NCAS-1119_ANNUAL_REVIEW_16pg

Inspiring appreciation and conservation of North Carolina’s aquatic environments

Dear Aquarium Supporters,

2014 was another terrific year for the Aquariums and Jennette’s Pier, with exciting new exhibits, programs and conservation efforts at each location. Visitation was strong, earned revenues were up, and the Aquarium Society provided a record level of private support—more than $7 million—to help the Aquariums renovate exhibits, support conservation initiatives and operate their facilities.

All around the Aquariums and at Jennette’s Pier, summer visitors found a host of new offerings in 2014. At Roanoke Island and Pine Knoll Shores, visitors stepped back in time to experience Dinosaurs, and the life-sized animated reptiles did not disappoint. At Fort Fisher, Butterfly Bungalow was the featured attraction, offering thousands of Aquarium visitors the chance to interact with hundreds of tropical winged beauties. The Aquarium on Roanoke Island opened the 3,000 square-foot STAR Center (Sea Turtle Assistance & Rehabilitation), and the public response was terrific. The STAR Center offers a temporary home for injured and stranded endangered sea turtles, cared for by Aquarium staff and volunteers.

These are just some of the newest projects at the Aquariums, and many of our existing exhibits and programs just keep getting better. Educational programs, field trips and camps fill the calendar—no matter what the season. The Aquariums and Pier continue to produce a robust schedule of events, ranging from teacher workshops and Disney training to major surfing contests and a national conference for Aquarium personnel. The diversity is astounding, and our unique settings offer opportunities unmatched by other institutions.

The Aquariums also continue to do great work in conservation. From rescuing injured sea turtles and raising endangered amphibians to supporting research efforts to save sand tiger sharks, Aquarium conservation initiatives are having real and positive impacts on the coastal ecosystem. As we move forward in 2015 these efforts will continue, bringing more emphasis on our work to “save animals and the seas we share.”

Supporting new exhibits, educational programs and conservation efforts is at the heart of the partnership between the state-operated Aquariums and the nonprofit Aquarium Society. By working together on grants, private fundraising and long term planning efforts, this public-private arrangement helps keep the Aquarium visitor experience fresh and exciting for more than 1.2 million annual visitors.

We look forward to your continued support and help to keep the Aquariums and Jennette’s Pier at the forefront of conservation education and excellence in guest experiences.

David Grif f in, NC Aquariums Division Director

Neal Conoley, President NC Aquarium Society

www.ncaquariums.com

NORTH CAROLINA’S AQUARIUMS AND JENNETTE’S PIER

900 Loggerhead Road – Kure Beach, NC 28449

Fort Fisher was again the most-popular NC Aquarium in 2014 with more than 420,000 visitors. The addition of Butterfly Bungalow and Bald Eagle, the Aquarium’s first display of this majestic native bird added to the diverse marine collection. Fort Fisher hosted almost 27,000 school students, and was aided by nearly 600 volunteers who contributed more than 29,000 volunteer hours.

1 Roosevelt Boulevard – Pine Knoll Shores, NC 28512

The Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores saw more than 370,000 visitors in 2014 and provided outreach programs to another 22,000. The featured exhibit, Dinosaurs!, proved to be a huge hit. In the area of conservation, more than 200 sea turtles were rehabilitated and 160 were released back into the sea. More than 6,000 specimens were displayed in five galleries, “from the Mountains to the Sea.”

FORT FISHER PINE KNOLL SHORES

7223 S. Virginia Dare Trail – Nags Head, NC 27959

More than 850,000 visitors enjoyed the pier and pier site during 2014. Many took advantage of the fishing and educational programming. Jennette’s Pier hosted 75 weddings throughout the year. Earned revenue from event rentals, education programs and gift shop sales are critically important to this facility which receives no annual state support.

374 Airport Road – Manteo, NC 27954

In 2014, the Aquarium on Roanoke Island featured the prehistoric exhibit Tyrannosaurus Trek, and opened the 3,000 square-foot STAR Center to rehabilitate injured and stranded sea turtles. The site continued its Aquarium Shark Dive program where participants, including three battalions of Wounded Warriors, were able to suit up and explore the Graveyard of the Atlantic exhibit.

