Businesses in and around Hope Mills gathered to recognize local businesses and boogie like it was 1980 at their 2023 Annual Banquet & Awards Ceremony held on Saturday, May 13.
After celebrating the success of the HMACC Golf Tournament held in early May, announced by Chamber leadership as the most profitable and successful of the Tournaments thus far,
$1,000 of the proceeds were donated to local Hope Mills Charity, the Associated Local Ministries in Service Helping Others in Unfortunate Situations and Experiences (ALMS) house.

“We're really hoping that these funds can really grow back toward impacting our community here. So thank you guys, for helping us make this possible,” shared Chamber President Casey Ferris. “So thank you guys helping us make this possible, and thank you to the ALMS House for everything you do for our community.”
The night was used to award businesses as voted by the community in four categories.
The winners include:

Member of the Year: Casey Ferris

Non-Profit of the Year: VFW Post 670

Business of the Year: Harmony at Hope Mills
Best New Business: Scented Wicks
It was also announced that all of the current HMACC Board Members would be remaining in their positions for new terms:
Anne Marie Ziegler
Melannie Armstrong
Dave Yensan
Kathryn Locklear
Joanne Scarola
Greg Adair
Rebecca Gibbs
Nathan Hwang

The event, hosted with a 1980s prom theme, also crowned a Prom King and Queen for the night based on audience response to the most 80s person there. The Title of Prom King went to Jamie Jacobs of I-95 Muscle and Prom Queen went to Brenda Leidholdt with BluSky Restoration Contractors, LLC.
This is the fourth year that ETI has hosted the event, and in years past Freeman has seen a host of innovative technology, including various drone types and programming, robotic dogs, 3D printed houses, and airspace scanners. Photo provided by USSOCO
Crystal McLean (left) with Scott Embry (right). Money Box Academy received a $10,000 grant from United Way of Cumberland County’s Youth Growth Stock Trust. Photos provided by Crystal McLean.The Youth Growth Stock Trust Committee, administered by the
What started as a seasonal corn maze has evolved into a year-round operation. The spring, summer and autumn seasons all bring unique activities for families. Photos provided by Tammy Peterson.Hubb’s Farm is a premier agritourism destination located i