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Business Excellence Awards

Since 2015, The Chamber has recognized exceptional businesses and business leaders in our community at the Business Excellence Awards. Annual award winners are presented with special bee sculptures in recognition of their achievements. (Scroll down to see all past winners!)

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See award category descriptions below:

New Business of the Year

Business of the Year Awards

The Business of the Year Awards will be presented to outstanding Chamber member businesses that have shown growth, innovation of product, exemplary customer service, response to adversity, and/or contribution to the community.

One recipient each for:

A charitable non-profit organization
Micro Enterprise Business (<5 employees)
Mid-Size Business (6-50 employees)
Large Business (50+ employees)

Community Impact Award

Innovation Award

Young Professional of the Year

Businesswoman of the Year

Black Business Alliance Person of the Year

2024 BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS WINNERS

New Business of the Year: Kindred Heart Animal Hospital

Micro Enterprise Business of the Year: My Muses Card Shop

Mid-Size Business of the Year: School of Rock

Large Business of the Year: Carol Woods

Non-Profit of the Year: The ArtsCenter

Community Impact Award: Piedmont Health

Innovative Business of the Year: Endswell Aquamation

Black Business Alliance Businessperson of the Year: Ada Umenwaliri, Uzoyibo & Ẹkẹ́ Foods, UNC-Chapel Hill

Lifetime Achievement in Economic Development: Dwight Basset, Chapel Hill Economic Development, Retired

Businesswoman of the Year: Dr. Shaina Holman, Holman Family Dental Care

Young Professional of the Year: Alex Nickodem, Realtor, Terra Nova + Compass

Click the category and business names below to review videos honoring past award winners:

New Business of the Year

2015 - 2023

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Micro-Enterprise Business of the Year

2015 - 2023

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Mid-Size Business of the Year

2015 - 2023

See All

Large Business of the Year

2015 - 2023

See All

Non-Profit of the Year

2015 - 2023

See All

New Business of the Year

2015 - Green Beagle Lodge

2016 - Silverspot Cinema

2017 - Morinaga

2018 - Krave

2019 - School of Rock

2020 - Film Fest 919

2021 - Epilogue Books Chocolate Brews

2022 - Olmaz Jewelers

2023 - Momo's Master

Momo’s Master Himalayan Bistro has been serving up delicious momos, a type of dumpling popular in Tibet and Nepal, since opening in downtown Chapel Hill in late 2021. The Momo Master himself, Ramesh Dahal, cooked in Iraq, Somalia, and the southern United States before opening Momo’s Master, bringing a new type of food and culture to Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro.

Momo's Master stands apart from other downtown restaurants, with a menu of healthier alternatives and offering their delightful pan-fried and steamed momos, rather than the traditional deep-fried dumplings. With the goal of making every customer feel like they’re at home with family, Momo’s Master uses the freshest ingredients and serves their dishes with pride and a smile.

Within just a year and a half, Momo's Master has become a beloved establishment within the Chapel Hill community. Chef Dahal’s love for serving others shines through, not just his enthusiasm for sharing his culture with diners, his personal infectious energy, and also through Momo’s donations of food to community groups and gatherings.

Click here to watch the winner's video.

Micro-Enterprise Business of the Year

2015 - Community Empowerment Fund

2016 - Balloons & Tunes

2017 - Steven Ray Miller

2018 - Big Frog Custom T-Shirts

2019 - Graphix Solution

2020 - A Plus Test Prep

2021 - Adkin & Rodriguez, CPAs PLLC

2022 - Carrboro Farmers' Market

2023 - Olmaz Jewelers

In three short years, Olmaz Jewlers has captured the hearts and trust of their customers and embodies the qualities and values that define a truly outstanding local business. Co-owned and managed by friends and business partners Jack Daud and Elie Abu Rjeileh, this family-owned and operated retailer earns customer loyalty and racks up the 5-star google reviews with exemplary customer services and a commitment to quality. Located in Eastgate Crossing, at Olmaz, customer satisfaction is the cornerstone of their business, as they strive to ensure that every individual who walks through their doors receives the utmost care and attention.

Over the past year, Olmaz has expanded their team, welcoming two new sales associates and a jeweler. Their dedication to excellence is evident in their investments, including the acquisition of advanced equipment like a laser welder and a gem setting microscope. In their relentless pursuit of quality, they are now shopping for a cutting-edge diamond screener that differentiates between natural and lab-grown diamonds.

