ChamberNewsletterVolume 66, Issue 4 September 12, 2011

717 Main StreetNorth Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659

(336) 838-8662www.wilkesnc.org

Small business impacts local economyBy LINDA CHEEKWilkes Chamber of Commerce President

Over the past three months, Wilkes Cham-ber of Commerce held 16 ribbon cuttings celebrat-

ing the opening or expansion of small businesses throughout the county. Ribbon cuttings are an excellent indication of business growth and job creation. This is evident as you observe the remod-eling of supermarkets, opening of new and expanded retail stores, and renovated and new dental and doctor offi ces and urgent care cen-ters. Many of these business own-ers are entrepreneurs, venturing into a personally owned business for the fi rst time. Jobs are being cre-ated during this new development, the money fl ow increases and the sales tax revenue to the county and towns rises. Supporting small busi-ness development and job creation places an even greater emphasis on

the Chamber’s “buy local fi rst” cam-paign. We encourage all citizens to consider making their purchases, utilizing services, and supporting local business fi rst.

Small business development is gaining attention across the state of North Carolina. In the recent North Carolina publication, “2011 State of Small Business and Entrepreneur-ship,” Gov. Beverly Perdue states the report clearly demonstrates the importance of small businesses in our economy. Small businesses account for a very large part of our gross state product and provide a substantial number of jobs. Gov. Perdue appointed the state’s fi rst Small Business Commissioner in 2011 refl ecting the state’s recog-nition of the importance and the dynamic role small business plays in job creation. Perdue has encour-aged important tools and resources

THE WILKES FILM COMMISSION aided a director in lining up the use of a barn for a project.

Bright lights for small businessBy TERRI PARSONSWilkes Chamber of Commerce Chairperson

Nothing says “support local business and create jobs ”quite like the motion picture and

TV productions that have been taking place throughout Wilkes County.

In August the Travel Channel fi lmed a show scheduled to air this November entitled, “Most Adven-turous Roads in America.” One of our own Wilkes County boys, Dean Combs, was not only dis-covered, but also turned into the star of the show. Watching Dean go from being a nervous wreck the

fi rst day and into a professional TV host in three days was amazing. There was even talk of writing him his own show.

In September, there are two projects scheduled for produc-tion at different ends of the county. One is a music video for a famous Sony recording artist and the other a TV show. There has been a movie/TV pilot writ-ten for Wilkes County, and it is now being shopped around for production. In most cases, clients prefer their details not shared with the public until they have packed up and left town. The confi dential-ity is not to slight anyone, but as a

precaution to not bring attention to themselves or draw a crowd during fi lming. The two clients scheduled for September are using approximately 30 local extras, a local hairstylist/makeup artist and a special effects makeup art-ist. They will be buying set design products at our local stores, hiring local electricians and gaffers, pur-chasing lighting needs for produc-tion, renting equipment, setting up props for scenes, shopping for clothes, using local talent, eating in our local restaurants, shopping in local grocery stores, buying

See BUSINESS, Page 5

See MOVIES, Page 5

2 • Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • September 12, 2011

Title CompanyTerri Parsons Chair 2011 Benny Parsons Rendezvous Ridge

Chuck Smithey Chair Elect 2012 Lowe's Companies, Inc.Randy Brooks Chair Elect 2013 Gardner Glass Products, Inc."B" Townes Past Chair Townes FarmJohann Louchez Treasurer BB&T-WilkesboroCharles Johnson Assistant Treasurer United Country-Johnson RealtyCynthia Staley VP Ambassadors/Member. Elite Insurance GroupDr. Wanda Hutchinson VP Education Wilkes County Board of Ed.Bill Warden VP Economic Growth Retired Lowe'sDennis Huggins VP Leadership Wilkes Wilkes County Board of Ed.Eric Cramer VP Youth Leadership Wilkes TelecommunicationsBert Greene VP Legal Affairs Law Offices of Greene & Burke LLCDan Little VP Small Business Assist. Wilkes Community CollegeSummer Combs VP Tourism/Quality of Life Hampton InnGinger Shaffer VP Workforce Development Wilkes JobLink Career CenterJimmy Flythe Exec. Committee at Large Duke EnergyBrent West Exec. Committee at Large Tyson Foods Inc.

TermRandy Brooks 2011 Board Member Gardner Glass Products Inc.Ernest Coles 2011 Board Member WATCO CleaningAudrey Dyer 2011 Board Member ECMD Inc.Janice Somers 2011 Board Member Westwood Hills Nursing & Rehab.Curtis Parker 2011 Board Member Integrity Design & Display Inc.Clara Royal 2011 Board Member Holiday Inn ExpressKeith Brown 2012 Board Member CenturyLinkJ. Gene Faile 2012 Board Member Wilkes Regional Medical Ctr.Heather Forester 2012 Board Member Sixth & MainCharles Johnson 2012 Board Member United Country-Johnson Rlty.Scott Nafe 2012 Board Member The Mirror FactoryBeth Holland Vannoy 2012 Board Member Window WorldCathy Huie 2013 Board Member Brame-Huie PharmacyJune Hege 2013 Board Member Meadows Mills, Inc.Judy Faw 2013 Board Member WISCO DiversifiedDr. Ben Horton 2013 Board Member Northwest Carolina Women's CenterTerrie Stackhouse 2013 Board Member Carolina Realty, Inc.Carron Suddreth 2013 Board Member Villages of Wilkes

Victor Varela Mayor Town of RondaRobert Johnson Mayor Town of North WilkesboroMike Inscore Mayor Town of WilkesboroHank Perkins Town Manager Town of North WilkesboroKenneth Noland Town Manager Town of WilkesboroJohn Yates County Manager County of WilkesKeith Elmore County Commissioner County of WilkesDr. Stephen Laws Superintendent Wilkes County Board of Edu.

