCW and is now also a certified victim advocate … “Words from one of Janet’s co-workers: ‘Janet goes above and beyond in caring for our patients. ...’” - Zac Long, CEO
LUANN BARWICK TITLE: Respiratory therapist ORGANIZATION: Dosher Memorial Hospital WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: “LuAnn Barwick is a shining example of a healthcare hero. She has worked at Dosher Hospital for well over 35 years and continues to go above and beyond on a daily basis. “LuAnn has always been an avid supporter of Dosher Hospital and the surrounding community … In the most recent months, since the onset of COVID-19, she has surpassed expectations and gone the extra miles for her co-workers and patients.” She was one of the first employees to get on board with the wearing of face masks, even before the recommendation came from the CDC. LuAnn has gone out of her way to encourage and train others in the proper use of PPE. She keeps up with the ever changing CDC recommendations, and passes them on to others. “In addition to all of this, her bedside manner with her patients is caring, compassionate and understanding. LuAnn is sensitive to each patient’s physical, mental and emotional needs. “If you happen to walk by and see LuAnn treating or interacting with a patient, your heart will be warmed by the kindness and respect that she gives to each patient. ...” - Lisa Narron, colleague
NOVA SWANSTROM TITLE: Therapist ORGANIZATION: Delta Behavioral Health WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: “When I first met Nova and shared my interest in providing transgender medical care, little did I know that she really was THE only local gender therapist at the time, nor did I grasp just how many referrals would come my way. I have no doubt that the local transgender community gained better entrée into our healthcare system over the past few years, in large part due to Nova’s work. “Her vast years of experience and certification through the World Professional Association of Transgender Health have made her a real trailblazer, in normalizing patients’ and families’ experiences, and steadily guiding them to affirming and appropriate health care. She created the local free transgender support groups here in Wilmington, and she has trained multiple other therapists in gender issues to help broaden workforce competence. She serves patients from all over Southeast NC and Northeast SC. She also maintains and shares a list of trans friendly and other affirming health-related resources with other providers across the medical profession. “Perhaps most impressive is her professional outreach to other healthcare providers on behalf of mutual patients/ clients. ...” - Karen Isaacs, physician
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| HEALTH CARE HEROES: INNOVATION| Honors an individual or team behind a new scientific discovery, procedure, treatment or device that can save lives or improve the quality of life for a large number of people.
ANDY ALMETER TITLE: Manager of business operations, regional and specialty service ORGANIZATION: New Hanover Regional Medical Center WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: “Because of Andy Almeter’s previous work in understanding how physical infrastructure impacts health, and understanding and using healthcare data to predict outcomes, Senior Leadership drafted him at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to assist NHRMC’s Incident Command with predictive modeling. “Combining information from national and local trends with active local case data, Andy worked with leadership to anticipate the number and type of hospital admissions at NHRMC. “Using this data, Andy was also able to assist supply chain leadership in the development of a PPE dashboard based on the actual and anticipated number of patients in the system. This has provided system level awareness of the most important PPE items needed to keep staff, patients and the community safe as COVID-19 developed, and prevented shortages. “Andy also took the lead in developing a COVID-19 research team to explore the latest daily publications and research about coronavirus.” - Michael Voorheis, senior copywriter, NHRMC
UNCW SCHOOL OF NURSING FACULTY AND STAFF
JEFF JAMES TITLE: CEO ORGANIZATION: Wilmington Health WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: “Wilmington Health is committed to continually developing collaborative and innovative solutions that demonstrate quality, reduce the cost of care and improve the patient experience. Jeff’s mantra with his leadership team is to meet patients’ needs exactly where and how the patients want them to be met. “Wilmington Health implemented a comprehensive communication platform that allows patients to interact with practice team members and providers via text, email and live-chat. Patients who do not have smartphones have access to live-chat via the Wilmington Health website as an alternative. . . . “On March 1, 2020, Wilmington Health opened Today’s Care+ to provide patients an alternative to the emergency room while still receiving acute care. “Through Jeff’s leadership, Wilmington Health offers extended hours for primary care and specialty patients. Managing through Hurricane Florence, leaders and providers alike quickly pivoted to see patients during nontraditional hours and over weekends. This experience helped usher in a shift in perceptions throughout the practice to embrace and accept this change.” - Desirae Hrynko, marketing manager
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: “The mission of the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) School of Nursing (SON) is to educate and empower nursing and clinical research professionals to advance the health of diverse individuals and communities, through excellence in teaching, practice, research and scholarly activity. “Innovation is a key component to realizing this mission. Using innovative approaches, faculty and staff in the UNCW SON [which is headed up by Linda Haddad, School of Nursing director, shown above] deliver quality healthcare education programs that prepare entry-level nurses, nurse educators, family nurse practitioners, nurse executives and leaders, psych-mental health nurses and clinical researchers for the Wilmington community, southeast coast and beyond. “Their innovative approaches include offering programs that are accessible to diverse populations of learners including those who are employed while enrolled in a nursing or clinical research program, using simulation and simulated patients, and offering applied learning internships where students gain real-life experience as a nurse or clinical researcher.” - Elizabeth (Beth) Gazza, associate director for faculty and staff development
| HEALTH CARE HEROES: NP/PA | Honors a nurse practitioner or physician assistant whose performance is considered exemplary by patients, peers and other health care providers.
