Member News

H2GO’s Brian Griffith Earns Utility Management Certification

Feb 7, 2019

On November 16th, 2018 The Water University and North Carolina Rural Water Association (NCRWA) announced that Brian S. Griffith, Wastewater Superintendent of Brunswick Regional Water and Sewer H2GO, earned the Utility Management Certification (UMC) credential. The UMC is the highest professional credential in the utility industry. 700 utility professionals- less than one percent of all utility professionals in the world- have earned the UMC.

To be designated as UMC certified, an applicant must have a minimum number of years’ experience in water and wastewater management and have completed a minimum number of hours of specialized professional development- which are scored in a formula to ensure that experience and training meet a minimum requirement. The applicant must the...

H2GO’s Russ Lane Receives NC AWWA-WEA Raymond E. “Red” Ebert Award

October 23, 2019

LELAND, NC – In September, the North Carolina American Water Works Association and the North Carolina Water Environment Association (NC AWWA-WEA) awarded H2GO’s Utilities Director Russ Lane with the Raymond E. “Red” Ebert Award for his dedication to the water industry. This award was established by the NC AWWA-WEA Board of Directors in 1988 and is presented to the member who has made a significant contribution to the practice of operating a water distribution or wastewater collection system.

Mr. Lane currently serves as the Utilities Director for Brunswick Regional Water and Sewer, H2GO, where he has been employed for 18 years. Mr. Lane has dedicated his career to the water and wastewater industry and leaves many in awe with his knowledge and tactics t...

The hottest holiday trend this year could be thrifted gifts: CIS Thrift Shops will help you find the perfect one

December 9, 2019

SOUTHPORT, N.C. – Not everyone can go out and spend hundreds of dollars on Christmas gifts. Buying thrift shop gifts is a reasonable way to gather a few gifts from the heart. Thrifted gifts are expected to be a major trend this holiday season. Consumers are increasingly interested in giving and receiving thrifted gifts for the holidays, according to Accenture’s annual holiday shopping survey.

While regifting may be frowned upon, resale is expected to be all the rage this holiday season. Visit one of the four Communities In Schools (CIS) Thrift Shops located around Brunswick County and find perfect gifts for everyone on your list.

It pays to shop at CIS Thrift Shops. Celebrate the holiday and give gifts without spending a lot of cash. Shopping at thrift ...

BEMC Now Accepting Applications for Community Grants

Dec 5, 2019

SUPPLY, NC - Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation (BEMC) invites local
agencies and groups to apply now for a BEMC Community Grant of up to $2,500 through February 15, 2020. 
“Benefiting so many members, these grants are used to help people of all ages in our communities,
including children and families as well as those dealing with health issues, seniors, the homeless, and
veterans,” said Josh Winslow, CEO and General Manager of BEMC.

The cooperative’s grant program is committed to improving the quality of life in the communities it
serves by supporting organizations whose work falls within these categories: civic and community programs,
family service programs, cultural and arts programs, emergency s...

Leland’s First Brewery Planned for 2020

Dec 11, 2019

LELAND, NC – In what will be the next major development in the Town of Leland’s long-range vision for the Village Road area, a brewery is planned to open up shop in late 2020.

7twenty6 Brewing Co. is planned for a five-acre site on Old Fayetteville Road in what is known as the Gateway District, an area surrounding an approximately one-and-a-quarter mile stretch of Village Road that was rezoned in 2011 for the purpose of establishing an urban residential and business district.

Harrington Village and Harrington Square, which broke ground in 2017, was the first major project to be developed in the Gateway District since the new zoning was adopted. When build-out is complete, the $45 million mixed-use development on Village Road will include 333 apartment ...

The Brunswick Sheriff’s Charitable Foundation Selects Brunswick Christian Recovery Center as the Charity Recipient of proceeds from the 9th Annual Charity Ball to be held on Friday March 6, 2020

Dec 10, 2019

The Brunswick Sheriff’s Charitable Foundation, Inc. has selected Brunswick Christian Recovery Center to be the recipient of proceeds from their 9th annual charity ball to be held on Friday March 6, 2020. The proceeds will help this non-profit organization with funding for their new Rose House, a recovery center for women in Brunswick County.