Linda Cheek President Wilkes Chamber of CommerceJamie Lakey Membership Director Wilkes Chamber of CommerceLynn Dyer Office Manager Wilkes Chamber of CommerceTonia Perkins Communications/Marketing Wilkes Chamber of Commerce

Treva Frazier Travel Specialist Wilkes Chamber of CommerceHarley Hendrix Travel Specialist Wilkes Chamber of CommerceRobin Keller Travel Specialist Wilkes Chamber of CommerceHannah Raines Travel Specialist Wilkes Chamber of CommerceElla Rhodes Travel Specialist Wilkes Chamber of CommerceWilliam Rhodes Travel Specialist Wilkes Chamber of CommerceStephen Rutledge Travel Specialist Wilkes Chamber of Commerce

Bill Warden Chair RetiredJeff Garstka President Wilkes Economic DevelopmentRobin Hamby Vice President/CFO Wilkes Economic DevelopmentDeanna Harrold Project Manager Wilkes Economic Development

WILKES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, INC.2011 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OfficersName

Directors

Wilkes Economic Development

Northwest NC Visitors Center

Chamber Staff

Ex-Officio

By TERRI PARSONSChamber Chairman

For years, small businesses have felt driven into the ground by large businesses simply because of the in-ability to offer cheaper prices on their goods and services. Small businesses in many cases have struggled to keep their “heads above water.” Trends in larger cities are now experiencing a role reversal as big cities are building small towns within themselves. Cities are recruiting small independent businesses on street level and encouraging apartments on upper levels. Towns are finding out that young 20-year-olds as well as the 50-year-old adults are seeking downtown living as their dream home locations. Having the capability to walk to your workplace, shop and pick up dry cleaning as you return home in the evening after a nice din-ner in a local restaurant is certainly desirable and stress free. No need for an automobile.

Downtown living offers amenities within walking distance, such things as open air markets, restaurants, coffee shops, grocery markets, drug stores, soda shops, movie theatres, clothing stores, bakeries, you name

it. When people begin living “in town,” they build a support system for small businesses. People begin to enjoy shopping in smaller independent stores and building a relationship with the owner and store associates, and returning to shop because of the personal service. They like the conve-nience of parking near and walking in the door of the shop.

People enjoy knowing if they have a fender bender their insurance agent will know them by name instead of a case number in Chicago. Watch and observe the ads on television. Note the ad content focuses on the advertiser striving for a small town, down home, know the kids and dog’s name type of feel. There’s a reason for that. People seem to be seeking a simpler way of life. Life the way it used to be.

The tough part for local small busi-ness is the challenge of being able to hold on long enough for this type of living trend change in Wilkes County. Isn’t it nice to know that we already have the basics.The apartments and current housing located in and around downtown is here and continues to progress. The activities going on in our towns are building everything to a nice crescendo. We already have 75 percent of what other cities wish they had... a quiet place in the country.

Buy local. Support our small busi-nesses. And that’s my opinion and I am sticking to it.

Terri Parsons

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Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • September 12, 2011 • 3

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AARONS SALES AND LEASE OWNERSHIP at 1702 Winkler Street in Wilkesboro celebrated a re-grand opening with a ribbon cutting on July 15. The event included children’s activities and prizes. Billy Jackson is the new manager. Aaron’s has guaranteed low prices, we are your one stop for furniture, electronics, appliances, computers and more. Visit our showroom, or check us out online. Call 838-9335 or go to www.aarons.com for more details.

NEW BERRY MOUNTAIN PARK PUBLIC FACILITY at Berry Mountain Park on W. Kerr Scott Lake was celebrated with a ribbon cutting on Aug. 2. Guests toured the new beautiful facility. The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and W. Kerr Scott Friends of the Lake partnered to construct the facility.

ALLSTATE INSURANCE-TONDA PHILLIPS celebrated her new agency at 1710 Winkler Street in Wilkesboro on Aug. 25 with a ribbon cutting of guest enjoyed lunch and a tour of the business. Allstate Insurance-Tonda Phillips specializes in insurance sales, auto, home, life, business. Call 838-8382 or go to www.allstateagencies.com/tondaphillips for more details.

ACCESSORIES ON THE GO on 508 Highway 268, North Wilkesboro, celebrated its new store with a ribbon cutting on Aug. 15. Guests shopped and received free gifts from owner Kathy Underwood. Accessories on the Go is EVERYTHING for the woman ‘’on the go.” We specialize in trendy handbags, jewelry, clothing and much more. Call 818-1027 for more details.

4 • Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • September 12, 2011

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BRUSHY MOUNTAIN DENTAL, CHRISTOPHER E. ROBERTS, DDS celebrated the grand opening of his new location with a ribbon cutting on Aug. 4. Roberts remod-eled the former Coffee House at 1401 Willow Lane, North Wilkesboro. Brushy Mountain Dental provides comprehensive dental services that include minimally invasive dentistry (CEREC, Lumineers), esthetic dentistry and preventive dentistry for patients of all ages. Call 667-9991 for more details.

FAST MED URGENT CARE hosted a ribbon cutting to celebrate its grand opening on Aug. 29. Guests met the employees, took a tour of the new facility, and enjoyed lunch. Fast Med Urgent Care provides personal, quality, convenient medical care 365 days a year with extended hours. No appointment needed. No long waits. We are personal care in your neighborhood. It is located on U.S. 421 North near the Walmart shopping center. Call 667-2710 for more details.

LEARNING PATHWAY OF NWNC celebrated with a ribbon cutting on Aug. 9 at its new location in Wilkesboro on 102 North Bridge St. Learning Pathway is owned by Ann Rita Frazier and is a one-on-one tutoring service for children, teens, and adults. We offer tutoring in reading, math, study skills and test preparation. Call 667-2492 or go to www.learningpathwaynwnc.com.

Calendar of Events announcedSeptember• Sept. 15 Wilkes Toastmasters • Sept. 15 Chess Club• Sept. 16 Wilkesboro Open Air Market Series• Sept. 16 The Righteous Brothers’ Bill Medley - The Walker Center• Sept. 17 Festa Italiana• Sept. 17 Event at Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery, LLC• Sept. 19 WCC- Self Defense for Women• Sept. 21 Wilkes Chamber Leads Group #1• Sept. 22 Wilkes Toastmasters • Sept. 22 Chess Club• Sept. 23 Wilkesboro Open Air Market Series• Sept. 28 Wilkes Chamber Leads Group #1• Sept. 29 Wilkes Toastmasters • Sept. 29 Chess Club• Sept. 30 Live Music at Leatherwood Mountains• Sept. 30 Wilkesboro Open Air Market Series• Sept. 30 Brushy Mountain Apple Jam

October• Oct. 1 Brushy Mountain Apple Festival• Oct. 5 Wilkes Chamber Leads Group #1• Oct. 6 Wilkes Toastmasters • Oct. 6 Chess Club• Oct. 7 Wilkesboro Open Air Market Series• Oct. 8 Wilkes County Cruise-In• Oct. 8 Black Cat Station Open House• Oct. 8 Shining Soles Twilight 5k Race• Oct. 9 Wilkes Heart and Stroke Walk• Oct. 11-Oct. 15 39th Wilkes County Agricultural Fair• Oct. 12 Wilkes Chamber Leads Group #1• Oct. 13 Wilkes Toastmasters • Oct. 13 Chess Club• Oct. 13 WCC - Plumbing License Exam Prep• Oct. 14 Wilkesboro Open Air Market Series• Oct. 15 Lawn Mower Races• Oct. 19 Wilkes Chamber Leads

