Chamber News-
Residents and visitors, it is time to celebrate the culinary artists we have in the Southport-Oak Island area. You are invited to join the Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce for our 3rd annual Restaurant week Monday, October 19th – Sunday October 25th. This 7-day event is dedicated to supporting our local restaurants and showcasing the wide variety of what we have to offer – different foods, price points and participation options - dine in, take out, delivery and online ordering.

“This year we have 9 participating restaurants and one wine shop all offering mouth-watering selections” said Jeffrey Stites, Chair of the Southport-Oak Island Restaurant Week Committee. “This year especially, we encourage our residents to participate in Restaurant Week. Try something new and eat out, or take advantage of a take-out meal, several times during the week, as our restaurants could really use the support.”


Specific menu items are available at www.sptokirestaurantweek.com pickup an October issue of Southport Magazine or print a copy from the PDF.
Get Registered on SAM.GOV to Qualify for Government Contracting
The National Disaster Registry Data base for FEMA. This is a listing of the local contractors that are already vetted to do work with the Government in the event of a disaster. As you may know working as a contractor for the Government requires a few things (DUNS #, SAM.gov registry; etc.). The Strafford Act requires that FEMA use local contractors as much as possible in a disaster. It would be great if we can get the local municipalities to use that registry to select companies for relief and recovery efforts. Keep those Federal dollars local. (910)962-3566 for more information.
Don't Miss Out on Any Member Benefits
42nd US Open KMT Awards Over $371,000 in Cash
The 42nd Annual U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament was held October 1st – 3rd at the Dutchman Creek Park. It attracted it’s second largest turnout with 521 boats from over 10 states. Anglers competed for over $361,000 in cash prizes which included an additional $16,320 added by the tournament Board of Directors due to the large turnout.
 
Top honors for their 38.85-pound king mackerel went to Captain Andy Broadwell from Southport, NC aboard the “Nauti Lady”. For their efforts they received $80,506; 2nd place went to Captain Tracy Aman from Southport, NC on the “Sling N’ Bait” for their 37.75 pound king, and 3rd place honors and $85,382 went to Captain D Logan, aboard “Logan’s Run” from Belville, NC for their 36.60-pound king. Anglers could add to their winnings by entering additional prize categories, hence the difference in the posted prizes and the actual checks. 
 
The crew aboard the Nauti Lady included Heather & Chad Phelps, Kyland Phelps, Camden Phelps, Adam Broadwell, Lauren Broadwell and the Broadwell children Fisher, Lily, & Garrison who make the 4th generation of Broadwell’s who have fished the U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament.
 
The Southport Marina hosted the tournament for over 40 years but after sustaining damage during Hurricane Isaias, tournament officials made plans to hold the event at Dutchman Creek Park.
 
Before the tournament could be held at the park, tournament officials worked with Brunswick County Parks & Recreation officials to secure permits which would allow temporary dockage. American Marine Construction assisted by providing a barge for offloading, Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill provided a location for anglers to re-board their boats after weighing in, the Brunswick County Sheriff Office provided traffic control on the water and the Town of Oak Island provided Bill Smith Park for the Drive Thru Packet Pickup/Registration. 
 
U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament officials found a new location, implemented social distancing protocols, eliminated spectators and large group gatherings such as the Captain’s Meeting and Awards Ceremony and held drive-thru Packet Pickup and Registration. “It was not our usual tournament but, in many aspects, it was the same quality event that organizers had hoped for 42 years ago ” said Karen Sphar, Executive Vice President of the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce.  She continued by saying “There were challenges caused by Hurricane Isaias and COVID-19 but the community came together to make sure the tournament could go on safely and, in the end, the 2020 U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament will go down in the record books."  
 
The U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament is one of the largest king mackerel tournaments on the East Coast and has a $2 million-dollar economic impact. 
 
The Tournament, an event of the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce, is held annually the first week in October. The all cash guaranteed prize structure that is not based on participation numbers. 
 
