03/29/2024
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Elizabethtown business owner, Ricky Leinwand accepted the Business Person of the Year Award during The University of North Carolina at Pembroke’s 18th annual Business Visions Awards Banquet. The Business Person of the Year is awarded to an executive who makes a significant contribution through success in a local business as well as through contributions to the civic, cultural, and social life of the community.

The event, held April 30th in the Robeson County Farm Bureau Auditorium of the Regional Center, recognized the efforts of students, businesses and nonprofits. This is the first year the Business Visions expanded the honors to people across the region, according to Regional Center Director Darek Hunt.

Dawn Maynard with the Elizabethtown White-Lake Chamber of Commerce nominated Leinwand for the award. Maynard said, “When I received the email asking for nominations, Mr. Leinwand fit into every one of the blanks specified for the Business Person of the Year Award.” She continued, “When I have people from out of town contact the Chamber’s office, they often mention Leinwand’s as the reason for coming to Elizabethtown. He brings people to the county, offers opportunities for other entrepreneurs, is very involved in civic clubs and does a lot for our community behind the scenes.”

Dr. William Findt, Bladen Community College President, introduced Leinwand for the award Thursday evening. Findt said, “I was pleased and honored to accompany and introduce Mr. Leinwand. It says a lot about him as a business owner and a community member. He does a lot for our community.”
“It was a great honor to be selected.” Leinwand said. Leinwand is the dedicated business owner of Leinwand’s of Elizabethtown, with more than 38 years of retail management. He is also longtime broadcaster with Bladen Sports Network. Leinwand gives back to his community by serving on the Town of Elizabethtown Town Council, Bladen Community College Board of Trustees, and in the Rotary and Optimist Clubs. He is a past president of the Elizabethtown Jaycees, Chamber of Commerce, and East Bladen Booster Club and past Chairman of the Bladen County Economic Development Board. He also has been involved with area fundraisers to support Bladen County Recreation, Boy Scouts of America, Elizabethtown Fire and Elizabethtown Rescue Departments.

“The Office for Regional Initiatives is dependent upon professionals, businesses and students to help drive the economic base of our economy in the local community,” said Director Darek Hunt. “Therefore, each year, we recognize and promote success in the business community.

John E. Skvarla, III, Secretary of the NC Department of Commerce was the Keynote Speaker at the Awards Banquet. Skvarla was appointed by Gov. Pat McCrory as secretary of the Department of Commerce in December 2014. Before that, he served as secretary of the Division of Environment and Natural Resourses in the McCrory administration. His background is in business and finance.

Winners included Mr. George Pate, Robeson Community College’s Business Administration Student of the Year; Mr. Nick Arena, UNCP’s Outstanding MBA Student of the Year; Mr. Michael Pennington, UNCP’s Outstanding MPA Student of the Year; Dr. Mike Menefee, Entrepreneurs of the Year; Ms. Linda Branch, 2015 Business of the Year; Mr. Ricky Leinwand, Business Person of the Year; Mr. Darek W. Hunt, received two awards, Nonprofit of the Year and Excellence Award for Large Business; Mr. Matt Adams, Argicultural Excellence Award; and Dr. Cammie L. Hunt, Spirit of Unity Award.

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