Chamber Newsletter - Wilkes Journal-Patriot · 2014-09-12 · Chamber Newsletter Volume 69, Issue 4 September 12, 2014 717 Main Street North Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659 (336) 838-8662

ChamberNewsletterVolume 69, Issue 4 September 12, 2014

717 Main StreetNorth Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659

(336) 838-8662www.wilkesnc.org

Meeting the changing workforceBy LINDA CHEEKWilkes Chamber of Commerce President

I recently read an article by a well-known provider of workforce solutions for industries and gov-ernment. The article told of the

dramatic changes taking place in the workforce, especially in manufactur-ing, over the last 15 years. It explained how there are more women, Millenni-als and foreign-born employees enter-ing the nation’s workforce and that Baby Boomers are retiring, many even before retirement age.

With these demographic changes taking place, many companies and organizations must do all they can to keep their employees and reduce the brain drain. At the chamber we often hear employers talk about their turn-over and how extremely costly and highly detrimental it is to their busi-ness. Managers stress the importance

of a trained workforce and production consistency to make their business a success.

As the workforce demographics change, so has the skills required of employees transformed. A typical employee today needs to have more technical and specialized skills in order to operate and manage manu-facturing equipment, computers, and even a cash register. Employees need to be able to adhere to the processes and function effectively in produc-tion, an office or any employment environment.

New hires require a great deal of initial training and, most importantly, ongoing training to maintain their skills and to keep up with the rap-idly moving innovations. The loss of an employee today, by retirement or

RETAINING A TRAINED WORKFORCE is a challenge for today’s employers.See WORKFORCE, Page 5

THE FALL JOB FAIR is Oct. 14 at the Walker Center.

NCWorks will hold Fall Job Fair Oct. 14

On Oct. 14, the Wilkes NCWorks Career Cen-ter will host a Fall Job Fair at Wilkes Com-

munity College’s John A. Walker Center. The Job Fair is from 1:30-4:30 pm.

The event is presented by the NCWorks Career Center, WCC, Wilkes Chamber of Commerce, Wilkes Economic Development

Corp., Goodwill Industries and the High Country Workforce Develop-ment Board.

The Wilkes NCWorks Career Center anticipates 30 or more companies and businesses par-ticipating in the Job Fair in search of employees.

The NCWorks Career Center, formerly operated as Wilkes Job-Link, has been hosting an annual

job fair since 2000. At the last event, job seeker attendance and business participation increased by nearly 50 percent over previous years. Wilkes NCWorks Career Center staff and representatives from partner agencies will be present to answer questions and share information on the many free services offered through NCWorks.

Jobseekers who need to update or prepare a resume, gain assis-tance with interview skills or other job readiness training prior to the Job Fair, are invited to visit the Wilkes NCWorks Career Cen-ter located at 103 Call Street Ext., Wilkesboro, or call 838-5164 for assistance. The Career Center is

See JOB FAIR, Page 3

2 • Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • September 12, 2014

Wilkes Chamber of Commerce, Inc.2014 Board of Directors

OfficersName Title CompanyJohann Louchez Chair 2014 BB&TJ. Gene Faile Chair Elect 2015 Wilkes Regional Medical CenterBrent West Chair Elect 2016 Tyson Foods Inc.Randy Brooks Past Chair Gardner Glass Products Inc.Shane Gebauer Treasurer Brushy Mountain Bee Farm Inc.Charles Johnson Assistant Treasurer United Country-Johnson RealtyCynthia Staley VP Ambassadors/MembershipDennis Huggins VP Leadership Wilkes Wilkes County Board of EducationEric Cramer VP Youth Leadership Wilkes Communications Inc.Bert Greene VP Legal Affairs Law Offices of Robert G. Greene Jr. PLLC

VP Small Business Assistance Wilkes Community CollegeTerrian Carter VP Tourism/Quality of Life Addison PropertiesGinger Shaffer VP Workforce Development Wilkes JobLink Career CenterJimmy Flythe Executive Committee at Large Duke EnergyTerrie Stackhouse Executive Committee at Large Carolina Realty Inc.DirectorsWilliam Clark 2014 Board Member Hardee's of WilkesboroVanessa Eller 2014 Board Member First Citizens Bank—WilkesboroShane Gebauer 2014 Board Member Brushy Mountain Bee Farm Inc.Darrell Groves 2014 Board Member Vulcan Materials CompanyArthur Lankford 2014 Board Member Tar Heel Oil Co.Karen Poteat-Bolin 2014 Board Member Carolina West WirelessKerry Dyer 2015 Board Member Worldwide Protective ProductsDon Easterling 2015 Board Member Lowe's CompaniesSteve Ellis 2015 Board Member Fleet Master Inc.Pat E. Hatley 2015 Board Member CenturyLinkJimmy Mason 2015 Board Member LP-Roaring RiverHaley Portante 2015 Board Member Portante Clan ConstructionShanna Bell 2016 Board Member Stroud Miller Insurance Co.Dr. Christy Brown 2016 Board Member The Hearing Center of WilkesSam Franklin 2016 Board Member Wilkes Family YMCAJon Gambill 2016 Board Member Qdoba Mexican Grill & Sweet Frog YogurtBill Hanlin 2016 Board Member Wilkes County Cooperative ExtensionCharlie Silva 2016 Board Member Blue Skies HypnosisEx-OfficioVictor Varela Mayor Town of RondaRobert Johnson Mayor Town of North WilkesboroMike Inscore Mayor Town of WilkesboroLarry South Town Manager Town of North WilkesboroKenneth Noland Town Manager Town of WilkesboroJohn Yates County Manager County of WilkesGary D. Blevins County Commissioner-Chair County of WilkesDan Little President Wilkes Economic DevelopmentDr. Marty Hemric Superintendent Wilkes County Board of EducationChamber StaffLinda Cheek President Wilkes Chamber of CommerceCrissy Triplette Membership Director Wilkes Chamber of CommerceLynn Dyer Office Manager Wilkes Chamber of CommerceWendy Scott Marketing & Communications Wilkes Chamber of CommerceBrian Elledge Travel Specialist Wilkes Chamber of CommerceTreva Frazier Travel Specialist Wilkes Chamber of CommerceElla Rhodes Visitor Center Volunteer Coordinator Wilkes Chamber of CommerceWilliam Rhodes Visitor Center Volunteer Coordinator Wilkes Chamber of CommerceStacy McNeil Travel Specialist Wilkes Chamber of Commerce

