PRESENTED BY
SPONSORED BY
Keynote Speaker
While a student at UNC Chapel Hill, Eli uncovered the story of GenX contamination in Wilmington. That discovery led to a years-long investigation into PFAS chemicals and to build a production company from scratch to tell the story. Since then, Ethereal films have reached international audiences, including BURNED: Protecting the Protectors, produced with actor Mark Ruffalo, and The Bowl, which opened the 2025 BEYOND Film Festival.
Eli’s work bridges medicine, science, and advocacy. Awards include the National Academies’ Excellence in Science Communication Award, a Southern Circuit Fellowship, the title of Honorable Colonel, and nearly one million dollars in grants supporting documentary projects.
Business Awards to be Presented
Restaurant/Bar of the Year
Nonprofit of the Year
Business Person of the Year
Business of the Year
Community Advocate
Live Music Provided By
The Solutions: specializing in high-energy, well-known cover hits spanning the 1960s, 70s, 80s, and modern eras.
Be a Sponsor
The Annual Gala and Business Awards ceremony will feature dinner and desserts, wine and cocktails, and live music and dancing at the Whitted Building in downtown Hillsborough. Highlights of Chamber activities during 2026 and annual business awards will also be presented. Keynote speaker to be announced.
Sponsorships for the event are available. Use the button below to review sponsorship levels and the benefits associated with each.