Group #1• Oct. 20 Wilkes Toastmasters • Oct. 20 Wilkes Reads Together, Author, Ron Rash visit• Oct. 20 Chess Club• Oct. 20 WCC - Plumbing License Exam Prep• Oct. 21 Candle Light Ghost Tours• Oct. 22 Candle Light Ghost Tours• Oct. 26 Wilkes Chamber Leads Group #1• Oct. 27 Wilkes Toastmasters • Oct. 27 Chess Club• Oct. 27 WCC - Plumbing License Exam Prep• Oct. 28 Under the Streetlamp - The Walker Center• Oct. 29 “Wilkes Has Talent”

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Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • September 12, 2011 • 5

available to help “small businesses” grow and create jobs. A leading example is the Biz Boost initiative providing direct support and resources of existing to medium-sized businesses, helping them to sustain exist-ing jobs and identify growth opportunities. Another supportive opportunity is the state’s expanded small business Capital Access Program, creating $46 million available in federal funding. North Carolina is the fi rst state to launch this program to take advan-tage of recent federal funding, an initiative to lower the risk of small business lending. Over the next months, the state is expected to deploy allocated federal funds to lever-age nearly $800 million in bank lending to small fi rms.

In 2007, there were an estimated 821,189 small businesses in North Carolina, indicat-ing 47.9 percent of North Carolina’s 3,686,552 employees. The rural workers equaling nearly 95 percent go to work each day at a small business. The N.C. economy and the rural economy are dependent on these small businesses to create jobs and pro-vide stability for rural people, their families and communities. In fact, small businesses were responsible for creating 70 percent of new jobs in the state from 1990 to 2000. The North Carolina Rural Center reports that small business is BIG in rural North Carolina as 95 percent of all establishments in rural N.C. employ fewer than 50 people

and 80 percent of these employ fewer than 10 people. These rural businesses, with fewer than 50 employees, generated $14.5 billion in wages and provided jobs for 614,000 people in 2007. Small business outperforms large business in job growth. While the largest establishments of 100 employers and more were losing jobs, many small businesses were creating and adding to payrolls.

Small businesses are critical to the sur-vival of rural communities and owners of small businesses are more likely to live in the community in which their business is located. Owners of small businesses bring money and wealth into the community—money that is recycled through the com-munity, boasting other local businesses and contributing to the local tax base.

The North Carolina District Small Busi-ness Administration (SBA) offi ce processed 1,221 small business loans totaling almost $312 million in FY 2010 (33 percent higher than in previous years). Also in 2010, venture capital investment increased for the fi rst time since 2007. In North Carolina, venture capitalists invested $456.3 million in 57 deals in 2010.

Wilkes County, with over 2,500 estab-lished small businesses and known for its “spirit of entrepreneurialism,” is in need of jobs and an improved economy. Be supportive, buy local, keep your dollars in the county, help retain local sales tax revenue, and most importantly, support local business. This support can and will lead toward job creation and economic growth for Wilkes County.

gas for their vehicles, staying in local hotels, renting cars, using local cater-ers and showcasing some of our classic buildings. All of this while shooting in the Wilkes locations.

One particular TV network has been back to Wilkes twice, shooting two completely different TV shows. Assum-ing that one of their directors referred us again, I was quickly corrected. It seems the director of the British ver-sion of “Top Gear” had told him what a great experience it had working with the Film Offi ce in Wilkes County.

Why Wilkes County? In the begin-ning it was all about utilizing the North Wilkesboro Speedway as a location site. Now, it is not only about the speed-way, but our beautiful locations and most of all the quick movement of the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Film Commission’s Motion Picture and Television “Red Tape Committee.” Location scouts, camera crews and directors of the music and fi lm industry are a tight-knit group. They all talk to each other and chances are the same people, (camera crew, director and pro-ducer), work for several networks and/or shoot videos for numerous artists.

The Red Tape Committee jumped into action two weeks ago when we were contacted about a location requir-

ing a barn. Within four hours after the chamber sent out an email notifying the members of the Red Tape Com-mittee about a barn location, we had a catalog of 31 barns sent to the direc-tor. The director was able to turn his location around in 24 hours with all permits and insurance in place. The Wilkes Film Commission made their jobs easier and fortunately, they spread the word.

Recently while participating in the Chamber’s membership drive, I had the pleasure of speaking to several people in the community who are owners of small businesses. They said they would gladly join the Chamber of Commerce for a lot of reasons. One in particular was that they had seen fi rst-hand the business brought in to their shops from the fi lm industry.

The current planning of a fi lm pro-duction facility in a North Wilkesboro location can only increase the county’s visibility in the motion picture/video/music industry. As a director told the mayor of North Wilkesboro while in town this week, “You build a studio here and I promise you I will be here every month with a different client. I love it here.”

The best part of this industry is that it virtually costs nothing to attract clients. We fi nd what they want, follow through with what we say we can do, shake their hand and say, “Y’all come back and see us again real soon.”

Moviescontinued from Page 1

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6 • Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • September 12, 2011

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TUMBLING SHOALS FARM hosted a “Business After Hours” on Aug. 18. Chamber members enjoyed a “tomato tasting” and many veggies from the organic garden. Tum-bling 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. Call 452-2920 or go to www.tumblingshoalsfarm.com for more details.

In 2010 North Carolina received $3.1 million in Recov-ery Act money to implement On-The-Job Training (OJT) programs to help Americans get back to work. Funds are to be directed toward areas of high unemployment and high poverty rates.

Wilkes, Ashe and Alleghany counties received addi-tional funds for the OJT initiative for on-the-job training options for employers who agree to hire eligible people. These people are capable of doing the jobs, but may lack education or training required to meet all the job requirements.

In exchange for training people and giving them the

opportunity to work, employers may be reimbursed 50-90 percent of a trainee’s wages for a specified training period. On-going counseling and support that is essential to employee success is also provided by Wilkes JobLink career development staff.

On-the-job training allows the employer to hire an individual and get him or her through an initial training period without investing a large sum of money. It also provides job seekers an opportunity for a job that they might not have had without the benefit of an OJT.

What Is The Benefit To My Company For Providing On-The-Job-Training?