Through their community volunteerism and generous donations to local non-profit silent auctions, Olmaz has positively impacted many organizations, including Hope Renovations, the YMCA, Ronald McDonald House, and Orange Literacy. Olmaz owners are generous with their times as well serving on the Chamber’s Board and Membership committee and leading a new Retail leaders group to share best practices in local retail management.

Click here to watch the winner's video.

Mid Size Business of the Year

2015 - Al's Burger Shack

2016 - DSI Comedy

2017 - Sofia's Boutique

2018 - Fitch Lumber

2019 - Bold Construction

2020 - Vimala's

2021 - Enitech IT Support and Consulting

2022 - Carrboro Plumbing

2023 - J. Hoffman Studio Design Build

Jenny Hoffman founded J. Hoffman Studio Design Build as a one-woman operation in 2015. Eight years later, J. Hoffman Studio Design Build now boasts a team of 10 talented individuals, each with specialized skills including architectural design, interior design, and construction and project management, as well as sales, operations, and administration.

One of the hallmarks of J. Hoffman is their meticulous attention to detail. From translating extensive notes from client conversations into detailed blueprints, to working with municipalities to ensure compliance with local regulations, J. Hoffman’s thoroughness is evident. Hoffman Studio Design Build’s talented staff and exceptional work has garnered well-deserved recognition within the industry, recently winning awards in five categories at the Home Builders Association of Durham, Orange, and Chatham County’s “Remodelers Outstanding Construction” Awards.

As a woman and LGBTQ-owned and staffed company, J. Hoffman Studio Design Build champions inclusivity and actively supports local and national non-profits and trades-training initiatives. By advocating and creating opportunities for young people, women, and gender minorities in the design and construction fields, J. Hoffman has become an agent of change and a role model for others.

Click here to watch the winner's video.

Large Business of the Year

2015 - Summit Engineering & Design Services

2016 - The Carolina Inn

2017 - TSI Healthcare

2018 - Kalisher

2019 - UNC Health Care

2020 - Weaver Street Market

2021 - Piedmont Health

2022 - ATMA Hotel Group

2023 - Jersey Mike's

Jersey Mike’s is owned and operated by eight families who share a common vision—to change the world by taking care of their customers, employees, and community.

From a single store on Elliott Road, led by Charlie Farris and Clint Winslow, they have expanded their presence to 13 stores in the Chapel Hill/Triangle area.

What sets this local Jersey Mike’s apart from others is their unique owner/operator model where customers are often greeted and served by local owners working alongside their employees.

Jersey Mike’s dedicated staff of 150 individuals are trained to provide laser-focused attention to customers embodying the mantra, "make that sub like you're making it for your momma."

In the face of the adversity that Covid and subsequent hospitality staffing challenges created, Jersey Mike's has shown resilience as they continue to grow, maintain quality, and deliver outstanding customer service.

Jersey Mike's has consistently given back to their local community through financial contributions, food donations, or hand delivered community coupons, building a reputation as a reliable community investor.

Click here to watch the winner's video.

Non-Profit of the Year

2015 - Compass Center For Women and Families

2016 - TABLE

2017 - Extraordinary Ventures

2018 - Inter-Faith Council for Social Services

2019 - Chapel Hill Meals on Wheels

2020 - Boomerang Youth

2021 - EmPOWERment

2022 - Hope Renovations

2023 - South Orange Rescue Squad

Since 1971, South Orange Rescue Squad’s all-volunteer team has served the citizens of Orange County by providing essential emergency medical and technical rescue services and offering free first aid and CPR instruction throughout the community.

South Orange Rescue Squad proudly supplements Orange County’s nighttime EMS 911 operations and provides ambulance surge coverage when the county’s system is overloaded and provides EMS services at UNC sporting events, local high school football games, road races, street fairs, and other community programs.

South Orange Rescue Squad continues to innovate and expand their offerings: Their volunteers undergo rigorous training, staying up to date with the latest advances and practices in emergency medicine and response. Continuously upgrading their training and certifications, they are working to ensure they are ready for anything. To ensure the most up-to-date use of technology, their Technical Response Team has embraced drone technology for search and rescue operations.

Committed to promoting career development pathways in emergency medicine, South Orange Rescue Squad recently donated a retired ambulance to Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School’s technical education program.

Click here to watch the winner's video.