Workforce development in Wilkes County

During the eight years that I have been in Wilkes County, I’ve found the workforce to be one of the County’s greatest assets. Employers would be very hard pressed to find harder working and more honest people in any other loca-tion. Whether involved in manufacturing, agri-culture, or in the service sector, the workforce in Wilkes County is a group to be very proud of.

Wilkes County is blessed with strong companies. One cannot think of this county without thinking of its two larg-est employers: Tyson Foods and Lowe’s Companies. Between them, they employ 4,900 people in Wilkes County—2,700 at Tyson and another 2,200 at Lowes. Economically, both are doing extremely well and are continuously seeking new employees.

Our Wilkes County Schools and the Wilkes Regional Medical Center are third and fourth in the greatest number of employees in Wilkes County. It is always encouraging to know our county has a vibrant school system as teachers and administrators help form the future of our youth and help develop our next gen-eration of leaders. In addition, Wilkes has one of the best community colleges in the state, Wilkes Community College. WCC is constantly collaborating with local busi-ness and industry to meet their work-force training needs. Wilkes Regional

has proven through the receipt of awards and cer-tifications that they are one of the best hospitals in North Carolina.

Wilkes has several other manufacturing companies experiencing growth and success. Just in the last couple of years, companies such as Interflex, World-wide Protective Products, and Brushy Mountain Bee Farm have announced expansions and are creat-

ing new jobs for Wilkes County. The U.S. Small Business Administration selected the owners of Brushy Mountain Bee Farm as the North Carolina’s 2013 Small Business Persons of the Year, giving the company national recognition.

In addition to these growing compa-nies, Wilkes County has a lot of exist-ing companies doing well and hiring additional employees. Companies expe-riencing growth include Wilkes Com-munications, ECMD, Gardner Glass, and Window World. If I tried to name every shining star in Wilkes County, it would fill this whole newsletter so I’m going to stop while I still can!

All in all, Wilkes County has a lot to be proud of with regards to our labor force. I believe it is second to none and, as a banker, I can tell you that many of my clients would agree. I look forward to what the future holds for Wilkes and, as always, have EPA—an Enthusiastic Positive Attitude!

Johann LouchezChamber Chairman

Social media stats • July-August 2014Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Facebook PagePage Likes ��1,058New Likes �� 69Explore Wilkes Facebook PagePage Likes ��407New Likes �� 86

TwitterTweets ��5,667Followers �� 905Following ��870PinterestFollowing ��151Followers ��424

Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • September 12, 2014 • 3

Job faircontinued from Page 1

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open to the public Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

If your business or organization would like to participate in the upcoming Job Fair, please contact Ricky Roten, business service representative, Wilkes NCWorks Career Center/Wilkes Community Col-lege, 103 Call Street Ext., Wilkesboro, N.C. 28697. The phone number is 838-5164 and the email address is [email protected].

NCWORKS—new name and a new focus

North Carolina is home to a great work-force and strong businesses that build their success on that great workforce. Yet, many employers are telling local and state leaders they cannot find quali-fied employees to meet their job needs. Often referred to as the “skills gap,” this disconnect has left workforce profession-als, economic developers and educators working to find possible solutions to the problem not only in N.C., but throughout the U.S.

In April 2014, Gov. Pat McCrory announced a new initiative called NCWorks and a series of five steps aimed at better aligning the work of N.C.’s work-force system partners with the needs of employers ready to hire and employees seeking careers. Partners in this initiative include the N.C. Department of Commerce, N.C. Community Colleges and the N.C. Department of Public Instruction.

One of the most critical steps in NCWorks calls for teams of local work-force partners to visit 1,000 companies in all 100 counties in 100 days. This statewide listening and learning opportunity will allow service delivery teams to hear as a group, rather than individuals, about business needs; identify ways that N.C.

can better meet those needs and industries can, in turn, hire and retain our state’s workers; and provide the basis for ongo-ing, collaborative follow-up and service delivery on the local, regional and state levels.

The “1,000 in 100” initiative won’t cost additional money. It will be developed and implemented by federally funded, state and local workforce and economic development experts who already visit companies as part of their job responsi-bilities. The difference will be that those professionals will be working in teams to gather information, capture outcomes of each conversation and provide the founda-tion for both local and state-level solutions as well as follow-up and evaluation.

Each local team will identify at least 10 businesses per county for an NCWorks team visit with companies being chosen based on industry sectors, size, etc., to ensure a representative picture of each county’s economy.

