Table of
Contents

Chamber Leadership
Carteret County Chamber of Commerce 2024 Board of Directors

CHAMBER WELCOME

COUNTY INFORMATION

Ribbon cuttingS

Business after hours

military affairs committee

Connect Carteret

chamber events & committees

Celebrating BUSINESS awards

leadership carteret

reverse drawing

business after hours Expo

members BY category AND ALPHA

FEATURED ADVERTISER - TOLEDO LOUNGE

Carteret County Chamber of Commerce

Makenzie Square
3332 Bridges St., Suite 6
Morehead City, NC 28557
(252) 726-6350
carteretchamber.org

This is a Town Square Publications,

formerly MetroMedia (since 1997),

publication created and produced for the

Carteret County Chamber of Commerce

Copyright © 2024 Town Square Publications

P.O. Box 280, Arlington Heights, IL 60006
(847) 427-4905 | tbusby@tspubsdigital.com

www.townsquarepublications.com

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. The Chamber and Town Square assume no responsibility for misinformation. Please contact the Chamber with any additions or corrections. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of the Chamber and Town Square is prohibited.

Chairman, CEO and
Publisher | Douglas K. Ray

President and Chief
Operating Officer | Scott Stone

Vice President / Director | Scott Ray

Managing Director | David Small

Director of Production | Ryan Moore

Director of Operations | Joseph Nugara

Graphic Designer | Kirsten Riedl

Directory Coordinator | Michael Sumrak

Sales Representative | Joshua Rose

Project Manager/Editor | Lisa White

Cover Art Photo | “Sea Oats of Cedar Island” by Jen Merlo of Bluefin Artistry

Chamber Leadership

Carteret County Chamber of Commerce 2024 Board of Directors

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

CHAIR
Kurt Rogerson
Realty World - First Coast Realty
www.realtyworldfirstcoast.com/kurt-rogerson

CHAIR ELECT
Will Rogers
Rogers & Company, CPAs, P.A.
www.coastalcpas.com

TREASURER
Tina Purifoy
Crystal Coast Civic Center
www.crystalcoastcivicctr.com

PAST CHAIR
Wanda Bennett
Work on Wonderful Consulting
www.workonwonderful.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Michelle Barringer
Complexion MedSpa & Aesthetics
www.atlanticbeachmedspa.com

Dan Coughlin
Home Helpers of the Crystal Coast
www.homehelpershomecare.com/crystal-coast-nc

Catissa Head
Coastal Community Action, Inc.
www.coastalca.org

Tom Hemby
HTR Coastal Properties
tomhemby.htrcoastalproperties.com

Jillian Lister
Set Sail Marketing Agency
setsailmarketingagency.com

Cheryl Mansfield
Edward Jones
www.edwardjones.com/us-en/financial-advisor/cheryl-mansfield

Richard McIntyre
First Flight Federal Credit Union
www.efirstflight.com

Jen Merlo
Bluefin Artistry
bluefinartistry.com

Sandra Phelps
United Way of Coastal Carolina
www.unitedwaycoastalnc.org

JT Riley
Local Point Church
www.localpointchurch.com

Wendy Routson
Emeral Isle Beach & Pool Club
www.emeraldislebeachclub.com

John Sotirkys II
Hope Recovery Homes
www.hoperecoveryhomes.org

Autumn Ware
Epic Carteret
www.epic-carteret.com

Bena Weires
Carteret Community College
www.carteret.edu

Vernice Whitaker
Double Tree by Hilton – Atlantic Beach Oceanfront
www.hilton.com/en/hotels/oajdtdt-doubletree-atlantic-beach-oceanfront

EX-OFFICIOS

Brandy Bell
Carteret Community College - Small Business Center
www.carteret.edu/SBC

Jim Browder
Crystal Coast Tourism Authority
www.crystalcoastnc.org

Millie Chalk
Friend of the Chamber

Debbie Fisher
Mary Kay Cosmetics and Office Fusion Solutions
www.marykay.com/dfisher