ROANOKE ISLAND JENNETTE’S PIER

SOCIETY PROVIDES RECORD $7 MILLION IN PRIVATE SUPPORT FOR NC AQUARIUMS

In 2014, the NC Aquarium Society’s support reached an all-time high when more than $7 million was committed for renovations and operations. The total dollars include $4.5 million for gallery renovations at the Roanoke Island

Aquarium, set to begin in the fall of 2015, and another $1 million in credit if needed. In addition, more than $2 million was appropriated for operational funds for exhibits, programs, conservation initiatives and staff development at all four sites.

SOCIETY EARNS THIRD CONSECUTIVE 4-STAR RATING

For the sixth time in seven years, the NC Aquarium Society has received a coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest and most-trusted independent evaluator of charities. The 4-star rating, the highest

awarded by the group, lets consumers know their private gifts to the Society will be well-managed and used responsibly. The rating is based on good governance, sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. The NC Aquarium Society is one of only nine zoo and aquarium nonprofit organizations throughout the U.S. to receive 4-stars.

Charity Navigator works to help donors make sound giving decisions by providing information on more than five thousand charities nationwide. They evaluate their financial health, calculating each charity’s score based upon several broad criteria, including how much is spent per dollar raised, what percentage of funds goes to programs versus administrative and fund-raising expenses, and the organization’s long-term financial health.

CONSERVATION: SAVING ANIMALS AND THE SEAS WE SHARE

In 2014, the Aquarium Society provided funding to address the Aquariums’ mission-driven conservation work. With this support, the Aquariums and Pier stand poised to make a difference for animals in their care and in the wild. In addition to expanding sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation, the Aquariums have increased in-house breeding efforts, developed programs for raising and releasing threatened amphibians, and developed research programs for several key species.

Aquarium conservation leaders have identified declining shark populations as a research priority. Many species have declined 50% in just the last ten years, and sand tiger sharks have declined by 65%. The NC Aquariums have developed a strategy to focus on sand tiger conservation and research, and funding from the Society is making this important work possible. The Aquariums have partnered with the Southeast Zoo Alliance for Reproduction & Conservation (SEZARC), and will lead an effort to help aquariums breed sand tiger sharks under their care. Success will take many years, in collaboration with aquariums in the U.S. and abroad.

Augie, an endangered green sea turtle brought to the Aquarium on Roanoke Island with a severe flipper injury, was given cutting edge technology to aid its recovery. Aquarium staff routinely work with veterinarians from NC State University to provide animal care, but Augie’s injuries presented a unique challenge. With the help of students and professors from the NCSU College of Engineering, Augie was fitted with a tough, waterproof, lightweight splint designed and produced using CT scans and a 3-D printer. The device worked well, and within about six weeks the turtle swam without support of the splint. Augie is currently on display in the Aquarium’s Operation Sea Turtle Rescue, and scheduled for release next year.

“We are honored to receive Charity Navigator’s highest rating for each of the last three years,” said Bill Taft, Chairman of the Society’s Board of Directors. “This distinction reflects our accountability to all our constituencies and our commitment to support the Aquariums’ future.”

Department of Environmental and Natural Resources Secretary John Skvarla accepts a check from Society board member Ray White to fund upcoming renovations at the Aquarium on Roanoke Island.

3

253weddings, receptions

& meetings hosted

969 volunteers contributing 59,437 hours

4,818 dive programs

$7.7 millionin admission,

rental and program revenue

533,606unique website

visitors

www.ncaquariums.com

www.ncaquariums.com

“The Aquariums and Jennette’s Pier are excited about the possible move from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to the Department of Cultural Resources. We have many sister attractions in Cultural Resources we have worked with in the past, and we look forward to partnering with them in the future to advance the Aquariums’ mission.”—David Griffin, Aquariums Division Director.

5

EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS!

Learning the importance of protecting our sea life started early for Jayden Dennis, a young Dare County resident who wanted to help sea turtles by making a donation. Jayden saved up more than $10 in a peanut butter jar to support the new STAR Center for sea turtles at the Aquarium on Roanoke Island. Thank you Jayden—every dollar can make a difference. We’re sure Jayden’s parents, Neal and Maggie, couldn’t be more pleased with Jayden’s passion and love for turtles.

SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTS THE AQUARIUMS AND PIER WITH FANS

With more than 1.2 million annual visitors and thousands of fun programs and activities, the Aquariums and Jennette’s Pier help create countless memories for all who pass through their doors. In today’s digital world, many use social media to connect with friends and family to share their experiences—

including all the fun they’re having during their visits. Aquarium and Pier staff connect with fans through their popular websites, Facebook pages, Instagram and Pinterest accounts, where they share information, ideas, photos and videos. If you like the Aquariums, “like” us online!

Accepting the donation is Maylon White, Director of the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island.

2014 NC AQUARIUMS & JENNETTE’S PIER 2014 AQUARIUM SOCIETY

NC AQUARIUMS BY THE NUMBERS

The Aquariums’ enduring success is aided by a dedicated staff, broad support from state leaders, and private funding made available through the Aquarium Society. Those private dollars are now more important than ever, as state appropriations for the Aquariums have been reduced nearly 40% in recent years. The Society’s enthusiastic base of members, donors and exhibit sponsors are passionate about their Aquariums—and that passion is the key for the Aquariums’ future.

For more information, see Society Records available at www.ncaquariums.com.

Each Friday, the Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores invites visitors to submit images taken during their visits to their Facebook page. Congratulations to KellyLynne Photography for submitting this awesome picture, selected as the 2014 “Fan Photo Friday Champion.”

3,014Instagramfollowers

298,101public program

participants

448animal

adoptions

58,576school studentsadmitted free

40,623members

Services22%

Property, Equipment& Supplies

13%Services

22%

PKS BondPayment

8%Personnel

57%

EXPENSES (ROUNDED)

PersonnelServicesProperty, Equipment & SuppliesPKS Bond PaymentTotal Expenses

$8.6 million$3.4 million$1.9 million$1.2 million$15 million

Membership &Development

5%

EXPENSES (ROUNDED)

Aquarium & Pier SupportGift Shops & COGSMembership & DevelopmentManagementTotal Revenue

$7.8 million$3.6 million$.6 million$.7 million$12.7 million

Aquarium &Pier Support

61%

Management 6%

Gift Shops & COGS

28%

Gift Shop Sales45%

Contributions, Grants & Special Projects

19%

Sponsorship & Other

5%

REVENUE (ROUNDED)

StateAppropriations

48%

AdmissionReceipts

43%

Rentals &Events

9%

REVENUE (ROUNDED)

State AppropriationsAdmission ReceiptsRentals & EventsTotal Revenue

$7.2 million$6.4 million$1.3 million$15 million

Gift Shop SalesMembershipContributions, Grants & Special ProjectsSponsorship & OtherInvestmentsNCA LeaseTotal Revenue

$4.1 million$1.1 million$1.7 million$.5 million$.5 million$1.2 million$9.1 million

Investments 5%

NCALease13%

Membership 12%

Pepsi Bottling Ventures Sponsors STAR Center for Sea TurtlesLast June, the Aquarium on Roanoke Island cut the ribbon to open the STAR Center, where staff and volunteers house and care for rescued sea turtles. This facility is the first new addition to the Aquarium

since 2000, and has proven to be a huge hit with visitors. With the help of Network for Endangered Sea Turtles (NEST) volunteers, the Aquarium staff treated 90 turtles in 2014, rehabilitating and releasing 63 back into the ocean.

In November, the Aquarium Society welcomed Pepsi Bottling Ventures (PBV) of Elizabeth City as the major sponsor of the STAR Center. PBV is another long-time Aquarium supporter, and its recent contribution has helped make the STAR Center a centerpiece of the Aquariums’ conservation efforts.

YOUR GIFTS HELP OUR LIVING TREASURES

The Aquariums are agencies of the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources and receive state funding for operations and repairs (Jennette’s Pier is excluded and does not receive tax support). But state appropriations have declined in recent years, and now more than half of the Aquariums’ operational costs are funded by earned revenue and private contributions. Thus, the role of the nonprofit Aquarium Society is more important than ever, and a renewed emphasis on charitable giving has taken center stage.

In 2014, the Society launched the Living Treasures campaign to expand giving opportunities for those who want to see the Aquariums and the Pier continue to prosper. In addition to family memberships and exhibit sponsorships that have always been an important form of support, the Society now has a wider variety of programs to generate much-needed private funding:

• A new Annual Fund

• New Business Membership Programs

• Offshore Club for $1,000 Annual Donors

• A new Planned Giving program for legacy gifts

• ‘Round-Up for Conservation’ efforts to support conservation programs

• Adopt-An-Animal program to support animal care

• Angler’s Club and Own-A-Fish programs for lasting memories

• Exhibit Sponsorships are still available at all locations

The Society is grateful for all the support received through Living Treasures in 2014, which helped make for a record year—with more than $7 million provided to the Aquariums for operations and capital projects. For more details, visit ncaquariums.com/living-treasures.