The employer is reimbursed a percentage of the employee’s training cost based on the trainee’s wage for the duration of the contracted training period.

How Long Is The Training Service?The length of the contract is determined by training

standards and is based on the specific learning skill level required to do the job.

The Wilkes JobLink Career Center placed 27 people with 11 businesses through the OJT program in the 2010 program year. For more information about “On the Job Training” contact Ricky Roten at 651-2540 ext 2550 or Ricky.Roten@Wilkescc.edu

The following renewed their Wilkes Chamber of Commerce memberships as of Aug. 31, 2011: Accommodations, dkh; Ameriprise Financial Services Inc.; Apple Tree Academies of North Wilkes-boro; Biscuitville; Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corp.; Blue Ridge Moun-tain Club; Terry Bumgarner; Charter Business; Creekside Communications Inc.; Document Imaging Inc.; Dr. Pep-per/Triangle Vending & Water Co.; EA Carter Real Estate Specialists; Enter-prise Rent-A-Car; Ferrell Propane Gas Co. Inc.; Fleet Master Inc.; Foothills Auto Spa; Foothills Kung Fu Arnis Academy; Frog Holler Cabins; Glenn Hill Apartments; Goodwill Career Con-nections Center; Goodwill Industries of NWNC Inc.; Green 2 Go LLC; High Country Workfroce Development Board; Insight Home Inspections Services; JCPenney Company; Kearey Builders Inc.; Leatherwood Rental Inc.; LifeSkills

Martial Arts; McDonald’s on N.C. 18; McDonald’s on U.S. 421; Moravian Falls Family Campground; New Life Health Club; Nu-Line Printing; Patton Insur-ance Agency Inc.; PCSD & Spa at West Park Inc.; Pipedreams; Quality Business Services; R.H. Barringer Distributing Co. Inc.; Rose Glen Village; Ruby Par-due Blackburn Adult Day Care; Sears of Wilkes; Sherwin-Williams Company; Slip Away Haven; Sonic Drive-In in Wil-kesboro; Sonny Greene Land & Timber; Southern Candle Inc.; State Employees’ Credit Union; Robert Taylor, OD; U.S. Chemical Storage LLC; Walker Center; Walmart Store #01-1290; West Park Chiropractic; Westwood Hills Nursing and Rehab Center; WIFM Radio (100.9); Wilkes Art Gallery; Wilkes County 4-H; Wilkes Democratic Party; Wilkes Flying Club Inc.; Wilkes Income Tax Service; Wilkesboro Raceway Park and Window World Foothills LLC.

On-The-Job training funds still available for employers

Chamber memberships renewed

Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • September 12, 2011 • 7

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The Wilkes Chamber of Commerce held a “New Member Round Up” membership drive on Aug. 30 and 31.

The drive was a huge success, with 32 new members recruited.

The theme was western and the teams were the Rascals and the Outlaws. Thank you to our volunteers. They included board members, Ambassadors, and chamber members.

Team captains were Terrian Green of the Addison Inn and Cynthia Staley of Elite Insurance.

Ambassadors included Barbara Faw of Colonial Life, Heather Laws of Wilkes Tele-communications, Amy Boehm of Screen Print-ers Unlimited, Graham Wyche of Edward Jones Investments, Laura Blackburn of Holi-day Inn Express, Connie Winkler of LP, Laura Hubbard of Bayada Nurses, Jessica Inman of Faw Insurance, Carla Cooksey Hauser of Carla S. Cooksey Financial Planning, Shanna Bell

of Stroud Miller Insurance, Avis Miller of the N.C. Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Ser-vices, Board Members-Terri Parsons (Benny Parsons Rendezvous Ridge), Keith Brown of Century Link, Arnold Lakey (retired), Gin-ger Shaffer of Wilkes JobLink, Cathy Huie of Brame-Huie Pharmacy, Clara Royal of Holiday Inn Express, Terrie Stackhouse of Carolina Realty, Johann Louchez of BB&T and Dan Little of WCC-Small Business.

Chamber members involved included Sid Collins of Edward Jones Investments and Brett Yates of Wilkes Telecommunications.

Thank You to Carolina West Wireless for the use of cell phones and Wilkes Telecom-munications for the 100 balloons!

Thank you to our 32 new members who joined the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce. Your chamber looks forward to helping you enhance your visibility and increase your marketing power.

Effort results in 32 new membersfor your Wilkes Chamber of Commerce

A NEW MEMBER ROUNDUP was conducted Aug. 30 and 31. Manning the phones are Terrian Greene, Addison Inn; Jamie Lackey, Wilkes Chamber of Commerce; Cynthia Staley, Elite Insurance; and Barbara Faw, Colonial Life.

Serving as a “good will” arm of the Chamber, the Wil-kes Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors are volunteers for a variety of activities.

This year’s Wilkes Chamber Ambassadors are Shanna Bell, Stroud-Miller Insurance Ser-vice Inc.;

Laura Blackburn, Holiday Inn Express; Amy Boehm, Screen Printers Unlimited LLC;

Carla Souther Cooksey-Hauser, Carla S. Cooksey Financial Planning;

Barbara Faw, Colonial Life; Terrian Greene, Addison Prop-erties Inc.;

Ellen Wilson, Villages of Wilkes Traditional; Laura Hub-bard, Bayada Nurses; Dennis Huggins, Wilkes County Board of Education;

Jessica Inman, Faw Insur-ance; Heather Laws, Wilkes Telecommunications Inc.; Jesse L. Miles Jr.,

Carolina West Wireless; Avis Miller, N.C. Division of Voca-tional Rehabilitation Services;

April Nichols, Rainbow Center – Children & Family Services; Cynthia Staley, Elite Insurance Group;

James Teasley, Blue Ridge Carpet Care; Connie Winkler, LP - Louisiana Pacific Corpora-tion; and Otis Church, A Baby Celebration.

Ambassadorsinvolved inmany ways

8 • Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • September 12, 2011

Chamber has many new members(As of Aug. 31)

Welcome the following new Wil-kes Chamber members.

2nd Street Barber Shop Gary Beshears 1504 Second StreetNorth Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659 667-3771 2nd Street Barber Shop is a full

service barber shop offering sham-poo, cuts and shaves.

Accessories on the Go Kathy Underwood 508 Elkin Hwy 268North Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659 818-1027 Accessories on the Go is every-

thing for the woman ‘’on the go.’’ We specialize in trendy handbags, jewelry, clothing and much more!