Each NCWorks visit will capture the insight offered by the business leaders, and that insight will be incorporated into

information gathered across the state. These information collections will be coupled with other research to form the basis for possible policy, guidelines or structural changes in how North Carolina delivers workforce services in preparation for the 2015 legislative session.

In short, “1,000 in 100” is about giving North Carolina’s industry a chance to talk and our workforce professionals a chance

to listen, as one, so they can offer solutions as one. That’s how NCWorks.

The Wilkes County team of workforce system partners will begin their busi-ness and industry visits on Sept. 23. For information or to be included in the local visits, contact Ginger P. Shaffer, Wilkes Community College, Workforce Devel-opment, 336-838-6405, [email protected].

Fall Job FairTuesday, Oct. 141:30-4:30 p.m.

John A. Walker Center at Wilkes Community CollegePresented by: NCWorks Career Center, Wilkes

Community College, Wilkes Chamber of Commerce, Wilkes Economic Development Corporation,

Goodwill Industries, and the High Country Workforce Development Board�

For information please contact Ricky Roten, Business Service Representative, Wilkes NCWorks Career

Center/Wilkes Community College, Telephone 336-838-5164 or email ricky�roten@wilkescc�edu�


LITTLE RED HOUSE celebrated their ribbon cutting on July 18. The Little Red House is located in Wilbar on Hwy. 16 North across from the Wilbar Fire Department on the right. They have lovely antiques, primitives and folk art. You could find the perfect gift among the beautiful items that they have for sell. Please visit the Little Red House to explore their unique hand crafted items. 336-927-1071 or visit their website www.littleredhousewilbar.com.

WILKES COMMUNICATIONS celebrated the opening of their second location on Sparta Rd in North Wilkesboro on Aug. 1. They are your neighbors—you can count on them. They have been around for over 60 years—and will be here tomorrow. They are part of this community. You see them in the neighborhoods, at the stores, schools, and in the churches. All you have to do is call 336-973-3103 to talk to a customer service representative or visit their website at www.wilkes.net.

CAGNEY’S KITCHEN of Wilkesboro celebrated their ribbon cutting on July 16 at their location on 1200 Central St. Guests enjoyed a delicious variety of menu items. Come into Cagney’s today to experience what real customer service is like! They are serving all types of cuisines from Southern to Greek and everything in between. Please call 336-667-6008 or visit their website at www.dinecagneys.com.

THE VINTAGE CORNER celebrated their reopening with a ribbon cutting on Aug. 1 at their new location at 1401-B 2nd St., North Wilkesboro. A small but growing vintage guitar/coin shop specializing in gold, silver, coins, musical instruments, vintage toys and vinyl records. Instrument repair and guitar lessons are available. For more information call 336-818-0081 or visit www.thevintagecornernc.com.


Prearranged Funeral PlanningCemetery and MausoleumGrief Recovery Services

MonumentsFloral Arrangements Laminated Obituaries

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home838-3178

270 Armory Road • North Wilkesboro

Scenic Memorial Gardens667-6339

545 Moravian Falls Road • Wilkesboro

www.reinssturdivant.com

REINS-STURDIVANTScenic MeMorial GardenS

HUGH CHATHAM MEMORIAL HOSPITAL celebrated the Grand Opening and Rib-bon cutting for Hugh Chatham Family Medicine—Wilkes at Mountain View on July 18. Guests enjoyed refreshments and were given a tour of the facility. They are located at 5229 Rock Creek Rd., Hays, N.C. For more information please call 336-696-2711.

Workforcecontinued from Page 1

resignation, carries a high price tag as dollars invested in their skills, knowledge, and experience walk out the door.

In approaching a solution to retaining employees the expert suggested several steps employers can take to limit the loss of vital labor skills and knowledge.

First and most important is communi-cation. Getting to know your workforce and staying in touch with your employees on a regular basis is essential if you want to retain them. Here are 10 questions you should ask to gauge your workforce and keep them engaged and satisfied:

Would you recommend us to others as a good place to work? A referral from a cur-rent employee is one of the best recruiting tools available. If your employees do not recommend the business or organization to others, leadership needs to address the reasons.

If you could change one thing in your current workplace, what would that be? Your employees’ answers signal areas of needed improvement in your company or organization, especially if the same item is mentioned repeatedly throughout the workforce.

What “makes your day” at work? Answers to this question will give insights into how your employees like particularly to be valued and appreciated. Most of the time, this has little to do with money. Most often, a simple “hello” from a manager or a little “job well done” can make a huge difference in the employee’s attitude and job performance.

What is your biggest challenge on a typical workday? Identifying challenges and correcting or minimizing them when possible will help employees be more sat-isfied with the work environment and be much more productive.

Do you have the training, tools, and knowledge to perform your job? To have a well-trained, knowledge-equipped work-force is critical in today’s work environ-ment. To maintain an increase in product quality and decrease accidents are just a few benefits from a prepared workforce.

What would make you start looking for employment elsewhere? Knowing what triggers an employee to start seek-ing other employment opportunities can help an employer address current issues and minimize the chance that an employee will voluntarily leave.

Do you have any talents or experience that you could be using but aren’t? Find-ing “hidden” talents within your work-

force can help you unexpectedly to fill needs in various areas of your business or organization. Bringing in new ideas and insights, and increasing the satisfaction of the employee who is utilizing their talents and experience.