LAURA QUARINO TITLE: Family nurse practitioner ORGANIZATION: Brunswick County Health Services WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: “Laura joined our Health Services team as our Family Nurse Practitioner in 2012, bringing a wealth of experience in public health and family medicine to the department. While she has always been an outstanding public servant and colleague, she has truly stepped up to plate during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our Health Services team recognized early on that access to testing was of paramount concern, especially for those in our communities who have no insurance or limited financial resources to get a test. “Often the struggle to get a test impacts several members of a household, including the children. Laura played a large part in the decision to dedicate Health Services’ COVID-19 testing resources for children who were suspected of having the virus or were close contacts to positive cases. She implemented the testing program and currently administers COVID-19 tests for adolescents aged 17 or younger—sometimes at little to no expense for the family. “While she may see this challenge as just a part of the job, we know that what she is doing exceeds the expectations we initially set for ourselves at the beginning of the pandemic.” – Randell Woodruff, Brunswick County manager
AMANDA REYNOLDS TITLE: Family nurse practitioner ORGANIZATION: Dosher Medical Urgent Care WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: “Amanda Ryenolds is what all NPs should strive for. She is incredibly focused and patient-oriented. She goes above and beyond for the safety and care for her patients. Not only does she give wonderful patient care, she goes out of her way to care for her staff and to ensure our safety. I have no words to explain her commitment and dedication during the COVID pandemic. The endless hours she has researched and studied the virus, you would not believe. Not only is she running a COVID Clinic, she also sees patients for Urgent Care needs. She is able to manage both Urgent Care and COVID patients without flaw.” - A co-worker “Amanda Reynolds is a wonderful provider. I am the courier for Dosher Memorial Hospital. I have to visit the Dosher Urgent Care twice a day and it never fails that she greets me with a smile on her face. She has handled all the COVID cases with compassion for the patients as the urgent care was converted to a COVID clinic. She handled the change with professionalism and courtesy. Hands down I would recommend her to anyone that needs care. – Jared Harris, co-worker
REBECCA WESTENDORF TITLE: Physician assistant ORGANIZATION: Cape Fear Heart Associates WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: “Rebecca has been working in Wilmington in the field of cardiology since 1999, after graduating PA school, either at Wilmington Cardiology or its successor, Cape Fear Heart Associates. She has evolved into a senior leader in our APP division of CFHA. “Rebecca currently specializes in the field of electrophysiology (including device management and arrhythmias). Her assistance and leadership have also helped open and maintain our left ventricular assist device (LVAD) clinic as well as our new Atrial Fibrillation Clinic. “She goes the extra mile for her patients as well, ensuring that their medical plan fits their specific needs, as well as ensuring that there are not social or economical impediments to receiving their care. She has routinely been seen making phone calls after clinic to pharmacies as well as NHRMC to attempt to gain best possible pricing. “Also, very recently, she was thrust into the role of group matriarch and support staff. With the sudden passing of our colleague, Dr. Henry Patel, Rebecca was the first to reach out and make sure that everyone was holding up and accommodating with the tragedy.” – Michael Yarnoz, doctor at CFHA
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| HEALTH CARE HEROES: NURSE | Honors a nurse whose performance is considered exemplary by patients, peers and other health care providers.
