Spotlight on Business - Diamond Business Solutions

For almost 20 years, Scott has built and grown Diamond Business Solutions as a company dedicated to personal service and where he personally guarantees all products and workmanship. He has serviced companies of all sizes, non-profits, event coordinators, schools, and individuals that promote their message through image and brand awareness. At www.DiamondBusinessSolutions.net you can choose from almost 1 mission promotional products...only limited to one's imagination to meet any need and without busting your budget.

Diamond Business Solutions was established by Scott Diamond in 1984 in St Louis, MO. He moved his business to Las Vegas in 1999 and engaged as a Proforma franchise focusing on print and promotional products for the real estate and gaming markets. Eventually in 2010, he permanently settled in North Carolina, and today proudly operates a locally owned, community involved small business where he currently lives and operates in Carolina Beach, NC. DBS is an independent supplier of screen printed T-shirts, Towels, Bags, embroidered Polo Shirts, Caps, hooded & zippered wear, Sport Uniforms and numerous other branded apparel items along with branded promotional products. He is fast being locally known as the "Koozie King."

Scott served in the US Air Force and served in SE Asia during the Vietnam era. He is also closely associated as a core volunteer with Step Up For Soldiers, headquartered in Carolina Beach.

If you want to get your message in the hearts, minds, and hands of your potential audience, nothing does it better than branded wearables and branded promotional products. Please call or contact Scott at 910-622-4180 or info@diamondbusinesssolutions.net.

Congratulations Chamber Members - Encore Magazine Best of Winners for 2013

Flaming Amy’s Burrito Barn BEST BURRITO

Flaming Amy’s Sacred Burrito Bus BEST FOOD TRUCK

Port City Java BEST COFFEE SHOP

The Fuzzy Peach BEST ICE CREAM

Nikki’s Fresh Gourmet & Sushi BEST JAPANESE RESTAURANT & BEST SUSHI

Jungle Rapids BEST ARCADE / GAME ROOM

Michael’s Seafood Restaurant BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Bozart Family Dentistry BEST DENTIST

Dock Street Printing BEST PRINT SHOP

Intracoastal Real Estate BEST REAL ESTATE AGENCY

Ivey Hayes BEST LOCAL ARTIST

The Penguin 98.3 BEST LOCAL RADIO STATION

North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher BEST LOCAL TOURIST ATTRACTION

Thalian Hall Center for Performing Arts BEST THEATRE VENUIE

www.encorepub.com BEST WEBSITE

WECT BEST NEWSCAST

Congratulations to each of these businesses!

17th Annual Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-Off Saturday, April 13th, 2013

The Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce will be holding the 17th Annual Chowder Cook-Off on Saturday, April 13, 2013 from 11:30 am—6:00 pm at the Carolina Beach Lake.

The Chowder Cook Off is all about delicious food, good music, and family fun, so bring the kids along to this family-oriented event. Chefs from southeast North Carolina’s finest restaurants will prepare the region’s best seafood chowder recipes between the hours of 11:30am and 4:00pm. Folks can sample a taste of Cape Fear during this friendly chowder competition held at Carolina Beach Lake Park in Carolina Beach. Children can enjoy the park’s playground and a Kidz Zone with face-painting, a giant inflatable slide, CB Fire Department Smoke House and more. And for an additional fee, there will be paddleboat rides for the entire family.

During the Chowder Cook-Off, enjoy live music by Mark Roberts Band and chowder-tasting (and voting) between 11:30am and 4:00pm, but be sure to arrive early while the chowder is abundant.

Your job is to bring the family and your discerning palate to sample and vote on your favorite chowder. This day-long event includes live music, fun for the kids and of course, great food. So come to the beach for the weekend and spend the day with us at this great party. Gates open at 11:30, admission is $5.00 for adults 12 & under free. For more information please call the Chamber at 910-458-8434 or email at greg@pleasureislandnc.org.

Pleasure Island Businesses Extending Hours as the Summer Season Approaches

Island Hots Now Open on Weekends

The popular Carolina Beach restaurant will be open weekends and increasing hours as the weather and customers allow. They are also adding a few more beers this season as well as Frozen Lemonade and frozen Blue Raspberry. Look for pulled pork sandwiches and the Island Plate on select days.

103-A Cape Fear Blvd.   

Carolina Beach   

910-274-5875

Havanah's Fresh Island Restaurant Now Open 7 Days a Week

Havana's Fresh Island Restaurant in Carolina Beach will be open 7 Days a Week.

Spring is close...

1  North. Lake Park Blvd

Carolina Beach, NC

910-458-2822  

Kate's Pancake House Open for the Season

Head over for a great breakfast!

