Members of the Wrightsville Beach Chamber of Commerce (WBCC) met at East at the Blockade Runner Resort for its annual Christmas luncheon on Wednesday, Dec. 16 to share views of the 2009 year and make predictions for the upcoming 2010.

WBCC president, Glenda Flynn of Crescent State Bank began the meeting by welcoming new member, Dr. Kristen Patton, who, despite the economic situation, has opened a new business, Feel Better Now Chiropractic, in Lumina Station, making the perfect model of hope for a better tomorrow.

Bankers, real estate agents, hotel representatives, business proprietors—no matter the field—all seemed to unanimously agree upon the state of the present year and what is to come.

As Flynn prompted business representatives from each field to share their thoughts, talk of 2011 rather than 2010, initialized by Michelle Clark, Intracoastal Realty, summed all opinions. The consensus, although there was a dip in early 2009, was that most businesses that could keep the lights on remained flat for the rest of the year; and will probably remain the same or begin to move forward in the upcoming year and even more so in the year following that one.

Realtors consented that the economy has made the market more challenging but remain optimistic—the biggest concern are the high-end properties.

Sue Bulluck, Holiday Inn Resort representative, said the hospitality market is looking better but that she is implementing new strategies to corral businesses.

"Folks aren’t flying and stays are shorter," Bulluck said. "Be smarter with your dollars."

Mary Baggett, Blockade Runner Resort, added, hospitality owners, especially around the coast, will make it all around if they can make it through this winter.

Baggett, among other members, believes Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach should work harder, as neighboring communities, to draw people from the city to the beach.

Cape Fear Eco Tours proprietor, Captain Joe Abbate, explained that his work to enrich tourists’ experience by enticing people with nature. Implementing new programs has made his business grow by about 10 percent. He said, "I think 2010 is going to be pretty positive with a lot more green outlooks."

Making new strategies to pull through the tough times and supporting one another’s businesses is key to survival. As Jeff Simmons, business banker for ECB, put it, "Work harder and smarter."

Skip Watkins, Crescent State Bank financial advisor predicted, "Those of us that do survive will be in the catbird seat when the economy comes back."