Action Specialties, LLC Scott Southard 178 Meadow Oaks DriveStatesville, N.C. 28625 (704) 878-8928 Action Specialties is the place

to call for all your advertising, marketing and promotional needs including screen printing, graphic design, embroidery, and signs and banners.

Advantage Mini Storage Lee Black 1249 Curtis Bridge RoadWilkesboro, N.C. 28697 838-2616 Advantage Mini Storage is a

rental storage facility with 146 units and five different sizes avail-able. The secure storage facility is also gated with an onsite manager and video surveillance.

Airgas National Welders David January P.O. Box 1039Wilkesboro, N.C. 28697 667-2070 Airgas Inc., through subsidiar-

ies, is the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical and specialty gases and hard goods, such as welding equipment and supplies.

Canter ConstructionCompany Carol Canter 102 West StreetWilkesboro, N.C. 28697 838-9122 Commercial, industrial and

residential construction services.

Customized Storage Rob Zinger 3100 Bluebird DriveCharlotte, N.C. 28226 (336) 902-8735 Conveniently located ware-

house space near U.S. 421 in Wil-kesboro. Consisting of five rental spaces, approximately 1,000 sq. feet each. Overhead doors, elec-tricity and water. Restroom on site. Safe, easy access.

Desi’s Floral & Design Studio Desi Parker 3602 Mt. Zion RoadFerguson, N.C. 28624 973-8080 Wedding and event floral design

service. Unique florist, decorations service, wedding flowers and spe-cial events. Serving North Wil-kesboro, Wilkesboro, Boone and High Country.

Farm BureauInsurance-Wilkesboro Gray Slater P.O. Box 1119Wilkesboro, N.C. 28697 838-4480 Farm Bureau Insurance pro-

vides home, property, life, health, long term care, and other cover-ages to Wilkes County. Authorized BlueCross/BlueShield of North Carolina agent.

Fast Med Urgent Care Reuel Heyden 903 Shotwell Road, Ste. 108Clayton, N.C. 27520 667-2710 Fast Med Urgent Care provides

personal, quality, convenient medical care 365 days a year with extended hours. No appointment needed—no long waits. We are per-sonal care in your neighborhood.

Green Mountain Outdoors, LLC

Kevin Greene2321 Yellow Banks Rd.North Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659670-2186Greene Mountain Outdoors is

a manufacturer and master dis-tributor for ATV, Gator, Kubota, Mule, Prowler, Ranger and Rhino accessories to the retail public as well as supporting a nationwide dealer network.

Goodman Landscaping Plus Iven Goodman P.O. Box 322North Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659 838-4307 We provide landscaping, garden-

ing and lawn care with innovative ideas and designs and high quality service while offering a wide range of services to meet all customers outdoor needs.

Innovative Occasions Denise Brooks

219 Cherry Lane RoadGlade Valley, N.C. 28627 (336) 372-6483 Destination and local wedding

and special event planning includ-ing florist, event rentals, movie rentals and an espresso bar.

Just Save-Lowes Foods #137 Keith Huffman101 Northwest Market PlaceNorth Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659667-7388 A unique chain of supermarkets

based in Winston-Salem. All that we do is designed to bring custom-ers the freshest products and the best value. We are proud to say that Lowes Foods is “Good For You.”

Learning Pathway Ann Rita Frazier 102 North Bridge StreetWilkesboro, N.C. 28697 667-2492 Learning Pathways is a one-on-

one tutoring service for children, teens and adults. We offer tutoring in reading, math, study skills and test preparation.

Living Waters HomeCare, LLC Linda Joines 623 Hendrix RoadSparta, N.C. 28675 372-5978 Living Waters Home Care pro-

vides our clients with dignity and respect. We help our clients remain at home and live independently as long as possible. Give us a call and see the difference.

Lowes Foods #250 Keith Royal1834 Winkler StreetWilkesboro, N.C. 28697838-4441 A unique chain of supermarkets

based in Winston-Salem. All that we do is designed to bring custom-ers the freshest products and the best value. We are proud to say that Lowes Foods is “Good For You.”

Lowes Foods #5 310 Wilkesboro Ave. Mid-Town PlazaNorth Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659838-3681 A unique chain of supermarkets

based in Winston-Salem. All that we do is designed to bring custom-ers the freshest products & the best value. We are proud to say that Lowes Foods is “Good For You.”

MBI Builders Inc. Bradley Meade P.O. Box 1013

North Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659 973-3402 Diversified in providing full ser-

vice general contracting services in both commercial and residen-tial industries throughout North Carolina our commitment to qual-ity and value is the same to every client for every project.

Mike’s Bait & Tackle Mike Porter 2321 West Hwy 268Wilkesboro, N.C. 28697 838-2663 Convenient store specializing in

bait and tackle supplies. We also have a snack bar and full work-ing kitchen. We provide hunt-ing and fishing license and boat registration.

North Wilkesboro Lion’s Club U.W. Foster 326 Legion DriveNorth Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659 667-1418 A civic organization serving

300 blind and visually impaired persons in Wilkes through the ‘’Knights of the Blind’’ program. Lion’s Club is an international organization with clubs servicing individual communities.

Real McCoy Golf Services Randy McCoy 304 10th StreetNorth Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659 (336) 990-0096 A full service golf shop provid-

ing professional services to Wil-kes County and the High Country. Club repair, fitting and lessons. Carry full line of equipment.

Second To Nature Marla Smola P.O. Box 972Millers Creek, N.C. 28651 838-2369 Second To Nature is a certi-

fied fitting consultant for mas-tectomy patients. They provide in-home fittings, mastectomy bras, breast forms and swimsuits for all patients. We file all insurance claims.

Shape Up Gloria Hawkins 508 Cartpath RoadNorth Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659 838-0222 Shape Up is a 30-minute full

body workout for women using circuit training. Come enjoy our new workout equipment along with working out to music. Located in Melody Square.

Showcase Your Home Brenda Colvard 508 West Main StreetWilkesboro, N.C. 28697 667-1966 ext.625 Showcase Your Home is a home

staging and interior redesign com-pany. Brenda Colvard, certified home staging professional, pro-vides home staging for Carolina Realty Inc., for sale by owners and builders.

Sloop Properties Lisa Sloop 235 Old Homeplace DriveWilkesboro, N.C. 28697 984-0748 Retail rental space management.

Lisa Sloop-Cabi IndependentFashion Consultant Lisa Sloop 255 Walnut PlaceWilkesboro, N.C. 28697 667-8546 In-home clothing sales with

samples in house. Spectrum Painting Company Steve Jenkins 1083 Old N.C. 18Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659 667-3512 Spectrum Painting specializes

in painting and pressure washing for residential and commercial.

