Thank you to everyone who helped by submitting nominations for our 2022 Chamber Awards! Now it’s time to vote! Read below about each of the finalists so you can help us choose the winners in each category.
Vote here: https://forms.gle/EvxWh6b1tDX3cTrW6
Business of the Year:
Beacon Dental has been a part of the Winterville community since the summer of 2019. Since that time the entire staff has helped to give our community beautiful smiles – and reasons to do so! They continuously rise to the occasion when donations are needed in the community. You will also be hard-pressed to find a team that all work together so effortlessly while showing that they clearly love their job.
Full Service Flooring has been in business for 27 years, first starting in carpet cleaning, then to rug sales and carpet installs, then finally to the full-service retail floor and installation services they’re now known for. Owners Tim and Kristina Tyson chose to move their business to Winterville when they were ready to build, and for these last 8 years have dedicated themselves to always being a true part of Winterville.
Jaac and Jill is a youth development program based in Winterville. They have an afterschool program, summer and spring break camps, as well as drop-in services for K-8. Owners Asiya and Christie take the care and education of our youth seriously, and take the time to teach important programs such as horticulture, cooking classes, soft skills, yoga classes, and much more. They are often holding community events to give families and children in our community fun and constructive ways to spend their time together!
Citizen of the Year:
Aaron Kennedy serves as the Senior Pastor of Opendoor Church along with his wife, Lauren. Aaron’s parents founded Opendoor in 1986, while Aaron has been leading the church since 2015. The staff at Opendoor say that Aaron has a true passion for helping people know God and he leads Opendoor as a place of guidance and genuine teaching, authentic faith, and passionate worship for people all over Eastern North Carolina and Beyond.
Alton Wadford is a familiar face and name to many involved in the community. He has been a member of the Winterville Chamber of Commerce Board for many years, has been involved in the Watermelon Festival for just as long, and is continuously showing up for his community. Alton will always say yes to someone asking for help, and truly has a love for our Town and does his part to make it a great place to live and work.
Amy Amacker-Self is co-owner of Local Oak Brewing Co. She works hard to make her business somewhere for the community to be proud of. She serves on the Winterville Chamber of Commerce Board and enjoys organizing street clean-ups to help keep our community clean. Amy is a kind and humble voice for anyone in need of a hand.
Teacher of the Year:
Katie Greenberg is a kindergarten teacher at WH Robinson. She’s been teaching for 18 years, the majority of that time has been in Pitt County. Even when she took time off teaching to have her daughters and be a stay-at-home Mom, she has remained active at WHR as PTA president for several years. Her gentle and kind disposition leads her to be a fantastic teacher, particularly for the young students she is guiding. Katie is nicknamed St. Katie by her husband because she continually goes above and beyond for any and everyone.
Jason Thomas is the art teacher at WH Robinson. He has been a teacher for 23 years, 13 of which were at GR Whitfield where he was nominated for Teacher of the Year for the school as well. Jason has also been a middle school coach or assistant coach for 16 years. He’s a big kid at heart which serves him well as a fun art teacher!
Volunteer of the Year:
Abbott Hunsucker is a long time dedicated member and officer of the Winterville Historical Society. He serves as treasurer, assists with rentals, performs maintenance and yard work. Whenever something needs to be done, Abbott is always willing to pitch in and put his shoulder to the task. His attitude and spirit of volunteerism is second to none, and has been critical to helping keep the organization going through the pandemic.
Heather Jackson is the new Chairperson on the Board of the Winterville Watermelon Festival Committee. She is dedicated to the Winterville community and continuously signs up to volunteer for a variety of events that support our area. Heather has lived in Winterville her whole life and holds dear our Town.
Michele Marston has been serving non-profits in our community for many years. She currently is the Program Administrator for Koinonia Community Solutions, serving youth and individuals in Northeastern North Carolina by leading affordable housing initiatives, educational programs and equitable opportunities. She was the Founding Director of the Rock the Arts initiative and served as committee chair for the Junior League for 5 years. Michele’s dedication to serving others and her community has given her notice in recently receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award from Pitt Community College.
Most Dedicated Public Servant:
Al Gutridge is a firefighter with Winterville Fire-Rescue-EMS that has shown dedication to his community throughout the years by continuing to volunteer through the transition from strictly volunteer to paid employees of the department.
David Moore is the Fire Chief for Winterville Fire-Rescue-EMS that has been with the Town for 13 years. He leads a strong group and dedicates his knowledge efforts to serve our community.
Ryan Willhite is the Chief of Police for the Town of Winterville where he has served us for the past 9 years. His strength and integrity have led our officers well and is reflected in how well they keep our community safe.
Favorite Spot to Shop:
Needless Toys and Collectibles is the place to go for comics, model kits, figurines and other toys. They take pride in offering unique, rare, and even signed products!
The Alley on Cooper is an expansive thrift shop offering a variety of home decor and furniture from many different eras. Like any thrift shop this is a place to enjoy a good hunt, but here you may find yourself walking away with something truly special for a bargain!
The Village Market is an artisan shop full of NC made items and products ranging from corn bread mix and homemade jam to cutting boards and pottery. This family-owned business is always looking for new sellers and products to keep their inventory fresh!
Favorite New Business:
Joe’s Eatz is a new casual dining restaurant serving breakfast and lunch favorites, plus a few specials like a falafel wrap and 4 brothers burgers.
Meating Ground Cafe is the new brick & mortar by the owners of Prevail Food Truck. If you’re looking for delicious food in a great environment, this is the place to go. They have a variety of biscuits, lattes, sandwiches, salads, and soups – all with the delicious twist we’ve come to expect from them!
Tie Breakers of Winterville is new to our town, but not new to good food and service. Here you can hang out to watch the game, or maybe just to enjoy the patio, while indulging in a good burger, chicken sandwich, or even some scrumptious (and huge) salads!
