Refinery 13 honored as Marion's Small Business of the Year for 2026
Award recognizes taproom's current owner
During the 42nd annual membership meeting of the Marion Business Association, Alyssa Hughes, left, owner of Barefoot Baby Clothing and MBA vice president, announced Tuesday morning the award of Small Business of the Year would go to Refinery 13, as owned and operated by Cindi Snedakerm center. Freddie Killough, right, is executive director of the Marion Business Association.
During the 42nd annual membership meeting of the Marion Business Association, Refinery 13, owned by Cindi Snedaker, was the recipient of the Small Business of the Year Award.
Refinery 13, Marion's craft beer and wine taproom, was previously honored with the award when it was owned by founders Sarah Barrier Jacobs and her husband Ryan Jacobs. Tuesday's award recognizes the achievements of Snedaker, who became the taproom's new owner five years ago.
The MBA held its annual meeting Tuesday morning at the Marion Depot. Alyssa Hughes, owner of Barefoot Baby Clothing and MBA vice president, announced the recipient of the award.
"This award is about more than business success," Hughes said. "It recognizes dedication, hard work, exceptional customer service, community involvement and, most importantly, a genuine commitment to the people and community they serve."
The award to Refinery 13 and Snedaker recognizes the five years under her ownership and how the downtown fixture, which was started in 2017, "has continued to grow, evolve and earn the trust and support of our community."
"They have created more than a place to grab a drink or a bite to eat," Hughes said in her presentation. "They have created a place where people feel welcome — a place that feels like it belongs to the community."
"Known for North Carolina craft beer and wine, along with classic pub favorites, this business has become a gathering place for friends, families, neighbors and visitors alike," she said. "But what truly sets them apart is the way they show up for our community."
Under Snedaker's ownership, Refinery 13 has organized Thanksgiving turkey giveaways and free community meals. During Hurricane Helene, the taproom opened its doors as a donation center, helping the local community come together when people needed it most. The business hosts an annual Christmas ornament-making contest and "create countless opportunities for people to gather, connect and simply enjoy being together."
"To me, that is what a great local business looks like," Hughes said. "It's not just about what happens behind the counter or at the table. It's about becoming part of the fabric of the community. And this business has certainly done that. I think many of us would agree that they have become the 'Cheers' of Marion — a place where people know they'll be welcomed, where friendships are made, and where you often run into someone you know. For their dedication to our community, their generosity and the heart they put into everything they do, it is my honor to recognize them today."
Some of the previous honorees of the award include Barefoot Baby Clothing, Burrito Bros., Flavors on Main, Smokey Ques Barbeque and Fat Boys Burritos & More, Mica Town Brewing, West Court Food Center, Mr. Bob's Do-Nuts, The McDowell News, Marion Pharmacy, Phillips Financial Group, Blue Ridge Chiropractic, Spencer's Hardware and Premier Insurance Services.
Snedaker accepted the award to a standing ovation. "I did not see this coming at all," she said. "I could not be more grateful for this community that has become my home."
Snedaker moved here from California and has been welcomed by the Marion community. Five years ago, she took over ownership of downtown Marion's premier taproom.
Tuesday morning, Sarah Jacobs, founder of Refinery 13, was there at the MBA meeting to congratulate Snedaker. Killough said Wednesday is Snedaker's birthday and everyone sang "Happy Birthday" to her.
In addition, Killough gave the year-end report about Marion's business community at Tuesday's annual meeting. During the past year, 14 new businesses have opened in Marion while 10 closed. A total of 13 businesses either expanded or got new owners. The vacancy rate is 7% and property values have increased 50% from 2020 to 2025. The façade grant program, started in 2012, has been very impactful on Marion's business community. There were nine façade improvements from 2025-2026, according to the MBA report.
The MBA was involved with numerous ribbon-cutting ceremonies at local businesses and Marion gained a net number of two new businesses from 2025 to 2026 with a net gain of eight new jobs.
In addition, the MBA has committed to enhancing the beauty of the Main Street Historic District. The MBA and city leaders are inviting businesses to "adopt-a-planter" through the Marion in Bloom program to help keep the downtown filled with colorful floral displays.
The MBA also introduced the current board of directors; Andrea Allison of First Bank, Erin Adams Hollifield of Jim Cook Chevrolet, City Manager Woody Ayers, Walt Bagwell of TWFG Insurance, Portia Bollinger with the McDowell Chamber of Commerce, Becky Poteat of Premier Insurance, Ashley Rhymer of First Citizens Bank, Jim Smith of Freedom Life Ministries, Nancy Spencer of Spencer's Hardware and Snedaker.
The executive officers are Crystal Ledbetter, president; Hughes; Matthew Ledford, treasurer; and Tyler Mace, immediate past president, according to the MBA.