Steppin’ Out Studio Inc. Derek Kilby 10067 Boone TrailPurlear, N.C. 28665 973-2623 Steppin’ Out Studio Inc. (SOS) is

a Christian faith based dance and fitness studio, whose mission is to instill confidence and share a love of dance and rhythm with others.

The Candy Company Angela Minton Midtown PlazaNorth Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659 838-3291 Specializing in party supplies,

balloon arrangements and candy. Event decorating supplies for wed-dings, anniversary, birthdays and special occasions. Paper products for home and office.

Wilkes Garage Doors Michael Wyatt 422 Green Acres Mill RoadMillers Creek, N.C. 28651 838-2630 Sales, service, repair of garage

doors. Southern Ideal Door dealer and Liftmaster opener dealer. Call us for fast, prompt service.

Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • September 12, 2011 • 9

MAURICES on U.S. 421 West in Wilkesboro celebrated a re-modeling and expan-sion of its store with a ribbon cutting on July 29. The ribbon was cut and lunch was served while guests shopped. Maurices caters to young women with a 20-some-thing attitude. We offer the latest in hot fashions, whether you’re searching for that perfect dress or eye-catching casual weekend wear. Call 667-8187 or go to www.maurices.com for more details.

JUST SAVE-LOWES FOOD celebrated a grand opening with a ribbon cutting on Aug. 3, at their location at 101 Northwest Market Place in North Wilkesboro. Just Save- Lowes Food is a unique chain of supermarkets based in Winston-Salem. All that we do is designed to bring customers the freshest products and the best value. We are proud to say that Lowes Foods is “Good For You.” Call 667-7388 or go to www.lowesfood.com for more details.

SPRINGLEAF FINANCIAL SERVICES on Winkler Street in Wilkesboro celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting on Aug. 10. Guests enjoyed lunch and dessert. Springleaf Financial Services is the leading provider of consumer credit based in Evansville, Ind. Springleaf finances mortgages, secured and unsecured personal loans and secured retail sales finance products. Call 838-5157 or go to www.springleaffinancial.com for more details.

REAL McCOY GOLF SERVICES on 304 10th Street, North Wilkesboro, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting on Aug. 11. Refreshments were served and there were golf club fitting demonstrations. Real McCoy Golf Services is a full service golf shop providing professional services to Wilkes County and the High Country. Club repair, fitting, lessons and a full line of equipment are offered. Call 990-0096 for more details.

10 • Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • September 12, 2011

Avante at Wilkesboro 1000 College Street

Wilkesboro, NC 28697

Providing exceptional skilled nursing and rehabilitative

therapy services.

For more information call Avante at 336-838-4141

IS&C INSURANCEINSURANCE SERVICE & CREDIT CORP.

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

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

WORKER’S COMPENSATION

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Paul Anderson • Bobbie Reavis • Gerry Hamby • Nancy Ferguson � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � � � � � .

336.651.8100www.wilkesregional.org

Wilkes Chamber of Commerce promotes chamber members in front of thousands of potential custom-ers, constantly showcasing local manufacturing, products, and services.

Daily, telephone calls are received and visitors are walking, all requesting information on local businesses.

The chamber’s responsibility to membership is to refer people to them first. Partnering with the chamber in additional marketing opportunities that will enhance your company’s visibility is another benefit of membership.

Below is a list of those advertising and sponsor-ship opportunities:

Businesss, Relocation and Visitor Guide – 10,000 copies of directory is published in January and distributed to the chamber membership, all N.C. Welcome Centers, Northwest N.C. Visitor Cen-ter, High Country Host Visitor Center, additional regional visitor centers across North Carolina, at each local accommodations and in every mailed or distributed relocation and visitor packet going out from the chamber of commerce. Ad sales begin in October 2011. Contact Jamie Lakey at membership at wilkesnc.org or call 838-8662.

Website Banner Advertising – Ads are placed on the www.Wilkesnc.org homepage. Ad locations are top right, middle, and four across the bottom of the page. Contact Tonia Perkins at tperkins@wilkesnc.org for details or call 838-8662.

“Images of Wilkes” – A magazine highlighted business and industry in Wilkes, focusing on the success of companies and directing potential busi-ness to our area. This magazine is a printed market-ing tool for Wilkes County economic development

as they recruit new industry and business into the county. Ad sales will begin mid September. Contact Suzi McGruder with Journal Communications at smcgruder@jnlcom.com or call 838-8662.

Wilkes Chamber Champions – A tiered spon-sorship opportunity. Member participants are rec-ognized on the chamber website, in the chamber newsletter, monthly mailings, each chamber held event and on a large display banner in the chamber building. Contact Linda Cheek at lcchamber@wil-kesnc.org or call 838-8662.

“Your Chamber Connection” – a monthly elec-tronic mailer sent to full membership showcasing chamber members’ special sales, promotions, etc. An inexpensive marketing opportunity reaching 675 chamber member business and industry lead-ers. Contact Tonia at t.perkins@wilkesnc.org or call 838.8662.

Shining Soles 5K Run – A chamber fundraiser held in October on the Yadkin River Greenway. Spon-sors are featured in all advertising of the event, logos shown on the runners T-shirt and recognized at the event. Contact Jamie Lakey at membership@wilkesnc.org or call 838-8662.

Wilkes Chamber Annual Meeting – The cham-ber’s annual meeting, scheduled on the evening of Jan. 19 at the John A. Walker Center. This event cel-ebrates the accomplishments of chamber members, recognizes outstanding businesses, and offers a night filled with networking and great food. Sponsors are recognized on invitations sent to full membership and at the evening event. Contact Linda Cheek at lcchamber@wilkesnc.org or call 838-8662 if inter-ested in sponsoring.

Wilkes Chamber Foundation Annual Educa-

tional Golf Tournament – A golf event held in the spring to raise money for educational initiatives. The Wilkes Chamber Foundation funds four $1,000 New Century Scholarships, the Youth Leadership Program at $6,500 annually, Teacher of the Year gift and the UnSung Hero Award. Sponsors of the golf tournament are shown as t-sponsors, receive press coverage and onsite recognition on tournament day. Contact Jamie Lakey at membership@wilkesnc.org or call 838-8662.