Are you satisfied with your current job? Gauging an employee’s job satisfaction can help identify areas of the business that need improvement. Based on the tone and content of this answer, employers may also be able to identify employees who are already “checked out” and could be considering employment elsewhere.

How could we improve our current reward and recognition program? Every-one likes to be recognized and rewarded for a job well done. Understanding what makes workers feel valued and special can do wonders in increasing engagement, satisfaction, and overall morale.

Do you see yourself here in the next three, five, or 10 years? Asking this ques-tion with any or all three of these num-bers gives employers an idea of workforce stability and employee aspirations. If the majority see themselves still with the busi-ness or organization in 10 years, then they feel comfortable with their employment, their performance, and their longevity. An answer of three years can raise a red flag about employee perception of management and the company as a whole. This percep-tion should be addressed quickly to avoid a cycle of hiring and rehiring—brain drain.

While many of these questions can be asked in a casual conversation within small organizations or businesses, some are better asked through a survey or sug-gestion box—keeping the answers anony-mous. Understanding what motivates, engages, and rewards your workforce is essential in keeping retention levels high and voluntary exits low.

In celebration of manufacturing and the urgency to retain manufacturing, the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Wilkesboro will sponsor a national day of recognition titled, “Manu-facturing Day.”

This celebration is scheduled for Fri-day, Oct. 3, from 8-11 a.m. The event is hosted by Worldwide Protective Products in Wilkesboro, one of the remaining textile plants in Wilkes.

We are inviting our national, state, and local elected officials, manufacturing representatives, the chamber board, and others to join us for a light breakfast, view a movie on “American Made,” take part in a panel discussion and participate in a plant tour. Our goal is to create an awareness of the urgency to retain and recruit manufacturing in Wilkes County.


Town of Historic North Wilkesboro

336-667-7129North-Wilkesboro.com

[email protected]

Carla Souther Hauser CFP, ChFCwww.raymondjames.com/carlahauser

Financial Advisor CFP•ChFC®

Carla Souther Hauser Financial Services, An Independent Firm

336-667-1500Securities offered through

Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.,member FINRA/SIPC

[email protected] 9th • Suite A, PO Box 1021 North Wilkesboro, NC 28659

(336) 667-1966Ex. 608Home: (336) 838-4060Mobile: (336) 984-8873email:[email protected]

www.stackhousehomes.com

Terrie Stackhouse, Broker Associate

Tammy R. Sidden

Call (336) 667-5125 For All Your Insurance Needs

[email protected]

AUTO • HOME • LIFE • HEALTH MOBILE (336) 957-1604FAX (336) 667-5129P.O.Box 486N. Wilkesboro, NC 28659

Blue Cross Blue ShieldBLUE ADVANTAGE

B U S I N E S S t o B U S I N E S S S E R V I C E S

Skilled Nursing andRehabilitation

www.avantecenters.com

Justin shockley, MADirector of

community relations

Avante at Wilkesboro1000 College Street

Wilkesboro, NC 28697Ph: (336) 838-4141

Fax: (336) 838-4019Cell: (336) 467-1016

Email: [email protected]

IS&C INSURANCEINSURANCE SERVICE & CREDIT CORP.

838-5161 FAX 838-7365218 9th Street • North Wilkesboro

THE MORE-THAN-ONE COMPANY INSURANCE AGENT

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AUTO • HOMEOWNERS • RENTERS • BONDS • LIFE • COMMERCIAL • GROUP

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Bella Rose CottageOPEN TuEs. - saT. 11 aM-5 PM

106 EasT MaiN sTrEET

WilkEsbOrO, NC 28697336-902-2276

TaMMy M. DEsiDEriO

antiques * aRtisan WaRes

FuRnituRe * Vintage JeWelRy www.etsy.com/shop/heritageheirlooms

6637 US Hwy. 421 | Suite B | Wilkesboro, NC 28697

336-452-2867Email: [email protected]

Web: www.allamericanauctionandrealtyllc.com

Estate Sales | Real Estate | Heavy Equipment SalesFarm Equipment Sales | Liquidation Sales

Personal Property Sales

Open Mondaythrough Friday

6 am-6 pm

1915 West Park Drive • Suite 200 North Wilkesboro 336-667-2541

Changing how you live, not where you live.Medicaid & VA approved www.wilkesadultdaycare.org

Meghan LawtonDevelopment & Programs Manager

Western Carolina Chapter-Foothills226 2nd Street NWHickory, NC 2860124-Hour Helpline 1-800-272-3900

828-514-3124 phone828-327-2661 [email protected]/north carolina

Brian S. MintonBroker/Realtorwww.1agent4you.com

Keller Williams Yadkin ValleyOur Agents make fi nding your

dream home a snap!167 Blue Mountain Rd.Wilkesboro, NC 28697 Cell (336) 927-1969 [email protected]

TACKLE BARN

3756 Hwy. 16 South, Moravian Falls, NC 28654

336-667-1644CAMPING, FISHING & HUNTING SUPPLIES

MARINE & MARINE ACCESSORIES

BLAIR PROPERTIES celebrated their ribbon cutting on July 25 at their new location 901 Main St. in North Wilkesboro. Blair Properties is where you will always be able to “Establish Strong Roots.” Amy Blair and her sales team are very eager to help you with all of your Real Estate needs. Whether buying, selling, or renting they have an experienced team of agents and staff to assist you. Please call 336-667-7355 (SELL) or visit their website at www.blairpropertiesteam.com.


