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Clinton- Sampson businesses and staff receive recognition with Chamber Awards

By Staff Report, posted Apr 5, 2023 on BizFayetteville.com

The Clinton Sampson Chamber of Commerce recognized businesses in their area for their past year of accomplishments in business and service at their annual 76th Annual Banquet held on March 30. 

Eight businesses and employees were honored with eight categories to recognize them for their work in, and for, the community. The winners are as follows: 

Business Excellence Award: Clinton Medical Clinic. 

Founded in 1969 by Dr. John Nance and Dr. Latham Peak, Clinton Medical Clinic has provided comprehensive primary medical care to the residents of Sampson and surrounding counties. Over the past 54 years, Clinton Medical Clinic has been recognized across the State and Nation for its dedication and commitment to its patients. Clinton Medical Clinic is often used as a model among its peers for value-based care and innovation. Five of Clinton Medical Clinic's family physicians have been named North Carolina Family Physician of the Year by the North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians. No other practice in the state holds that distinction. 

New Business of the Year : Omnia Beauty Academy 

Given to a business that has had less than 5 years in operation, and “has demonstrated outstanding success, innovation, and entrepreneurialism.” 

Omnia Beauty Academy was licensed by the North Carolina Board of Cosmetics Arts Examiners in September of 2021 as a licensed Esthetician School, which specializes in skincare, makeup, full body waxing and more. Advanced courses such as permanent makeup, body contouring, mesolipo and other certifications are offered free of charge. The owner, Monica Smith, a licensed esthetician and esthetics instructor founded the academy to help others obtain their esthetics license.

Community Impact Award: U-Care, Inc. 

This award is given to a business or organization that has made significant contributions to the community by serving the underserved, and has a track record of sustained impact on the community.

U-Care, Inc. is a nonprofit organization, established in 1995, that has been serving domestic violence and sexual assault victims in Sampson and surrounding counties for over 27 years. Their  mission is to "Break the Silence, Break the Cycle", through free trauma-informed emergency services. These services include but are not limited to 24-Hr Staff operated Crisis line, emergency shelter, food and hygiene products, clothing, court advocacy, accompaniment in filing emergency orders in court or magistrates' office, and more. 

Last quarter they served 93 clients, 90 experiencing domestic violence and 3 sexual assaults, 89 identified as female and 4 males. Their  24-hour Crisis Line received over a 100 crisis and follow up calls;135 information and referrals, and 90 court advocacy services. Emergency financial assistance was provided to victims for birth certificates, medication, rental application fees, and transportation to and from work. 

Economic Impact Award: Downstream Logistics 

Given to businesses who have provided increased employment opportunities created by the business. A business that has developed  and/or utilize innovative or creative business methods, and demonstrated entrepreneurial potential necessary for long-term business success and economic growth

Downstream Logistics was started in 2014 in Birmingham, AL and currently has operations in Birmingham, AL, Atlanta, GA and Clinton, NC. Downstream Logistics launched the Clinton branch in August 2022 with only five employees. Since then, the branch has grown to employ over 50 full-time positions. Their Clinton facility is 235,000 sq ft of partially racked space with dedicated pick/pack/ship and reprocessing areas. Downstream's core business is apparel distribution for Walmart, Sam's Club, Target, and Casual Male. In January 2023, Downstream started a direct to consumer section for Sam's Club and are shipping hundreds of orders daily. Downstream most recently added Kohl's as a new customer and will start production with them later this year. Downstream Logistics is focused on creating and sustaining more employment opportunities for our community.

Nonprofit of the Year Award: YMCA of Sampson County 

Given to a non profit organization  “making significant contributions and impact to the community.” 

“The YMCA of Southeastern NC is a non-profit association committed to a mission of putting Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. We are an inclusive non-profit organization of men, women and children joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. 

In fall of 2021, the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina formed a partnership with Sampson Regional Medical Center and Anonymous Trust to re-open the hospital's health and wellness facility as a YMCA branch to offer Y programs and services to serve the Sampson County community. After renovations were made the Sampson County YMCA opened in June of 2022. The facility is now an expanded YMCA branch, offering wellness programs, aquatics and recreational activities to members and program participants. 

The work continues for 2023 as they expand their programming to include youth sports, after school care, and youth summer and day camps.” 

Outstanding Support Staff Award: Kate Ballard, Temporary Connections 

This award recognizes support staff that is integral to a business and contributes to their success. Staff should be currently employed or just recently retired to be eligible. 

Ballard was nominated with a nomination letter from Temporary Connections CEO, Donna Williams which reads in part: 

“I would like to nominate Kate Bullard, Senior Staffer, Office Manager, and Miracle Worker at Temporary Connections for this prestigious award. Kate began her career with Temporary Connections in 2013 by accepting assignments with our various clients. In 2014, she was hired by a client to join their office staff. In July, 2021, I hired Kate as a receptionist in our office. In less than three years, this young lady has progressed from receptionist to office manager while learning the duties of all the positions in between. She is professional and dedicated to her job. Kate treats each client as a number one priority and is unflappable. She also serves as our employees' advocate, ensuring that each person finds a perfect fit that will become a permanent position.” 

Member of the Year Award: Adrian Mathews, Assistant Chief to the Clinton Police Department 

This award goes to an individual selected by the Board for outstanding contributions to the community. 

Assistant Chief Adrian Mathews began his career with the City of Clinton in 2008 as a police officer, working in both the Patrol Division and Neighborhood Improvement Team which specialized in criminal and narcotic investigations. 

In July 2016, Mathews continued his law enforcement career with the North Carolina DMV License and Theft Bureau as an Inspector. 

From there Mathews returned back to the Clinton Police Department as a Lieutenant in February of 2020. He was also the Accreditation Manager where he assisted the agency in being accredited thru CALEA. 

He has additionally held various titles including Field Training Officer, Patrol Supervisor, Training Coordinator, and Internal Affairs Commander. Presently Mathews "oversees the day-to-day operations of the entire agency". 

Business Leader of the Year Award: Houston Crumpler, Crumpler Plastic Pipe Inc. 

This award can go to any individual who owns and operates or bears principal responsibility for operating a business may be nominated, has demonstrated exceptional success in the ownership or management of a business through leadership, exemplary customer service, and community engagement. 

This individual has accomplished outstanding achievements as well as a broad and substantial impact on our community. Voluntary efforts beyond business and professional responsibility to assist the community, promote economic stability and enhance growth through his/her support of other businesses. 

Houston was born in 1943 and Raised in Roseboro.He worked for Crumpler Brick and Tile Company before being drafted in US Army. After his service in the Army, he went to work for his uncle June Allen Crumpler building houses in Mebane NC. In the mid 1970s he returned to Roseboro to start Crumpler Plastic Pipe with his brother John and the assistance of his father. 

Married Mariam Caison in 1980 and had three children, ran and expanded his business for over 40 years with his brother before buying him out in 2016, served on the RAED Commission for many years (Roseboro Area Economic Development), now known as Western Sampson Commerce Group. Houston was  instrumental in securing the Hwy 24/242 overpass interchange to maintain uninterrupted flow of traffic between Roseboro and Salemburg. 

He has been active for many years in the Roseboro Lions Club and Lakewood Country Club, and is a lifelong member of Roseboro Methodist Church where he has served in several leadership positions.

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