Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce presents the 2024 Small Business Awards – OBX Today

Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce presents the 2024 Small Business Awards - OBX Today
Front row L-R: Laura Payne; Maggie Sexton, Coastal Carolina Vacations & Sales; Natalia Holshouser, Coastal Carolina Vacations & Sales, Coastal Carolina Vacations & Sales; Julie Osborne, Kill Devil Rum Ball Co. Back Row L-R: Gary Salamido, NC Chamber of Commerce; Bob Peele, Wanchese Marine Industrial Park; Tess Judge, Wanchese Marine Industrial Park Board Member; Ann Wood, Coastal Carolina Vacations & Sales; Nancy Beasley, Coastal Carolina Vacations & sales; Austin, Bembridge, Coastal Carolina Vacations & Sales; Gil Anderson, Anderson Heating & Cooling; David Osborne, Kill Devil Rum Ball CO.; Nick Graham, Standard Insurance & Chair-Elect Outer Banks Chamber Board. (Submitted)

The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce together with Small Business Award Corporate Sponsor Wanchese Marine Industrial Park recognized the 2024 Small Business of the Year winners on Thursday, August 29th.

2024 Winners:

  • Small Business of the Year (10 Employees or Less) – Anderson Heating & Cooling
  • Small Business of the Year (11-50 Employees) – Coastal Carolina Vacations & Sales
  • “Cool Things Made on the Outer Banks” – Kill Devil Rum Ball Company

These annual awards recognize businesses for achievements and community involvement as well as celebrate their passion for the Outer Banks region. Finalists for this year’s awards included Anderson Heating & Cooling, Hatteras Island Pet Resort, Coastal Carolina Vacations & Sales, Pigman’s Barbecue, and Kill Devil Rum Ball Company.

“The nominations/applications were reviewed and judged by a panel of judges from around the state including Chamber executives and business consultants.

Anderson Heating & Cooling was recognized for their unwavering commitment to excellence in the industry. Their dedication to providing exceptional customer service, investing in their team’s professional growth, nurturing long-term client relationships, and delivering top-notch service has positioned them as a local leader. Their active engagement in the community, supporting local organizations, non-profits, and schools, showcases their commitment to contributing to the area’s well-being.

Anderson Heating and Cooling’s holistic approach, combining outstanding service, community involvement, and industry expertise, earned them the 2024 Small Business of the Year Award for a business with 10 or less employees.

Established in 2021, Coastal Carolina Vacations and Sales has experienced remarkable growth and success, a testament to their commitment to integrity and superior customer service. At the heart of their success lies their focus on their team and community. By upholding the principle of quality over quantity, they remain steadfast in delivering outstanding experiences for their clients and customers. Their dedication to cultivating pride, respect, and a sense of community not only resonates with their employees but also forms the foundation of their exceptional service.

Doing what is right and treating every guest with the utmost respect and courtesy has solidified their reputation as a trusted partner in the Outer Banks community. Join us in celebrating Coastal Carolina Vacations and Sales for their outstanding contributions to our local business community earning them the 2024 Small Business of the Year Award for a business with 11 or more employees.

It’s no surprise that the “2024 Cool Things Made on the Outer Banks” Award was presented to Kill Devil Rum Ball Company. David and Julie Osborne have been producing these unique and delicious candy for over 14 years and are the ONLY business in the entire United States that manufactures Rum Balls!

Success for David and Julie was to create and produce a souvenir for visitors and locals alike that was small, inexpensive and truly a homemade, locally sourced piece of the OBX. Kill Devil Rum Balls became an OBXMADE certified product in 2020.Today Kill Devil Rum Balls are made with locally distilled Kill Devil Rum from Outer Banks Distilling in Manteo; it doesn’t get more local than that! When asked for any additional information they wanted to submit with their nomination, it was a simple “We love this place”

“The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce is proud of our member businesses and all they do in this community,” added Chamber President & CEO, Karen Brown.  “The Outer Banks area would not be the special place that it is without their attention to detail, outstanding customer service, the willingness to take a risk and provide jobs and services for our community.   We are proud to celebrate these companies.