John Hagle
Friend of the Chamber

Steve Hellersperk
Friend of the Chamber

Tracy Mancini
Carteret Community College
www.carteret.edu

Katheryn Metts
Downtown Morehead City, Inc.
downtownmoreheadcity.com

Richie Paylor
Carteret County Public Schools
www.carteretcountyschools.org

Sharii Phelps
First Citizens Bank, Newport
www.firstcitizens.com

Lori Tulloch
The Lori Tulloch Mortgage Lending Team
branches.guildmortgage.com/nc/beaufort

Chris Turner
Town of Morehead City
www.moreheadcitync.org

Jeff West
Cape Lookout National Seashore
www.nps.gov/calo

CHAMBER STAFF

Erin Knight
President

Julie Naegelen
Membership Services Director

Taylor McCune
Marketing & Programs Director

Brooke Lehman
Administrative Coordinator & Marketing Assistant

Erin Knight
President

Julie Naegelen
Membership Services Director

Taylor McCune
Marketing & Programs Director

Brooke Lehman
Administrative Coordinator & Marketing Assistant

Chamber Welcome

As the Board Chair and the President of the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce, we are honored to extend warm greetings to all the members, partners and stakeholders who contribute to the vibrancy of our community. Our Chamber takes great pride in facilitating an environment where businesses thrive, and partnerships are fostered.

In today’s rapidly evolving economic landscape and growing coastal populations, the role of the Chamber of Commerce has never been more critical. We support businesses of all sizes by providing resources, advocacy and networking opportunities that empower our members to succeed. Our commitment to excellence drives us to continually adapt and innovate, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of economic development in Carteret County.

Throughout the past few years, our community has faced unprecedented challenges that have reshaped the way we work, interact and conduct business. Businesses and organizations have demonstrated remarkable adaptability, creativity and perseverance in navigating these challenges.

Looking ahead, we are filled with optimism and ambition to grow with our community. Our commitment to foster connections, support responsible growth and champion entrepreneurship will guide the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce in this new era.

Now, more than ever, we urge you to nurture the love for our community and embrace the spirit of supporting local. Every memory created and dollar spent is an investment in the collective prosperity of our Carteret County. By choosing local, we not only support our friends and neighbors who own and operate these businesses but also contribute to the unique character and charm of our coastal region.

Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to our shared success. Your participation is instrumental in helping to shape the future of our exceptional community.

Sincerely,

Kurt Rogerson | Board Chair

Erin Knight | President

County Information

Quick Facts

■   Carteret County was created in 1722 as Carteret Precinct, gained county status in 1739, and is named for English statesman,
Sir George Carteret.

■   The county is administered by a council-manager type government. The county manager is Tommy Burns.

■   The estimated full-time population in 2023 was just under 70,000. That number jumps to more than 100,000 during peak season.

■   There are 11 municipalities in the county: Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, Bogue, Cape Carteret, Cedar Point, Emerald Isle, Indian Beach, Morehead City, Newport, Peletier, and Pine Knoll Shores.

■   The county is home to two active Coast Guard installments, Sector Field Office Fort Macon and Station Emerald Isle; and three active Marine Corps installments, Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue; Outlying Field Atlantic; and multi-purpose target complex BT-11 Piney Island.

