HILLSBOROUGH, N.C., Associated Press, 12/22/05 - A sex toy and video mail order business, once picketed by ministers and searched by postal investigators, has been named business of the year in Orange County.

PHE Inc., the parent company of Adam & Eve, is a top citizen and a major taxpayer, said Margaret Cannell, executive director of the Hillsborough-Orange County Chamber of Commerce. The family has also helped with the local animal shelter and a family violence prevention center.

"We didn't have any problem giving them the award," said chamber president Robbin Taylor-Hall. "We don't look at some of the items they sell."

The company's product line includes videos and flavored sugar-free lubricants. Products are available only by mail.

PHE moved to Hillsborough 11 years ago from Carrboro. At the time, ministers predicted the town proud of its colonial heritage would become a pornography capital.

The company has about 325 employees and $70 million in annual sales.

PHE president Phil Harvey said he believed the award shows acceptance by the community. He also runs a nonprofit company that promotes family planning and AIDS prevention.

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