RACHAEL BALDWIN TITLE: Lead communicable disease nurse ORGANIZATION: Brunswick County Health Services WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: “While each member of our health team continues to impress us with their efforts, I and several members of our county leadership, Health and Human Services department, Emergency Services department and community partners cannot help but recognize the exceptional contributions Lead Communicable Disease Nurse Rachael Baldwin has made toward our COVID-19 response over the past six months. “As leader of our COVID-19 team, Rachael has taken on several duties outside of her normal role, performing them with the highest degree of professionalism, kindness and perseverance despite the incredible stress and uncertainty of the situation. ... “All the conversations you hear about contact tracing, quarantine/isolation instructions and testing guidance? Rachael leads the contact tracing team of county public health nurses who regularly check in with each positive case to see how they are doing throughout their 14-day isolation period—often making those phone calls herself ... “And who is there to support and guide our county’s nursing homes and assisted living facilities experiencing an outbreak? You guessed it—it’s Rachael leading the way.” - Randell Woodruff, Brunswick County manager
JURLEY TORIAN TITLE: Registered nurse, account executive ORGANIZATION: Well Care Health WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: “Jurley Torian has been a registered nurse for 10 years and a valued member of the Well Care Home Health team for over five years. She began at Well Care Health as an orthopedic triage nurse and then transitioned to a physician liaison role as an account executive. “She began her career with a bachelor’s degree in communications and worked for years in retail management. Then she earned her associate’s in nursing from Cape Fear Community College. “Now in a liaison role, Jurley doesn’t do direct patient care, but she is very involved in their care management. She works with healthcare providers in the community to ensure patients get the help they need. ... Sadly, Jurley’s husband, a U.S. Marine, passed away while deployed in Afghanistan in 2014. ‘When an opportunity to work with the VA came up, I immediately raised my hand and said, ‘I’ll take it!’ I want to do everything I can to help veterans. It is my way of giving back after losing my husband,’ she said. “Jurley is passionate about keeping patients safe at home and goes the extra mile to make sure they are healthy and happy.” - Zac Long, CEO
MITCHELL WATSON TITLE: RN ORGANIZATION: New Hanover Regional Medical Center WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: “Mitchell first became a nurse three years ago after graduating from Cape Fear Community College. He went on to be a nurse at New Hanover Regional in their Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Unit (STICU). “I believe that in 2020, amidst the COVID crisis, that I have seen Mitchell surpass all expectations to serve patients, co-workers and the community. In late March his STICU was transformed into a permanent COVID patient unit. Each shift, I have watched him suit up ... and go to work and love on these patients. “It has been an extreme learning curve as he and his team are learning about a new virus with many sick patients. ... “Outside of working directly with his patients, Mitchell has been able to help spread joy and happiness to his team, and other health care providers. He wrote to Hershey’s chocolate company in April asking them to help him bring some cheer to what has otherwise been a very strenuous and taxing work environment. Hershey’s wrote back with a 75-pound donation of all their best chocolate. ... “He continually talks about how it is all the little moments of joy right now that are keeping people going.” - Mackenzie Watson, wife
THANK YOU! Through the support of our valued corporate partners, community leaders and generous donors, NHRMC Foundation is excited to announce that over $100, 00 0 has been raised through our 2020
Founders’ Non-Gala
PRESENTING SPONSOR
All funds raised through this initiative will enhance the pediatric MRI experience at the NHRMC Betty H. Cameron Women’s & Children’s Hospital through the integration of a Caring MRI Suite.
BLACK-TIE SPONSOR
CHAMPAGNE SPONSOR
FOUNDER SPONSOR
Page 14
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
HEALTH CARE HEROES 2020
| HEALTH CARE HEROES: PHYSICIAN | Honors a physician whose performance is considered exemplary by patients, peers and other health care providers.
