Business
WINNERS: Lake Gaston Regional Chamber of Commerce Membership Appreciation Awards π
The winners of the Lake Gaston Regional Chamber of Commerce Membership Appreciation Ceremony

We all love to feel appreciated. It’s even better when our efforts are recognized by a group of our peers, colleagues, or members of the community.
During the Lake Gaston Regional Chamber of Commerce Membership Appreciation ceremony on Feb. 10th, local business owners and more were shown love for their entrepreneurial pursuits and philanthropic efforts.
The award recipients were:
π Lake Gaston Coffee Company, Jason Shearin β
Business of the Year
π Locorum Distillery, Stacy Woodhouse πΈ
New Business of the Year
π Jenny Cakes at the Lake, Jennifer Harlow π (pictured)
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
π LKG 911 Community Task Force π€
Community Champion of the Year
π Greg Steel with Helpful Hands and Hearts π
Volunteer of the Year
π Myron Grueneich β€οΈ
Heart of the Community
Young Entrepreneur of the Year recipient Jennifer Harlow shared her appreciation with her social media followers along with a photo of her award:
I was so honored to receive the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award last night! Iβm so thankful to this community for nominating me, to the Lake Gaston Chamber of Commerce for all their support, and my parents for making Jenny Cakes at the Lake a dream come true. I am blessed beyond measure and I know my granddad is smiling down on me. I canβt wait to open Jenny Cakes at the Lake SOON! π
Locorum Distillery, which was honored with the New Business Award also took to their social media to share the good news:
Wow! What an honor to be recognized as new business of the year by the Lake Gaston Chamber!! We are so grateful for all the love that the community has shown us and have been humbled by the response to our bar and distillery. What was just an idea a year ago is now a melting pot of people, ideas, community, and love. Thank you!!!
Nominees were selected by members of the Lake Gaston Chamber. The mission of the Lake Gaston Chamber is to connect and serve the businesses and communities around Lake Gaston. For more information, visit LakeGastonChamber.com.
Business
VGCC SBC Honors Warren County Small Businesses
The ceremony honored 13 Warren County entrepreneurs and community leaders on Feb. 27.

The Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC) Small Business Center hosted its third annual Small Business Awards Ceremony at Seven Springs Farms and Vineyard in Norlina, where they celebrated 13 Warren County-based businesses and community leaders, recognizing their contributions to the local economy and community. The ceremony, which was held on February 27, was in partnership with The Gateway Community Development Corporation (CDC) of Vance County and sponsored by NC IDEA.
The VGCC Small Business Center, led by Director Carolyn Perry, has been instrumental in supporting local entrepreneurs through resources, training, and mentorship. The annual awards ceremony highlights the achievements of small businesses that have demonstrated resilience, innovation, and commitment to community development.
The honorees were in three categories according to the length they have been in business: Startups (3-5 years), Established (5-10 years); and Legacy (10+).
HONOREES:
STARTUPS
Peanut & Zelbβs Produce Market, 137 Hyco Street, Norlina
Warren Animal Feed, 102 College Street, Warrenton
Sisterly Dreams
Presenter: Kyle Burwell, Dean, Business and Industry Solutions, VGCC
ESTABLISHED
Oliver Family Farm
Crews Balloons, https://www.crewsballoons.com
Lake Gaston Coffee, 104 Wellington Way, Littleton
Seven Springs Farms and Vineyard, 332 Axtell-Ridgeway Road, Norlina
Sweet Delights Cookies and Things
Presenter: Megan Williams, Economic Development Specialist, Warren County Community and Economic Development
LEGACY
Just Flowers, 138 S Main Street, Warrenton
Kim’s Vineyard and Winery, 408 Largo Road, Norlina
WARR 1520 AM, 824 US Hwy 158 Bus. W, Warrenton
Awesome God Christian Bookstore, 130 S. Main Street, Warrenton
Presenter: Dr. Jerry Edmonds, Vice President of Workforce & Community Engagement, VGCC
Community and Economic Development Award:
Jametrice Alston Jones, owner of @4 Girls and a Comb and Rock & Fortress Production Company, 144 S. Main Street, Warrenton
Presenter: Crystal Myrick, Warrenist
The event was catered by local Warren County food truck, Kings Smoke-N-Soul.
Business
PHOTOS: Warren County Industry and Education Breakfast (February 2025)
Over 50 community stakeholders consisting of business owners, educators, elected officials, and industry leaders met for good eats and good discussion at the Warren County Industry and Education Breakfast on Feb. 26.

Over 50 community stakeholders consisting of business owners, educators, elected officials, and industry leaders met for good eats and good discussion at the Warren County Industry and Education Breakfast on Feb. 26.
Hosted by the Warren County Community and Economic Development team, the event was held in the Warren County Armory Civic Center and provided a unique opportunity for fellow business leaders, educators, and key stakeholders to connect and discuss shaping the future of workforce readiness in Warren County.
Special guest speaker, Brett Brenton of MyFutureNC presented key information about Warren County to further guide attendees in how they can bridge the gap between industry needs and educational opportunities.
Minds were opened, business cards were exchanged, and potential collaborations were born.
We look forward to seeing how these new and renewed connections will flourish in our community, specifically for the betterment of our next generation.
Photo Credit: Crystal Myrick / Warrenist
Business
VIDEO: A Look at “Warren County, NC: From the Ground Up”
In partnership with Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc., Warren County Community and Economic Development released a video today highlighting several businesses in the area.

In partnership with Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc., Warren County Community and Economic Development released “Warren County, NC: From the Ground Up,” a video highlighting our diverse businesses and organizations in the area.
Warren County’s passion and commitment to building and thriving locally are the driving force behind our community’s success and culture. Itβs that dedication and commitment to community that has been the backbone of our county for years. Hear from some of our small businesses about our community’s values that are the foundation for success.
Small businesses featured (in order of appearance):
AF Wake (https://afwake.com);
Working Landscapes and ByWay Foods (https://bywayfoods.com/);
Brown Family Farms (https://brownfamilyfarmscsa.com);
Kings Fitness (https://www.kingsfitnessnc.com/);
Lake Gaston Outfitters (https://www.lakegastonoutfitters.com/)
Rockin’ E Ranch (facebook.com/rockin.e.ranch)
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