President's Report January 20, 2026

We are a few weeks away from the Wilmington Chamber’s 159^th Annual Meeting where we will celebrate the successes of 2025 and look ahead for what’s to come in 2026. This event brings together our business and community leaders to build momentum, make connections, and talk about our shared vision for the year ahead. If you care about the future of business in our region, you want to be in this room.

I am thrilled that we have the opportunity to honor Mr. Chip Mahan of Live Oak Bank as our Lifetime Achievement in Business Honoree presented by Duke Energy. Chip’s investments in a national company in Wilmington have helped shape our regional and national business landscape by proving to others that it can be done.

We will also recognize Jim Hundley, Jr. of Thomas Construction Group for an incredible year as Board Chair, and welcome Nicolas Montoya of Montoya Business Group as our 2026 Board Chair. We just wrapped up filming with Jim, Nicolas, our presenting sponsors, Earney IT and First National Bank, along with a few other board members, and I cannot wait for you all to see the fun that we had and everything we are looking forward to in 2026.

Lastly, Dee Ann Turner, a 33-year veteran of Chick-fil-A will join us as our keynote speaker. Dee Ann was the company’s first female officer and served as Vice President of Talent and Vice President of Sustainability. Her keynote on Customer Excellence will deliver practical, people-centered insights that business leaders can put to work immediately.

Tickets are selling fast this year, so be sure to get yours soon. Click here to purchase your tickets.