Big Rock Supports Fishing Programs Teaching young people to fish and be good stewards of the ocean’s resources has long been part of the Aquariums’ educational mission. Numerous classes and camps at all four sites are designed with that purpose. Now, thanks to a new 10-year partnership with the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, these educational fishing programs will continue to thrive at all four locations.

The Big Rock Tournament, based in Morehead City, has grown to become a premier sport fishing event in the United States. This sponsorship is just one of many of the tournament’s charitable gifts to the Aquariums. In 2006, the group sponsored Big Rock Theater in the Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores.

Tetlow and Roy Park Honored with Aquarium Legacy Fund In the fall of 2014, the NC Aquarium Society established the Tetlow and Roy Park Aquarium Legacy Fund to support innovative programs and displays at the NC Aquariums and Jennette’s Pier. Though the Parks live in New York, their love for North Carolina and the Aquariums’ educational mission has drawn them to become among the Aquarium Society’s strongest supporters.

For more than a decade, Tetlow and Roy Park, through the Triad Foundation, have been important partners in support of the North Carolina Aquariums. Triad sponsorships have made possible the popular Living Shipwreck exhibit at Pine Knoll Shores, as well as interactive educational displays, live animal programs, field trips and Aquarium research projects. Their outstanding private contributions have funded a range of Aquarium priorities, especially at the Pine Knoll Shores facility.

With the recent creation of the Tetlow and Roy Park Aquarium Legacy Fund, the Park family has committed their support for the entire NC Aquarium organization and the more than one million visitors they reach each year. The

Aquarium Society has created this new self-perpetuating fund to be used exclusively for educational programs and exhibits at the three NC Aquariums and Jennette’s Pier, as allocated by the Society’s Board of Directors. The Society will match, dollar for dollar, all contributions to the fund by the Triad Foundation and those from other foundations, corporations or individuals. The Legacy Fund has a target goal of $10 million.

The Legacy Fund will help the Aquariums develop engaging, immersive new exhibits, expand educational opportunities using technology and innovation, and help them become more self-sustaining.

MAJOR SPONSORS PROVIDE SUPPORT

7 www.ncaquariums.com

MEMBERSHIP SURVEY PROVIDES MEMBER FEEDBACK

In October, a first-ever e-mail survey was sent to more than 15,000 NC Aquarium Society member households. An impressive 3,847 members responded to the survey, offering valuable feedback about Aquarium memberships, and about the facilities themselves.

The survey provided insight into members’ preferences and why they join and renew their memberships. Through the survey we learned some members were not receiving SEAmail, our award-winning monthly e-mail newsletter that highlights upcoming programs, exhibits and events. If you’re not currently receiving SEAmail for one or more Aquariums or Jennette’s Pier, please visit www.ncaquariums.com/sign-up.

Some notable responses included:

JENNETTE’S PIER RECEIVES TWO AWARDS FOR OUTSTANDING WEDDING VENUE

Jennette’s Pier was honored to receive both The Knot’s “Best of Weddings” and the Wedding Wire’s “Couple’s Choice Award” for 2015. These two organizations are national leaders in the online wedding marketplace and give these awards to the top two to five percent of wedding professionals who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism. Brides and grooms across the country recognize the elite status of the vendors who win.

The Pier’s spectacular venue features a large banquet hall with cathedral ceilings, heart pine paneling, accent lighting, a decorative fireplace and a large catering kitchen. Walls of ocean-side windows frame awe-inspiring views of the Atlantic Ocean. Guests also enjoy the vista from the wrap-around, covered porch, which adds a special outdoor element to all events. In 2014, the Pier staff managed 75 wedding receptions in Oceanview Hall. Though the venue is amazing, the staff’s outstanding attention to detail and friendly service are major factors behind these achievements.

AQUARIUM BILLBOARD RECOGNIZED

Marketing the Aquariums is critically important to their success. The Aquarium Society seeks many different partnerships, and for the last several years one of those has been with the NC Association of Outdoor Advertisers. With their support, the Aquariums have placed more than 50 billboards across

the state at a greatly reduced rate. This eye-catching billboard promoting the Aquariums’ Trip Advisor rating won two silver Davey Awards for creativity.

