Triangle East Chamber to ''Salute Our Legacy'' at 2026 Legacy Awards

Honoring Business Excellence, Community Leadership, and Lifetime Impact

Smithfield, NC – The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the honorees and nominees for its annual Legacy Awards, a signature event celebrating the individuals and businesses shaping the future of the Triangle East region.

Presented by Ron Hester of Barbetta, LLC, the 2026 Legacy Awards will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at The Farm at 42 in Selma. The evening will bring together business and community leaders from across Johnston County and beyond to recognize excellence in leadership, service, and economic impact.

“This event is really about celebrating the people behind the progress we’re seeing across our region. From small business leaders to emerging professionals to those whose lifetime of work has shaped where we are today, each of these honorees reflects the strength of our community” says Kelly Wallace, President & CEO of the Triangle East Chamber. “We’re especially proud to bring everyone together for an evening that not only recognizes that impact, but also invests in the future through the work of the Triangle East Economic Development Foundation.”

This year’s celebration will honor the following award recipients and nominees:

Lifetime Achievement Award

Recipient: Rebecca Flowers

Presented to an individual who has demonstrated a lifetime of outstanding service and dedication to the Triangle East region, this award recognizes enduring contributions that have shaped the community for generations. Flowers is recognized for her visionary leadership in the development of Flowers Plantation, one of the region’s most transformative master-planned communities.

Citizen of the Year Award

Recipient: Jeffery Hamilton

This award honors an individual who, over the past year, has made a significant impact through volunteerism, leadership, and service to the community. Hamilton is recognized for his active leadership across multiple organizations, including the Chamber, Activate Selma, and other local initiatives, as well as his consistent presence supporting community events, businesses, and regional engagement efforts. Known for his willingness to serve wherever needed, he exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and community pride that defines Triangle East.

Jimmy Creech Small Business Person(s) of the Year Award Nominees: 

Carter Jones
Joelina Landa
Jonathan McHatton
Shatisha Mclaurin
Kyle Mobley
Hannah Stecher
Dr. LaShawndra White

The Emerging Leader Award celebrates rising professionals who are making a measurable impact early in their careers through leadership, initiative, and community engagement.

In addition to the awards program, the evening will feature a silent auction benefiting the Triangle East Economic Development Foundation. The Foundation supports the work of the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce in its mission to promote the economic well-being of the region through workforce development, business growth, and regional collaboration.

Auction items have been generously donated by local businesses and community partners, including:

● Mark McDonnell, AdVenture Development
● Flowers Plantation Businesses
● Ron Hester, Barbetta, LLC
● Judy Boyette, Johnston County Arts Council
● Scott Nunn, Triangle East Chamber Board Chair
● Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q
● Coastal Credit Union
● Carolina Packers/Brightleaf Hotdogs
● Smithfield Tobs & Joco TaterHogs
● Carolina Air Repair
● The Insurance Shoppe
● Country Club of Johnston County
● Daughtry, Woodard, Lawrence & Starling

The evening will begin with a cocktail reception at 5:00 PM sponsored by United Community, followed by dinner and the awards program at 6:00 PM.

Tickets and additional event details are available at: [Triangle East Legacy Awards]

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About the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce serves as a catalyst for business growth and regional prosperity in Johnston County and the greater Triangle East region. Through advocacy, workforce initiatives, and strategic partnerships, the Chamber works to create a thriving business environment and strong, connected communities.