Koru Village named Outer Banks business of the year

Koru Village named Outer Banks business of the year

Koru Village of Avon has been named the Outer Banks Small Business of the Year. The award, co-sponsored by the Wanchese Seafood Industrial Park and College of the Albemarle’s Small Business Center, was presented at the Small Business Week celebration luncheon, Wednesday, May 8, at the Duck Woods Country Club in Southern Shores.

Located in the heart of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Koru Village serves as the epicenter for renewal of health and wellness on the Outer Banks.  Koru Village’s Adventure Resort and Spa includes a spa, salon, fitness center, yoga studio, Beach Klub, and outdoor recreation program. The Beach Klub’s PapaWack Theatre is North Carolina’s only oceanfront theatre of its kind

“Koru Village is recognized for their entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to the community as the recipient of this year’s award,” said chamber President Karen Brown.  “They have prospered over the years despite a tumultuous economic climate, two hurricanes, conflict over beach access, and, of course, the ongoing battle between Mother Nature and Highway 12.”

At the event,  Bob Peele of the chamber’s board of directors  praised Koru Village for  filling a long-standing cultural void on Hatteras, hosting weekly musical and social events for kids, families, visitors and residents alike and encouraging them to get out and enjoy the very best that the Outer Banks has to offer. 

Staff members at the business are encouraged to be involved with the community beyond the scope of their standard job requirements.  Community involvement has included the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Hatteras/Ocracoke Island Council, the Kiwanis Club of Hatteras Island, Dare County Arts Council, the Cape Hatteras Electric Co-Op Board of Directors, Outer Banks Wedding Association, and many more. In addition, the staff has been instrumental in organizing and participating in a number of events that have directly benefited the Outer Banks non-profit community.

Eligibility and judging criteria for the Small Business of the Year Award include the following:

• Two years in business in the area                                         
• Member of the Outer Banks Chamber
• Growth in sales/income/number of employees            
• Innovative product or service
• 50 or fewer employees                                                                 
• Response to adversity
• Contributions to civic or community involvement

The five other finalists for the award were also recognized. They are: The Comedy Club, Davis Cleaning, Midgett Insurance, Platinum Party Planning, and VBL Technologies.

The Small Business Celebration luncheon was an event co-hosted by the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and the Currituck Chamber of Commerce and featured Macon Brock, founder of Dollar Tree stores. 

For more information about the value of Chamber membership or joining your local chamber, visit www.outerbankschamber.com  or call (252)441-8144.