July 2010 - Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce
THE CHAMBER CHATTER
Issue 7
July
Volume 3
WEATHER WARNING!!!
IT’S
GONNA BE
HOT!
… This is a warning issued by
The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce!
Repeat… this is NOT a test!
TAX FREE WEEKEND!
A FORECAST OF SAVINGS AWAITING YOU LOCALLY!
Friday August 6th 12:01 am through Sunday August 8th 11:59 am
For details on savings visit :
www.dornc.com/taxes/sales/salestax_holiday.html


..are here!
Advertise your product or
service for just $10.00/ quarter!
Hot Deals are listed on our
Website and shared on our
Chamber Facebook Page! Our
Facebook page hits increased
52% week of launch!
REMEMBER TO BUY LOCAL !
SUPPORT CHAMBER MEMBERS FIRST!
THE FLOCK IS COMING!!!
The Flocking Squad...
COOL IT
...at a Chamber
Member’s event
or POST YOUR OWN!
Your EVENTS can now be
posted for Free on our
website and Facebook!
DETAILS INSIDE!...
Don’t hydroplane out of control being short
staffed! Post your JOB OPENINGS on the
Chamber Website and on Facebook for Free!
FLAMINGO WARNING!
THIS IS A WARNING ISSUED BY THE
GREATER MOUNT AIRY CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE! A FLOCK OF FLAMINGOS
HAS BEEN SIGHTED HEADED TOWARD
THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY OF MOUNT
AIRY. THE ESTIMATED DATE OF ARRIVAL
OF THIS THREAT IS AUGUST 9TH!
The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce would like to thank
you in advance for your support of this “fun”-raising effort. If our
little feathered friends visit your business, we ask that you do not hurt
them. For a small donation, the Chamber will ensure the flock will
move on to another victim soon. In appreciation of your sense of
humor and support, your business will be featured as the ….
“FLOCKING VICTIM OF THE WEEK”
...in our Weekly Business Bulletin!
Want to make sure your business is protected from the flocking threat?
The Chamber is offering ANTI-FLOCKING INSURANCE.
Want a friend to host these beautiful birds? For a small donation you
may “FLOCK A FRIEND”!
Call Tanya at the Chamber
to find out more!
FLOCK A FRIEND !
ORDER FORM
NAME OF VICTIM:
________________________
NAME OF BUSINESS:
_________________________
$25.00
Donation
ADDRESS:
________________________
Do you want your friend to know it was you ? _________
Special Instructions:
__________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Your name: ____________________________________________________
Business Billing Address:
________________________________________________________________
Email address:
____________________________________________________
ANTI-FLOCKING
INSURANCE
The $50.00 purchase of the
Anti-Flocking Insurance
guarantees that no flock
of flamingos will roost on my
business lawn as they migrate
around the city! A no flocking sign will be posted at
your place of business throughout the “fun”-raiser.
Policy Holder Name:
___________________________________
Policy Holder Business:
___________________________________
Business Billing Address:
____________________________________
Email Address:
____________________________________
Please help the Chamber Staff in welcoming our
New Chamber Members...
Trio Restaurant and Bar
Located at 247 City Hall Street Mount Airy, NC
27030 (inside of Main Oak Emporium formerly
Elliott’s). Phone 336-719-0131 or visit
www.triorestaurantandbar.com. Trio Restaurant and Bar is OPEN! Chef and Owner of the
Trio Restaurant and Bar is Chris Wishart, the former Chef at Cross Creek Country Club.
Trio Restaurant and Bar has a warm and welcoming, Provencal feel to compliment the bistro
-style cuisine. Trio offers a great experience for all manner of occasion. Whether it is a casual
drink and appetizer in the bar, or a special evening out with friends or clients, they can easily
accommodate. With a healthy and affordable kids menu, you can feel free to bring the
whole family! Trio offers daily lunch and dinner specials to compliment the monthly menus.
They source the best ingredients from around the state, the region, and the world to bring
you, a wholesome, handmade meal served in a relaxed atmosphere. Chris is confident that
you will taste and appreciate the effort! Trio Restaurant and Bar also offers a wide variety of
specials including: wine dinners, wine tastings, catering and market foods and retail wine.
