PEMBROKE — The Pembroke Area Chamber of Commerce recognized entrepreneurs, advocates and educators during its 42nd annual awards banquet at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
First Bank of Pembroke was named Business of the Year; the university’s recently launched Entrepreneurship Incubator won the Beautification Award; and Illya Chavis-Lindsey, a former employee of the university’s Regional Center, received the Harry West Locklear President Award.
Sharing the Advocate of the Year award were Mary Beth Locklear, the interim director of the university’s Office of Regional Incentives, and Patrick Strickland, who serves as director of the Lumbee Tribe’s Department of Energy.
The event was held March 4 at the college’s Annex Center. Robin Cummings, the university’s chancellor, congratulated this year’s batch of winners in a statement.
“UNC Pembroke values its partnership with the Pembroke Area Chamber of Commerce and looks forward to an even brighter future as the university, town, Lumbee Tribe, and the constituents of this area focus on collaboration,” he said.
Locklear, Strickland and Chavis-Lindsey are all alumni of the college.
Faline Locklear Dial, president of the Pembroke Area Chamber of Commerce, said that PowerPoint presentations were added to this year’s ceremony in an effort to “spice things up.” The presentations were used to highlight the accomplishments of each nominee.
“We were very excited to bring different elements to the chamber banquet this year,” Dial said. “We appreciate the response from the community and congratulate the winners in the various categories.”
The Pembroke Area Chamber of Commerce is located at 205 Union Chapel Road. For information, call 910-521-0657.