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| “Each
year during National Travel and Tourism Week, the Wilmington and Beaches
CVB recognizes individuals working in the hospitality industry whose extraordinary
contributions help to make Wilmington and our island beaches the best of
the Carolina coast,” states Kim
Hufham. “This year’s Jane Peterson Tourism Legacy Award honorees are
Bobby and Maxine Nivens, owners of Britt’s Donut Shop, and Kim
and John Hirchak, founders of the Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington and
The Black Cat Shoppe. The CVB also presented 2025 Tourism Star Awards to
two deserving hospitality employees: Sara Flowers Roberts, store
manager of Wilmington Water Tours, and Janine Powell, Director of
Donor Relations for Airlie Gardens.”
 Tourism Star Awards Established in 2017, the Tourism Star award recognizes hospitality and tourism industry professionals who demonstrate pride and commitment to the hospitality industry and exemplify a selfless spirit of service and leadership that enhances the visitor experience. Both 2025 Tourism Stars are exemplary hospitality professionals: Sara Flowers Roberts, Store Manager of Wilmington Water Tours, is a North Carolina native who has spent the past four years transforming everyday interactions with visitors into memorable moments. A shining light on our riverfront and a true ambassador for our destination, Sara brings warmth, knowledge, and unmatched hospitality to everyone she meets. Whether she’s greeting visitors at the shop kiosk or managing crowds lining up for a cruise, Sara makes each person feel welcome. Sharing her enthusiasm and deep knowledge of the area, Sara has assisted thousands of visitors, distributing over 15,000 maps last year alone. She always goes above and beyond, balancing full-time work, single motherhood, and academic pursuits as a UNCW student. Sara’s positive attitude and ability to juggle it all, without ever losing that personal touch, is nothing short of remarkable. More than a dedicated employee and destination tourism ambassador, Sara also uplifts fellow workers, supports local businesses, and creates lasting connections. Janine Powell, Director of Donor Relations for Airlie Gardens, is a champion of Wilmington’s hospitality industry who has spent the past 18 years enhancing the county’s tourism landscape. In her role with Airlie Gardens and New Hanover County Parks, Janine Powell wears many hats, from raising funds and writing grants to leading PR and marketing efforts and managing social media. She began her career with the county in 2007 working at Cape Fear Museum of History & Science. Since joining the Parks and Gardens team in 2009, Janine’s efforts have garnered media recognition for Airlie in state and national publications, helping to contribute to record-breaking visitation. Last year alone, she conducted 23 tours for travel influencers and journalists. A proud UNCW alum, Janine’s accolades include the university’s Distinguished Citizen of the Year award and New Hanover County Stellar Awards. As a responsible steward of the garden’s history and environment, Janine’s contagious enthusiasm and daily commitment to creating memorable visitor experiences truly defines her impact. Whether she’s walking the grounds answering visitors’ questions, coordinating with film crews, engaging with media, or leading emergency communications, Janine’s pride in New Hanover County is evident. Her work inspires visitors to connect with nature, appreciate the beauty of the region, and return again and again. Jane Peterson Tourism Legacy Awards The Tourism Legacy Award was established in 2018 in honor of the late Jane Peterson, the CVB’s first executive director, to recognize visionary leadership and significant contributions to the hospitality industry. This year the Wilmington and Beaches CVB presented two Jane Peterson Tourism Legacy Awards: A 2025 Jane Peterson Tourism Legacy Award was presented to a couple who turned their curiosity into a local treasure: Kim and John Hirchak, founders of the Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington and The Black Cat Shoppe, were recognized for their transformative impact on Wilmington’s tourism through storytelling and creativity. The journey began in the 1970s when Kim, fascinated by Wilmington’s ghost stories, began researching the city’s paranormal history. Her passion eventually evolved into a mission to preserve and share the area’s hidden past. In the late 1990s, she partnered with her husband John and daughter Lindsay to develop a theatrical walking tour that blended ghost tales with historical context. Launched in 1999 with just six stories, the Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington has grown to include 29 full-length tales and several companion experiences such as the Haunted Pub Crawl, the Wilmywood Movie & TV Location Walk, and the Black Cat Shoppe. The tours, known for their costumed guides and theatrical storytelling, have drawn more than 500,000 participants over 25 years. John Hirchak has also authored two books—Ghosts of Old Wilmington and Legends of Old Wilmington—further cementing their family’s legacy. The Hirchaks have built more than a business; they’ve created a cultural staple in Wilmington that celebrates local history, supports downtown tourism, and offers visitors an unforgettable experience. Their son Miles, just one year old when the tour began, has now joined the family enterprise, helping continue the tradition. Their work has been spotlighted in national media and cherished by generations of guests. Upon accepting the award, John credited his family and Downtown Wilmington tourism pioneers Captain Carl Marshburn (Cape Fear Riverboats), John and Janet Pucci (Springbrook Farms Horsedrawn Tours), and the late Bob Jenkins (Wilmington Adventure Tours) for their guidance and support. Through decades of passion and persistence, the Hirchaks have truly shaped the spirit—and “spirits”—of Wilmington’s tourism scene. A 2025 Jane Peterson Tourism Legacy Award was also presented to Robert “Bobby” and Maxine Nivens, owners of Britt’s Donut Shop, for their remarkable contributions to the cultural and tourism identity of Carolina Beach. Since taking over the beloved Boardwalk institution from founder H.L. “Harvey” Britt in 1974, the Nivens have safeguarded and elevated Britt’s into a nationally recognized destination, featured in outlets such as National Geographic Traveler, Our State Magazine, and USA TODAY. With Maxine by his side and Harvey’s trust in their stewardship, Bobby, who worked at Britt’s as a teen, helped transform Britt’s into more than a donut shop—it became a treasured summer tradition and a generational touchstone. Britt’s opening each season marks the unofficial start of summer, drawing customers from all over the U.S. and more than 59 countries. Despite its fame, Britt’s has remained intentionally simple, retaining the charm and authenticity that first captured the community’s heart in 1939. Patrons return year after year not just for the hand-dipped donuts, but for the sense of nostalgia and belonging the shop offers. Beyond their role as business owners, Bobby and Maxine have left an enduring mark through their quiet generosity and community engagement. They’ve supported schools, churches, veterans, and numerous charitable efforts, and served as mentors to generations of young local employees—many of whom fondly refer to themselves as “Britt’s kids.” Their mentorship has had a lasting influence, inspiring future professionals, artists, and even public leaders, including Carolina Beach Mayor Lynn Barbee. As Carolina Beach celebrates its Centennial in 2025, it’s fitting to recognize the Nivens for their 50 years of stewardship and the shop’s 86-year history. Britt’s continues to serve as both a nostalgic icon and a vital engine for local tourism. The Nivens credit their success to the community, family, tradition, and the dedication of their daughter, granddaughters, and young employees who have helped carry on the legacy of Britt’s Donut Shop. Three generations of the Nivens family who work in the business attended the award ceremony. During the award presentation Carolina Beach Mayor Lynn Barbee expressed deep gratitude for the lessons and values he learned as a “Britt’s kid.” In closing comments, Kim Hufham noted that both of this year’s Tourism Legacy Award recipients represent enduring legacies that are now being passed on to the next generation, ensuring that the spirit of their work lives on as tourism continues to thrive in New Hanover County. About
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Release: New
Hanover County Commissioners Proclaim May 4-10 as National Travel and Tourism
Week in New Hanover County (05/06/25)
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