Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Recognizes Minority Business Owners with Business Excellence Awards during Cape Fear MED Week

Each year during Cape Fear Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week, the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce recognizes three outstanding businesses: African American, Latin American, and Women Business Owners, for their remarkable contributions to our community.
 
This year, we’re excited to celebrate the following businesses: 
 

• Lynne Jones, owner of LJ Design Studio, was honored with the African American Minority Business Excellence Award. A proud Wilmington native and passionate interior designer, Lynne is known for creating timeless spaces that feel deeply personal, intentional, and inspired. With a thoughtful, client-centered approach, she takes the time to understand each client’s lifestyle and story. Her background in event planning and brand styling adds a unique depth to her design process, blending storytelling, mood, and space into every project. Her clients become like family, and together they create something unforgettable. Lynne also serves as co-chair for the Wilmington Chamber’s African American Business Council.
• Luis Munguia, owner of Market Street Tire & Auto, won the Latin American Minority Business Excellence Award. Market Street Used Tires & Auto expanded from a small tire shop to a full-service auto repair shop that now handles service requests for seven dealerships in Wilmington. Luis and his team faced adversity as an opportunity for growth. Like many small, family-owned businesses, they have faced challenges ranging from supply chain disruptions and rising costs of parts to increased competition and the demands of maintaining consistent top-notch service. Instead of allowing these obstacles to hold them back, they chose to adapt and innovate. Improvements include customer communications, financing options, and expanding their range of services to meet the in-house needs. These obstacles motivated Luis and his team to become more resourceful, improving systems and service, while reinforcing the trust they have built with their customers. 
• Cindy Villarreal, owner of Impress Flooring, was awarded the Women Owned Business Excellence Award. Cindy’s greatest challenge has been building credibility and respect as a woman in a male dominated industry. She brings not only strength and technical expertise, but important attention to detail, organization, and understanding of her clients’ vision. Cindy is passionate about guiding her clients through a smooth, stress-free process.