Neuse Sport Shop’s Russell Rhodes receives statewide government relations honor

NCRMA is proud to recognize the 2025 Award Winners, presented on Tuesday, November 4, at the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel in downtown Winston-Salem.

The first recipient of our Retailer of the Year Award is Steelman's Ace Hardware in Advance, North Carolina.

Steelman’s Ace Hardware exemplifies community spirit and is tailored to the needs of its neighbors. The store is known for its strong support of local organizations—from little league teams and fire departments to scouts, schools, churches, and many others.

Following Hurricane Helene, Steelman’s Ace Hardware played a vital role in recovery efforts. The team organized and delivered multiple van loads of supplies donated by the store, customers, and the wider community. They provided tarps, cleaning supplies, power tools, hardware, heaters for those living in tents, and even lime and toilet seats for outhouse sanitation to hard-hit areas across Western North Carolina.

The second Retailer of the Year Award winner is The Butcher’s Market.

The Wilkins family has built an impressive family-owned business with seven locations—five in the Triangle and two in Wilmington— as well as a catering operation.

The Butcher’s Market is passionate about giving back to the communities where they live and work. Their charitable efforts focus on supporting those who are hungry, sick, facing hardship, or experiencing domestic abuse. Recent initiatives include supporting the March of Dimes, the Catfish Classic for ALS research, the Pretty in Pink Golf Tournament for breast cancer awareness, and CORRAL, a horse farm providing therapy for at-risk girls. They also donated 1,000 pounds of sausage to the Miracle League’s Oktoberfest fundraiser.

Their generosity and community spirit truly make The Butcher’s Market a standout in North Carolina retail.

Lastly, NCRMA recognized Russell Rhodes of Neuse Sport Shop as the recipient of the Luther T. Moore Excellence in Government Relations Award.

Established in 2017, this award honors individuals who go above and beyond in supporting the advocacy efforts of the North Carolina Retail Merchants Association.

Russell has been a steadfast advocate for retailers—large and small—ensuring their voices are heard and their concerns addressed at every level of government. His regular communication with elected officials and fellow industry members sets an outstanding example of engagement and leadership.

Through his efforts, Russell has strengthened the retail industry, supported local economies, created jobs, and fostered a greater sense of community across North Carolina. His passion, integrity, and collaborative spirit remind us that advocacy and service can unite us—even when we hold differing points of view.

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