Open for Lunch Monday – Saturday 11:30am – 3:00pm; and for Dinner Wednesday – Saturday 5:30- 9:30pm and open for coffee and treats 9:00am – 11:00am. Trio accepts and encourages reservations. Please call 336-719-0131 or email Trio at [email protected] for
reservations. Reservations through email are not guaranteed unless you receive a response.
Please allow adequate time to process your emailed reservation. Trio Restaurant and Bar is
the ONLY restaurant on the east coast to use ipads for taking orders and sending to the chef
and onto the main system for check out. Chris stated that Trio’s is a test market for this hightech system and so far things are working out great!
Make your evening out special….. with a visit to Trio Restaurant and Bar. Where your selection will be delicious and the presentation will be spectacular…
Experience Trio Restaurant and Bar …Main Oak Emporium in Historic Downtown Mount
Airy!
Trio Restaurant and Bar
247 City Hall Street
Mount Airy, NC 27030
336-719-0131
www.triorestaurantandbar.com
NEW ADDITIONS AT
PRIMLAND!!!
...AND TO THE CHAMBER!
The Chamber Staff recently went on a fabulous tour of the new Lodge at
Primland. The views were absolutely breath taking and the atmosphere was so
relaxing we did not want to leave. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour! It was truly
“ABOVE AND BEYOND” Thank you Ann and Brooks for incredible afternoon at
The Lodge at Primland.
Please help us welcome the Spa at Primland, Elements, and the 19th
Pub to the Chamber Family!
Brooks Bradbury Right
General Manager - Hospitality Division
Ann Walker Left
The New Director of Sales and Marketing
The Spa at Primland – Located at The Lodge at Primland 2000 Busted Rock
Road Meadows of Dan VA. 24120. The Spa at Primland, offers a tranquil environment for renewal and rejuvenation utilizing the wisdom of Native American healing and the finest European spa rituals. For a consultation or to arrange a treatment: call 866-960-7746 or email
[email protected].
19th Pub – Located at The Lodge at Primland 2000 Busted
Rock Road Meadows of Dan VA. 24120. Casual dining at The 19th
Pub which overlooks the Highland Course at Primland. Enjoy your
favorite cocktails, wines, draughts and more. An inspired menu of
classic favorites served daily from 11 to 11. For reservations: [email protected] or call 276-222-3807. Executive Chef – Andrea Griffith.
Elements – Located at The Lodge at
Primland 2000 Busted Rock Road Meadows of
Dan Va. 24120. Elements, refined dining room
the Lodge at Primland offers creative menus of
elemental flavors. Dinner nightly by reservations, 6:30 – 9:30pm. [email protected] or
call 276-222-3800. Smart, casual attire. Jackets required for men. Chef’s Table. Executive
Chef – Andrea Griffith.
of
Mount Airy Bike Rentals
Located at Riverside Park on Riverside Drive Mount Airy, NC 27030. Mount Airy Bike Rentals
is owned and operated by Marissa Cockerham, a rising junior at Surry Early College and a student of Project Y.E.S. (Youth Entrepreneurship Surry). Marissa took an idea along with her
business plan that she had developed in Project Y.E.S and turned her idea into reality!
Mount Airy Bike Rentals was selected as the winner of the Project Y.E.S. Business Plan Competition held earlier this year judged by business leaders form the banking, service and educational fields.
Mount Airy Bike Rentals will be open until November; Thursday - Saturday 9:00am – 8:00pm,
Sunday 1:00pm – 8:00pm at Riverside Park. Mount Airy Bike Rentals currently rents adult
26” cruiser bikes for men and women and children’s 20”, 18”, 16” and 12” bikes both for girls
and boys. Rates vary from Adult fees of $6.00 to $2.00 Toddler fees for an hour. Helmets and
child seats are available for an extra $1.00. A driver’s license and payment are required at
time of rental. Mount Airy Bike Rentals has a total of eleven bikes to rent and has been busy
with weekend riders exploring the Ararat River Greenway. Renting a bike and helmet is so
much easier for those of us who are spontaneous recreationists! Stop by Mount Airy Bike
Rentals and say hello to Marissa Cockerham, our home-grown entrepreneur who took a
great idea and turned it into a business!
Congratulations Marissa, we wish you much SUCCESS!