PAUL KAMITSUKA TITLE: Infectious disease expert ORGANIZATION: Wilmington Health WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: “Dr. Kamitsuka is a renowned infectious disease expert who has been performing infectious disease consultations in this area for 26 years, and in total 38 years. Not only does he do clinical medicine on a daily basis, he is a lecturer on various topics in infectious diseases in the Harvard System. “He is widely recognized across the country as an expert of the highest order. He serves as the Infection Control consultant at NHRMC and has been pivotal in assisting NHRMC and Wilmington Health along with Dr. Matt Sincock in our preparations and response to the COVID epidemic. Dr. Kamitsuka also provides compassionate state-of-the-art direct care to patients with COVID in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. “There is no question in my mind that his presence and involvement in this medical community has elevated the quality of care in this area. The entire medical community relies on his expertise and his willingness to get involved in the care of our patients. We are all deeply beholden to Dr. Kamitsuka for his contributions to our healthcare system.” - Jonathan Hines, physician
REBECCA CLARE LEE TITLE: Physician ORGANIZATION: Lower Cape Fear LifeCare WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: “Dr. Rebecca Lee, a certified palliative and hospice care physician for Lower Cape Fear LifeCare (LCFL), has been a valued team member of LCFL for over 15 years, caring for some of Brunswick County’s most vulnerable community members: hospice and palliative care patients. “Her skill level and expertise in medicine is matched only by her compassion and respect for everyone she encounters. Dr. Lee is a consummate professional who has risen to the top of her field, exhibiting characteristics that make her a true Health Care Hero, such as … • Dr. Lee treats every patient and family with the same amount of attention, dignity, and respect. Many folks are amazed that a physician would devote an hour or more of her time to not only provide medical advice, but also listen to their thoughts and concerns. • Dr. Lee is a strong patient advocate who is able to have difficult conversations with seriously ill patients and their families … • Dr. Lee is a true educator. She takes the time to explain to patients in detail their disease symptoms, processes and treatment options. “You won’t find a physician that’s more dedicated to her profession than Rebecca Lee.” - Starr Worthington, director of patient care services
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HENRY PATEL TITLE: Electrophysiologist ORGANIZATION: Cape Fear Heart Associates WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: “On August 3, 2020 the Cape Fear Community lost a beloved physician, leader, teacher and friend. Dr. Henry Patel passed away unexpectedly and tragically. “Dr. Patel was a leader of our medical community. He was instrumental in guiding the success of his practice groups, first Wilmington Cardiology and subsequent involvement in the leadership of Cape Fear Heart Associates. He served for years on the Cardiology Council – an advisory group of physician leaders and administrators formed to help guide the direction of the Cardiac Service Line at NHRMC. … “In his practice as an invasive electrophysiologist, Henry earned the nickname ‘Ninja’ in the Electrophysiology Lab for his legendary ability to accomplish the impossible, when a difficult or complicated case arose. He was always ready to lend a hand to his colleagues when a challenge presented itself. Since his passing, we have remembered many of the hundreds, if not thousands of lives that he saved with his procedural skills. “Henry was devoted to his practice at Cape Fear Heart Associates but he was extraordinarily devoted to his patients. ...” - Praful Patel and William Smith, physicians
ful Q & A Sponsors’ Content Distributed By Greater Wilmington Business Journal
ACOUSTIC WAVE THERAPY
Q: A:
How Does Acoustic Wave Therapy fit into your overall practice?
As a practice focused on Restorative and Regenerative Medicine, the Frank Institute is always researching, working, and ultimately serving our patients with examinations, assessments and treatments that allow them to live their best and healthiest lives. The advancements and wide-range of treatment advantages to Acoustic Wave Therapy make it a perfect fit for the Frank Institute. As the only FDA cleared treatment of its kind, AWT is changing the treatment world for men with erectile dysfunction, women battling urinary incontinence, and for any person struggling with injury recovery or issues of blood flow. So Acoustic Wave Therapy treats anything from joint pain and muscle soreness, to chronic issues that many Americans deal with. And every treatment is non-invasive no needles, no cuts of any kind. Any patient that gets an AWT treatment at the Frank Institute can come into our offices, and be out within minutes, and in most cases already feeling better! And we are particularly proud to be the only provider of Acoustic Wave Therapy in southeastern North Carolina. So we would encourage anyone that has questions about our work, or this particular treatment, to give us a call at (910) 679-8534 or reach out through an email to info@frankinstitute.com. We also have a great Symptom Survey on our website, at www.frankinstitute.com. We cannot wait to talk to you, and help you get back to optimal health!
