DUBLIN – Tiina Mundy, outgoing president of the Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, went off script during the 65th annual banquet at Lu Mil Vineyard on Tuesday. During her farewell speech Mundy recognized Dawn Maynard, executive director, with a gift basket and plaque for all the work she has done over the past 10 years.

“You have done an outstanding job as executive director,” Mundy told Maynard.

Maynard then went back on script to recognize the outgoing board of directors and welcome the incoming board: Susan Inman, Debbie Earl, Eric Matthews and Jean Clark.

One of the night’s highlights came with the honoring of several award-winners by the Chamber.

— Tim Clifton presented the Outstanding Chamber Member Award to Fisher’s Mens & The Ladies Shop of downtown Elizabethtown.

“To me, what makes them have a great business is they make it look easy.” Clifton said. “When you walk in, you don’t hear grumbling; you never know what’s going on behind the scenes.”

— Dean Hilton presented the Outstanding Small Business Award to June Massengill of Cape Fear Chicken & BBQ.

“June Massengill began her journey at the age of 12 working with her parents at a restaurant business,” Hilton said. “She continued to have a vital role in the family business and eventually set out on her own.

“June personally opened her own restaurants in Fayetteville, Clinton and Elizabethtown,” he added. “She claims her success is built upon the loyalty of her customers. This is evident in the support she chose our community.”

— Mundy awarded Mary Greene with the Honorary Lifetime Chamber Member Award.

“Mary is receiving this award because she is continuing the work of her late husband, Ben Greene,” Mundy said. “She volunteers tirelessly for the community at Trinity United Methodist Church. She is kind and generous to so many people for so many causes.”

— Bladen Community College President William Findt recognized Barbara Knight and Ann Garrett with the Caring Persons Award.

“Following Hurricane Matthew, the disaster that occurred in this area, Garrett worked tirelessly to ensure the people who needed help received it,” Findt said. “(Knight) was also active during Hurricane Matthew. I think it is only appropriate that we recognize these two ladies for their work and what they did for hundreds of people.”

S. Lewis Ebert, president and CEO of the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce, was the guest speaker for the banquet. He talked about the state of North Carolina’s business and where it is heading.

“North Carolina is back in business.” Ebert said. “Business is in charge of shaping the future of this state.”

According to Ebert, the four things that can move the state forward are education, competitive business climate, an infrastructure that enables growth and entrepreneurship that fosters the next generation of leaders.

At the end of the evening, Mundy passed on the gavel to the incoming president Maurice Williams.

Brendaly Vega is a summer inter for the Bladen Journal from UNCP. She can be reached by calling 910-862-4163.

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Brendaly Vega

Bladen Journal intern