Mount Airy Bike Rentals
Riverside Park
Riverside Drive
Mount Airy, NC 27030
Choice Center Homes
Located at 1129 North Andy Griffith Parkway Mount Airy, NC 27030. Phone 336-789-6248 or
visit www.choicecenterhomes.com. Main Contacts are Susie Sutherin and Clark Bledsoe. A
family owned and operated company with over 35 years of experience specializing in custom
built modular homes. Choice Center Homes Builders are dedicated to customer satisfaction
and the courteous sales team is dedicated to customer service and your housing needs.
Choice Center Homes
1129 North Andy Griffith Parkway
Mount Airy, NC 27030
336-789-6248
www.choicecenterhomes.com
Paychex, Inc.
4015 Meeting Way Ste 101
High Point, N.C. 27265
336-841-5600 or 336-884-2182
Located at 4015 Meeting Way Suite 101 High Point, NC 27265. Phone 336-841-5600 X 24387. Paychex was established in 1971 and is headquartered out of Rochester, NY. Wes Snyder is the sales
representative for this area. Paychex, Inc. is a recognized leader in the payroll and human resource
industry serving approximately 561,000 businesses nationally.
Sunset Slush of the Foothills
Located at 153 North Main Street Mount Airy, NC 27030. Phone 336-719-0340.
Sunset Slush of the Foothills is owned by Todd and Melissa Tharpe and they
just opened the end of July. Sunset Slush of the Foothills offers Classic Italian
ices with over 40 delicious flavors and combinations. Sunset Slush of the Foothills specializes in weddings, parties, sport events, grand openings, birthday
parties and just about any get together that you may be planning! Call Sunset
Slush of the Foothills and see what kind of ideas they have to make your
get together even better!
Sunset Slush of the Foothills
153 N. Main Street Mount Airy, N.C. 27030
336-719-0340
10th Anniversary Celebration!
DOWNTOWN ROCKS AND RUNS !
SHELTON
Vineyards
Benefit for the United Fund of Surry
Featuring: The Klassix Band
August 21, 2010
Blackmon Theatre
6:00 PM Kick off
6:30 Kids Fun Run
7:15 5K Run/Walk
Admission Fee $10.00
For more information call
336-789-3087
August 26 – 29, 2010
286 Cabernet Lane
Dobson, NC 27017
336-366-4724
Charlie and Ed Shelton extend a personal invitation
to join them for four fun filled days of activities, admission is free.






Hay rides free to all and all day long Sat./Sun.
Blind tasting contest
Cork of the Day Drawing (Grand prize $575 value)
Dinner with Charlie & Ed
Book & Bottle Signing
Music on the Patio (Harvest Grill Restaurant)
Mercedes Car Show…and much more, visit our website for
daily details www.sheltonvineyards.com
“It is important to be involved in the Chamber and other community organizations because it enhances our community’s quality of
life.”
Kenny Meredith, Chief Financial Officer of SouthData.
Involved, Kenny has been! When he is not
crunching numbers at SouthData… he is
using his knowledge and talents to give
back to his community, his family, and his
church. It is always wonderful to see business leaders passionate about their community. Kenny is passionate and not your
stereotypical accountant. He has a fun
personality with a cute, witty sense of
humor. Kenny always has a smile on his
face and welcomes the next conversation.
We have thoroughly enjoyed Kenny’s
participation and involvement in the
Chamber!
Kenny supports local businesses and is often seen networking with other Chamber members at Business After
Hours and other Chamber Events. Kenny feels the Chamber serves as an important networking and marketing arm
for the business community. Those opportunities provide him with a chance to meet and work with other outstanding organizations and companies. “I contribute my success from hard work and being able to work with
successful, community-minded business leaders.” said Kenny.
Kenny has served as the treasurer of both the Chamber and the United Fund of Surry. He has held a seat on the
Administrative Council and currently serves as the Staff Parish Chairperson at First United Methodist Church in
Pilot Mountain. For the past 6 years he has been seen on the court sidelines coaching an AAU basketball team.
Kenny also coaches recreational teams for the Armfield Civic Center.