©2013 Terry and Sarah Photography

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How many times per year, on average, do you use

your membership for visiting one of the NC Aquariums?

Based on your use of your membership, its cost and

benefits, what value would you say it offers you?

Membership fees go to the NC Aquarium Society. How would

you rate the quality, service and credibility of the society?

NC AQUARIUM SOCIETY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Deborah AlbertWilmington, NC

Dianne S. AveryWilmington, NC

Marvin L. BarnesDurham, NC

Bill BelkCharlotte, NC

Myra BestRaleigh, NC

Frank L. BlockWrightsville Beach, NC

Rebecca BlountGreenville, NC

Alice BostGreenville, NC

Charlton BurnsMorehead City, NC

Drew CovertMt. Olive, NC

Charles EvansManteo, NC

Dick Futrell, Jr. Morehead City, NC

Carolyn GreenGreensboro, NC

Allan B. HarvinGoldsboro, NC

Olivia Holding Raleigh, NC

Jonathan B. HowesChapel Hill, NC

Art KeeneyEngelhard, NC

Mary K. LawrenceNewport, NC

Alex MacFadyen, Jr. Raleigh, NC

Bob Mattocks New Bern, NC

Adrienne MooreWilmington, NC

Greg NicholsGoldsboro, NC

Betsy OakleyGreensboro, NC

Connie ParkerWilmington, NC

Jane Smith PattersonChapel Hill, NC

Brian L. PechelesGreenville, NC

Walter PhillipsNewport, NC

Buddy PopeMorehead City, NC

Edythe PoynerRaleigh, NC

Randy RamseyBeaufort, NC

Chuck RevelleMurfreesboro, NC

Bruce RobertsBrevard, NC

Wes SeegarsGoldsboro, NC

Bill TaftGreenville, NC

George W. TaylorWilmington, NC

Michael ThompsonSouthern Shores, NC

Donald van der VaartRaleigh, NC

Mary C. WatzinRaleigh, NC

Ray WhiteNags Head, NC

Rick WillettsWilmington, NC

Hope WilliamsRaleigh, NC

David WomackGreenville, NC

Darlene YoungGreensboro, NC

EXECUTIVE STAFFNeal Conoley, PresidentWendell, NC

Mark Joyner,Executive Vice PresidentWake Forest, NC

Comments from Members included:

“Have thoroughly enjoyed the summer programs with my family. Kayaking, looking for turtles, and going in the water looking for clams, small fish, etc. Keep up the good work!”

“All 4 aquariums are special and I visit them as much as possible and even have a fish plaque on Jennette‘s Pier. I’m an old man now and am amazed at how the NC Coast has changed over the years and not so much in good ways. But I have always been proud of the NC Aquariums and the quality of work that goes in to maintaining them and I still enjoy each visit. The only real information about the aquariums that I can give is, Good Job, Thanks for all of the years of enjoyment you have given me.”

“We love your sea turtle program! We will always support your Aquarium! We also like to attend the educational class/trips that are offered in the summer when we come on vacation. My children (and myself) have learned a great deal thanks to your facilities!”

5-10 803

>10 420

Once 397Not yearly 63

2,138

Good value 1,498

Fair value 133Poor value 5

2,1962,299

Good 1,413

Fair 65Poor 6

www.ncaquariums.com

BUTTERFLIES AND LORIKEETS: COME FOR THE FISH, STAY FOR THE WINGS.

Fort Fisher’s outdoor native butterfly garden, Butterfly Bungalow, engaged thousands of visitors in 2014, offering fun and informative animal encounters. The exhibit supports the Aquarium’s conservation mission by sharing the value of these pollinators and noting their widespread decline. Butterflies

capture our attention and imagination for countless reasons: beauty, unique life history, migrations and adaptions. Their appeal as an educator’s tool, role as ambassadors for

all insects and ability to serve as a sentinel, announcing large-scale changes within ecosystems, inspires people to take action and learn how to protect these amazing animals.

For 2015, the exhibit will be transformed to Lorikeet Landing, and will feature more than 50 free-flying exotic birds. Lorikeets, or Lories, are a group of birds classified as “true parrots.” They have unique brush-tipped tongues for feeding on fruits, vegetables, flowers, and their favorite food, nectar. These birds are known for their playful personalities, vibrant coloration and ability to mimic words and sounds. Guests will choose to enter the aviary to observe the active animals or they can offer the birds nectar from small feeding cups.