Tournament results are available on the website, www.usopenkmt.com, video of the weigh-ins can be found at www.usopenkmtlive.com or photos from the weekend are available at U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament Facebook page. The next event of the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce is the Southport-Oak Island Restaurant Week October 19th – 25th for details www.sptokirestaurantweek.com 
 
Photo Left to Right: Adam Broadwell, Heather Phelps, Kyland Phelps, Lily Broadwell, Captain Andy Broadwell, Fisher Broadwell, Garrison Broadwell, Lauren Broadwell, Camden Phelps, and Chad Phelps.
Business Connections in Person Starting October
The Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce Business Connections has returned to in person meetings. However, to comply with COVID-19 indoor meeting space/social distancing we must limit the attendance to 22 people.  If you would like to attend next Tuesday, October 13th please reserve your seat.  The meeting will begin at 12:00pm in the Chamber’s Conference Room. Please remember you will be required to wear a face covering while in the Chamber building.
Holiday Promotion Deadline is October 26th
Small Business Saturday is November 28th. The Chamber will be posting member specials on the Chamber’s Facebook & Instagram pages and in a special Small Business Saturday email focusing on our local small businesses including Shopping, Dining & Services. This email will be sent to over 1,900 residents and business email addresses. Any member retailer, food/beverage, service, attraction, activity and amusement who provides us with the requested information by October 26th will be included.   
 
This is a FREE service provided the information is received by Monday, October 26th to karen@southport-oakisland.com  Make sure to use “SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY” in the subject line. Also include one image which will be included with your information. The image can be a product or your business logo but an interesting product is really the focus.

NC Commerce MURR Program Accepting Applications Now- First Come First Serve
If your business has experienced extraordinary business disruption and not been able to open due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the new Mortgage, Utility and Rent Relief (MURR) Program may be able to offer assistance with some of your fixed costs. Click For Application and Details.

MURR Program assistance is based on four months of rent or mortgage interest and utility costs at an eligible North Carolina business location during the April - August 2020 time period. The business must have paid these costs in order to receive relief payments from our program, and you'll be required to show evidence that these payments were in fact made.

The relief amount must not exceed $20,000 per business location, with a limit of up to two business locations per applicant (for a maximum of $40,000 per business).

The total amount of relief funding available for the MURR Program is $40 million. The applications are first come, first served and it is highly likely that some applications will not receive any relief.
SptOkiMerchandise.com Local Merchandise Storefront Idea
The Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce successfully sold its U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament merchandise this year at www.sptokimerchandise.com.

We had a thought that instead of the store sitting empty could this site work for our members. We are asking for your input to see if there is enough interest from the members to create a one stop shop where customers can go to purchase locally sourced items specific to the Southport-Oak Island area.

Items like Frying Pan Bloody Mary Mix, a granola blend from Hippie Chick Granola Co., Fishy Fishy t-shirt, frisbee from Shagger Jack's, a unique local charm made by Wade's Jewelers or Renee's Fine Jewelry, Southport Coffee from Moore Street Market, fudge made at Color me Carolina.....something unique and specifically tied to our area.

We would post the item in the store at www.sptokimerchandise.com and when we get an order we would send that business the order and delivery information to fulfill. Every two weeks the Chamber would send a check for the order(s) minus 10%.

We need to work on pricing for the shipping but it would be included in the order. The member would be responsible for packaging and ship the item purchased.

Is this idea worth going forward? We want to know what you think. Please let us know by email at
Southport Fairfield Inn & Suites is Marriott's First Hotel in Brunswick County
Marriott opened its first property in Brunswick County as the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott officially opened at 5181 Southport-Supply Road in Southport when the first guest arrived last Tuesday.  Gordon Lovingood, owner of the new hotel also owns the Hampton Inn & Suites in Southport.  Fairfield by Marriott manager Eleanor Erickson said during the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, “We are proud to bring Marriott to Southport-Oak Island and we are excited about serving the community with our special kind of southern hospitality.”
 