Kenny grew up in Fancy Gap, VA but, has not been a stranger to Mount Airy. “Mount Airy was always our place
to do our shopping and running around.” Kenny Graduated from Caroll County High School then attended Emory
& Henry College obtaining a degree in Accounting. For the past 23 years he has lived in Pilot Mountain. He and
his wife Barbara are proud parents of two children, a daughter Allison, 20 and a son Scott, 14. Kenny is a nurturing and supportive father to Allison and Scott. Allison is a junior at Wake Forest University and Scott will be attending East Surry High School as a freshman.
Kenny joined SouthData in 2004 as the Finance Director and was named Chief Financial Officer three years ago.
Prior to his career at SouthData, Kenny gained 25 years experience in the management of accounting within several local manufacturing firms such as Flowers Baking Company, Sara Lee, Hamilton Beach Proctor-Silex and
Cross Creek Apparel.
SouthData is a national, full-service document management provider specializing in electronic and paper based
billing; high quality variable printing; distribution and mail services; electronic and film based storage; and
medical release of information. SouthData uses technology and talent to manufacture billing and imaging
products for clients throughout the United States in a wide range of markets.
SouthData has been recognized for the past 5 years as one of the 50 fastest growing companies in the Piedmont
Triad. For the last 3 years they have been named in the 5000 fastest-growing private companies in the United
States. SouthData was honored by the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce with the Small Business
Award in 2009.
Chamber Surprise Patrol visits Gwyn Properties
The Chamber Surprise Patrol paid an unannounced visit to
Gwyn Properties located at 304 North Renfro Street, Suite
200 Mount Airy, NC on Tuesday July 13, 2010. The Chamber Surprise Patrol entered Gwyn Properties with balloons,
a big basket of candy and a box of cookies for Lucy Ellen.
Surprised that the Chamber Surprise Patrol had come to
see her, Lucy Ellen had seen a group in the parking lot with
balloons and thought somebody must be having a party.
Lucy Ellen was right, the party was for her! The Chamber
Surprise Patrol had showed up to thank her for being a
Chamber member and for her years of support for the
Chamber!
Ms. Gwyn taught speech therapy for the Surry County
School system, traveling to each school in the system, for 31 ½ years before retiring. She then
went to work in the real estate field working for other agencies until 1995 when she opened
her own real estate office. Lucy Ellen told us that the very first check she wrote after opening
her own office was to The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce for membership. When
asked to explain, Lucy Ellen said she knew the Chamber was a group of professional business
people and if she was going to be in business for herself, she wanted her business to be recognized as a credible professional business among the community and her peers.
Our visit to Gwyn Properties was so much fun! Lucy Ellen Gwyn is a very witty, frankly honest,
strong business woman. She works hard to find her clients the right home for their needs. In
the past fifteen years as a licensed real estate agent she has seen the market go through
highs and lows and today sees an increased interest in rental property. Gwyn Properties has
been able to weather the real estate storm and to remain flexible continuing to meet the needs
of her clients.
When looking for a real estate agent to help you find the perfect home, we suggest you call a
PROFESSIONAL, Lucy Ellen Gwyn at Gwyn Properties 336-789-2154.
Gwyn Properties
304 North Renfro Street, Suite 200
Mount Airy, NC
(336) 789-2154
Fax: (336) 789-2555
Chamber Surprise Patrol visits Hanesbrands Inc.
The Chamber Surprise Patrol paid an unannounced visit to Hanesbrands Inc. located
at 645 West Pine
Street Mount Airy, NC
27030. Working with a
Hanesbrands “insider”
Amy Johnson the HR
Manager, The Chamber Surprise Patrol was
able to move past security officer, CK Worsham and go directly to
the main office where
we met Receptionist,
Sue Wall.
Sue, a delightful lady
aided and abetted The
Chamber Surprise Patrol by hiding us in the interview room until the managers had arrived for the Tuesday morning meeting. Once they were in the boardroom The Chamber Surprise Patrol entered the meeting carrying balloons, a big box of cookies and a
big basket of candy for Doug St. Louis and the management staff at Hanesbrands.
Part of the managers were out on vacation or at another location and we sure do hate
we missed them but we did have a great time meeting with Doug St. Louis - Plant
Manager, Alton Gaither - Receiving Manager, Amy Johnson - HR Manager and Jeff
Mays - Production Manager!