Leadership Wilkes Program – This is an informa-tive leadership building program that starts annually in August and continues through November. The sessions include educational presentations relating to county government, town government, judicial system, environment issues, utilities, transportation, telecommunications, business and industry tours, Wilkes County Schools and Wilkes Community Col-lege tours and presentations, local tourism industry and nonprofit organizations. Relationships are built as participants learn directly from the leadership of Wilkes County. Sponsors are recognized in all promo-tional materials and throughout the sessions in press releases and on the chamber website. Contact Linda Cheek, lcchamber@wilkesnc.org or call 838-8662.

Spring Showcase of Wilkes – This will be a new event replacing the chamber annual business expo. The showcase will include local member products and services such as home, automobile, attractions and recreational exhibiting. Sponsorships include booth space, recognition in promotional materials and recognition during this two-day event. Contact Linda Cheek or Lynn Dyer at chamber@wilkesnc.org or call 838-8662.

Many advertising, sponsorship opportunities available

Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • September 12, 2011 • 11

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Wilkes

Journal-PatriotSinging in the Foothills gospel music event has one of its largest turnouts. Page A9

WednesdayJune 29, 2011

Published Monday,

Wednesday and Friday

North Wilkesboro, N.C.

Volume 105, No. 42

U.S.P.S. 285-700

Mountain View Ruritan Club hosts about 40 veterans

All-Stars win

Wilkes National League 9-10 team scores 13 runs in

fi rst two innings to beat East Catawba. Page B1

Thursday

High 87

Low 60

Friday

High 91

Low 64

Inside this issue

Classifi eds . . . . . . . . .B5

Comics . . . . . . . . . . . .B4

Community Events . . . .A6

Editorials . . . . . . . . . . .A4

Obituaries . . . . . . . . .A10

Wilkes Living . . . . . . . . A7

Police ‘bookmobile’

North Wilkesboro Police Department uses mobile

command center for summer reading program. Page A12

1 full-time, 1 part-time position cut at library

By CHARLES S. WILLIAMS

Wilkes Journal-Patriot Staff

The Wilkes County Library Board

this morning voted to terminate the

full-time position of Reference Librar-

ian Mary Wilson, as well as the part-

time position (15 hours per week) of

circulation assistant Jan Elledge be-

cause of budget constraints.

Wilkes County commissioners fi rst

told library offi cials that they would

receive $493,920 for the 2011-12 fi scal

year, which was the same amount that

was given this year. Library offi cials

requested an additional $37,000 in

order to keep from cutting staff size.

Last night, the commissioners allo-

cated an additional $15,000 for the li-

brary. That, though, was not enough

to save the positions.

Library officials had originally

asked for $603,848 in county fund-

ing for fi scal year 2011-12.

For the current fi scal year, eight

full-time staff members at the library

— County Librarian Jennifer Murray,

Janet Kilby, Nicole deBrujin, John

Newman, Laurie Love, Wendy Barber,

Elizabeth Lee and Latreca Collins —

have been working 36-hour weeks with

a four-hour furlough to cut back on

expenses. Those furloughs were only

temporary, and the employees had to

be returned to 40-hour work weeks.

The extra money from the county will

be used to restore the 40-hour weeks.

Request “fell on deaf ears”

County Commissioner Charles

Sink, who is that board’s represen-

tative on the library board, told the

members of the library board at the

meeting this morning that the com-

missioners should have given the li-

brary the requested $37,000. He was

the lone commissioner to vote against

the new county budget, which was ap-

proved last night in a 3-1 vote.

“The (county board) chairman

(Keith Elmore) said ‘sure, we could

come up with the money, but where

would it end?’ This was the only group

there asking for additional money.

There wasn’t a line out the door.”

He added, “The county provides

a service, and when we can provide

that service for what was a reasonable

amount of money, we should. The re-

sponse that the library got last night

was, I thought, unreasonable.”

He added, “We have had to make

cuts because we lost $6 million in

sales tax in recent years. We’ve looked

everywhere to do that, and we have

tried to be fair.

“I tried to explain (to the other

commissioners) just how much the

library has been cut in recent years,

but it fell on deaf ears. I don’t foresee

any change in attitude.”

Appalachian Regional Librarian

Louise Humphrey said that the li-

brary here has lost a total of 240 staff

hours weekly because of recent bud-

get cuts.

With the addition of the $15,000,

the county grant for the 2011-12 fi s-

cal year is $508,920. That compares

JULE HUBBARD/STAFF PHOTO

MILITARY VETERANS, mostly from Hays area or with connections to that part of Wilkes County, at a gathering organized for them

Monday night at the Mountain View Ruritan Club building included, sitting left to right, A.C. Yale, Claudius Absher, Sammy Black-

burn, Glenn Mitchell, Maurice Miller, Harden Shumate, Howard Blackburn, Marvin Williams, Edwin Canter, Keith Cheshire and Robert

Hodges. Standing are, left to right, Edd Dyer, Dean Byrd, Bill Rhoades, Gary Prevette, Dean Roope, Jimmy Shumate, Steve Sparks,

Wayne Harrold, Wilkes Veterans Service Offi cer Ralph Broyhill, Joe Bauguess, Raymond Handy, Benny Wiles, Earl Alexander, Larry

Miller, Lisa J. Brown-Mitchell, Garry Church, Tommy Sidden, Darlene Wood Harvey and Jimmy Wiles. People who attended but left

before the photo was made included James Spicer, Dennis Woods, Melinda Adams, Carroll Wiles and Tommy Sidden.

Vets share decades of stories

By JULE HUBBARD

Wilkes Journal-Patriot Staff

Representing World War II and most times

since then when the nation’s armed forces

were called into harm’s way and periods in

between, about 40 veterans met for dinner

Monday night at the Mountain View Ruritan

Club building in Hays.

Some were more talkative than others as

their turns arose for saying whatever they

wished about their days in uniform.

Mountain View Ruritan Club members

organized the event as a time of fellowship

for veterans and to show gratitude for their

service, said club member Glenn Mitchell, in

the Army during the Korean War period.

Club members said they had a particular

interest in bringing together veterans liv-

ing in the Mountain View area or with con-

nections of any sort to that part of Wilkes

County.

Several veterans who experienced com-

bat and didn’t mind talking about it became

emotional while remembering the ones who

didn’t return home from war.

The largest percentage of veterans at the

event served in the Vietnam War.

“The thing I hated the most was those

leaches that got on you. The next thing was

the rain, three months of rain day and night,”

said Steve Sparks, who served in Vietnam in

1967 after he was drafted in 1966.

“We were shot at every day by snipers with

AK-47s, but God took care of me. I saw a lot

of guys get killed. It was horrible. I lost a lot

of good friends,” he said, adding that nearly

his entire platoon was lost at one point.