University Born Business of the Year

2015 - ABAN

2016 - Sweeps

2017 - Medserve

2018 - PHE

2019 - Dualogics

2020 - Brandwein's Bagels

2021 - B3 Coffee

Community Impact Award

2015 - Student Health Action Coalition

2016 - Club Nova

2017 - Strowd Roses

2018 - Kidzu Children's Museum

2019 - Durham Technical Community College

2020 - Habitat for Humanity of Orange County

2021 - Atma Hotel Group + Interfaith Council for Social Service

2022 - Trevor Holman Photography

2023 - Grubb Properties

Founded in 1963, Grubb Properties has prioritized the development of sustainable communities while giving back and investing in projects with community, social, and environmental benefits.

In Chapel Hill, no organization is currently having a greater positive impact on our local economy than Grubb Properties.

Most notably, Grubb is helping lead the redevelopment of downtown’s Franklin and Rosemary Street into Chapel Hill’s future Innovation District, beginning with their purchase and redevelopment of the newly renamed Junction, a glass-clad innovation hub and start-up accelerator anchored by two floors of UNC’s Innovate Carolina.

Next to The Junction is Grubb’s recently approved Life Sciences Center with 240,000 square feet of lab and work space for researchers and biotech companies. Across from the Junction is the Downtown Parking Center, with eleven hundred much-needed parking spaces currently under construction. Rounding out the project, Grubb Link apartments will bring 150 new units priced for local working professionals with first floor retail, priced to be affordable to locally-owned businesses.

Just a mile down South Road from UNC, Grubb is redeveloping Glen Lennox into a mixed-use live, work, play community. With guaranteed long-term affordability for long-term residents, an affordable housing partnership with Community Home Trust and the new Link apartments, Grubb has completed the project with The Gwendolyn - a building named for the first African American Woman to enroll at UNC.

Click here to watch the winner's video.

Innovation Award

2015 - Communigift

2016 - Seal the Seasons

2017 - RelyMD

2018 - Seal the Seasons

2019 - Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC

2020 - Hope Renovations

2021 - Carrboro United

2022 - Fitch Lumber & Hardware

2023 - Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity has built a global reputation for addressing the challenges of safe, affordable housing through a partnership between the homeowners who help built the homes and the staff, donors, and volunteers who support them. Locally, Habitat for Humanity of Orange County is delivering on its mission, exceeding its fundraising goals, and is beginning the construction of its ambitious Weavers Grove development.

Weavers Grove is a unique project among the nation’s Habitat chapters – developing a mixed-income neighborhood with 101 affordable and 136 market-rate homes. The diverse homeowner base and pedestrian-centered design will promote neighborly interaction, healthy recreation, and support local families in a safe, stable environment.

Through careful stewardship, collaboration with local governments, and a historic $8 million capital campaign, Habitat has successfully realized this $30 million project. Weavers Grove's impact extends beyond its homeowners, supporting economic mobility, educational improvement, reduced healthcare costs, and positive environmental impact with planned solar, green spaces, and electric vehicle charging stations.

For their continued dedication to serving the people of our community, and their innovation and ambition in developing affordable housing, we are proud to honor Habitat for Humanity of Orange County with the Chamber’s 2023 Innovation Award.

Click here to watch the winner's video.

Business Woman of the Year

2015 - Kim Calandra

2016 - Sharon Hill

2017 - Barbara Jessie-Black

2018 - Pam Herndon

2019 - Kim Jeffs

2020 - Elizabeth Hirsh

2021 - Zoë Dehmer

2022 - Nora Spencer

2023 - Ellen Shannon

Throughout Ellen Shannon’s 40+ year career in the media business, she has not only built successful events, magazines, and publications but has been an influential mentor to countless women - supporting their growth, happiness, satisfaction, and success.

Under Ellen's leadership, Triangle Media Partners has honored and recognized over 200 women through the Women of Achievement magazine features and events, inspiring and uplifting women from all across the region. Ellen fosters a culture that nurtures, inspires, empowers, and uplifts women by providing opportunities for their growth, recognizing their talent and hard work, and actively promoting them. Her commitment to mentorship is evident in the lasting impact she has made on dozens of mentees, who continue to reach out to her for guidance and support.