TUMBLING SHOALS FARM hosted a “Business After Hours” on Aug. 28. Chamber members enjoyed a “Pepper Tasting” of the different varieties of peppers from the organic garden. Tumbling Shoals Farm is located at 841 Sand Ridge Road, Millers Creek, in the bucolic valley where Tumbling Shoals Creek meanders, Tumbling Shoals Farm grows organic vegetables, fruits, and cut flowers. For more information call 452-2920 or visit their website www.tumblingshoalsfarm.com.

SHADOW SPRINGS VINEYARDS hosted a chamber “Business After Hours” on July 24. Chamber members enjoyed food and wine from Shadow Springs Vineyard. Shadow Springs Vineyard consists of 10.5 acres of grapevines with eight different varieties. Six varieties are French vinifera and two are French American hybrids. They chose this mix of grapevines to give their customers a wide variety of wines to please the palate. They are located at 5543 Crater Rd., Hamptonville, N.C. You can call 336-468-5000 or visit Shadowspringsvineyard.com for more information.


Dwight Phillips Auto Sales Inc.Rapid Auto Rentals

Warranties availableService before and after the sale

Great rates on bank fi nancingWe buy clean, newer-model trucks, vans, SUVs and cars

We are an offi cial

www.dwightphillipsauto.comIntersection of U.S. Hwy. 421 Bypassand Hwy. 268 West in Wilkesboro, N.C.(across from Don’s Seafood) 336-838-1951

Golf Cart Dealer

Sale • Sale • Sale!Priced to go!

The following renewed their Wilkes Chamber memberships from June 27-Sept. 4.

“I Can” Pediatric Therapies, Aflac-Teresa Sells, AmeriSouth Mortgage Com-pany, Bayada Home Health Care, Blevins Building Supply, Blue Ridge Chiropractic, Brock & Scott, PLLC, CAPT-Child Abuse Prevention Team, Cardianl FG Group Inc., Charter Business;

Communities In Schools of Wilkes, Creekside Communications Inc., Curtis Walker Heating & AC, Document Imag-ing Solutions Inc., DonLin Counseling Service, Empire Chevrolet, Buick, Fast Med Urgent Care, Fleet Master Inc.;

Frog Holler Cabins, Goodwill Career Connection Center, Goodwill Industries Inc., High Country Workforce Development Board, jh Design Works, Jimmie Johnson Air & Heat, Jones von Drehle Vineyards LLC;

Just Save Foods, Kearey Builders, Lau-rel Ridge Camp, Conference & Retreat, Kirby Lowe-Realtor, Lowe’s Companies, LP-Louisiana-Pacific Corporation, Mar-

vin’s Garage Doors Inc., McDonalds Hwy. 421, McDonalds Hwy. 18N;

McLean Floor Coverings, McRitchie Winery & Cinderworks, Barbara Miller-Realtor, Nathan’s Batteries LLC, North Carolina Mountain Investments, North-west General Insurance Agency LLC, Charles B. Parker;

Patton Insurance Agency Inc., Pipe-dreams, Quality Business Services, Rainbow Child Care Center, Rose Glen Villages, Sherrill Faw Realty LLC, Sher-win-Williams Company, Skyline Marina;

Southeastern Cars & Parts Inc., Sports Construction Management Inc., Staley Insulating Inc., Steppin Out Studio Inc., Stewart Group, Tilley’s Auto Sales LLC, Treat Harwood Lumber LLC, Tyson Wilkesboro Food Service, United Hospice;

Victory Hyundai, Walmart Store #01-1290, Westwoods Hills Nursing & Rehab Center, WIFM Radio (100.9FM), Wilkes A.D.A.P. Inc., Wilkes Bridal Association, Wilkes Family YMCA, Wilkes Income Tax Service Inc. and Window World Foothills.

THE WILKES CHAMBER hosted a light breakfast and conversation with Congress-woman Virginia Fox on Aug 21. After the breakfast, she spent the day in Wilkes visiting various businesses in the community. The breakfast was sponsored by Carolina West Wireless.

THE WILKES CHAMBER hosted a welcome reception at the Walker Center for Dr. Jeffery Cox, president of Wilkes Community College, on Aug. 5. Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and a variety of wines from Raffaldini Vineyards and Winery. This event was co-sponsored by CenturyLink and Wilkes Community College. Dr. Cox is pictured with his wife Reba and two of his three sons, Zack and Evan. Not pictured is Cox’s third son, Dylan.

Chamber members renew memberships


Call for a free, no-obligation appointment

838.4040

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2014 Chamber Ambassadors are Ter-rian Carter, Addison Properties Inc.; Avis Miller, DHHS Vocational Rehabilitation Services; April Nichols, Barium Springs Home for Children; Laura Hubbard, Gen-tiva Home Health Care; Carla Souther Hauser, Carla Souther Hauser Financial Services; Shana Williams, Sharp Business Systems; Charlie Silva, Blue Skies Hyp-

nosis Center; Austin Balf, Farm Bureau Insurance-Wilkesboro; Brett Yates, Wilkes Communications Inc.; Jean Clayborn, Vil-lages of Wilkes Skilled Care; Barbara Faw, Colonial Life; Justin Shockley, Avante at Wilkesboro Inc.; Pam White, United Hospice; Ruth Warden, CommunityOne Bank-Wilkesboro; Chad Martin, Charter Business; and Cindy Kerley, SunTrust Bank.

