Two local businesses were recently recognized at the annual Washington Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, receiving Business of the Year.

The two businesses — Coca Cola Bottling Company of Washington and Down on Mainstreet — were named as co-winners for the award, both having recently celebrated milestones in their own respect, as well as being assets to the community, each employing more than 15 people, according to Chamber Director Catherine Glover.

Coca Cola Bottling Company celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2011, and is one of only three independent, family-owned bottling companies left in North Carolina, said third-generation owner Bragg Dawson. In the 100 years of having a presence in the Beaufort County community, Coca Cola has exercised extensive community outreach, sponsorship and philanthropy. Since 1985, the company has won the Dr. Pepper per capita award every year and, for several years, won the region award for highest per capita east of the Mississippi River, according to a biographical document from Dawson. Dawson feels the company’s biggest asset is the past and present employees, who have dedicated and contributed so much to grow and develop the business to put them where they are today, he said.

“We have never won (a Chamber award) the entire time we’ve been a Chamber member so it was quite an honor,” Dawson said. “It was a milestone — we were very much elated to win it. Of course, we won with Down on Mainstreet, and we were happy for them, as well.”

Down on Mainstreet, owned by Glenn and Gennia Wetherington, having an amazing story behind its inception, was named as co-winner. The Wetherington’s started the restaurant as a side business, with intentions to uphold each of their full-time jobs. However, a week of being opened proved to be more than the two could handle, with full-time jobs. The restaurant was so busy during that week, Gennia quit her job and went full-throttle with the restaurant while Glenn remained working as a mechanic millwright at PotashCorp-Aurora. Ultimately, the restaurant became so busy and popular, Glenn was forced to quit his full-time job and rest is history. Starting with 18 employees, the business has grown significantly, employing over 40 people. What started out as a dream, became a flourishing reality, as well as an asset to the community, Glover said, during the award presentation.

Glover gave these comments about the two businesses being named co-winners of the award.

“It’s happened some years that we feel like two well-deserving businesses are nominated,” Glover said. “Both have over 15 employees and both are family-owned businesses. Obviously Coca Cola needs to be recognized for their 100-plus years of service and they’re one of the only ones who haven’t sold out to someone else. They’re a local distributor. That’s pretty amazing to have to stayed in the community as a family-owned business this long, as well as having some of the same employees. Down on Mainstreet celebrated its 10-year anniversary this year. They started out as a side business and, obviously, it turned into a full-time business and has been a great restaurant in the downtown community. Both have a long history and give back to the community tremendously.”