During our visit, Plant Manager – Doug St. Louis told The Chamber Surprise Patrol
about the daily operations at the plant. Hanesbrands Inc. in Mount Airy knits socks that
are sold at Wal-Mart, Target, Kohl’s, Sear’s, to name a few of the retailers. Hanesbrands employs over 480 people, making them one of the larger employers in Surry
County. The plant operates three shifts a day and has not closed at all this year….not
for a holiday or for bad weather, due to production being up and people wanting to
work! Hanesbrands Inc. produces 10,000,000 million socks a week…..yes that is
10,000,000 MILLION socks a week and the knitting machines are changed out 600
times a week for the new styles.
Doug took us into the plant where we saw the knitting operation of the socks. Once the
socks are knitted they go through a pipe into another area where they fall into a bin for
that particular style then off to the bleaching department. Because of the bleaching
process Hanesbrands Inc. is the largest user of water in the City of Mount Airy.
The Hanesbrands Inc. Plant in Mount Airy has gone through many changes throughout the years; from receiving raw goods in one door and a packaged finished product
leaving through another door; today some of those operation are done elsewhere leaving the knitting and bleaching of the socks in Mount Airy. The Management Team’s
ability to remain flexible and adapt to change with the need arises has resulted in our
local plant remaining vital to the Hanesbrands operation. This year will be a BANNER
year for our local plant and we could not be happier! When you and your family are
shopping for socks please consider purchasing products made locally like the Hanes
and Champion brand socks!
Thank you Doug, Amy, Jeff, Alton for a wonderful visit to Hanesbrands Inc.!
About Hanesbrands
Based in Winston-Salem, N.C., Hanesbrands Inc. (NYSE:HBI) is a world-class consumer goods company with more than a century of history and a portfolio of leading
apparel essentials brands including Hanes, Champion, Playtex, Bali, L’eggs, Just My
Size, Barely There and Wonderbra.
Hanesbrands sells high-volume apparel essentials such as T-shirts, bras, panties,
men’s underwear, kids’ underwear, socks, hosiery, casualwear and activewear. Hanesbrands can be found in eight out of 10 American households and
many across the globe buy year in and year out to bring them comfort and function. As
an example of the scale of Hanesbrands innerwear and outerwear operations, they
manufactured and sold more than 400 million T-shirts and almost half a billion pairs of
socks in fiscal 2005. Wherever and whenever consumers want to shop, Hanesbrands
products are accessible through large, high-volume retailers, including mass merchants and department stores, plus the Internet and catalogs. Hanesbrands, was spun
off from Sara Lee Corporation in 2006, has approximately 50,000 employees. 35,500
of those are outside the United States.
Hanesbrands Inc.
645 West Pine Street
Mount Airy, NC 27030
336-789-6118
www.hanesbrands.com
Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening Ceremony
Mayberry Cheese & Cider Country Store
The Official Ribbon
Cutting ceremony of
Mayberry Cheese & Cider
Country Store located at
225 North Main Street
Mount Airy was held at on
Friday July 23, 2010 at
2:00pm with Mount Airy
Mayor Deborah Cochran
cutting the ribbon with
owners, Ron and Yvonne
Marion. Following the ribbon cutting Chamber
Members, guests, family
and friends were invited inside Mayberry Cheese & Cider for a wonderful open
house celebration. Guests sampled several of the ciders that are carried along
with various cheeses and mouthwatering dips. Some enjoyed resting in the big
rockers and playing checkers.
Mayberry Cheese & Cider Country Store carries a full line of Ashe County
cheese, everything from cheddar and hoop cheese to a variety of flavored
cheese & curds and the famous creamy Ashe County real butter. To go along
with the cheese you must try one of the nine delicious flavors of Mayberry
“sippin ciders”. Mayberry Cheese & Cider Country Store also carries; Krista Kay
Gourmet Dips, Baker’s Peanuts, Amish Bread & Products, Lisa’s Kitchen
Helpers, Pelican Bay Mixes, Cheese Cutting Boards and many more gift sections. Ask for a sample and you will see why Mayberry Cheese & Cider has
earned the slogan;…
"Oh Yeah, It's Really That
Good!"