 
Fairfield by Marriott is designed to provide guests with all the comforts of home while they are on the road. Placing emphasis on the beauty of simplicity, Fairfield builds upon its strong heritage and traditions from the Marriott family retreat, the Fairfield Farm, creating an environment that focuses on the warmth and simplicity of delivering an inviting and seamless experience for its guests. In addition to complimentary Wi-Fi and a hot breakfast for all guests, Fairfield offers thoughtfully designed rooms and suites with separate living, working and sleeping areas that are comfortable and inviting. Founded on the principles of warm hospitality and family treatment, Fairfield’s philosophy and level of service are built on making sure that every guest’s stay is a seamless experience, which continues to be backed by The Fairfield Guarantee.
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We welcome the following businesses to membership in the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce:
Salty Chick Designs, LLC
Lisa Benna
3235 Beaver Creek Dr SE, Southport, NC 28461
(215) 589-8715
Wine tumblers, insulated bottles and all types of drink ware. Can be used for business logos, gifts, house warning, wedding, etc.

Specialties Plus of NC
Kristina Newsom
21 Browning Road, Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-0171
Specialties Plus of NC, focuses on promotional products that are used by virtually every business in America. Items such as drink ware, totes, writing instructions and t-shirts with your customized brand, logo are just a few of the services we offer to make your brand memorable. Read More Here.

Top 2 Bottom Business Solutions
Christopher Mallery
130 N. Front Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
(704) 661-8630
As a family-owned and operated business, it is our mission to improve the lives of small business owners like yourself. With years of experience behind us, we are experts at supporting your bookkeeping, accounting and payroll needs effectively – and you won’t have to spend a bunch either.
Coffee with the Girls Goes Live in October
A nice discussion about what we have learned through the pandemic was had at the September Coffee with the Girls.

They also decided to research locations for safely returning to in person meetings starting in October. Coffee with the Girls meets the third Tuesday of each month at 8am.

In October, we will meet at the Chamber on Tuesday, October 20th at 8am in the Chamber's Conference Room, 4433 Long Beach Road.
Robert Wilson, MD Opens in Southport
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held mid September for Robert A. Wilson, MD, a medical facility that specializes in family, urgent, occupational, and telemedicine. Robert A. Wilson, MD is located at 717 N. Howe St., Southport, NC 28461.

They welcome all new patients. If you need your FAA Flight Physical, Dr. Wilson is a FAA-authorized aviation medical examiner.
Please make an appointment now by calling them at 910-363-5065!
New General Surgeon at Dosher Memorial Hospital
Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held for Paul Armstrong, MD, a board-certified General Surgeon at Dosher Memorial Hospital. Dr. Armstrong graduated from the University of Alabama School of Medicine and completed his residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he was the Chief Resident of General Surgery. Before joining Dosher, Dr. Armstrong worked for Abingdon Surgical Associates, in Abingdon, Virginia, and had privileges at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon. Armstrong was the Senior Surgical Partner in this practice and worked with training physicians who are part of the Johnston Memorial Hospital Family Medicine and Internal Medicine Residency Program. Dr. Armstrong is available for all types of general surgeries and endoscopic procedures at Dosher Memorial Hospital. He is welcoming new patients at the hospital’s general surgery and endoscopy clinic at 904 N. Howe Street, Pod A, in Southport. 
Safe Plates Certification Class in January @ Chamber
Safe Plates - Certified Food Protection manager Course on January 25th, February 1st & February 8th. from 9am until 5pm (bring your own lunch, beverages and snacks) @ Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce, 4433 Long Beach Road, Southport.

This "extended" training is designed for students new to restaurant food safety or have not previously taken a food safety certification exam. 

NC Safe Plates is a food safety certification course developed by North Carolina State University. This is an alternative to ServSafe©. Certification is provided by the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals and is based on successful completion of the course and passing a written examination. This is an American National Standards Institution (ANSI) approved certification and meets the 2013 FDA Food Code requirement for a Certified Food Protection Manager.

Registration fee: $150.00 and includes class, book and exam. Make check payable to: Brunswick County (no credit cards accepted).  

Questions?  Contact Info: Cheryle at 910-253-2610 cjsyracuse@atmc.net
Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made by January 13, 2021.
LISC Funding Next Round Begins 10/26
Rural Relief Small Business Grants. If you are small business located specifically in a rural community, a grant application will open on Monday, October 26, 2020 through Monday, Novermber 2, 2020.

Only small businesses located in rural communities are eligible at this time. Rural communities are defined as having a population of 50,000 or less.