The foundation was established in 2012 and is dedicated to serve the people of Brunswick County by building permanent charitable capital to support programs and provide services that enhance the quality of life for all its citizens. In keeping with the mission of the foundation, the Foundation Board chose this organization from numerous non-profit organizations located in Brunswick County who offer programs specifically benefitin...

CIS receives grant from Eshelman Foundation

December 19, 2019

SOUTHPORT, N.C. – Communities In Schools of Brunswick County (CIS) is the grateful recipient of a $5,500 grant from The Eshelman Foundation to support the CIS Action for Success Program. Action for Success works by providing a Success Coach as an embedded team member at assigned schools in Brunswick County. The CIS Success Coaches work daily with students needing additional support and intervention outside of the classroom in order to be successful. Services are provided through an individualized Student Support Plan, outlining goals for each student and identifying the services and supports CIS will provide to help the student achieve his or her goals. Areas of focus include academic tutoring, mentoring, truancy intervention, behavioral intervention, and social-emotional learning...

Literacy Council Wine and Dine Event Supports Brunswick County Programs

Dec 19, 2019

The Brunswick County Literacy Council’s 2020 wine and dine evening will be held at La Cucina Italian Grille in Sunset Beach on Jan. 13 with proceeds going to support Literacy Council students and programs.

There is one seating at 6:30 p.m. Space is limited, so reserve early. Cost for the chef’s special four-course dinner with wine pairings for each course is $60, including tax and tips. Keeping with the evening’s theme, there will also be wine basket raffles.

Tickets are advanced reservations only. To make reservations, call La Cucina Grille at (910) 579-9777.

The Literacy Council offers one-on-one instruction free of charge to help Brunswick County adults transform their lives, increase their job-readiness, and contribute to a strong...

H2GO’s Jared Glick and Tyler Wittkofsky Earn Utility Management Certification

Jan 1, 2020

In November 2019 The Water University and North Carolina Rural Water Association (NCRWA) announced that Brunswick Regional Water and Sewer H2GO’s Jared Glick, Backup Wastewater Maintenance ORC, and Tyler Wittkofsky, Public Information Officer, earned the Utility Management Certification (UMC) credential. The UMC is the highest professional credential in the utility industry. Less than 1,200 utility professionals- less than one percent of all utility professionals in the world- have earned the UMC. H2GO now has three employees with the UMC designation.

To be designated as UMC certifi...

BEMC is Accepting Scholarship Applications for Middle School Students to Attend UNC and NCSU Summer Basketball Camps

Jan 9, 2020

SUPPLY, NC - Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation (BEMC) is giving two local middle school students the opportunity to hit the hardwood alongside their favorite college basketball athletes and coaches this summer, thanks to Touchstone Energy Sports Camp Scholarships.
BEMC will select one young man for a scholarship to attend the Roy Williams Carolina Basketball Camp June 20-24 at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and one local young woman to attend the Wolfpack Women’s Basketball Camp June 21-24 at North Carolina State University in Raleigh. The scholarships cover all expenses at the overnight camps, which provide a glimpse into life on a college campus.

In BEMC’s TSE Sports Camp Scholarship Testimonial video, Felicia Woodard, mother of 20...

Brunswick Community College Foundation to Host 4th Annual “Bella Italia”

Jan 9, 2020

BOLIVIA, NC – The Brunswick Community College Foundation (BCCF) has announced the date for the 4th annual, “Bella Italia.” Mark your calendars for February 8th, 2020 for an evening of sipping fine wines and enjoying delicious Italian fare from Angelo’s Bistro and Maria’s Pizzaria. All proceeds from the event will benefit student scholarship support at Brunswick Community College.

