The Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce awarded its Building a Better Beaufort County quarterly honor on Friday to Leggett Farms Organic owner Ben Davis.

For the last couple of years the chamber’s Ambassadors Committee has given the award to local businesses that beautify their area, in addition to providing a positive economic impact in the community. The committee members select a local business and vote on the winner.

One of the things the chamber committee looks for in its nominee is a business that has improved areas and buildings to make them habitable.

“We give an award every three months and it is who as they (Ambassadors Committee) as a group feels like deserve the award,” said Catherine Glover, the chamber’s executive director. “We look at all over the county and it’s their choice and nominate a bunch of different people and choose which one is the best.”

Committee member Sarah Parker nominated Davis because of his work to become a USDA certified organic farmer.

“He is creating jobs and employment opportunities for interns from universities and showing them what is available outside of Pitt County and eastern North Carolina,” Parker said. “He’s got plans to expand with housing opportunities out here (the farm) and providing marketable food for individuals.”

Davis began farming organically in 2006, and in 2013 the USDA certified Leggett Farms as organic. He’s also environmentally conscious: Davis’ creation — Carolina Environmental Group Incorporated concentrates on water resource management, solid waste reduction and sustainable land development.

“It’s nice to get the recognition,” Davis said. “I’m glad I am able to thrive in a small town in a profession that isn’t trendy now. Organic farming is the wave of the future.”

On his farm, Davis uses solar panels to electrify the fence around his chicken coup, and he is remodeling an old barn. The old barn will be turned into housing for interns who work on the farm.

“The farm started as my expensive hobby,” said Davis. “I gave away vegetables to friends and I eventually decided I wanted it to be a business. I felt since I lived in the country, might as well have a garden and the garden got bigger and bigger and chemicals weren’t the way to go.”