2019 Hometown Spirit Award Recipient

From Nominators:

Anthony Blackman is the superlative nominee for Cary’s Hometown Spirit Award. On December 7th at the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, Cary’s residents will see a beacon of community service as bright as the Christmas tree he is illuminating.

As with all Hometown Spirit Award past recipients Anthony has dedicated himself to helping shape its growth as the best place to live, work, and play for all ‐ both current residents and those yet to call Cary home. Without a doubt, almost every resident has attended an event or participated with an organization that has benefited from Anthony’s time, effort, and generosity to others. 

Professionally, Anthony is the founder and president of Atlantic Tire & Service, which has served the Triangle’s automotive needs since 1988. He understands that home‐grown businesses are the fabric of Cary’s vibrant community and has been an advocate for local prosperity through his service on the Cary and Morrisville Chambers of Commerce and the NC Department of Commerce’s Economic Investment Committee. Anthony also knows that education leads to opportunity and supports Wake Tech and the Teach of the Year awards to ensure that everyone in Wake County has the opportunity to succeed. 

The recognition both he and Atlantic Tire have received cannot easily be listed but includes Business of the Year from both the Cary and Morrisville Chambers, two‐time Best Automotive Repair from the Cary News, ten‐time Cary Magazine Best Mechanic, Raleigh Chamber of Commerce’s Top 50 Entrepreneurs and two‐time Pinnacle Business Award, Better Business Bureau’s NC Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity, and Cary Chamber’s Citizen of the Year, Community Service, and Employer of the Year awards.

Philanthropically, Anthony is one of the most prolific supporters of worthy causes and organizations in Cary. As with everything, Anthony jumps into action when called. One of our favorite stories is when at church Anthony heard of children in Africa who did not have soccer balls he ordered Atlantic Tire soccer balls for the church to send to the children. These balls were such a big gift to these children that many walked up to 3 miles to get a ball after they heard they were on the way.

If nothing else, Anthony believes in servant leadership. Some of Anthony’s favorite causes to not just support but to devote his efforts and lead include the American Heart Association Gala, Jimmy V. Foundation, SPCA of Wake County Auction, Boy Scouts of America, sponsoring the National Association of Women Business Owners, and other organizations dedicated to mental and children’s health issues. He has also received the Boy Scouts of America’s Distinguished Citizen Award, the Tire Dealer Humanitarian Award, and is the first ever two‐time recipient of the Top Shop of North America, an award that isn’t based on sales but rather community involvement and dedication. 

Personally, Anthony is one of the warmest, kindest residents Cary has ever known. He is quick to greet everyone with a smile and handshake; and, even if he just met you he treats you like an old friend. His graciousness and hospitality make everyone feel welcome. 

Anthony’s commitment to excellence is not reserved to his business but extends to every aspect of his life as a servant and resident of our great community. It is not just for all that he has done for Cary so far that we nominate Anthony Blackman for the Hometown Spirit Award, but for everything that he will continue to do for Cary for years to come as a resident, servant, and leader.  

Nominators:  Travis Colopy & Sheila Ogle