Chamber honors local leaders at annual awards banquet
The Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce recognized five community leaders Tuesday night during its annual awards banquet, held Jan. 27 at the Kinston Country Club.
The event brought together business, civic, and nonprofit leaders to honor individuals whose service, leadership, and professional contributions have had a lasting impact on Kinston and Lenoir County.
Young professional of the year
Luke Hollowell was named Young Professional of the Year, an award recognizing emerging leaders who demonstrate excellence, initiative, and a strong commitment to the community early in their careers.
President’s award
Tammy Kelly received the President’s Award for her decades of service to the Chamber and the broader community. Kelly was recognized for consistently going above and beyond in support of Chamber initiatives and community partnerships.
Over more than 20 years of service in Lenoir County, Kelly has worked closely with county government, advisory boards, the Chamber, Visit Kinston, the Community Council for the Arts, United Way of Lenoir County, BBQ Fest on the Neuse, and numerous local businesses. Her work has focused heavily on improving health, nutrition, and education outcomes.
Kelly was also recognized for her creative contributions through floral design, which has enhanced countless Chamber events, and for her long-standing support of the Education Foundation’s Adult Spelling Bee.
Pinnacle award
The Pinnacle Award was presented to Ms. Jewel Taylor Rider, founder of Rider Florist Inc., in recognition of a lifetime of leadership, entrepreneurship, and service.
Born Oct. 3, 1925, Rider graduated as class president and valedictorian from Contentnea School before attending business school in Norfolk, Virginia. After early professional work with the Norfolk Southern Railroad and C.W. Howard Wholesale Company, she pursued formal training in floral design at what is now North Carolina State University.
Rider founded Rider Florist Inc. while raising her family, steadily expanding the business into a cornerstone of downtown Kinston commerce. Approaching 75 years in business, Rider continues to come to work daily at age 100.
Beyond her business accomplishments, Rider has a long history of community advocacy. She has been active in the Order of the Eastern Star and the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Post 43, and for decades served as an advocate and guardian for residents at Caswell Developmental Center.
Duke Energy citizenship and service award
Rhonda Barwick received the Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award for her 32 years of service to the City of Kinston.
During her tenure, Barwick served in nearly every corner of City Hall, including roles as deputy clerk, purchasing coordinator, budget analyst, business office administrator, operations manager, public services director, interim city manager, and city manager. She was the first woman to serve as operations manager, public services director, and city manager.
Barwick was recognized for her leadership, professionalism, and commitment to public service, as well as for reflecting Duke Energy’s core values of responsibility, trust, and community partnership.
Citizen of the year
Tonya Adams was named Citizen of the Year for her extensive civic involvement, business leadership, and community service.
Adams is the owner of The Hometowne Exchange, a revitalized 10,000-square-foot commercial building in downtown Kinston that houses five businesses and has contributed to downtown economic growth since its redesign in 2014. A licensed cosmetologist for more than 32 years, Adams previously served as program head and instructor of the cosmetology program at Lenoir Community College and now operates a salon and spa within The Hometowne Exchange.
Her service includes leadership roles as 2018 chair of the Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce, past president of the Rotary Club of Kinston, board member of UNC Health Lenoir, and board member of the Lenoir County Fair Association. She also helped organize BBQ Fest on the Neuse for more than 15 years, contributing to the festival’s recent Guinness World Records recognition.
Adams currently serves as president of the Lenoir County SPCA and president of Pawsitive Changes, organizations focused on animal welfare and spay and neuter services throughout the county.
The Chamber said Adams’ leadership, compassion, and dedication exemplify the spirit of the Citizen of the Year Award.
The annual banquet serves as the Chamber’s signature recognition event, celebrating individuals whose work strengthens the economic, civic, and social fabric of Lenoir County.
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