Today is May 18, 2026, and there’s an exciting buzz in the air here in Raiford! The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for a couple of fantastic events designed to bring the community together. First up, we have the much-anticipated Triangle East 2026 Legacy Awards, which is a wonderful opportunity to honor individuals who have gone above and beyond for our community. Those who dedicate their time, talent, and resources to enhance Triangle East truly deserve recognition!
The Legacy Awards ceremony aims to shine a light on exceptional individuals who have made a lasting impression in the region. There are four categories for nominations: the Triangle East Citizen of the Year, the Triangle East Lifetime Achievement Award, the Jimmy Creech Small Business Person of the Year, and the Triangle East Emerging Leader Award. Each category has its unique criteria, ensuring that a diverse range of contributions gets celebrated.
Nomination Categories and Details
Let’s break it down a bit. The Triangle East Citizen of the Year award is given to someone who has consistently served our community with outstanding dedication over the past year. Volunteers who give their time and energy without expecting anything in return are what this award is all about. But you don’t have to be a Chamber member to be nominated—just someone who has genuinely contributed to the quality of life in the region.
Then there’s the Triangle East Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving Triangle East. Again, it’s all about that selfless spirit! Next, we have the Jimmy Creech Small Business Person of the Year award. This one honors a standout small business owner who has shown resilience and commitment to the community, and yes, they need to be a Chamber member in good standing. If you know someone who fits that bill, don’t hesitate to nominate!
Lastly, the Triangle East Emerging Leader Award is for those under 40 who’ve made noteworthy contributions to the community. If they’ve influenced their organization positively, they could be a strong candidate for this award. Nominations are open until January 31, 2026, and the grand ceremony will take place on May 19, 2026. You can find paper nomination forms at the Chamber office located at 1115 Outlet Center Drive, Smithfield. Just a quick note: self-nominations aren’t accepted!
Community Adoption Event
In addition to the awards, there’s another exciting event on the calendar—the Community Adoption Event hosted by Century 21 New Beginnings NC. This pet adoption event will be a great way to connect furry friends with loving homes. It’s a wonderful initiative that encourages people to open their hearts and homes to pets in need. Adopting a pet is such a rewarding experience, and community events like this help to raise awareness about the importance of pet adoption.
For anyone looking to make a difference, whether it’s through volunteering, nominating a community leader, or adopting a pet, the Triangle East area is brimming with opportunities to get involved. It’s heartwarming to see how residents come together to uplift one another and create a thriving community. And let’s be honest—there’s just something special about knowing you’re part of a community that cares.
So, whether you’re thinking about nominating someone for the awards, planning to attend the adoption event, or just soaking in the local vibes, there’s plenty to look forward to here in Triangle East. For more information on the Legacy Awards, check out the official website. And for the pet adoption event, you can find details on the Chamber’s events page. Let’s make the most of these opportunities to celebrate and support our community!