At age 30, Ellen became the youngest Vice President of a high-power media company and continues to thrive and defy expectations in an increasingly complex and competitive media market. In the past 24 months, Triangle Media Partners, better known for their popular Chapel Hill Magazine, Chatham Magazine, Triangle Weekender, Heart of NC Weddings, visitor and relocation guides, and their popular events Sip and Savor and Women of Achievement, has doubled its revenue with their new digital arm, Triangle Digital Partners, and expanding print business.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ellen is deeply involved in the community. She has served on various local boards, including The Chamber’s, where she demonstrated outstanding leadership by steering them and their members throughout the COVID crisis as the Chair of the Board of Directors. In July, Ellen will assume the role of Vice President of the Board of the Durham Tech Foundation. Triangle Media Partners also donates tens of thousands of dollars in advertising to nonprofits each year.

In recognition of her business leadership, mentorship, tenacity, and dedication to community, we are proud to recognize Ellen Shannon as The Chamber’s 2023 Businesswoman of the Year.

Click here to watch the winner's video.

Young Professional of the Year

2015 - Daniel Eller

2016 - Zach Ward

2017 - Antonio McBroom

2018 - Donald Strickland

2019 - Elinor Landess

2020 - Dawna Jones

2021 - Cat French

2022 - Pavani Peri & Wes Rowe

2023 - Alex Brandwein

Upon receiving his MBA from Kenan-Flagler School of Business at UNC, Alex Brandwein launched Brandwein's Bagels in the spring of 2020, and has since transformed from a pop-up bagel shop to a thriving restaurant and catering company. Aware of the importance of investing in your own community, Alex sources local ingredients and is an Orange County Living Wage Employer, paying his 50 plus workers a fair wage.

Alex’s hustle and strong leadership have earned Brandwein’s recognitions including Chapel Hill Magazine's "Best Breakfast" and "Best Catering" Awards, and INDY Week's "Best Bagel of the Triangle,” and the Chamber’s University-Born Business of the Year.

Brandwein’s serves the community delicious bagels, but they also support the community through Brandwein’s "Fundraiser Fridays" initiative, donating 10% of sales to local organizations - over $25,000 was donated to 33 organizations in 2022. Brandwein’s also provides generous in-kind support, providing bagels and gift cards for community activities. Additionally, Alex mentors high school and college students, both at work and in their academic pursuits, furthering their growth and development.

Alex recently capitalized on an opportunity to purchase his building and the building next door to expand and renovate the shop, increasing production capacity.

Click here to watch the winner's video.

Black Business Alliance Businessperson of the Year

2023 - Creighton Blackwell

As the Chief Community Impact and Public Affairs Officer at Coastal Credit Union, Creighton Blackwell creates and leads organization-wide strategy to increase membership and to grow Coastal’s already substantial positive community impact. Creighton’s strategic approach and unwavering dedication to the credit union’s members and to positive community outcomes has contributed significantly to Coastal’s growth and success.

Creighton successfully led Coastal’s efforts to direct over $1 million in grants to support local nonprofits impacted by Covid-19. In addition to managing the credit union’s strong external impact, Creighton also leads internally, including launching Coastal’s Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee and strategies that strengthen the company’s operations as an inclusive and equitable workplace.

Raised in Orange County and a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill, Creighton Blackwell continues to serve through his involvement in various community impact organizations. Whether serving North Carolina as the chair of the state’s Council on Economic Education and on the Governor’s Taskforce on Inclusive Education, or locally as Chair of the Chamber’s Partnership for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro, Creighton gives his personal and professional time, expertise, and leadership to organizations that make a difference on people and communities.

Creighton’s most impactful local work has been in the resources he directs to, or raises in support of, service organizations and in his leadership as chair of the Chamber’s Partnership and chair of the Big Bold Ideas initiative for the last four years.

Creighton firmly believes that "doing good is simply good business.”

In recognition of his business leadership and community service, we are proud to name Creighton Blackwell the Black Business Alliance’s 2023 Businessperson of the Year.

Click here to watch the winner's video.

Get Connected & Stay Informed

Lower Your Business Expenses

Increase Your Community Impact

Business Excellence Awards

Click the category and business names below to review videos honoring past award winners:

New Business of the Year

Micro-Enterprise Business of the Year

Mid-Size Business of the Year

Large Business of the Year

Non-Profit of the Year

University-Born Business of the Year

Black Business Alliance Businessperson of the Year

Community Impact Award

Innovation Award

Business Woman of the Year

Young Professional of the Year

New Business of the Year

Micro-Enterprise Business of the Year

Mid Size Business of the Year

Large Business of the Year

Non-Profit of the Year

University Born Business of the Year

Community Impact Award

Innovation Award

Business Woman of the Year

Young Professional of the Year

Black Business Alliance Businessperson of the Year

Thank you to our Community Champions!

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