Chamber ambassadors listed

WILKES LEADERSHIP 2014 is in full swing. The 19 participants began their journey on Aug. 13 at the retreat/session one held at W. Kerr Scott Reservoir Visitor’s Center. Leadership Wilkes is a program sponsored by the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce to develop a group of informed, committed and qualified individu-als capable of providing visionary and progressive leadership for Wilkes County. The program is an in-depth study of management styles and personalities and involved activities to illustrate positive leadership opportunities. Taking place over a four-month period, Leadership Wilkes participants have a chance to tour facilities, participate in informative seminars and are enlightened to the resources available to them in Wilkes. Participants in the 2014 class are Pam White, Jane Corley, Chad Treadway, Greta Ferguson, Jared Belk, April Marr, Crissy Triplette, Michael Rhea, Jane Blackburn, Wesley Stone, Kim Holland, Sheila Jones, Janet Vannoy, Lee K. Cornett, Amber Herman, Randy Miller, Amber Garwood and Missy Mayberry.

All American Auction and RealtyLynda Greene6637 W U.S. Hwy. 421Wilkesboro, N.C. 28697(336) 452-2867

Bella Rose CottageTammy Desiderio106 E. Main StWilkesboro, N.C. 28697(336) 902-2276

Blair Properties LLCAmy P. Blair901 Main StreetNorth Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659(336) 667-7355

High Country Caregiver FoundationBrenda ReeceP.O. Box 3356Boone, N.C. 28607(828) 265-5434

Horace Mann InsuranceKeith Lyall723-A Main StreetNorth Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659(336) 973-3750

Hugh Chatham Memorial HospitalVicky Dinkins180 Parkwood DriveElkin, N.C. 28621(336) 527-7000

Keller Williams Realty-Yadkin ValleyBrian S. Minton487 Triple Cove DriveWilkesboro, N.C. 28697(336) 927-1969

Little Red HousePat Melton

Hwy. 16 NorthWilbar, N.C. 28651(336) 927-1071

Donna McNeil6125 Hwy. 268 WestWilkesboro, N.C. 28697(336) 921-3255

Mike McNeil 6125 Hwy. 268 WestWilkesboro, N.C. 28697(336) 921-3255

Southern Improvements, LLCDean Spears102 Maple StreetNorth Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659(701) 340-1717

Tackle BarnMark Weaver3756 Hwy. 16 SouthMoravian Falls, N.C. 28654(336) 667-1644

The Holbrook HouseHolly PorterP.O. Box 33Traphill, N.C. 28685(336) 957-4100

U.S. Chemical StorageJohn Peters1806 River StreetWilkesboro, N.C. 28697(336) 838-2095

Ward & Ward Properties LLCDelynda Ward106 S. Cherry StreetWilkesboro, N.C. 28697(336) 667-1719

Welcome to our new Chamber members


Thank you to our 110 percent member-ship investors.

4 Seasons Vacation Rentals & Sales, A & J Rental Inc., A-1 Self Storage, Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership, Addison Prop-erties Inc., Advantage Restaurant Supply, AlarmSouth, Albert Brown Electric, All-state insurance-Tonda Phillips, American Cancer Society;

American Red Cross-Blue Ridge Chap-ter, Ameriprise Financial Services Inc., AmeriSouth Mortgage Company, Anytime Fitness, Appalachian Lumber Company Inc., B & R Service, Ball & Ball Inc., Bar-ium Springs Home for Children;

Basic Finance Inc., Bayada Home Health Care, BB&T Scott & Stringfellow LLC, BB&T-Wilkesboro, Belk No. 233, Best Image Signs, Better Homes Furniture, Blair and Ward Properties LLC, Blevins Building Supply, Blue Ridge Cardiology & Internal Medicine;

Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corp., Blue Ridge Environmental Consultants, PA, Blue Ridge Housing of Wilkesboro LLC, Blue Ridge Learning Center Inc., Blue Ridge Mountain Club, Blue Ridge Tractor Co. Inc., Blue Skies Hypnosis Center LLC;

Bojangles #6291, Botanics Trading LLC, Brame Huie Pharmacy, Brewer, Brewer, & Sorel PLLC, Brock & Scott PLLC, Browse About Book Exchange, Brushy Mountain Bee Farm Inc., Brushy Mountain Ruritan Club, Brushy Mtn. Dental Clinic, Brushy Mtn. Smokehouse & Creamery;

Bumgarner Services Inc., Terry Bumgar-ner, Bureau of Security Specialists Inc., Burger King-North Wilkesboro, Conley Call, Camp Harrison-Herrings Ridge, Canteen Vending Services, CAPT-Child Abuse Prevention Team, Captain Video & Tanning Salon, Cardinal FG Group Inc.;

Carla Souther Houser Financial Ser-vices, Carolina Mobility Specialists, Caro-lina West Wireless Corp. Office, Carolina West Wireless-Retail Store, Carousel Cafe, Charter Business, City Florist, Coca-Cola Bottling Company;

Community Blood Center of the Caroli-nas, Community in Schools of Wilkes Inc., Cook’s Inc., County of Wilkes, CrossRoads Harley-Davidson, CS Forester Benefits Group, Cube Creative, Cultural Arts Coun-cil of Wilkes Inc., Curtis Walker Heating & Air Conditioning;

D’Moser Travles, Dan Huffman & Asso-ciates Construction Co., DAVHENCO Inc., David’s Car Care, Dazzle Dog Pet Groom-ing LLC, Deal Insurance Group Inc., DHHS

Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Docu-ment Imaging Solutions Inc.;

