The Southgate House Revival hosted the annual Newport Business Association annual meeting on February 28th, 2013.   The event was attended by over 65 guests, including business association members, local politicians, and invited guests.

This was the first year having the meeting at the Southgate House Revival and the meeting was kicked off with owner Morrella Raleigh sharing with the group the story of how they converted the former Grace Methodist Episcopal Church (111 E. Sixth St.) to the unique venue it is today.   Morrella shared since opening their doors in the fall of last year, over 20,000 patrons have visited the venue.

The program then moved to the awards portion of the program.   The following individuals/business's were recognized with a coveted "Newport Business Association "Biscuit Basket" designed by our won Agape Designs as well as an official proclomation by State Senator Katie Stein.

• Zavoodi, Inc - Chris Brewer, "Business Recognition Award"  Awarded for partnering with the NBA to produce and implement our new website.
• Defender Direct - Brian Crittenden "Community Leadership Award"   Awarded for their partnering with the Brighton Center on many activities including Halloween Family party, Thanksgiving meal distribution, Christmans Toy Drive, and also awarding a $5,000 donation.
• Carol Rae Howard, "Volunteer Award"  For donating her time in working in partnership with Southbank Partners to coordinate the art and music exhibit held over a 22 day period during the World Choir Games.  Carol was instrumental in speding the better part of a year in planning this great event.
• Ace Hardware - Dick Blandford "New Business of the Year"   Ace was recognized for filling a void in the market created by the departure of two hardware stores from our city.    The owner not only filled this void but also has made improvements to the facilities at Newport Shopping Center.
• Crazy Fox Saloon -Carl Fox and Terry Bond Jr "Business of the Year Award"  The owners of this business invested considerable time and money to restore a building dating back to the 1880's, returning much of the orignial charm and character of the building that had been reduced through many various "modernization" projects over the years.