Despite the approaching winter weather, the Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce gathered Thursday night to honor its members during the 76th annual Membership Celebration.
Held at the Marston Pavilion on Camp Lejeune, awards were presented for the Golden Eagle Man of the Year, Woman of the Year, the Civic Honoree, Ambassador and Hospitality Person of the Year.
Laurette Leagon, Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber president, said the region faced a number of challenges over the last year, but emerged stronger as a result.
If the effects of the hurricane weren't enough, lets throw in a cyber attack to your chambers cloud service provider, which left us crippled for several months. But through it all, we as a community survived and we did so through partnerships, collaboration and determination. We celebrated recovery and resiliency with many ribbon cuttings and grand re-openings throughout the last year. Now I believe its a time for us to thrive, to grow, and to prosper, said Leagon.
Tiffany Choice, 2019 Chamber Board chair and senior director of operations for the Jacksonville Mall Chick-fil-A, said the community rebounded from setbacks such as the heavy damage sustained to the Jacksonville Country Club and its golf course and the loss of half of the Jacksonville Mall.
There was one obstacle after another and one point when we did not know if we would be able to reopen, Choice said about Chick-fil-A. It took over a year to gratefully get back to serving our guests. Although there were significant challenges, we preserved just like the other residents of this great community.
The Hospitality Person of the Year was presented to Jessica Eckart, of Hampton Inn & Suites. Onslow County Tourism Manager Salem Clarke said that Eckart had shown great professionalism and dedication over her years in the hospitality industry.
The attention to detail, work ethic, efficiency, and ambition has earned the praise of past and present employers and co-workers alike. In this past year alone, Eckart has received three awards for skills and positive attitude. With great communication, a calm demeanor, and a talent to quickly resolve issues, this professional has managed various stressful situations which is especially beneficial in the hotel industry, said Clarke.
The Chambers Ambassador of the Year award went to Michelle Ennis, of Onslow Weight Loss and Wellness. Terri Bock, owner of Business Solutions & Mobile Marketing, described Ennis as a Jacksonville native and successful entrepreneur who is quick to lend a helping hand to the chamber, fellow business owners and residents of Onslow County.
She has dedicated her professional life to the health and wellness of Onslow County neighbors for more 25 years. This certified wellness instructor is certainly worthy of the title of Ambassador of the Year for 2019, said Brock.
Presenting the Civic Honoree Award, David Heatherly, president of Coastal Carolina Community College, said winners Mat Raymond Jr. and Mat Raymond III of Sanders Ford are regular supporters of Relay for Life, Onslow Womens Center, Onslow Memorial Hospital Foundation, and Onslow County Partnership for Children. He said they continue to be actively involved with the Chamber, especially the Military Affairs Committee in support of the Service Members of the Month.
They have a long track record of community service as stated on their business website, We have worked tirelessly to make a difference and give back to those who have supported us, said Heatherly.
The Marine Chevrolet Cadillac Woman of the Year was presented to Adrienne James, of M&S Sanitation. Former Chamber chair Cindy Edwards said the award recognizes women who achieve the highest level of professional accomplishments and have devoted their time and energy to the betterment of their community. She described James as a United Way of Onslow County Board member who has served on the Emergency Response Team for Onslow Womens Shelter and as a passionate advocate for children as a Guardian Ad-Litem volunteer.
This years honoree is a dedicated, community-driven woman who doesnt serve for praise or awards, she serves because its the right thing to do, said Edwards. She has helped the needy by organizing clothing drives, back-to-school events, feeding the homeless and helping single parents provide a memorable Christmas for their children.
Jeff Clark, CEO of Marine Federal Credit Union and a past Chamber board chair, presented the nights final award, the Golden Eagle Man of the Year, to Ed Garris of First National Bank. Clark said that since 1986, the award has been presented to men who have demonstrated excellence in their profession and have devoted tremendous time and energy to better our community.
Clark said Garris is the recipient of the Governors North Carolina Award for Volunteer Service and has volunteered his time and expertise to 18 different organizations, serving as treasurer five times and as a chairman four times.
I have served with him on several boards, including the Chamber Board, Executive Committee and Military Affairs Steering Committee and the Jacksonville Onslow Economic Development Board, which he chaired. This man was not only faithful to these boards and committees, but he brought insight and sometimes just good old fashioned common sense to the table when it was most needed said Clark.
Original post:
Chamber honors people of the year at 76th celebration - Jacksonville Daily News