Mayberry Cheese & Cider
Country Store
225 North Main Street
Mount Airy, NC 27030
336-786-9000
www.mayberrybeverage.com
First Citizens Bank hosts
Chamber Business After
Hours Event
First Citizens Bank located 502 North Main Street Mount Airy,
NC 27030 hosted a Business After Hours Event on Thursday
July 15, 2010 to a crowd of over 100 Chamber Members and
guests.
The staff at First Citizens greeted guests at the door inviting them to the lobby where
Sagebrush Steakhouse had staged tables of various hor’ d oerves, heavy appetizers
and mouth-watering desserts. The crowd enjoyed the festive atmosphere and the
warm and friendly welcome from First Citizens Bank!
Chamber Chairman of the Board – Britta Needham introduced Jerry Venable Senior
Vice President Market Executive First Citizens Bank and Jerry welcomed everyone to
the “FIRST” Business After Hours event at First Citizens Bank! Jerry spoke about the
history of First Citizens Bank and how the first known bank opened in Smithfield NC in
1898. Today First Citizens continues to focus on individuals, and small to medium
sized businesses. Serving customers in more than 200 cities and towns, First Citizens
still maintains their original set of core values with integrity being the foundation of
those values. First Citizens believes in community involvement and giving back and
focuses on economic and community development, education, health and human services and arts and culture.
First Citizens Bank raised the bar for a first time Business After Hours Event! Everything was wonderful, and the staff had paid attention to every detail! Thank you Jerry
Venable and the First Citizens Bank staff for inviting us to your office and for your support of the Chamber and our community!
First Citizens Bank
502 North Main Street
Mount Airy, NC 27030
(336)-789-9561
www.firstcitizens.com
Museum to host “Pseudo-Formal”
A FUN-Raising event.
Gentlemen, grab your favorite jeans and pair them with tux jacket or suit
coat, and ladies, dust off your pearls. On August 6th at 6:30 PM the Mount
Airy Museum of Regional History will host its summer FUN-Raising event
aptly titled Black Tie and Blue Jeans/Denim and Pearls in the Pavilion at
Cross Creek Country Club. The evening is a “pseudo formal” dinner dance
featuring music by the Mediocre Bad Guys and plenty of fun for all.
This event is part of the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History’s annual
series of FUN-Raisers that stared with the “Bunny Hop” in April. According
to Matt Edwards, the museum’s Executive Director, “Black Tie and Blue
Jeans is one of those events that’s really all about having fun and not taking
yourself too seriously—and it doesn’t hurt that it’s a great way to show your
support for the museum.”
During the course of the evening, attendees will be treated to traditional
cookout, music by the Mediocre Bad Guys and an audience interactive game
called “Chicken Karaoke.” The event will also culminate with the final
drawing in the museum’s ongoing 50/50 fundraiser.
Tickets for the Black Tie and Blue Jean event are $35 per person and 50/50
tickets are $20 (you don’t have to be present to win). Both are available at
the museum or may be purchased from any museum board member. For
more information or to reserve your spot contact the museum at 336-7864478.
SKATE MOUNT AIRY
RIBBON CUTTING AND
GRAND OPENING
Riverside Park
RIBBON CUTTING
Friday, August 6, 4pm
GRAND OPENING
Saturday August 7, 10 am
Park official opens!
HOEDOWN FOR HABITAT
September 11, 2010
Mount Airy Country Club
6:30PM - 11:00PM
Catered Barbecue Dinner & Dance
Music by “Blend” starring
Kathe Knight
Tickets $25 , Ages 18 & Up
Call Ginny at 336-789-4663.
If you would like to advertise in the next newsletter for just $25.00,
email Tanya for more info!... [email protected]
Surrey Bancorp earnings higher
The Business Journal of the Greater Triad Area
Surrey Bancorp, the parent company of Surrey Bank & Trust, earned a profit of $550,773 in the
second quarter, up from $416,151 a year earlier, according to an earnings announcement.
The Mount Airy-based Surrey said the increase was due primarily to higher net interest income, which
rose from $1.82 million last year to $2.16 million this year.
Nonperforming assets stood at 1.72 percent of total assets at the end of the quarter, up from 0.38
percent on June 30, 2009.
FREE DOWNTOWN MOUNT AIRY
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(FREE WIRELESS INTERNET)
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How?... Help sponsor the free hotspot.