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Christmas by the Sea Parade Entry Deadline 11/26
Christmas by the Sea Parade – Saturday, December 7th at 2:00 p.m. on Oak Island. The Chamber's Board of Directors is considering a change to how we carry out this wonderful holiday tradition.

The Board is debating if it should hold the parade as normal or be unique and have a Drive-Thru Parade (the units in the parade are stationary and the spectators drive by them in their own vehicles/golf carts). They should have a decision soon but no matter what the decision we will hold a parade.

Enter a unit in the parade and advertise your business. Members receive a discount on entry fees. Entry deadline is November 26th. Online application at www.christmasbyseaparade.com
Golf Tournament Moves to 12/4 @ Carolina National
Southport-Oak Island Golf Classic at Carolina National December 4th
Southport-Oak Island, NC – The Southport-Oak Island Golf Classic, an annual fundraising event for the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce, was postponed from May due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been rescheduled for Friday, December 4th at Carolina National Golf Club, 1643 Goley Hewett Road, Bolivia. The 4-person Captain’s Choice tournament will begin at 11:00am. 
 
The entry fee for a four-person team is $340.00 and includes: 4 mulligans per team, golf cart, green fees, range balls, closest to the pin contest entry, box lunch and beverages.  The tournament is limited to the first 32 teams. There will be cash prizes for First Place in several flights including championship, first, women’s & mixed flights. The closest to the pin contest will be held on the course in three locations. A Carolina National Golf Club Pro Shop credit will be awarded to the man and woman closest to the pin at each of the locations.
 
In addition to the traditional 18 holes, the tournament offers several opportunities for further entertainment including a hole-in-one challenge, Speedy Play Move Up on one Par 5 to the 150-yard mark and the Chip a Shot into the Pot contest. Those who want to show off their chipping skills can participate for $5 per chip or 3 attempts for $10. Each participant in the chipping contest receives a Moon Pie. There will be a Chip Off to determine winner of the Electric Grill donated by BEMC and a case of toilet paper.
 
October Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies
10/7      Ribbon Cutting Ceremony –8:45am @ Dosher Medical Women’s Health for Dr. Maritza Manrique-Kiniry

10/16    Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – 10:30am @ The Lakes at Pine Forest
Pineapple Fall Quarter Deadline is 10/31
If you know a business that has provided excellent customer service please nominate them for a Golden Pineapple Award. Click Here it only takes a few minutes. Or review a business in the Directory of the Chamber's Website www.southport-oakisland.com
Out of Box Learning Focused on Saving Today for Tomorrow
Thank you Teresa Carroll, AAMS, CRPC of Edward Jones for leading our discussion on what we can do today to save for tomorrow during the September Out of the Box Learning.
2019 Visitor Impact for Brunswick County Spending by Domestic Visitors Increases by 5.8% to $633.62 Million
Domestic visitors to and within Brunswick County spent $633.62 million in 2019, an increase of 5.8% from 2018. Brunswick County ranks 9th among the state’s 100 counties in spending by visitors. The data comes from an annual study commissioned by Visit North Carolina, a unit of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.
In response to the release of the 2019 data, Bonnie Cox, Chairman of the Brunswick County Tourism Development Authority, stated “We’re pleased with the continued growth in tourism’s economic impact on Brunswick County. Tourism is an essential part of our local economy, providing jobs and tax dollars necessary for the well-being of our community.”
Tourism impact highlights for 2019:
  • The travel and tourism industry directly employees more than 6000 people in Brunswick County. 
  • Total payroll generated by the tourism industry in Brunswick County was $125.63 million.
  • State tax revenue generated in Brunswick County totaled $28.94 million through state sales and excise taxes, and taxes on personal and corporate income. About $38.37 million in local taxes were generated from sales and property tax revenue from travel-generated and travel-supported businesses.

Visitors to North Carolina set a record for spending in 2019. The $26.7 billion in total spending represented an increase of 5.6% from 2018.

These statistics are from the “Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties 2019,” which can be accessed at partners.visitnc.com/economic-impact-studies. The study was prepared for Visit North Carolina by the U.S. Travel Association.