■   Three North Carolina universities have marine science campuses in Carteret County: Duke University, North Carolina State University, and University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

County Commissioners

District area descriptions are approximate

David Quinn (term exp. 2026)
District 1 - Bogue/Cape Carteret/Peletier

Chuck Shinn (term exp. 2026)
District 2 - Newport

Mark Mansfield (term exp. 2026)
District 3 - Morehead City/Broad Creek

Chimer Clark (elect; 2024-2028)
District 3 - Morehead City/Broad Creek

Marriane Waldrop (elect; 2024-2028)
District 4 - Cedar Point/Bogue Banks

Keith Moore (elect; 2024-2028)
District 5 - Beaufort/Radio Island/West of Hwy 101

Chris Chadwick (term exp. 2026)
District 6 - Down East/Merrimon/East of Hwy 101

Important Phone Numbers

Emergency & Helplines

Police/Fire/Ambulance
Call or text 911

24-hour Non-Emergency Line
(252) 726-1911

Rape Crisis
24-Hour Crisis Line: (252) 725-4040

Animal Control
(252) 728-8585

Post-Overdose Response Team
(252) 247-1129

NC211 - Free Health & Human Services Hotline
24-Hours: call 211

CodeRed Emergency Notifications
Sign up at CarteretCountyNC.gov

County Services

Municipal contact information can
be found under “Governments.”

A full listing of county services is at
CarteretCountyNC.gov

Administration / Tax Office
(252) 728-8485 | CarteretCountyNC.gov

Sheriff’s Office
(252) 728-8400

Carteret County Courthouse
(252) 504-4400

Social Services
(252) 728-3181

Register of Deeds
(252) 728-8474

Veterans’ Services
(252) 728-8440

Senior Services
(252) 247-2626

Solid Waste & Recycling
(252) 648-7878

Health Department/WIC Services
(252) 728-8550

Environmental Health
(252) 728-8499

Public Works/Mosquito Spraying
(252) 648-7878

CCATS Public Transportation
(252) 240-1043

Board of Elections
(252) 728-8460

Public Information Office
(252) 360-4164

Utilities

Duke Energy
Report outage: text 57801, call (800) 419-6356
Customer service: (800) 452-2777

Carteret Craven Electric Co-Op
Report outage: text OUT to (800) 682-2217
24 Hour Line: (252) 247-3107

Ribbon Cuttings

Celebrating Success

Smiling faces? Check. Yellow ribbon? Check. A massive pair of scissors? Check!

We love to celebrate our members’ successes, and ribbon cuttings are one of our favorite ways to shine the spotlight on them. You’ll find us marking all sorts of milestones, from grand openings to 30-year anniversaries to facility expansions and beyond. So, if you see a yellow ribbon blowing in the breeze, drop by and see what all the fuss is about!

Business After Hours

A time-honored tradition, Business After Hours networking events are the heart and soul of our Chamber. When people ask us, “what does a chamber of commerce do?” we could rattle off a list of events and programs and initiatives, but there’s one phrase that ties it all up with a bow: We foster connections. Join us at one of our monthly Business After Hours events and you’ll see the magic of in-person, real-time networking happen right in front of you.

Each Business After Hours is hosted by a different Chamber member, and each member puts its own unique spin on the concept. Our members have even networked with each other at art shows while dancing to beach music. Each After Hours features food, drinks, door prizes, a 50/50 cash drawing and a chance to get to know the host business. These events are members only, but we always welcome guests who want to learn more about joining our Chamber.

Military Affairs Committee

Military Affairs

The Military Affairs Committee sponsors an ambitious program to serve, honor and pay tribute to the active service personnel associated with the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, the U.S. Coast Guard, and their families.

Throughout the year, the MAC presents Service Person of the Quarter awards to personnel who take part in volunteer community service in Carteret County. Each of the winners receive a letter of commendation for their file, an American flag to display, and a check for $250.

The MAC also hosts two fun days each year, a fishing day for military families with children, and a fun day out at Cape Lookout followed by a traditional Eastern North Carolina Pig Pickin’. No one leaves either event empty handed – each kid gets a fishing rod, and fun day participants take turns picking out gifts donated by Chamber member businesses. In December, we put on Cookies for the Troops, a home-baked cookie drive for personnel who have to work over the Christmas holiday. MAC’s programs and events are 100% funded by annual Star Sponsors.

Mission Statement

“To strengthen relationships between the military and the local business community.”

