Young business professionals in Carteret County have launched an organization known as “Connect Carteret, A Young Professionals Network.” The group is endorsed as an independent entity by the Chamber and the Economic Development Council. For more information about “Connect Carteret, A Young Professionals Network,” contact Julie Naegelen at the Chamber at julie@nccoastchamber.com

The Chamber’s Board of Directors endorses concerns raised by the NC-20 public/private partnership related to the recent settlement agreement announced by state Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin that will increase homeowners insurance rates on July 1, 2013. The Chamber believes the rate increases of 19.8 percent for coastal Territory 8 (all of Bogue Banks) and 8.6 percent for mainland Territory 52 (the remainder of Carteret County) are “unsubstantiated, unwarranted and unjustified.”  Chamber leaders sent letters to local legislators requesting that the General Assembly get actively engaged and review the rate-making process (including the composition and authority of the North Carolina Rate Bureau and the administrative powers of the North Carolina Insurance Commissioner).

The Chamber presented six individual awards at the 2013 Crystal Ball on April 19 at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City.

 

Receiving Citizen of the Year Awards were Rodney Kemp of Chalk & Gibbs Real Estate and Insurance and longtime Atlantic Beach resident Cap’n Jim Willis. Rodney is a renowned local historian, and Cap’n Jim is a self-proclaimed “banksologist.” Both of these gentlemen are fantastic storytellers and have contributed immeasurably to the heritage and culture of Carteret County..

 

Chef Floyd Olmstead of Floyd’s 1921 Restaurant in Morehead City received the Arnold Murray Small Business Person of the Year Award. 

 

Debbie Fisher, a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, received the Debbie Godwin Ambassador of the Year Award. This was the fourth time that she has earned this recognition.

 

Past Chair Mal Garland won the Cassie Algeo Award for Extraordinary Chamber Leadership.

 

The newly created “Pro Operibus Civilibus” Award recognizing an individual from the public sector for outstanding civic deeds was presented posthumously to the late Senator Jean Preston. 

 

About 125 Chamber members and guests attended the 2013 Crystal Ball. The buffet dinner was catered by Floyd’s 1921 Restaurant. Entertainment was provided by new Chamber member Blue Banyan Productions, DJ Rodney Leary. 

The Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee presented its John C. Beitz Service Person of the Quarter Luncheon on April 12 in Morehead City. About 50 Chamber members and guests attended. MAC Chair David Heath served as master of ceremonies and recognized the Service Persons of the Quarter: Lance Cpl. Cory D. Wolf of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point and Fireman Derrik A. Ibarra of Coast Guard Sector North Carolina, Field Office Fort Macon Engineering Support Division. Luncheon sponsors were White Swan Express of Atlantic Beach, Woodmen of the World Lodge 1513, “The Teacherage” Newport Historical Museum and Island Essentials – A Linen & Leisure Supply Company.

Anytime Fitness of Morehead City has received the Chamber’s Award of Merit for Development. This award recognizes building construction projects that make a positive statement for “Community Character.” “By honoring projects that enhance and preserve the unique, coastal qualities that define our communities, we hope to encourage an attractive commercial landscape,” said Chair Mary Carlyle Brown. “This is a 5,000-square-foot, green building, which is environmentally friendly and on track to become LEED-certified for its sustainability,” she added. “Distinguishing characteristics include the aluminum roof, horizontal lap siding, decorative corbel brackets, louvered sunshades and the earth-toned color palette with stone and wood accents. The high ceilings allow the natural daylight to permeate the gym area, creating a spacious ambiance that makes the workout experience pleasant and comfortable.” 

The Chamber presents Business After Hours from 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 30, sponsored and hosted by Bogue Watch Realty at the clubhouse at Bogue Watch, 201 Bogue Watch Drive, Newport. Chowdaheads of Emerald Isle is catering the food, and beer and wine will be available. Admission to Business After Hours is $5 and a business card. Make your reservation and pay in advance at Chamber headquarters, 801 Arendell St., Morehead City, or call 726-6350 and charge it with MasterCard or VISA. 

The Chamber is teaming up with the Morehead City Marlins baseball team for special functions during the upcoming season. On Saturday, June 8, the Marlins play an exhibition game with the USA Military All-Stars at 7:05 p.m. The Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee will have special activities, including its annual Fish Fry Fundraiser. The meal will be prepared by White Swan Express of Atlantic Beach, a 4 Star MAC Sponsor. Fried flounder plates will be $10 for adults and $5 for children. 

Wednesday, June 19, is “Chamber Night with the Marlins.” To view the full Marlins 2013 schedule, go to www.mhcmarlins.com.

The Chamber’s annual Reverse Drawing is Saturday evening, August 17, at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City. This event is open to the public…and it’s earned the reputation as being the best party of summer and the hottest ticket at the beach. The grand prize is $10,000. Only 325 tickets will be sold, so the odds of winning the big money are better than in the state lottery. 

 

You don’t have to be present to win, but each $100 ticket admits two people to the event, which includes a buffet dinner, an open bar, a silent auction, entertainment, dancing, costume contest prizes, plenty of fun and good fellowship and a free cab ride home within the county limits. Contact Tracey Brinson at tracey@nccoastchamber.com or 726-6350.