102 S Lake Park Blvd
Carolina Beach, NC
910-458-3663


Find other great Carolina Beach restaurants and Kure Beach eateries on the Chamber Website, www.pleasureislandnc.org.

Spotlight on Business - Firehouse Kettle Korn

If you didn’t have the opportunity to stop by our bright red tent at the Carolina Beach Farmer’s Market last summer or fall, fear not, we will be back again this year popping up kettles full of the best kettle corn you’ve ever tasted every Saturday from May through October!

Our kettle corn is a delicious, sweet and salty popcorn that’s 100% natural. Cooked in a large, open kettle right in front of you, we’re proud that Firehouse Kettle Korn is made with all natural ingredients and does not contain cholesterol, trans fats, corn syrup, butter, artificial flavorings or preservatives and is gluten free. We pop with 100% corn oil, a special variety of corn kernels, sugar, a touch of cinnamon, and sea salt, that’s it ! Watching the popping process, as we turn a few cups of corn into a giant vat of popcorn, is almost as much fun as munching through a bag of this sweet treat.

Please be sure to stop by our tent and try a free sample at the Carolina Beach Farmer’s Market. You can also find us at this year’s Chowder Cook-off on April 13th as well as the Poplar Grove Farmer’s Market, Oak Island Farmer’s Market and many local events here on the beach and around the Wilmington area. You can check our website for more information at www.FirehouseKettleKorn.net or email us at FirehouseKettleKorn@yahoo.com.

103 Gazebo Ct,
Wilmington, NC 28409

910-784-9126

Wing Fling - Saturday, March 23rd

More info: www.wilmingtonwingfling.com

Easter Egg Hunt at Mike Chappell Park on Saturday March 30th

Spotlight on Business - Commissioning Consultants

Commissioning Consultants, LLP
Assuring Quality. Saving Energy. Saving Money.

Our firm specializes in providing HVAC Commissioning services to Owners, Architects, Engineers and Contractors for the purpose of providing HVAC systems that are well designed, complete and function properly upon occupancy and that the owner's staff has adequate system documentation and training. Other services provided include Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) studies, engineering design review, and Building Envelope Testing with Thermography.

The firm holds certification with the AABC Commissioning Group (ACG), with certi-fied Commissioning Authorities (CxA) and Commissioning Technicians (CxT) on staff. The firm is licensed by the state to practice engineering, and Troy Byers, PE is the resident engineer for North Carolina operations. Mr. Byers is the Vice President, and a partner in the firm.

P.O. Box 23451
Wilmington, NC 28428

910.202.3850

Back to the Beach Car Show - March 22nd & 23rd

More info: www.backtothebeachcarshow.com

2013 Pleasure Island Board of Directors

In its ongoing effort to make Pleasure Island one of the best places to live, work, and play, the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce announced on February 7th that its new Board of Directors has been selected. The Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce President, Gail McCloskey, made the announcement.

The Chamber's 2013 Board of Directors is comprised of an extremely special group of dedicated volunteers who are very enthusiastic about enhancing numerous aspects of life on Pleasure Island for its residents, business owners, and visitors.

The group of diverse individuals truly represents some of the untapped talent that is present in the close-knit Pleasure Island community. Each year, the Chamber's members are asked to select a group of new board members who can pool their creative expertise, community knowledge, and business acumen for the benefit of the entire Pleasure Island area.

Due to the nature of the Chamber's work with the community, including Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wilmington, plus other area organizations, it is vital to have a group of individuals serving on the Board of Directors from a variety of backgrounds. That way, a number of beneficial objectives can be determined and met. The Board also oversees the Chamber's day-to-day operations, guides its direction, and coordinates activities with the staff and committees. A few of the Chamber' long-standing committees are Education, Government and Commerce, Economic Development, and Marketing. The mission of the Chamber would be quite difficult to achieve without its members, staff, and hard working volunteers. Here is a look at this year's Board of Directors:

Executive Board

Mike Worley-Chair, Edge Entertainment
Brant Barnwell-Vice Chair, Intracoastal Realty
Brenda Butler-Treasurer, Town of Carolina Beach
Carol Magestro-Secretary, Carolina Beach Furniture

Board of Directors

Paul Boroznoff, Southern Digital Art.com
Paula Bradford, Bank Of America
Anne Brodsky, Palm Air Realty
Van Coley, Century21-Sweyer & Assoc.
Janet Knott, Artful Living Group
Andrea Cinianni-Wilson, Southern Sign Company

Ex-Officio Directors

Keith Bloemendaal, Tilt Shift Mkt. LLC
Angie Earl, Carolina Beach Police Dept.
Simon Saunders, Creative Wood Works of Wilmington

Professional Staff

Gail McCloskey, President
Greg Reynolds, Assistant Director

Related Links:
About the Chamber
Become a Member
By-Laws

St Patrick's Day Dance in Kure Beach

Spring Break Sports Sampler Camp

Brought to you by the Carolina Beach Rec Center and Basketball by the Sea:

More information and registration forms here: http://www.carolinabeach.org/site_new/pages/documents/SpringBreakCamp2013.pdf

Go Green at the Aquarium St. Patrick’s Day

The N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher ups the green factor for St. Patrick’s Day.

