The Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce honored several

individuals and businesses at their Annual Awards Program on Thursday, Jan. 25,

2024 held at Lu Mil Vineyard. The awards were presented in five categories to worthy individuals and businesses who have impacted Bladen County in 2023.

Award winners are:

OUTSTANDING CHAMBER MEMBER OF THE YEAR:  CAMPBELL OIL

Campbell Oil, led by Mac and Sylvia Campbell and their family, celebrated its 75 th

Anniversary in 2023. Starting out as a small enterprise in Elizabethtown in 1948,

Campbell Oil now provides a full line of petroleum products to residential & commercial

consumers in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. The complete line now

includes Automotive, Industrial, Commercial, Aviation lubricants and more.  From Short

Truck Deliveries to Tank Installation, Campbell Oil has you covered on Fuel. In addition,

their Minuteman Food Mart division is quickly growing and becoming a sought-out

convenience store while traveling. With its roots in the Mother County, Campbell Oil

remains family owned and focused.

OUTSTANDING SMALL BUSINESSPERSON AWARD: Bo and Kelly Barefoot, Barefoot Sandwich Shop, Barefoot Brew, and Barefoot Boujee Boutique

The Barefoots are an example of how to do small business right. They have set a standard

in customer service for their employees through cross training while giving the youth a

sense of empowerment in the promotion of the businesses through social media. They

continuously look for ways to serve the community whether it’s hosting a Paint the Town

Pink event, actively participating in the Downtown Committee, promoting other

businesses, supporting the activities at the Farmers Market, cheering on the local sports

teams or lending a hand wherever needed.

CARING PERSON AWARD: Greg Brinson, Cape Fear Sorba

Brown’s Creek Nature Trail and Mountain Bike Park is growing as fast in popularity as it

is in miles of trails. In a few short years, the Bike Park has exploded to over 17 miles of

trails with a 2-plus mile beginner loop added in 2023. The park is increasingly used for

regional and statewide competitions and training events. This brings families to our area

who eat at our restaurants, shop at our retailers, and stay overnight. The park would not

exist without the vision of Cape Fear Sorba and the donations of materials and manpower

spearheaded by Greg Brinson. Behind the scenes, Greg plans new attractions on the trails,

organizes work dates, and maintains the complex system of trails – all for his love of the

Sport.

HONORARY LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP AWARD: Dr, Douglas Genzel, Elizabethtown Veterinary Hospital

Dr. Gensel is an incredible father, mentor, and employer who strives to give his

employees opportunities for growth and success. In 2006 Dr. Gensel took over

Elizabethtown Veterinary Hospital, It was then that Dr. Morton handed him a thick file of

“thank you” cards and challenged Dr. Gensel to make a difference in the community just

as he had. That file has now grown into two boxes that are overflowing. He also helps the

community by hosting A Low Cost Spay/Neuter clinic through A Shelter Friend as well

as the famous Rabies clinic that he’s carried on for the late Dr. Midyette. He also holds a

seat on the health department board and is the Animal Control Doctor. Dr. Gensel truly

has an undeniable passion for our clients and the health of their pets in our community.

LEGACY AWARD: Greg Martin, Bladen County Manager

Greg Martin has served as an ex-officio director on the Chamber Board, representing the

Bladen County Commissioners. Greg’s guidance and advice has helped develop the

Chamber over the last 5 years into a stronger organization. By making sure that the

Chamber was an active member of the Bladen County Strategic Planning Team, Greg has

shown great vision in including the small business community in discussions about future

growth for the county. Greg has been a proponent of the Mother Nature’s Playground

brand and supported the concept with the County Commissioners, which led to our

involvement in both the UPLIFT Tourism Strategies Program and the Creating Outdoor

Recreation Economies Programs.