They keep it relative: Wake Forest University's initial family-business awards go to drug-store and car-wash chains, a charter-bus service and a paper maker.

• Position: FAMILY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR - Young Transportation - Autobell Car Wash Inc. - Moose Pharmacy

Families evolve at different rates, so it's no surprise that family businesses do the same. As long as they change for the better, they keep success in their sights. The Family Business Center at Wake Forest University Schools of Business this month will present its lust North (Carolina Family Business of the Year awards to four Tar Heel companies that have become successful at their own pace.

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The winners are Young Transportation of Asheville, small business (fewer than 50 employees); von Drehle of Hickory, medium (50-250 employees); Autobell Car Wash, large (more than 250); and Moose Pharmacy of Mount Pleasant, Century Award (more than 100 years in operation). The businesses were judged on their success, innovation, contributions to their communities and industry sectors, involvement by family members and commitment to keeping the company in the family. The winners, chosen from more than 100 nominations, were to receive awards June 3 at Graylyn International Conference Center in Winston-Salem.

Expansion has been the big change at Moose Pharmacy. Archibald Moose started Moose Drug Co. 127 years ago in Mount Pleasant. Now in its fourth generation of ownership, the company has added three stores to the original location. While it has modernized, ii clings to old notions as well. Its pharmacists still mix many of their customers' drugs.

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In 1939, Ralph Young Sr. started what is now T.R.Y. Inc., which does business as Young Transportation, by offering bus service between Asheville and outlying communities. The company evolved and now operates charter and tour buses throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Frank and Pat von Drehle intended von Drehle Corp. to be a manufacturers' representative for paper and janitorial supplies. It has become a manufacturer itself, making paper products for some of the country's largest companies.

Charles Howard began Autobell Car Wash Inc. to show off the latest in car-wash equipment. Instead, he and his family--Autobell is now in its third generation of management--built the company into a chain of 52 car washes that has become an industry leader in water management.

Nominations for the next year's awards will open Aug. 1 but must be made to the Family Business Center by Dec. 4. Companies must be based in North Carolina, and self-nominations are encouraged.

Century Award

Moose Pharmacy

Mount Pleasant

Archibald William Moose opened...