Visitors to the Aquarium on Sunday, March 17 may not discover a pot o’ gold but they will find a
bucket full of fun during It IS Easy Being Green festivities. Activities include a recycled craft
project, games and prizes.

Staff horticulturists will guide garden tours. Adventurers young and old discover environmental
tips and animal facts during scavenger hunts. Also, two Green Behind the Scenes tours, at 11
a.m. and 2 p.m., highlight Aquarium conservation efforts and sustainability. In addition, the
University of North Carolina Wilmington's Irish Stepdancing Club performs at noon and 2 p.m.

It IS Easy Being Green programs are free with regular Aquarium admission.

The Green Behind the Scenes tours require advance registration and a fee. Individuals aged 8
to 13 are $13; ages 13 and older are $15. Aquarium members are $7. For more information
about the Green Behind the Scenes Tour and to register go here.

Visit ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher for more information and to register.

The N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher is located just south of Kure Beach, near the mouth of the Cape Fear 
River, on US 421. The site is less than a mile from the Fort Fisher ferry terminal. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
daily (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day). Admission: $8 adults ages 13-62; $7 
seniors; $6 ages 3-12. Free admission for: children under 2; registered groups of N.C. school children, 
and NC Aquarium Society members. General information: www.ncaquariums.com. 

Spring Break on Pleasure Island

Spring break is upon us and now is the perfect time to plan your spring break vacation on Pleasure Island! You can even build your perfect itinerary including local hotels, restaurants, and things to do at our website, www.PleasureIslandNC.org/MyVisit.

There's plenty of fun to be had on the island year round, including special events and monthly activities for all ages. By taking some time out for a spring visit to the Pleasure Island area, you may discover that some things are even a little more fun without the heat and crowds of summer. And - ou could get really lucky and experience unseasonably warm weather during your island getaway. For example, one early February day this year, the midday temperature rose to 65 degrees. Imagine how wonderful the typically warmer months of March, April, and May could be!

From the end of May through Labor Day, locals and visitors enjoy the beaches, fun along the boardwalk, plus movie nights at Carolina Beach Lake Park, the summer concert series, and weekly fireworks. Are you aware that the cooler months have just as much going on? Even better-the slower pace enjoyed during the off-season allows Pleasure Island's small town feel to come through loud and clear!

There are several events that have become Pleasure Island institutions. For example, regulars know that on the first Friday and first Saturday of each month, cooking is optional. The American Legion 1st Friday Fish Fry serves both lunch and dinner, from 11 am until 7 pm. Plates are $8 and diners can count on large servings, hot hushpuppies and homemade dessert! During the winter only, Captain Ray's seafood chowder and award-winning conch chowder is also for sale. Be sure to save some room on Saturday morning for the Katie B. Hines Pancake Breakfast, which benefits the senior center.

Of course the N.C. Aquarium at Ft. Fisher, the Ft. Fisher Historic Site and the Ft. Fisher ferry operate year round. Happenings that you can only enjoy in March and April are the Special Olympics Polar Plunge and 5K Run, and two events celebrating their 17th year: the Budweiser Wing Fling, and Pleasure Island's Chowder Cook-Off. Spring also means it's time for the St. Patrick's Lo-Tide Run, the Back to the Beach Car Show and Cruise-In, the Kure Beach Street Fair and two biggies: Britt's Donuts reopens, this year on March 22nd and the Farmers Market resumes on May 11th.

For a month by month look at all of the activities and special events planned for the Spring of 2013, please visit the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce Events Calendar.

Big Apple Bakery Opening Weekend

One of the newest eateries on Pleasure Island just officially opened their doors. Big Apple Bakery opened at 6:30 am on Friday, March 8th. Please stop in and welcome Kimberley Schumann, Aris Axelgard, and Shelly McGowan to Pleasure Island.

Check them out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigAppleBakery

Daylight Savings Time Begins Sunday

The days are about to get a little longer, perfect for enjoying another hour of fun on Pleasure Island! Don't forget to "Spring Forward" on Sunday, March 10th, 2013.

When Does Britt's Donuts Open for the 2013 Season?

