BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) – The number of liquor and mixed beverages sales in the state were up last year, according to the 2011 North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control’s annual report.

Between June 30, 2010 and June 30, 2011, the report says $746,523,521 worth of liquor and mixed beverages were sold.

In Brunswick County, the ABC Board in Belville reported the largest amount of gross sales with $2,355,160. However, Belville lost $4,670—the most in the county—after the cost of liquor, operating expenses and state taxes were subtracted.

Southport accounted for the largest profit at $256,841, which is an increase of over 8% from the previous year’s amount.

Six of the nine ABC Boards in Brunswick County saw profits decrease from 2010 to 2011.

Copyright 2011 WECT. All rights reserved.

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Nestled between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is the second annual Small Business Saturday event, a day dedicated to supporting small businesses on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year.

On Saturday, November 26, the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce is joining American Express and others across the nation to ask residents to shop at their favorite local small business to help fuel the economy.

Small businesses are critical to the nation’s overall economy. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, there were nearly 28 million small businesses in the United States last year. Over the past two decades, they created 65 percent of net new jobs. Their importance to local communities extends even further. For every $100 spent in locally-owned, independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures, according to the small business advocacy group The 3/50 Project. 

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) – The Brunswick County Holiday Show, featuring local vendors, arts and gifts, will be held on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 19 and 20 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

According to the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce, the boutique event will offer free parking and admission for children 12 and under. Adult admission is $5.

The Holiday Show will be open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at 101 Stone Chimney Place in Supply.