Triangle East Chamber of Commerce Honors 2025 Legacy Award Recipients and Nominees

SMITHFIELD, NC – The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrated its 2025 Legacy Awards on May 19, 2026. The event recognized exceptional leaders, businesses, and community advocates whose dedication and service continue to shape and strengthen the Triangle East region.

As one of the Chamber’s most significant annual traditions, the Legacy Awards honor individuals who invest their time, talent, leadership, and resources into making Triangle East a premier destination to live, work, and grow. Community members, business leaders, and supporters gathered for an evening of recognition and fellowship, celebrating those who have made a lasting impact across Johnston County.

Presented by Ron Hester of Barbetta, LLC and emceed by Carlie Rye of Universal Chevrolet, the evening served as a heartfelt tribute to the people and organizations driving the community’s success.

2025 Legacy Award Recipients

Lifetime Achievement

The 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Rebecca Flowers of Flowers Plantation. For decades, Ms. Flowers has guided the development of Flowers Plantation, transforming more than 3,000 acres into one of the largest and most recognizable master-planned communities in North Carolina. Her commitment to thoughtful growth, infrastructure investment, and community-centered development has helped create a thriving destination for thousands of families. Beyond development, her support of education, recreation, and quality of life initiatives — including East Clayton Elementary, River Dell Elementary, Thales Academy, and the East Triangle YMCA — has left a lasting impact on Johnston County for generations to come.

Citizen of the Year Award Recipient

The 2025 Citizen of the Year Award was presented to Jeffery Hamilton. A lifelong advocate for Johnston County, Jeffery has dedicated countless hours to promoting the community he loves. Following a 37-year career as an Electronic Technician with The News & Observer, Jeffery continued his service through his work with The Rudy and as a founding member of Activate Selma. Widely known as the welcoming face at Chamber events and a tireless supporter of local businesses, Jeffery exemplifies servant leadership through his involvement with numerous organizations across the county.

Jimmy Creech Small Businessperson of the Year Award Recipient

Sponsored by Stancil Oil Company, the 2025 Jimmy Creech Small Businessperson of the Year Award was presented to Terry Arthur of Pine Level Hardware & Furniture. For nearly five decades, Terry has helped lead one of Johnston County’s most treasured family businesses. Pine Level Hardware & Furniture has served the community for over a century, evolving across generations while maintaining a steadfast commitment to personal service. Terry’s leadership through economic shifts and community challenges has ensured the business remains a trusted local institution. Her dedication to customers and employees alike reflects a true legacy of business leadership.

Emerging Leader Award Recipient

The 2025 Emerging Leader Award was presented to Dr. LaShawdra White of Johnston Community College. Dr. White has distinguished herself as a transformational leader in education, philanthropy, and community engagement. Through her roles with Johnston Community College, the Johnston County Community Foundation, and the Johnston County Education Foundation, she has expanded educational access and advanced opportunities for students and families. Her ability to combine strategic vision with compassionate action has already created a profound impact on the region.

2025 Award Nominees

Jimmy Creech Small Businessperson of the Year Nominees

• Donna Fitzgerald & Hayley Hodge – The Grocery Bag
• Tim Sessoms – Comfort Shield HVAC Services of NC
• Warren Stancil – InterState Outdoor, Inc.

Emerging Leader Award Nominees

• Carter Jones, Narron Wenzel, P.A.
• Joelina Landa, United Community Bank
• Jonathan McHatton, Parrish & Underwood Funeral Homes and Cremations 
• Shatisha Mclauri, Rainbow Childcare & Learning Center
• Kyle Mobley, UNC Johnston Health
• Hannah Stecher, Home Life Care

In addition to the awards program, the evening featured a silent auction and raffle benefiting the Triangle East Economic Development Foundation. The Foundation supports the Chamber’s mission to enhance the region's economic well-being through workforce development, business growth, and regional collaboration.

Auction and raffle items were generously donated by local businesses and community partners, including:

• Mark McDonnell – AdVenture Development
• Flowers Plantation Businesses
• Ron Hester – Barbetta, LLC
• Judy Boyette – President, Johnston County Arts Council
• Scott Nunn, Chamber Board Chair
• Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q
• Coastal Credit Union
• Carolina Packers / Bright Leaf Hot Dogs
• Smithfield Tobs & JoCo TaterHogs
• Carolina Air Repair
• The Insurance Shoppe
• Country Club of Johnston County
• Daughtry, Woodard, Lawrence & Starling
• Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation
• Neuse Country Club

The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce also extends sincere appreciation to the sponsors whose generosity helped make the event possible:

• Barbetta, LLC
• Flowers Plantation
• United Community Bank
• Carolina Air Repair
• Pirate's Pest and Termite Control, LLC
• The Town Florist
• The Generous Closet Foundation
• Stevens Sausage Co.
• Evolve Nutrition
• Twin Rivers IV Hydration
• The Insurance Shoppe of NC
• Crooked Row Produce
• Brooks and Reid Events
• Susan Longiotti

“The Legacy Awards are a reflection of the incredible leadership, generosity, and community spirit found throughout Triangle East,” said Kelly Wallace, President & CEO, Triangle East Chamber of Commerce. “The event would not have been possible without every sponsor, attendee, donor, volunteer, and nominee who helped create such a meaningful celebration of our community.”

The Chamber extends its sincere congratulations to all nominees and recipients and thanks them for their continued service to the Triangle East region.