At the Frank Institute, you live - we help HARRISON “GABE” FRANK, MD Frank Institute
Greater Wilmington Business Journal
HEALTH CARE HEROES 2020 Page 15
| HEALTH CARE HEROES: VOLUNTEER | Honors a volunteer at a health care provider or other health-related organization who is considered exemplary by people within those organizations.
GEORGE ELAM TITLE: Volunteer and president, New Hanover Regional Medical Center Auxiliary Board of Directors ORGANIZATION: NHRMC WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: “George Elam has been a volunteer at New Hanover Regional Medical Center for the past seven years, and in that time has made a difference for thousands of patients, families and staff. Frequently mentioned in patient surveys and recognized by staff, George has that rare quality in a person that is so impactful for a volunteer, especially in a hospital setting: the ability to identify and relate to those who need him most. “Two out of his three volunteer shifts each week, George volunteers in the Surgical Waiting Room at NHRMC’s Orthopedic Hospital. George also volunteers in the Surgical Pavilion on NHRMC’s main campus, where he helps patients and their families get where they need to go, always with a warm smile and an encouraging word to ease their worries. “Even volunteering at NHRMC three afternoons each week was not enough for George. He wanted to give back even more. Since 2016, George has served on the NHRMC Auxiliary’s Board of Directors, serving as the Chair of the Outreach Committee and most recently, as the Board president in 2020. “But what really sets George apart is his deep dedication to helping as many people as he possibly can.” - Erin Balzotti, director of volunteer and auxiliary services
LT. CONSTANCE FOREMAN TITLE: Physician and Navy Reserve officer ORGANIZATION: NHRMC Physician Group WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: “In addition to being a compassionate physician in the community, Dr. Foreman is a naval reservist. She recently completed a tour of duty in Guam to support COVID relief. While still away on deployment, Dr. Foreman accepted an invitation to serve on the founding board of the Honor Flight of the Cape Fear Area, where she chairs the marketing and communications committee.” - Ruth Ravitz Smith, president and founder of Honor Flight of the Cape Fear Area and RR Smith Strategic Solutions LLC, and NHRMC’s blog Smith said an NHRMC blog post from April also sums up Foreman’s commitment. The following are portions of that post: “Dr. Foreman, who is a Navy Lieutenant, joined the Navy Reserves in 2015 while still in residency and commissioned into a program called Training in Medical Specialties (TMS), which she said offered service time for her completion of residency. “‘In my family, I have representatives of all the military branches, but my biological father and two uncles, whom I respect very much, were Marines. ... I decided that this was how I could honor my family.’”
DAN KOPCHICK TITLE: Volunteer ORGANIZATION: Lower Cape Fear LifeCare WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: “Dan Kopchick has been a volunteer with Lower Cape Fear LifeCare (formerly Lower Cape Fear Hospice) since 2017. During that time, he has served as a patient care volunteer – visiting over 30 hospice patients in their homes or at long term care and nursing facilities. He is a retired social worker who offers his time religiously and frequently is responsible for visiting with four or five patients and families at a time. “Dan’s willingness to take on patients that are sometimes difficult to ‘place’ with a volunteer is greatly appreciated. He will make that longer drive to visit a patient, will visit that person who is perhaps not so easy to be with and makes the lives of the people he is visiting better by his presence. ... “Dan has immediately jumped into the Dementia Pilot Program that was started at our organization – and is one of the first volunteers to serve both our dementia clients/families as well as our hospice patients. “Having a volunteer like Dan in the mix here at our agency is invaluable.” - Mary Warmkessel, volunteer services coordinator
HEALTH CARE HEROES
CELEBRATING ALL OF OUR 2020 MASKED SUPERHEROES! At Wilmington Health, we’ve been committed to the care and health of our community since 1971, and we celebrate the dedication of our world-class caregivers every day. Join us in celebrating our colleagues that were nominated for the Greater Wilmington Business Journal’s 2020 Health Care Heroes Awards! And congratulations to all of the finalists for this year’s Health Care Heroes Awards! Your dedication and compassion for our community truly makes a positive impact!
DR. PAUL KAMITSUKA
Infectious Diseases and Internal Medicine
Physician Award
DESIRAE HRYNKO Marketing Manager
Community Achievement Award JEFF JAMES
Wilmington Health CEO
Innovation in Health Care Award DR. DAVID SCHULTZ
wilmingtonhealth.com
Hospitalist
Health Care Executive Award
