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Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce announces 2025 annual award winners

By Staff Report, posted Jan 15, 2025 on BizFayetteville.com

The Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce will honor several individuals and businesses at their Annual Awards Gala on Saturday, Feb. 1st, 2025. The awards are presented in five categories to worthy individuals and businesses who have impacted Bladen County in 2024.

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 embodies the values of the Chamber and is involved in the overall success of the Chamber and our Community.

AWARD WINNER: Cape Fear Winery and Vineyard

Cape Fear Winery has seen great expansion over the last couple of years; adding a spa and gift shop to its physical property and gaining in popularity with the addition of the Distillery and the distribution of its products to several other states. The property has become a "must see" destination in Southeastern NC, attracting people from all over. Its concerts draw thousands of new visitors, who are introduced to the beauty of Mother Nature's Playground.

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: Dan and Wendy McQueen

Dan and Wendy have supported many new enterprises and events in the Elizabethtown-White Lake Area while growing their businesses. They support events with the contribution of golf carts and other services to help with logistics of event coordination, supporting both the Towns and the Chamber.  This year, they came to the rescue by helping resolve the issue of needing a grandstand for the Annual Christmas Parade, providing vehicles for the shuttle service for the Christmas Open Houses in Downtown Elizabethtown and helping solve a parking problem at the new Smithfield Cup event.

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.  This award is presented to the individual who understands and demonstrates how the public, business community, and government work together to provide service to the community.  The individual receiving this award has played an important and sustained role in numerous community activities, often behind the scenes.  

AWARD WINNER: Dale Brennan and Kevin Taylor from the Town of White Lake

The Town of White Lake has been gifted with two amazing individuals. Through countless acts of service these two individuals always put their best foot forward to help anyone in need. Fire Chief Dale Brennan and Public Works Director Kevin Taylor, encompass the skills and knowledge that they in turn invest right back into the community. I cannot think of any two individuals who are more worthy to be recognized for their commitment and their hearts that they pour into others every day.

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.  The award is presented to an individual who has been a model Chamber member, a caring businessperson, an active community participant, and an all-around good citizen.  The award recipient will have demonstrated the Golden Rule in his/her endeavors 

AWARD WINNER: Fred Tate

Fred is a retired City Executive from Wachovia (now Wells Fargo). In 1987 the Town of Elizabethtown created the Elizabethtown Airport/Economic Development Commission and Fred was appointed to the Board. At the first meeting of the Board, Fred was elected the Chairman, and he has faithfully served ever since…38 years. Fred has volunteered his time to lead this wonderful community asset. He has advocated for a first-class airport that larger towns are envious of and helped make our tax base grow with aircraft and hangers. He has been instrumental in the development of the Elizabethtown Industrial Park, which has provided numerous jobs and added to our tax base. Fred really cares about the Town of Elizabethtown. He has worked tirelessly, for decades, to improve the town with his leadership on the Elizabethtown Airport/Economic Development Commission.

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. They have taken an active leadership role and provided valuable counsel in important business development matters. They are honored for their level of collaboration. This nominee can be a Chamber Member, an elected official or county/town employee.

AWARD WINNER: Jennifer Melvin, Jones Lake State Park

Jennifer is invested in the activities of the Chamber of Commerce. Not every Chamber or TDA can boast a great relationship with their public spaces. Jennifer is an employee of  Jones Lake State Park. She is an active member of the Tourism Promotion Committee, coordinating events and promoting the park as part of Mother Nature's Playground brand.  Jennifer has served on surrounding boards with the development of the Creating Outdoor Recreation Economy (CORE) plan. She understands the mutual benefits of working together. 

Tickets to the gala can be purchased at www.elizabethtownwhitelake.com under events. Tickets are $75.00 and proceeds help fund programs, services and initiatives that help to strengthen the community and local businesses. 

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