Lorikeet Landing is another interactive, immersive exhibit highlighting the Aquariums’ commitment to providing fun and engaging visitor experiences. Opening is set for April at the Aquarium at Fort Fisher.

PINE KNOLL SHORES AQUARIUM FEATURES VENOMOUS ANIMALS

Venom: See Beyond the Danger showcases venomous and poisonous creatures in a way that inspires visitors to respect, value and understand the importance of nature’s toxins. The new exhibit, set to open for summer 2015, features a dozen new displays of native and exotic species interspersed throughout the Aquarium, united under this theme. Venom also incorporates existing components displaying venomous or poisonous animals, such as the outdoor venomous snake house and the lionfish exhibit.

6 yearswith 4-star

Charity Navigatorrating

11

13,541NC Aquarium

Society memberhouseholds

822animal species

MAJOR DONORSThe NC Aquarium Society gratefully acknowledges the following generous major donors for their cumulative giving in support of exhibits and programs at the NC Aquariums and Jennette’s Pier:

GRAND BENEFACTORS (Gifts of $1 Million or More)NC Clean Water Management Trust FundNC Waterfront Access & Marine Industry FundPepsi Bottling Ventures / PepsicoTriad Foundation

BENEFACTORS

(Gifts of $500,000 - $1 Million)Dare CountyDominion NC PowerNC Association of Outdoor AdvertisersNOAA (National Oceanic &

Atmospheric Administration)

GUARDIANS (Gifts of $100,000 - $500,000)AJ Fletcher FoundationAnonymousDianne S. AveryBig Rock Blue Marlin TournamentBurroughs Wellcome FundCannon FoundationCarteret County Tourism Development AuthorityCentura BankCoastal Area Management ActBill & Barbara DoboBob & Dot DoboDuke Energy (CP&L)Mary Whiting Ewing FoundationFirst Citizens BankGeneral Federation of Women’s Clubs of NCTom & Bee GwynnOlivia HoldingBill & Marilyn HullInstitute of Museum & Library ServicesKealy Family FoundationMary Katherine Lawrence & Art KloseBob & Carol MattocksPercy W. & Elizabeth G. Meekins Charitable TrustNC Coastal Recreational Fishing License ProgramNucor SteelJane Smith PattersonMichael & Debbie ThompsonTown of Nags Head

Union Concrete

CONSERVATORS (Gifts of $25,000 - $100,000)Association of Zoos & Aquariums MACE AwardBB&T Bill & Georgia BelkSteve BellWilliam S. & Alice H. BostCarteret CountyCarteret Publishing CompanyCoastal Beverage CompanyDrew & Vickey CovertTom Davis FundEmerald Isle RealtyGrady-White BoatsAC & Dot HallHatteras YachtsArt & Alice KeeneyKelly’s RestaurantBen & Jean KilgoreKurtis ChevroletJanie & Carter LambethAlex & Carolyn MacFadyenNational Marine Sanctuary FoundationNC State University Sea GrantNew Hanover CountyBetsy & Mitchell OakleyOceanReef, IncOuter Banks Visitors BureauWarren & Barbara PerryWalter & Pam PhillipsLonnie & Carol Lynn PooleRoy H. Park FoundationBuddy & Stu PopePotashCorp-AuroraThomas ReeseRockett, Burkhead & WinslowSafari Club InternationalSafrit’s Building SupplySouthern BankSunlite Supply, IncBuck Suiter FamilyMathew & Maureen Sullivan, in Memory of Eugene SullivanGeorge & Suzanne TaylorBill & Mary Hannah TaftTime Warner Cable’s Connect-a-Million MindsTriangle Land ConservancyWachovia FoundationDavid & Sydney WomackYadkin Bank (East Carolina Bank,

VantageSouth Bank)

Z Smith Reynolds Foundation

SPONSORS (Gifts of $5,000 - $25,000)Tootsie Adderholdt & Alice EngelAmbrose Signs