Connect Carteret

Connect Carteret
Young Professionals

Connect Carteret serves business professionals in Carteret County between ages 21 and 45, helping them to expand networking horizons and develop interpersonal skills. The group also puts on the annual Claus Crawl fundraiser, hosts professional development workshops, and organizes community service and fundraising efforts.

In 2023, the group made huge strides toward cementing itself as a cornerstone of our community. They participated in three service projects, launched a program (ConnectEd) to support future young professionals, expanded the annual Claus Crawl to support more local businesses, started holding monthly social events, developed a Young Professional of the Year award, and reorganized our steering committee. They also started a partnership with the Small Business Center at Carteret Community College. Together we hosted five free professional development workshops complete with breakfast, lunch and other snacks. That partnership boosted participation in big ways, and we’re thrilled to continue it this year!

Mission Statement

“Providing career minded individuals in Carteret County with opportunities to cultivate new relationships, develop personally and professionally, and support the community.”

Chamber Events &
Committees

Annual Chamber Events

On any random weekday you might find us organizing donations for a military fun day, packing up coolers for a day out with Leadership Carteret, or helping our amazing mailman unload boxes of event supplies. Here are just a few of the reasons we stay busy!

January | Leadership Carteret begins

February | Celebrating Business Awards

March | Leadership Carteret Graduation

April | Business After Hours Expo

May | Military Family Fishing Day

July | Connect Carteret Night Out with the Marlins

August | Reverse Drawing Fundraiser

September | Legislative Lunch, Tour of MCAS Cherry Point

October | Military Fun Day at the Cape

November | State of the Community Breakfast

December | Cookies for the Troops, Claus Crawl

Chamber Committees

Our Chamber of Commerce serves nearly 800 member organizations and the thousands of staff and volunteers who make those organizations successful. It takes a lot of work, and our dedicated Board of Directors and other volunteers always rise to the occasion.

• Executive Committee

• Governance Committee

• Development Committee

• Finance Committee

• Public & Legislative Affairs Committee

• Military Affairs Committee

• Connect Carteret Steering Committee

• Leadership Carteret Steering Committee

Celebrating Business Awards

Celebrating Excellence

Every year, the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce presents the Celebrating Business Awards in recognition of businesses, organizations and individuals who have made remarkable impacts on the Crystal Coast’s business community and community as a whole. On February 23, the Chamber hosted a luncheon and ceremony at the DoubleTree by Hilton Atlantic Beach Oceanside to honor the nine 2024 winners.

Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award

Cheryl Mansfield
Edward Jones Investments, Chamber Board of Directors

Giving Hope Award

Carteret County Public School Foundation

Small Business of the Year

Robby Oakes Mortgage Team at CIMG

New Business of the Year

GROW Fitness & Wellness LLC

Citizen of the Year

John Hagle
Friend of the Chamber, Chamber Board of Directors

Young Professional of the Year

Nataleigh Fabian
HomeFront Realty Services, 2023 Connect Carteret Chair

Extraordinary Chamber Leadership Award

Wanda Bennett
Work on Wonderful Consulting LLC, 2023 Chamber Board of Directors Chair

Ambassadors of the Year

Debbie Fisher
Office Fusion Solutions, Independent Sales Director - Mary Kay Cosmetics

Sue Schurer
Honey Baked Ham Company of Morehead City

“Receiving the Young Professional of the Year award is an incredible honor. I am profoundly thankful for the support of the Connect Carteret and Chamber community.”

­­— Nataleigh Fabian | Broker/REALTOR, HomeFront Realty Services

“It is such an honor to be selected as Carteret County’s small business of the year. We are very thankful for this community, and we do everything we can to support our schools and local non-profit organizations.”