Domino’s Pizza, Double D Security, Downtown North Wilkesboro Partner-sip, Dr. Robert Taylor, OD, Dreams and Kitestrings, Duncan Insurance Agency, Dwight Phillips Auto Sales Inc., Ebene-zer Christian Children’s Home, Eckerd Youth Alternatives Inc., Edward Jones Investment-Tenth Street;

Edward Jones Investments-Wilkesboro, Embroider America, Empire Chevrolet, Buick, Employment Staffing/Employment Control, Everett Chevrolet Fleet & Com-mercial, FastMed Urgent Care, P.C., Farm Bureau Insurance-Wilkesboro;

Faw Insurance Agency Inc., Ferrell Propane Gas. Inc., First Citizens Bank, First United Methodist Church , Fleet Master. Inc., Foothills Auto Spa, Foothills Christian College & Seminary, Foothills Sanitation & Recycling Inc., Forbes Print-ing-Holly Harmon, Freedom Auto LLC;

Frog Holler Cabins, Frontier Natural Gas, Gardner Glass Products, G & B Energy, Glenn Hill Apartments, Goodwill Career Connections Center, Great State Bank, Green2Go LLC, Edward F. Greene;

H&R Block, Hardee’s of Wilkesboro, Vaughn Hayes, The Hearing Center of Wilkes, HIT Solutions LLC, Holiday Inn Express, Holistic Medical Clinic of the Carolinas, Holly Mtn. Enterprises, Holly Mtn. IGA, Home Instead Senior Care, Huff-man Brothers Construction Inc.;

Dennis Huggins, Jan Huggins, “I Can” Pediatric Therapies, iMedia, Impact Col-lision Center Inc., InfusionPoints LLC, Insurance Service & Credit Corp., Interflex Group, Isom Ham Design Group, Ivy Ridge Traditions, J. Martin Productions Inc.;

JAG Publishing Inc., James River Equip-ment Company, Jefferson Landing Club, jh DesignWorks, Jimmie Johnson Air and Heat, The Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home, Johnny Huffman Plumbing Co. Inc., Flossie Johnson, Robert Johnson, Jones von Drehle Vineyards LLC;

Keller Electric Co. Inc., Kestrel Manage-ment Corporation, Kulynych, Petro, La-Z-Boy Casegoods Distribution Center, Law Offices of Timothy D. Welborn, PA, Laws Rental Properties, Leading to Change Inc., Learning Pathway of NWNC;

Leatherwood Mountains, Libby’s Bou-tique, LifeStore Insurance & Mortgage,

110% membership investors listed

See 110%, Page 11


Now Offering

ULTRA-FAST Fiber Optic Plans

Local People, Local Service

Dan Little, Kirby Lowe-Realtor, Lowe’s Technical Services, Lowes Motel, LP-Louisiana Pacific Corporation, Mary Kay Cosmetic/Melissa Hamby, Marvin’s Garage Doors Inc.;

Mayhew, Scheffler, Hardaway & Conn Orthodontics, MBI Builders LLC, Dr. Sloan McCarter OD, McDonald’s (Hwy. 18N), McDonald’s (U.S. Hwy. 421), Stephen L. McNeil, MD, Connie McNeill, David McNeill, McRitchie Winery & Ciderworks, MECI & Associates Inc.;

Medcost LLC, MenaRick Vineyard & Winery, Merrill Lynch-Norman Young Group, MHS Technologies, Michael’s Jewelry, Mike’s Body Shop Inc., Barbara Miller-Realtor, Miller Bee Supply Inc., Miller Funeral Service Inc., Millers Creek Baptist Church;

Millers Creek Pawn & Jewelry, Millers Creek Pharmacy, Millers Creek Subway, Moravian Falls Family Campground, Mother Earth Foods & Spirits Inc., Moun-tain Valley Hospice & Palliative Care;

Mountlawn Memorial Park, Pete Kulynych, Myers Park Apartments-MPNW LLC, Myers Tire Service Inc., North Caro-lina Mountain Investments, Northwest Carolina Women’s Center, Northwest Gen-eral Insurance Agency LLC, Northwestern Fire Protection Inc.;

Northwestern Regional Housing, Oak-woods Country Club Inc., Oakwoods Grocery, Office Furniture Concepts Inc., On Premise Solutions LLC, PaPa John’s Pizza, Parker, Charles B., Peek-A-Boo’s Pet Sitting, Perry Lowe Orchards, Piedmont Federal Savings & Loan;

Piedmont Triad Computer Consulting Inc., Pinnacle Architecture, PA, Project Lazarus, Qdoba Mexican Grill, Quality Business Services, Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery LLC, Rainbow Child Care Center, Red Carpet Inn, Reins Co. Inc.;

Reins‐Sturdivant Inc., R.H. Barringer Distributing Co., Rid-A-Bug, Riverview Animal Hospital PLLC, Roaring River Vineyards, Rose Glen Village, Run In Foods #809, S & J Septic Pumping & Rent-A-Jon, Salem Foot Care, PA, Samaritan’s Purse-North American Projects;

Scenic Memorial Gardens Inc., Second to Nature, Sherwin-Williams Company, Bradford C. Shinaman DDS PA, Shumate Appraiser Service, Charlie Sink-Real Estate Appraiser, Chuck H. Smithey, Jim Smoak, SouthEast Commercial Real Estate Group;

Southeastern Cars & Parts Inc., Spe-cialty Car Company Inc., Sports Con-struction Management Inc., Terrie