Marvin & Cynthia BarnesBembridge Insurance Agencies, Nationwide InsuranceFrank & Wendy BlockBluewater GMACBMH ArchitectsGil BurnettCharlton & Peg BurnsCape Fear Garden ClubCapital Development ServicesCarteret County Sportfishing ClubCarteret-Craven Electric Membership CooperativeCenturyLinkCherbec FoundationMarc & Sissy ChesnuttClancy & Theys ConstructionColdwell Banker Sea Coast RealtyCommunity Foundation of Southeastern NCCooperative Bank for SavingsDairy QueenWalter DanielsDiscovery DivingDive RiteGraham & Ashley DozierDuPontEmbarq CorporationCharles & Becky EvansFamily Fare Convenience StoresFirst Union FoundationFotoFXJake & Mazie FroelichDick & Billie FutrellTed & Peggy HaiglerCary HawthorneJonathan & Mary HowesJoanna FoundationKaren & Jay JohnsonMike & Gree JonesJohn & Marian KutzerLandfall FoundationMr. & Mrs. Steve MacCurrySusan E. MartinAnn MaxwellMicrosoft TechSoupChamp & Etteinne MitchellMount Olive Pickle CompanyMunson Aquatic Conservation Exhibit AwardNEST (Network for Endangered Sea Turtles)NC DENR Office of Environmental Education

Harvey McNairy FoundationNew England AquariumOBX BankOcean FoundationOlympus Dive Center

306,000gallons of water in

largest exhibit

25 yearsaccredited by the

Association of Zoos and Aquariums

more than1.2 million

visitors in 2014

5,318 dive hoursunderwater

325 sea turtles

rahabilitated

117,436 likes on

Facebook

Jack Mackerel’s Island GrillKitty Hawk KitesJoe Lamb Jr. & AssociatesLaw Office of Debra WhaleyMann Custom BoatsCharles Nash, DDS PANewport Neighborhood MarketThe Outer Banks HospitalPony Island MotelProject Alignment GroupRAGS Signs & GraphicsThe Reel OutdoorsThe Refuge on Roanoke Island CampgroundThe Saltbox CaféShallotte Family DentistryAdam Shay CPA, PLLCSound BankSoundSide PoolsSouthern Insurance AgencyWells Family DentistryWhite Oak River Trucking ServicesAl Williams PropertiesWindjammer Inn

BUSINESS LEADERS ($500 Annually)Dunkin’ Donuts, Morehead City

Sam & Omie’s Restaurant

OFFSHORE CLUB ($1,000 Annually)Atlantis Lodge, Donna NallyBill & Georgia BelkBruce & Anna BiggsFrank BlockCharlton & Peg BurnsChick-Fil-A, Monkey JunctionDrew & Vickey CovertCrab’s Claw Caribbean Restaurant, Antionette OberciHilda DillDos Taquitos Inc.Dan EdwardsEmerald Isle Realty, Julia WaxFaulkner & Associates Advertising, Emily CoffmanCarolyn & Art GreenOlivia HoldingKevin JacquesKurtis Chevrolet, Dean WagamanBob & Carol MattocksBetsy & Mitch OakleyWalter & Pam PhillipsBuddy PopeEdythe Poyner & Steve WilliamsChuck & Bonnie RevelleJoseph & Angela Sample

SharkBites Snack Bar, Mike Triggiano

Bill & Mary Hannah TaftRay & Linda WhiteHope Williams & Tom BersuderDavid & Sydney WomackDarlene & Peter Young

2014 DONORSOur profound thanks to those who renewed their support of the Aquarium Society with gifts of $500 or more in 2014. We all appreciate their vital role in sustatining our state’s Living Treasures.

ABC Studios Secrets & Lies

AquaLogic

Aquatic Indicators

The Aquarium Vet

ASAHI America

Bill & Georgia Belk

Myra Best

Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament

Bruce Biggs

Bionic Zoo & Aquarium

Frank Block

Bradford Products

Brightwell Aquatics

Gil Burnett

Charlton & Peg Burns

Cahoon’s Market

Cairns Marine

Dan Cameron Foundation

Cape Fear Community College

Carib Sea

Carteret County Tourism

Development Authority

Champion Lighting Supply

Chick-Fil-A, Monkey Junction

Cobalt International

Consistent Sea

Crab’s Claw Caribbean Restaurant

Hilda Dill

Dos Taquitos Inc.

