Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute’s Small Business Center was recently recognized for both its outstanding leadership and its impactful work in the community by the North Carolina Small Business Center Network.
CCC&TI Small Business Center Director Carmela Tomlinson was recognized as the recipient of the prestigious State Director of the Year Award for 2025. Tomlinson, who took the helm of CCC&TI’s Small Business Center in 2020, was recognized for her exceptional work and leadership in assisting the statewide network with efforts to rebrand and increase visibility of the network’s impact and available resources.
In the NCSBC release announcing the award, Tomlinson was recognized for her leadership in developing best practices that are being shared and implemented by centers across the state. “Tomlinson was a driving force for the NCSBC Marketing Committee, advancing rebranding efforts, increasing success story visibility and fostering statewide adoption of marketing best practices. Her creativity and dedication, including developing new SBCN logo concepts and supporting colleagues with monthly guidance, have strengthened the organization’s brand and outreach.”
The release also mentioned Tomlinson’s continued dedication to the work of the Network amidst the destruction of Hurricane Helene in late 2025 in the local area. “Even while assisting small businesses with Hurricane Helene recovery, Carmela consistently stepped up to serve the Network whenever called upon, others through her leadership, expertise and exceptional service.”
In addition to being recognized as the Director of the Year, Tomlinson’s work with local small business Lake Hickory Pub and Marina was recognized as an award winner in the Business Success Story – Business Startup Category.
Tomlinson’s submission “Lake Hickory Pub and Marina: Rising Strong After the Storm” focused on the experience of Dan and Meagen Kelly, who moved to western North Carolina in early 2024 to pursue their dream of owning and revitalizing the Lake Hickory Pub and Marina.
The couple moved from Prior Lake, Minn. to North Carolina in 2024 and reached out to Tomlinson and the CCC&TI Small Business Center to help modernize and refurbish the
business. Their operation was going well, until the arrival of Hurricane Helene in September 2025, which completely destroyed their marina. Undeterred, the Kelly’s rebuilt from the ground up with the help of SBC counseling, community partnerships, local grant funds and a recovery loan.
With the assistance of Tomlinson’s expertise in the small business space, and the resources available through the Center, the Kelly’s were able to reopen stronger than ever with 5 new docks, 73 boat slips, replaced rental pontoons, and a shoreline restoration project. In her submission, Tomlinson noted “their perseverance not only restored a local landmark, but inspired the community, earning them the 2025 Caldwell County Business of the Year Award.”
Following the announcements of the two awards, CCC&TI President, Dr. Mark Poarch commented on Tomlinson’s leadership, her work in the local community and its impact. “This is such a well-deserved honor and another example of the exceptional work and leadership that Carmela provides for local small businesses. Her leadership and tireless efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene were critical in the survival of Lake Hickory Pub and Marina, as well as many other small businesses in our community,” said Poarch. “I appreciate all that Carmela does to support and elevate small businesses in our communities. Her dedication proves that partnerships and quality leadership matter and are making a significant difference for our community and our state.”
For more information on CCC&TI’s Small Business Center and resources available to local entrepreneurs, visit https://cccti.edu/services-for-business-industry/small-business-center/ or call 828-726-3065.