NBCC 2026 Annual Award
North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce honored 2026 award winners and welcomed new board members at its Annual Dinner June 23 at Leland Cultural Arts Center.
The North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) recognized its annual award winners and introduced new leadership during its Annual Dinner on June 23 at the Leland Cultural Arts Center. The event brought together Chamber members, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners to celebrate the people and organizations helping northern Brunswick County grow.
Annual Award Winners
NBCC presented its annual awards to local businesses, professionals, and organizations for their impact across the region.
• New Members of the Year: Cape Fear Ghost Crabs; The Pit Backyard BBQ
• Woman of the Year: Mary Klein, Advocate for Green Compass Global
• Entrepreneur of the Year: Karen Wrenn, CEO of Brunswick Organizing Solutions
• Young Professional of the Year: Shelby Lloyd, Community Engagement Partner for Novant Health
• Non-Profit of the Year: Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity
• Business of the Year: JBG Services, Painting Division
• Partnership Excellence Award: Pioneer Strategies
Chamber Leadership and Board Updates
The Chamber also recognized leadership transitions and board service as part of the evening’s program.
Incoming President
Christina Atti-Uptegrow was welcomed as the Chamber’s incoming president.
New Board Members (Three-Year Terms)
The following members were recognized as incoming board members, each serving a three-year term:
• Jonathan Paschal, Assistant Superintendent, Brunswick County Schools
• Jeremy Gunn, Owner, JBG Services, Painting Division; Former Board President
• Jessica Federman, Director of Marketing, Battleship North Carolina
• Aldo Fiallega, Branch Manager, REV Federal Credit Union (Leland)
• Jamie Howell, Owner/President, Saltwater Signworks
• Jennifer Alaimo, Director of Commercial and Property Management, Michael and Son Restoration
Returning Board Members
Returning board members include:
• Christina Atti-Uptegrow, Business Development Manager, Town Square Wilmington
• Amber Buchholz, Co-Owner, Pelican Prowash
• Karl Elken, Chief Geek Carolinas & Georgia, Sales Geek
• Heather Evans, Business Developer, Bland Landscaping Company
• Victor Fernandes, Owner/Coach, Fernandes Fit LLC
• Steve Hulon, Director of Customized Industrial & Workforce Training, Brunswick Community College
• Mary Klein, Advocate, Green Compass Global; Foundational Affiliate, Atmosphera
• Shelby Lloyd, Community Engagement Partner, Novant Health
• Danita Mitchell, New Home Specialist, D.R. Horton
• Brittany Reinert, Business Development Representative, BlueTone Media
Outgoing Board Members
The following members concluded their board term:
• Brandon Hill, Founder & CEO, Gimmzi Smart Rewards
• Dr. Paul Hvrol, Chiropractic Physician, Coastal Integrative Health
• Shari Leone, Marketing Relationship Manager
• Nate Moore, Project Safety Manager, The Walkingson Group
• Tom Powers, Owner, Powers Professional Administrative Services
About the North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce
The North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce supports and promotes the business community in northern Brunswick County, North Carolina. Membership includes local businesses, organizations seeking to grow or establish a footprint in the area, non-profits, governmental bodies, and individuals who support the region’s business community.
NBCC’s primary service area includes Belville, Leland, Navassa, Northwest, Sandy Creek, Town Creek, and Winnabow.
To learn more about the North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce, visit https://northbrunswickchamber.com.
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