Spring is in the air...and so is that long awaited smell of freshly cooked Britt's Donuts! You won't have to wait much longer, the Pleasure Island institution opens for the 2013 season on March 22 at 4:00 pm.

Be among the first to taste a hot, sugary, world-famous Britt's donut this year. Doors will open at 4:00 pm on Fridays, be open through the weekends, and will close around dark on Sundays through Memorial Day Weekend. Beginning with Memorial Day Weekend Britt's will be open 7 days a week throughout the 2013 summer season.

Yum!

Enjoying the Off-Season on Pleasure Island

It is no secret that Pleasure Island is one of the best places to spend the glorious days of summer. But what about the island's off-season offerings? Although you'll have to wait a bit longer for those insanely delicious Britt's Donuts and lively nights along the boardwalk, Pleasure Island has a multitude of year round charms. Here's a look at a few that will have you questioning whether or not an off-season even exists!
 
10 Miles of Beach Strand - If the best things in life are free, then one of the very best is definitely a stroll on any one of Pleasure Island's beaches. Sweeping views of the ever-changing Atlantic, shells galore, and the possibility of spotting dolphins, make this a guaranteed rewarding experience. Remember to bring along a camera, a bucket for your finds, and a picnic. You could get lucky and have an unseasonably warm day, when the mercury stretches up into the 70's! It's never too early to get started on that tan…

Surf or SUP Lessons - One of the nice things about learning to surf or SUP during the off-season is that there won't be too many people around to witness your progress. That way, you can concentrate and forget about being self-conscious! There are several excellent surf schools on the island that are happy to arrange all of the details including a wetsuit and board. The off-season months are ideal for both sports and often the ocean water is crystal clear. Whether you wipe out a few times or not, there is nothing more invigorating than spending a few hours in or on the water. Check the Where to Play directory on PleasureIslandNC.org and search for "surf" to find some local businesses offering lessons or gear.

Carolina Beach State Park - Nature enthusiasts agree that this is hands down the best place to spend time outdoors in all of New Hanover County. Clean, well-kept trails wind through thick stands of trees to the nearby marina, where a variety of boats come and go. Leashed dogs are welcome and kids love trying their hand at crabbing or fishing. Entry to the park is free and for a nominal fee, you can also camp here. Get more info here: Carolina Beach State Park

Ft. Fisher Historic Site and Ft. Fisher Aquarium - No trip to the Pleasure Island area is complete without a stopover at one or both of these attractions. Visiting during the off-season allows easy access to the exhibits and grounds. When planning your time at either of these, check the websites linked to the one below to learn about any special events taking place. Throughout the year, there are Civil War reenactments at Ft. Fisher and a huge variety of educational programs at the aquarium. To get the most from your excursion, be sure to do a little research before you go regarding Ft. Fisher's historic significance. Kids also love to read the story of the Ft. Fisher Hermit. Learn more at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area and Fort Fisher Aquarium.

Ft. Fisher Ferry - At the very southern end of Ft. Fisher, you'll find the Ft. Fisher ferry. The car ferry makes regular trips to the quaint, historic seaside village of Southport. The cruise heads southward on the Cape Fear River and is quite scenic. Seasoned ferry travelers know to bring along some stale bread for the always-ravenous gulls that follow the boat. Bicycles are also welcome, which is the perfect way to explore Southport on a nice day. Of course, bicycle travel will leave little room for any treasures you may find along the way!  Get the Ferry Schedule at PleasureIslandNC.org.

These are just a few of the island's off-season pleasures. In order to discover many more fun-filled activities plus Pleasure Island's variety of interesting shops and excellent restaurants, visit our main website at www.PleasureIslandNC.org.

Spotlight on Business - Carolina Family Medicine & Urgent Care

Carolina Family Medicine & Urgent Care is a unique multi-specialty family practice and urgent care facility which provides comprehensive family healthcare while remaining personal with a small-office atmosphere. Each of our twelve locations across North Carolina and Tennessee offer primary care, urgent care, family practice, and pain management. Your health and that of your family is their primary concern!

The primary physician at our Carolina Beach location is Dr. Harrison ‘Gabe’ Frank. Dr. Frank joins us from Wake Forrest Baptist Hospital. He specializes in primary care, urgent care, sports medicine and pain management. We are confident that Dr. Frank’s combination of knowledge and clinical experience will provide the highest level of care to each and every patient.

In addition to Dr. Frank, we are proud to announce that Michael Murphy, PA and Eddie Rosado, PA will remain with our practice. Carolina Family Medicine and Urgent Care strives to provide quality healthcare to all of our patients. We look forward to providing our comprehensive services to the residents of Carolina Beach and the surrounding communities!

1328 N. Lake Park Blvd. 
Carolina Beach, NC 28428 
910.210.0656