The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. as guests are greeted at the door of 101 Stone Chimney (Supply, NC) and ushered into the main ballroom for a culinary adventure. Once again, the BCC Foundation will partnered with Angelo’s Bistro and this year, will also include their new concept, Maria’s Pizzeria, to provide guests exciting and interactive ...

Belville Board Deems Road Repairs A Top Priority In 2020

Jan 9, 2020

The Belville Board of Commissioners met early yesterday to begin setting a new course for the town during their first organizational meeting since the newly elected officials were sworn-in last December. One of the Board’s top priorities was to address much needed street repairs in the Belville Industrial Park. Mayor Mike Allen, along with the new Board authorized the staff to begin working with key stakeholders, including the owners of Gregory Poole Equipment Company and developer Bert Exum, to resolve annexation issues which will expedite the restoration of Gregory Road and Backhoe Road.

Gray Styers, attorney representing Gregory Poole Equipment Company, requested that he and the town’s attorney begin working with the property owners to move forward on the anne...

Lower Cape Fear Hospice Announces New Name, Logo

Jan 7, 2020

Wilmington, NC – Lower Cape Fear Hospice has announced a new name and logo for the non-profit agency, reflecting its growth and additional care options offered to individuals and families in the community. The agency will now be known as Lower Cape Fear LifeCare.

Lower Cape Fear Hospice in North Carolina and Mercy Care Hospice in South Carolina were both founded in 1980. Over the past 40 years, both agencies have grown and expanded to meet the needs of their communities, adding additional services. The two non-profit hospices merged in 2014.

“Changing our name to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare reflects our ability to serve more patients and families affected by changing healthcare needs,” said Lower Cape Fear LifeCare President and CEO ...

Little Princess Ball creates memories for a lifetime

Jan 10, 2020

SOUTHPORT, N.C. – The annual Little Princess Ball is Saturday, February 15, from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. The Little Princess Ball will be held at two locations this year: the Brunswick Center at 1513 N. Howe Street in Southport and the Brunswick Center at 101 Stone Chimney Road in Supply.

Join us for a special afternoon filled with dancing, face painting, games, and much more. The Little Princess Ball is open to girls in kindergarten through fifth grade accompanied by an adult male role model. Little princesses are encouraged to wear their prettiest dress, ball gown, or favorite princess costume.

Over 240 people attended last year’s Little Princess Ball. “Brunswick County Parks and Recreation is thrilled to once again host this grea...

Brunswick Family Assistance Sees Increase Need for Financial Assistance, Food Services

Mar 25, 2020

BRUNSWICK COUNTY – In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, Brunswick Family Assistance (BFA) is seeing an increased need for financial assistance and food services throughout the county. With businesses closing to prevent the continued spread of Covid-19, more people are out of work and are needing services than normal. BFA will continue to ensure the community’s needs are taken care of by providing financial relief, food distribution, and other services.

“Our staff is working around the clock to ensure no one goes without,” said Stephanie Bowen, BFA Executive Director. “We want to encourage anyone who wants to help and/or is able to please consider making a financial contribution.”

Financial contributions are s...

Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Receives Grant from North Carolina Community Foundation

Feb 3, 2020

Wilmington, NC – Lower Cape Fear LifeCare has received a grant from the North Carolina Community Foundation’s An Angel Among Us component fund to support agency operations.

The North Carolina Community Foundation sustains thousands of endowments and partners with affiliate foundations to provide support resource allocation and community assistance across the state.

An Angel Among Us, a charitable foundation administered by the North Carolina Community Foundation, was founded in memory of Cyndy Antunes, who died at age 2, several years after suffering severe brain damage in a car accident. Her family established An Angel Among Us to ensure that children and families receive the help and support needed to deal with trauma.

The ...

Brunswick Electric Announces 2020 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour Winners

Feb 17, 2020

SUPPLY, N.C. (February 17, 2020) – Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation (BEMC) is proud to announce that two Columbus County students, Whitley Dockery and Betsy Kornegay, have been selected to represent the cooperative at the 2020 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington D.C. this summer.