“I remember a guy…. They called him

‘Hoss’ and he was short, so short that he

was just barely big enough to get in” the

Army, said Sparks, drawing chuckles when

he extended a hand to indicate his friend’s

height. “And he got killed.”

Regaining composure, he added, “I’m glad

I served and I would do it again.”

Martha Bauguess of Moravian Falls at-

tended on behalf of her son, Major Larry

Bauguess, who was killed in Pakistan while

serving with the U.S. Army in the war in Af-

ghanistan in 2007.

Also mentioned were Richard Hall, Wake

Miles and Johnny Orsborn, all killed in the

Vietnam War after graduating from North

Wilkes High School in the same period.

Larry Miller of Tumbling Shoals Road in

Millers Creek said Oliver North, a highly

decorated Marine who later was involved

in politics and now hosts “War Stories” on

Fox TV, was his lieutenant for about four

months when he was in Vietnam.

He said North later visited him in Millers

Budget passes in 3-1 voteBy JULE HUBBARD

Wilkes Journal-Patriot Staff

A fi scal 2011-12 Wilkes County government budget

that keeps the tax rate unchanged at 65 cents per $100

of property valuation was approved Tuesday night, with

Commissioner Charles Sink casting the only dissenting

vote after unsuccessfully seeking additional funds for

the Wilkes County Library.

The motion passed 3-1, with Commissioner Gary L.

Blevins absent because he had triple bypass heart sur-

gery on Friday. County Manager John Yates said Tues-

day night that according to Blevins’ wife, the fi rst term

commissioner could be released from the hospital this

weekend.

General fund expenditures and revenues in the new

budget balance at $64.28 million, which exceeds the to-

tal in Yates’ proposed budget by $377,755 and the prior

year’s total by nearly $700,000. No money from the gener-

al fund balance was used to balance the new budget.

Inmate, EMS expenditures

With plans for building a new Wilkes County Jail still

on hold and the current jail lacking space, the 2011-12

budget has $360,000 for housing inmates in the Ashe

County Jail or elsewhere out of county.

Several observances of Independence Day are sched-

uled in Wilkes County, but one annual event has been

delayed to this fall.

The Fly-In at the Wilkes County Airport, organized by

the Mountain View Ruritan Club, has been on a Saturday

close to July 4 every year since the fi rst one in 1992.

Club spokesman Jimmy Wiles said the 19th annual

Fly-In is scheduled for Sept. 17 this year because of the

likelihood of cooler weather then.

Wiles said free games for children, live music and

Independence Day

plans are announced

First Friday starts

holiday weekend

The July 4 weekend in Downtown North Wilkesboro will

be kicked off with the third installment of First Fridays.

This free event will feature music, shopping, and

dining in downtown. The night begins at 5:30 p.m. and

continues until 8 p.m.

The music for Friday night is sponsored by the

Wilkes Public Library and GoWilkes.com. The Turbo

Pro Project will be the featured band for the evening,

and will be performing at the Brushy Mountain Ruri-

tan Park on the corner of Main and 10th streets. This

band fuses the banjo, Bluegrass, and Americana music

with Hip-Hop and turntables. Band members include

Adrian Trbovich, Milton Cockerham, Ryan Barber, and

Kim France. Music will begin at 6 and last until 8 p.m.

As always, several downtown businesses will have

extended hours on Friday night. The Wilkes Art Gal-

lery’s Gift Shop will be open along with Gloria Sews,

See FIRST FRIDAY, Page A2

WCC students do

well in SkillsUSA

Thirty-six students and 14 instructors trav-

eled to Kansas City, Mo., on June 19 for the

national SkillsUSA conference and contest.

Out of 6,100 student competitors from across

the nation, 32 of the 36 WCC students placed

in the top 15 positions.

WCC’s student medal count was seven

golds, six silvers and one bronze, a college

spokesman said.

The competition began on June 21, with

each student participating in a contest orien-

tation. Next, the students competed vigorous-

ly on Tuesday through Thursday, showcasing

their knowledge and skills in their selected

career fi eld, the spokesman said.

“As the old saying goes, ‘the cream

rises to the top,’ as did the students of

Sunscreen

for soldiersFRANCES HAYES/STAFF PHOTO

WAGON RIDING FOR A

CAUSE—Denise Black-

well, standing, and

her children, Dakota,

7, standing, Karlee, 3,

standing, and Ella and

Wesley, 2, in wagon, were

collecting money for Op-

eration Sunscreen on

Monday in North Wilkes-

boro. Their goal is to raise

$5,000 by the end of June

for sunscreen for U.S. sol-

diers through Soldier An-

gels. For more informa-

tion email dblack

well4@marykay.com.

See SKILLSUSA, Page A3

See LIBRARY, Page A3

See BUDGET, Page A2

See JULY 4, Page A8

See VETERANS, Page A3

12 • Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • September 12, 2011

Shining SolesTwilight 5k Race

October 8 • 7 p.m.Starts at Wilkes YMCA Express and ends

on Yadkin River Greenway at Brushy Mountain Dental

Race Route: 5k will start at Wilkes YMCA Express location of the Yadkin River Greenway and travel through the town of

Wilkesboro, down Cub Creek Park and back through Main Street, Wilkesboro, ending back at the Greenway.

Registration $25

Free T-shirt for fi rst 100 with registrationRegistration form located on our website

at www.wilkesnc.org or mail payment and this form to:Wilkes Chamber of Commerce

P.O. Box 727, North Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659

AwardsTop 3 Males and Females OverallTop 3 Males and Females over 40

Top 3 Males and Females in ages 14-under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-69 and 70-plus

Become a Race Sponsor!Sponsors will be featured on T-shirts, receive national web

exposure and other media coverage.Platinum $1,000 • Gold $500 • Bronze $250 • Friends $100

Name to be printed on T-shirt for sponsorship

Registration FormRunner or Company T-Shirt size

Address

City State Zip Phone

_____ 5k (3.14 miles) Registration fee $25 _____ Sponsorship Amount $__________

Payment method: Cash ___ Check ___ Mastercard _______________ Visa _______________

Save the Date!

Available at the Wilkes Chamber offi ce717 Main Street • North Wilkesboro

or at the Chamber booth on Saturday, October 2,at the Brushy Mountain Apple Festival

T-shirt pricingS-XL $12 • 2XL-3XL $152010 T-shirts sold out

Congratulations to the Brushy Mountain Ruritan Club for 34 years!