— Robby Oakes | Managing Director, Robby Oakes Mortgage
Team at CIMG

“I’m still in shock, honored and speechless! I love to volunteer and give back to my community. I don’t do what I do for recognition; I do it because I love living in Morehead City. Carteret County is so special, and I want to help make it the best place to live and visit.”

— Cheryl Mansfield | Financial Advisor, Edward Jones Investments

“BEST CLASS EVER!”

Leadership Carteret

Leadership Carteret Celebrates 35 Years

One of the Chamber’s most well-loved programs, Leadership Carteret, has been changing outlooks and fostering community connections since 1989. In those 35 years, the program has graduated nearly 1,200 professionals – and each one of them claims their class was the Best Class Ever! Ever evolving, Leadership Carteret expanded to a 12-week program in 2024. After a full day of orientation, which includes a 12-foot-tall challenge wall climb, the class sets off to explore the county. Additional to taking “field trips” to key places, participants hear from local leaders, take a hard look at current events and community challenges, and complete volunteer service projects.

Curious about what a typical Leadership class day looks like? Here’s an excerpt from the 2024 County Services Day wrap-up report:

Our first stop on County Services Day was Carteret Health Care, formerly known to us locals as Carteret General Hospital. We enjoyed a fantastic breakfast buffet by CHC Food & Nutritional Services then heard from five members of hospital leadership who covered topics ranging from challenges posed by a seasonal and aging population to the facilities newest expansion project, a dedicated oncological wing.

After a briefing and tour at the 911 Communications office, which fields more than 400 calls per day on average, we headed to the Carteret County Health Department. Tacos are healthy, right? Because that’s what was for lunch, thanks to Tower 7 restaurant and a generous sponsorship from WAJ Management.

Health Department Director Nina Oliver schooled us on the services her facility provides and the relationship between economic inequality and health outcomes. Post-Overdose Response Team Manager Brooke Barnhill told us about substance misuse in our county, and we learned that Carteret has the third highest overdose rate in Eastern North Carolina. PORT’s mission is to work with clients after an overdose with the goal of finding them the appropriate health and support services.

The group took a spin around the Leon Mann Jr. Enrichment Center, which provides social and educational services for seniors, before heading to the Carteret County Humane Society animal shelter. We heard from Shelter Director Rachel Hardin and visited with dozens and dozens of dogs and cats who are looking for their forever homes. One of our classmates even adopted a husky puppy before we left, and the class as a whole decided to financially support the organization by “adopting” a kennel.

The day wrapped up with a tour of the Carteret County EMS agency at Broad and Gales Creek and a briefing from County Emergency Services Director Stephen Rea. The tour was a bit short due to a delta-level call that came in soon after we arrived, taking all but one emergency vehicle out into the field. Nothing like seeing our public services at work right in front of our eyes!

Reverse Drawing

Win $10,000 at the Reverse Drawing

First off: Yes, really. We give away $10k to a lucky winner every August! Second: That winner could be you!

The Reverse Drawing is our only fundraiser of the year, so we make sure to knock it out of the park. Both Chamber members and the public are invited to come out for a night of food, drink, dancing, and a bit of risk-taking, too. Each year’s party is built around a theme, and guests are encouraged to get into costume and go all out.

So, how does a reverse drawing work? Throughout the evening we pull guests’ names. Once a name is pulled, they’re out of the running for the grand prize…unless they gamble on a second chance! At the end of the night, the last name on the board wins the big bucks.

Business After Hours Expo

Part B2B networking opportunity, part business exposition, part happy hour, the annual After Hours Expo features more than 60 exhibitors and attracts hundreds of other professionals and curious members of the general public. You’ll find all types of businesses and non-profit organizations there, and are sure to learn about community resources and local opportunities you’d never heard of before. Entry to the Expo is just $5, and all food and drink is complimentary. Many exhibitors pass out swag and coupons, and some even give away prizes! You never know what you’ll find or who you’ll meet at the Expo, but we can guarantee you’ll leave feeling great about the success, growth, and support of our local community!