NMB Soirée celebrates community

By Erin Graham

Destination North Myrtle Beach proudly celebrated the community’s outstanding businesses, leaders and first responders at the Seaside Soirée Business Awards held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 21 Main Event.

The evening brought together nominees and business professionals from a wide variety of industries to recognize excellence, leadership, service and community impact across North Myrtle Beach. The event was emceed by Adam Dellinger of iHeart Radio, host of the Gator 107.9 Morning Show.

A special moment of the evening was the presentation of the Valor Awards, given by Mayor J Baldwin, honoring North Myrtle Beach Police and Firefighters recognized for their selfless acts of bravery. This year’s honorees were:

•Lieutenant Chris Walden

•FF/EMT Robert Villalobos

•FF/EMT John Gore

•Lieutenant Chris Nadelman

•Engineer Brian Koontz

•Master Police Officer Kayla Wallace

•Sergeant Chris Bellamy

Destination North Myrtle Beach board members also presented awards to businesses and individuals in the following categories:

•Small Business of the Year — United Community

•Mid-Size Business of the Year — Boardwalk Billy’s

•Large Business of the Year — Pepsi Bottling Ventures

•New Business of the Year — Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre

•Non-Profit of the Year — GFWC North Myrtle Beach Woman’s Club

•Impact Award for Excellence in Customer Service — Liberty Tax

•Catalyst Award for Outstanding Community Service (Business) — Bay Watch Resort and Conference Center

•Catalyst Award for Outstanding Community Service (Individual) — Mark Lane

•Rising Star — Jamesha Gore-Coggin

•Ambassador of the Year — Allyson Sturgeon

In addition, Ed Horton of Anderson Brothers Bank was presented with the Senator Dick Elliott Excellence in Leadership Award. During the presentation, David Anderson, President and CEO of Anderson Brothers Bank, honored Horton by making a $10,000 sponsorship to the North Strand Community Center, one of Ed and his wife Gail’s favorite charities and a cause close to their hearts.

“The Seaside Soirée Business Awards are a celebration of the people and organizations that make North Myrtle Beach such a strong and vibrant community,” said Cheryl Y. Kilday, President/CEO of Destination NMB. “From entrepreneurial success to servant leadership and acts of bravery, this evening reflects the very best of our city.”

Destination North Myrtle Beach extends its congratulations to all nominees and honorees and thanks the community for continuing to support local businesses and leaders who make a lasting impact.

For more information about Destination North Myrtle Beach and its programs, visit www.DestinationNMB.com or call 843-281-2662.