The Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce honored several

individuals and businesses at their Annual Awards Program on Thursday, January 19,

2023 at Lu Mil Winery.  The awards were presented in five categories to individuals and businesses who have impacted Bladen County in 2022.

Award winners are:

OUTSTANDING CHAMBER MEMBER OF THE YEAR: The Outstanding

Chamber Member of the Year is given to a member organization or business that has

shown exceptional service and dedication throughout the prior year. The Award recipient

may be celebrating a milestone, have accomplished remarkable achievements, and overcome tremendous obstacles.

AWARD WINNER: Camp Clearwater, White Lake

The Management and staff at Camp Clearwater are very active in the Chamber and serve on

many committees. They have increased their activities and opened more of them to the general

public effectively enhancing the attraction and image of White Lake while constantly upgrading

their property.

OUTSTANDING SMALL BUSINESSPERSON AWARD

The Outstanding Small Business Award is given to an individual(s) who represents a

Chamber Member. The individual receiving this award is invested in the success of the

Chamber, local businesses, and the community.

AWARD WINNER: Michael and Gina Burney, Burney’s Sweets & More

The Burneys not only have expanded their businesses to several other areas, but their

flagship shop in Elizabethtown has become a “must visit” destination in Bladen County.

Michael and Gina are active on the Downtown Committee, participated in a radio campaign promoting shopping in Elizabethtown, and provide great advice and feedback to efforts of the Chamber and the Cape Fear Farmers Market.

CARING PERSON AWARD

The Caring Person Award is given to an individual (who may or may not be a Chamber Member) for meritorious service to the community. 

AWARD WINNER: David deAndrade

According to the nomination form, David deAndrade gives quietly and has for many,

many years.” After a visit to El Salvador, he started a non-profit foundation, 828

Networks. The Foundation has a long-term commitment to providing educational

opportunities to El Salvadoran children who would otherwise not have that opportunity providing satellite internet and laptops. His works is also seen locally. During hurricanes, 828 has provided meals, water and resources to those in need. He has purchased a home

to help a gentleman being released from prison that gave the man a fresh start and saved man’s job for the 15 years that he was imprisoned. He has helped a recent widower with mortgage payments so the house would not go in foreclosure and so the man and his young son would have a home. Most recently David provided a camper and lot space for a homeless man until he can get on his feet. David is credited with having a servants heart, caring for his employees like family, and great customer relations. He is an active

member of his local church, Board of Directors at Harrells Christian Academy and the Foundation Board of Directors at Bladen Community College. He is part of a C12 group out of Wilmington that is based on Christian principles within the workplace for businesses.

HONORARY LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP AWARD

The Honorary Lifetime Membership award was established to recognize and to give the

highest regards to an individual who has served the Chamber in an outstanding and on- going manner.

AWARD WINNER: Ron Taylor, Lu Mil Vineyard

Visionary, entrepreneur, owner of multiple Bladen County businesses with a strong

emphasis on agriculture. Born in Bladen County and very proud of where he comes from,

Ron has spent his life creating relationships allowing others to enjoy, experience, and

benefit this area that he so proudly calls home.  

LEGACY AWARD

The Legacy Award recognizes a person who through the course of their employment and

their day-to-day job, has supported the efforts and initiatives of the Chamber. 

AWARD WINNER: Sondra Guyton, Bladen Community College

Sondra Guyton has been avid supporter of the Chamber of Commerce’s efforts for many years, serving on the Board of Directors and on several committees. Sondra has helped institute changes at BCC and at the Chamber that align the two organizations’ efforts in the areas of workforce development, small business development and overall “quality of

life” improvements. Recently, Sondra co-chaired the Prosperous Economy subcommittee for the Bladen County Strategic Plan with the Chamber’s Executive Director. A lifelong

resident of Bladen County, Sondra is always focus on creating the best opportunities and

possibilities for Bladen County residents and businesses.