HAMLET — More than 40 Richmond County businesses and individuals were recognized as the top in their respective fields during the inaugural Best of the Rock Awards Thursday evening at Cole Auditorium.
The event, hosted by the Richmond County Chamber of Commerce, featured six categories, each with several subcategories.
Chamber Vice Chairman Bob Young, of American Woodmark, served as the emcee and the awards were presented by Young, Tourism Director Meghann Lambeth, Chamber Chairwoman Caroline Goodwin, Past Chairman Neil Robinette, Chamber President Emily Tucker, Cole Auditorium Director Joey Bennett, Economic Developer Martie Butler and Commissioner Tavares Bostic.
The competition was open to non-Chamber members and the finalists were chosen through online voting.
Each winner and the other finalists in each category were given certificates.
The winners of the night were:
ROCK STAR AWARDS
Best Boss – Chief Billy Kelly, Rockingham Police Department
Best Principal – Jim Butler, Richmond Senior High School
Best Teacher – Tammy Lambert
Best Public Servant – Robin Roberts
Best Police Officer – Lee Bailey, Rockingham Police Department
Best Server – Robin Roberts, Hudson Brothers Deli
Best Employer – Richmond County Schools
Best Fireman – Wayne Covington, Rockingham Fire Department (retired)
Best Volunteer – Robin Roberts
BUSINESS AND SERVICE
Best Landscaping Company – Hodges Lawn and Landscape
Best Plumber – Al’s Plumbing
Best Place to Buy a Car – Griffin Nissan
Best Car Salesman – Shannon Leviner
Best Insurance Agent – Jeff Graves
Best Bank – State Employees Credit Union – Rockingham
Best Realtor – Rusty Edwards
Best Large Industry – Cascades
Best Contractor – Hayden Construction
Best Auto Shop -Craven Collision Center
Best Place to Work – Richmond County Schools
Best Customer Service – Biscuitville
Best Social Media Presence – Richmond Observer
SHOPPING
Best Pawn Shop – Ned’s Jewelry and Loan
Best Jewelry Store – Kay Jewelers
Best Retail – Pee Dee Outfitters
Best Florist – Boe’s Florist
Best Consignment Shop – Christian Closet
Best Grocery – Food Lion-US 1
Best Window Display – Gifts 4 All Seasons
EATS
Best Wings – Hudson Brothers Deli
Best Burger – Convenience Corner
Best Place to Get a Beer – Hudson Brothers Deli
Best Pizza – Godfather’s Pizza
Best Sweet Tea – Bojangle’s
Best Biscuits – Biscuitville
Best Breakfast – Biscuitville
Best Lunch – Seaboard Station
Best Dinner – La Cabana
Best Dessert – Dairy Queen-Rockingham
Best Ice Cream – The Berry Patch
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Best Gym – Evolution Health Club
Best Chiropractor – Murphy Chiropractic and Wellness PA
Best Pharmacy – Walgreen’s
Best Place for a Massage – Murphy Chiropractic and Wellness PA
Best Home Health – Richmond County Hospice
Best Salon – Head to Toe
Best Dental Office – Marshall Brown DDS
ACTIVITY AND COMMUNITY
Best Parade – Hamlet Christmas Parade
Best Kid-friendly Environment – Discovery Place Kids
Best Outdoor Recreation – Hitchcock Creek
Best Nonprofit – Place of Grace
Best Museum – Discovery Place Kids
Best Fundraiser – Relay for Life
Community Impact – Place of Grace
Best Place for Entertainment – Cole Auditorium