“The numbers confirm the strength of North Carolina’s tourism industry as an anchor of economic development,” said Wit Tuttell, director of Visit North Carolina. “As the No. 6 state in the country for overnight visitation, we can attribute our success to the natural beauty and authenticity that visitors experience, and to a passionate effort to inform and inspire travelers. The money they spend benefits everyone by sustaining jobs and reducing our residents’ tax burden.”

Statewide highlights include:
  • State tax receipts as a result of visitor spending rose 5% to more than $1.3 billion in 2019.
  • Visitors spend more than $73 million per day in North Carolina. That spending adds $5.92 million per day to state and local tax revenues (about $3.7 million in state taxes and $2.2 million in local taxes).
  • The travel and tourism industry directly employees more than 235,000 North Carolinians.
  • Each North Carolina household saves on average $551 in state and local taxes as a direct result of visitor spending in the state. 
Be a Face of Commerce on Weekly Video Promotion
Does your business need more business? Let us put a spotlight on you and your business. A relaxed conversation about your business with Chamber Staff on Facebook Live or taped and posted on Thursdays at 10am. The Chamber has been promoting our business community through Faces of Commerce for many years. So don't be camera shy call us and schedule your interview today (910) 457-6964. We are booking November & December now!
100+Giving Club
Thank you to all the members who have renewed! This year we asked you to consider a voluntary donation of $15.00 in addition to your membership investment to cover the ever-increasing building maintenance costs at your Chamber. We are humbled to give some extra recognition to the members who are in the 100+ Club as of September 30th:
Debbie and Kent Wood
Emily Humphreys
H. Richard Ishler, Jr.
Ilene Evans
Mary Ellen Poole
Renewed Investors
Thank you to all the members who have renewed their investment! These are the businesses who renewed between September 1 - October 5, 2020:
Group Workers Compensation Thru Chamber Group
In need of Worker's Compensation Insurance? Check out the Chamber's Group Plan through NC Retail Merchants Association and First Benefit Insurance Mutual.
 
You are eligible because you are a member of the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce.

Members provide news, information and articles about their business which is shared electronically with fellow members and the general public through a Direct Email Campaign and on the Chamber's Facebook Page. The deadline for submission is the 12th of every month. No display ads accepted. Include a jpeg photo with your copy in Word. Submissions by email only. E-Mail Subject must be Member News.
Calendar of Chamber Events
Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce
2020 Member Opportunities -
October 1st - November 1st
 
10/1      US Open King Mackerel Tournament Drive-Thru Packet Pickup -10am-9pm @ Bill Smith Park
10/2-3  US Open King Mackerel Tournament – Live Streaming www.usopenkmtlive.com
 
10/6      Business Connections – 12:oopm – 1:00pm @ Chamber Limit 22 people. Reservations Required.
10/7      Ribbon Cutting Ceremony –8:45am @ Dosher Medical Women’s Health for Dr. Maritza Manrique-Kiniry
10/8      Faces of Commerce – 10am LIVE on Facebook - Call to schedule your business (910) 457-6964
 
10/13    Business Connections – 12:oopm – 1:00pm via Chamber Limit 22 people. Reservations Required.
10/15    Faces of Commerce – 10am -LIVE on FACEBOOK - CIS Thrift Shop in Boiling Spring Lakes
10/16    Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – 10:30am @ The Lakes at Pine Forest
 
10/19-25   Southport-Oak Island Restaurant Week sptokirestaurantweek.com
10/20   Coffee with the Girls- 8am @ Chamber of Commerce
10/20   Business Connections – 12:oopm – 1:00pm via Chamber Limit 22 people. Reservations Required.
10/22    Faces of Commerce – 10am LIVE on Facebook – The Lakes at Pine Forest
 
10/27    Business Connections – 12:oopm – 1:00pm via Chamber Limit 22 people. Reservations Required.
10/29    Faces of Commerce – 10am LIVE on Facebook - Call to schedule your business (910) 457-6964
10/31    Golden Pineapple Nomination Deadline for Fall Quarter
 
  
On the Horizon:
12/5          Christmas by the Sea Parade christmasbytheseaparade.com   
12/4          Southport-Oak Island Golf Classic –11am @ Carolina National Golf Club sptokigolfclassic.com
4433 Long Beach Road, SE
Southport, North Carolina 28461
info@southport-oakisland.com
910.457-6964
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