Whitley, a sophomore at Whiteville High School, is the daughter of Dalton and Sheila Dockery of Bladenboro and Betsy, a sophomore at Columbus Career and College Academy, is the daughter of Jackie and Meri Kornegay of Chadbourn.

“The Youth Tour provides students in our community an opportunity for education, training and information, one of the Seven Cooperative Principles embraced by BEMC,” said Josh Winslow, general manager and CEO of ...

Brunswick Family Assistance Increases Allowed Pantry Visits

April 1, 2020

BRUNSWICK COUNTY – In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Brunswick Family Assistance (BFA) is seeing an increased need for food services throughout the county. With businesses closing to prevent the continued spread of COVID-19, more people are out of work and are needing food services than normal. BFA will continue to ensure the community’s needs are taken care of by providing food distribution and other services.

“Not only are the intake staff seeing a large number of newly unemployed clients, but also a large number of families that are running out of food before the end of the month.” Said Stephanie Bowen, BFA Executive Director. “BFA's mission is to provide assistance to those in crisis and, right now, our entire community...

Town of Belville Unveils New Welcome Sign

Oct. 23, 2020

BELVILLE, NC, October 23, 2020: Today at 10:30am Belville’s leaders and Clark Wilson, owner of Southern Sign Company, installed a new Welcome sign, located near the Belville Town Hall (photos attached).

“We wanted to send a signal to everyone who visits our community that it is a new day for our town,” said Mayor Mike Allen. “This sign is a way of letting everyone know we’re ready to welcome added economic development and provide greater prosperity for our citizens.”

“Brunswick County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation,” Allen continued. “We’re open for business here in Belville.”

“We have valued our working relationship with the Town of Belville for many years,&rdq...

Brunswick Electric Announces Efforts to Build a Brighter Future for Local Communities

Dec 17, 2020

Supply, N.C. ­ (December 17, 2020) – Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation (BEMC) is pleased to announce expanded efforts to build a brighter future for its 76,000 members in Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus and Robeson counties.

In partnership with electric cooperatives statewide, BEMC is committed to achieving two milestone sustainability goals, while also preserving the reliability and affordability of electricity. Specifically, the local cooperative aims to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 with an interim goal of reducing carbon emissions by 50 percent from 2005 levels by 2030.

“Electric cooperatives, including BEMC, are leading a wide range of economically sound, innovative energy solutions to provide our members with reliable, affordable...

LCFL Wins 11 Marketing and Communications Awards

Dec 18, 2020

Wilmington, NC – Lower Cape Fear LifeCare’s Marketing and Communications Department recently received 11 awards for healthcare marketing, including four Healthcare Digital Marketing Awards and seven Wallie and Golden Tusk awards.

The Wallie and Golden Tusk Awards are given annually at the Carolinas Healthcare Public Relations & Marketing...

BEMC Accepting Bright Ideas Grant Application From Teachers

Mar 30, 2021

Local educators can apply for a Bright Ideas grant from Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation (BEMC) starting on April 1. The grants, offered annually to teachers to bring creative classroom learning projects to life, support innovative projects that energize classroom learning and enhance student success. Educators can learn more and apply online at www.ncbrightideas.com.

“As students and teachers face the challenges of the past year, we’re pleased to continue our long history of supporting them with grants that fulfill needs in local classrooms,” said Scott Thomas, VP, Corporate Services of BEMC. “As a community-focused organization, we are committed to building a brighter future for our students and our region, and we encourage all educators wit...

BEMC Awards Grants to Organizations in Brunswick and Columbus County

April 9, 2021

Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation (BEMC) is pleased to announce its 2021 Community Grants recipients. A total of $29,792 was awarded to 23 organizations that offer family services, civic and community programs, cultural and arts programs, emergency services, and economic development programs in its service area.

Since the program's inception in 2003, BEMC has awarded...