Dunkin’ Donuts

Dynasty Marine

Ecoxotic

Emerald Isle Realty

William C. Ethridge Foundation

Charles & Becky Evans

Faulkner & Associates Advertising

Florida Marine Aquaculture

Flying Sharks

FotoFX

Fritz Industries

Front Street Brewery

Ghostcrabbing.com

Carolyn & Art Green

Hayward Flow Control

Marcena Hendrix

Olivia Holding

Jonathan & Mary Howes

Kevin C. Jacques

William Keadey

Bill & Ellen Kealy

Ronald Keeney

Kentucky Association for

Environmental Education

Kessil Lighting

Kurtis Chevrolet

John & Marian Kutzer

Joe Lamb Realty

Living Color AMS

Loomis Foundation Inc.

Susan E. Martin

Bob & Carol Mattocks

Mazuri

McRoberts Sales Co.

Meekins Charitable Trust

Microsoft TechSoup

Morton Trucking

National Marine Sanctuary Foundation

NC Association of Outdoor Advertisers

NC Community Foundation

Network for Endanged Sea Turtles

New Era Aquaculture

Betsy & Mitch Oakley

OBX Bank

OBX Community Foundation

Ocean Foundation

Ocean Reef

Olive & Olive

Outer Banks Visitors Bureau

Owen’s Restaurant

Pentair Aquatic Ecosystems

Pepsi Bottling Ventures

Edythe Poyner & Steve Williams

Walter & Pam Phillips

Piscene Energenics

Pittsurgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

Buddy Pope

Julian Price Family Foundation

Quality Marine

R&B Aquatic Distribution

Randy Ramsey

Red Sea North America

Reed Mariculture

Reef Brite

Thomas Reese

Chuck & Bonnie Revelle

Reynolds Polymer Technology

RK2 Systems

Rodeway Inn

Sam & Omie’s Restaurant

Joseph T. Sample

Scuba Now

Sea Turtle Fund Fort Fisher

Seimens Caring Hands Foundation

Sharkbites LLC

Southern Bank Foundation

Strategic Alliance Group

Bill & Mary Hannah Taft

George & Suzanne Taylor

Dave Tichenor

Transworld Aquatic

Triad Foundation

US Mysids

Village Realty

Ray & Linda White

Hope Williams

David & Sydney Womack

Wreck Diving Magazine

YSI/XYLEM

13

Outer Banks Community FoundationOuter Banks Dive CenterBill & Connie ParkerPaverScape DesignsPizza Huts of Eastern NCGail PluckerPPD, IncEmily ProctorRBC BankRealty World, The Selling Team, Llew & ElaineChuck & Bonnie RevelleRosie Lasinski FundGeorge & Sylvia Rountree, IIISalty Dawg MarinaLila & Harry SchiffmanScuba-TechSeaWitch Motel & CaféWes & Jacque SeegarsJim, Judy & Robin SerneSharkbitesSound BankStrata SolarTedder FamilyTowboat US Oregon Inlet, NCClark TwiddyKarl Von Der HeydenWeston FoundationDave & Judy WhichardRay & Linda WhiteRick & Myrna WillettsHope Williams & Tom BersuderWooten and Batchelor FamiliesBill & Lyndia Wright

BUSINESS MEMBERSThe NC Aquarium Society gratefully acknowledges the following businesses and individuals for their annual support of the NC Aquariums and Jennette’s Pier:

BUSINESS MEMBERS ($300 Annually)Americas Best Value Inn WilmingtonAmos Mosquitos RestaurantAtlantic Sewage ControlAustin Fish CompanyBasnight’s Lone Cedar CaféBlue Arbor, IncBonnie’s Bagels Deli CaféBunge Rose HillClamdigger HotelCoastal Carolina Regional AirportCourtyard by Marriott Carolina BeachDouble Tree Atlantic BeachEco MaidsElan VacationsEmerald Isle Beach GearEveready Parking MarkingMollie A. Fearing & AssociatesIsland TrueValue Tackle & HardwareIvey Associates, Inc

Acknowledging the generosity of our donors is important. The Society is pleased to announce that new donor recognition exhibits will be installed at the three Aquariums in spring 2015.

"

1.3 milliongallons of water

on display

www.ncaquariums.com

This document was published by the NC Aquarium Society.

North Carolina Aquarium Society3125 Poplarwood Court, Suite 160Raleigh, NC 27604

NONPROFIT ORG.US POSTAGE

PAIDRALEIGH, NC

PERMIT NO. 1930