Stackhouse-Realtor, Staley Insulation Inc., State Farm Insurance-Burns, Stewart Group, Larry and Dinae Stone, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church;

Stroud-Miller Insurance Service Inc., Subway of Wilkesboro, Suncrest Farms Country Hams Inc., Sundry Works Group Inc., SunTrust Bank, Susan Whittington, CLU CHFC, Sweet Frog Frozen Yogurt, Tar Heel Oil Inc.;

Dr. Robert Taylor OD, Ted’s Kickin Chicken, Terminx, The 50’s, The Mill at Traphill, The Reserves Network, The Sal-vation Army, The Tribune, Thompson Gas-Smokies LLC, Tilley’s Auto Sales LLC, Tim Harrold’s Empire Chrysler Dodge Jeep;

Town of Wilkesboro, Tractor Supply Co., Treat Harwood Lumber LLC, Trucks Mart Insurance, Tyson Foods Inc., Tyson Wilkesboro Food Service, Ultimate Car-wash-Hwy. 421, United Hospice, Universe of Science Inc.;

Valley Radiology Associates, PA, Vannoy, Colvard, Triplett, & Vannoy PLLC, VFW Post 1142 Campground, Villages of Wilkes Skilled Care, Villages of Wilkes Traditional Living, W.A. Lankford Company Inc., Walmart Store #01-1290, The Walker Center;

Wake Forest Baptist Health-Internal Medicine, Bill Warden, Linda Wehrm-mann-Realtor , Stephen J. Wessels DMD PLLC, Westwood Hills Nursing & Rehab Center, Whippoorwill Village, Charles and Mary White, White Oak Stable;

WIFM Radio (100.9 FM), Window World Inc., Window World Foothills, Wilcox Mar-keting Inc., Wilkes Art Gallery, Wilkes Circles of Care, Wilkes Communications, Wilkes Community Foundation, Wilkes County 4-H;

Wilkes County Board of Education, Wilkes County Crime Stoppers, Wilkes Family YMCA, Wilkes Flying Club Inc., Wilkes Farm & Garden Center, Wilkes Garage Doors, Wilkes Hardware Co., Wilkes iTalk, Wilkes Income Tax Service Inc., Wilkes Job Link, Wilkes Literacy;

Wilkes Optometric Eye Care Center, Wilkes Pediatric Clinic, Wilkes Regional Medical Center, Wilkes Steel Inc., Wilkes Transportation Authority, Wilkes Veteri-nary Hospital, Wilkes Vocational Services, Wilkes YMCA Express;

Wilkes Security, Wilkesboro ABC Store #2, Wilkesboro Fire Department, Willardson & Lipscomb, LLP, William F. Brooks, Atty., Williams Motel, Window World Foothills;

Window World Inc., Woodfield Oaks Apartments LLC, Woodhaven Family Res-taurant & Catering, Worldwide Protective Products, WWWC Radio (1240 AM);

Yadkin River Greenway Council, Yadkin Valley Gymnastics Academy and Yadtel Publishing.

110%continued from Page 10

Sept. 10 Leadership Wilkes—8:30 a.m. meet in the Chamber BoardroomSept. 12 Ribbon Cutting—12 noon Ward & Ward Properties, 106 S. Cherry Street, WilkesboroSept. 17 Executive meeting—3:30 p.m. in the Chamber BoardroomSept. 18 Business After Hours—Vic-tory Toyota, 5:30-7:30 p.m., 1502 West D Street, North WilkesboroSept. 19 Ribbon cutting—Bella Rose Cottage, 106 E. Main Street, WilkesboroSept. 24 Leadership Wilkes—8:30 a.m. meet in The Chamber BoardroomSept. 30 Workforce Development Committee Meeting—12 noon at NWorks Career Center and follow-ing with a ribbon cutting and open house—1 p.m., 103 Call St. Ext.Oct. 1 Leadership Wilkes—8:30 a.m. meet in the Chamber BoardroomOct. 4 Brushy Mountain Apple Festi-val, Downtown North WilkesboroOct. 7 Tourism Committee Meeting—12 noon in the Wilkes Chamber Boardroom

Oct. 8 Small Business Committee Meeting—12 noon in the Chamber Boardroom Oct. 10 Ribbon Cutting—Deal Insur-ance at new location, 810 N. Moravian Street, WilkesboroOct. 14 Job Fair—Walker Center, 1:30–4:30 p.m.Oct. 15 Leadership Wilkes—8:30 a.m. meet in the Chamber Boardroom Oct. 15 Full Board and Executive Meet-ing—3:30 p.m., Chamber BoardroomOct. 16 Business After Hours—Cross-Roads Harley-Davidson, 5:30–7:30 p.m., 1921 U.S. Hwy. 421Oct. 21 Grand opening/ribbon cut-ting, West Wilkes Family Medicine/WRMC—4–6:30 p.m., 171 West Wilkes Family Medical Center Road, FergusonOct. 29 Leadership Wilkes—8:30 a.m. meet in the Chamber BoardroomOct. 29 Business Appreciation Break-fast—7 a.m. at the Wilkesboro Civic Center

For a complete list of Community Events and Activities please visit www.explorewilkes.com.

Chamber calendar for September and October


Documents

Chamber Newsletter - Wilkes Journal-Patriot · 2014-09-12 · Chamber Newsletter Volume 69, Issue 4 September 12, 2014 717 Main Street North Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659 (336) 838-8662