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For more information call us at:
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NAA names new Hall of Fame members
The National Auctioneers Association
inducted three new members into its Hall of
Fame on Thursday, July 15, during the 61st
International Auctioneers Conference and
Show.
Auctioneers Barry Gordon, CAI, AARE, CES,
Kingston, Ontario, Canada; R. Bracky Rogers,
CAI, CES, Mount Airy, N.C.; and William
Yonce, CAI, Florence, S.C., were honored for
their lifetime of service to the auction industry and to the NAA at the annual President’s
Gala.
R. Bracky Rogers, CAI, CES, founded Rogers Realty & Auction Co. Inc., Mount Airy, N.C., in
1974. He is a licensed Realtor in five states and a licensed Auctioneer in seven states. Prior to
being inducted into the NAA Hall of Fame, Rogers was inducted into the Auctioneers Association of North Carolina Hall of Fame in 1992 and served as NAA President in 2000-01.
Rogers’ induction into the NAA Hall of Fame was announced moments after his son, B. Mark
Rogers, CAI, AARE, Mount Airy, N.C., took the office of President of the NAA – making the
pair the first father and son to serve as Presidents in the 61-year history of the NAA.
“What can you say on a night like this?” Rogers said after his induction. “I’m blessed with the
best family in the world, the best wife, the best church, the best staff and the best friends.
This is the greatest honor of my life.”
Congratulations!
Barbara Jones
New Mount Airy
City Manager
MEET ME AT THE WATER COOLER !
Zane Poindexter
New Mount Airy City
Fire Chief
Have you voiced your opinions on the
Chamber Forum? Another great way to
network with Chamber Members. We hope
that you will take advantage of the new free
forum. Look for weekly topics to discuss or
post your own!
Education in the news… AYP
A B C
123
Adequate Yearly Progress measures the yearly progress toward achieving grade level
performance for each student group in reading and mathematics. It is an all or nothing
model.

Mount Airy High School and Mount Airy Middle School

Millenium Charter Academy has met AYP every year since its inception.

Surry County Schools
14 school(s) (or 82.4%) out of 17 made Adequate Yearly Progress
Cedar Ridge Elementary Central Middle Copeland Elementary Dobson Elementary Flat Rock Elementary Franklin
Elementary J Sam Gentry Middle Meadowview Middle Mountain Park Elementary Pilot Mountain Middle Shoals
Elementary Surry Early College HS Design Westfield Elementary White Plains Elementary
Safe Schools Act
Restoring Faith in Schools
The “Safe Schools Act,” which protects students, parents, teachers, principals, and superintendents, passed the
House and Senate unanimously and is being sent to the Governor to be signed into law. Representative Sarah Stevens and Representative Dale Folwell were two of the primary sponsors.
House Bill 1377 sets forth clear parameters for teachers, principals, and administrators who resign without the
consent of the superintendent. It protects children by not allowing those employees who commit misconduct worthy of dismissal to resign and apply to another school district without review.
Too often principals, teachers, and administrators were being recommended for dismissal due to misconduct, but
at the last stage would resign. At any time during a 30-page dismissal process, the employee recommended for
dismissal could resign. These principals, teachers, and administrators would apply to another school district and
sometimes be hired because their record did not reflect the events of their recommended dismissal.
The Safe Schools Act prevents this from happening by requiring that superintendents shall report that the school
employee resigned without the consent of the superintendant to the North Carolina State Board of Education,
which controls the licensure process for the State of North Carolina.
This bill was endorsed by the North Carolina School Boards Association, North Carolina Association of School
Administrators, Professional Educators of North Carolina, North Carolina Association of Educators, and the North
Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
The primary sponsors of the “Safe Schools Act” in the North Carolina House include Rep. Dale Folwell (RForsyth), Rep. Sarah Stevens, (R-Alleghany, Surry), Rep. Bill McGee (R-Forsyth), and Rep. Laura Wiley (RGuilford). If you would like to read the Safe Schools Act, please go to www.ncleg.net.
For additional information, please contact:
The Office of Representative Sarah Stevens
Phone: (919) 715-1883 E-Mail: [email protected]
Six Tax Tips for New Business Owners
Are you opening a new business this summer?
The IRS has many resources available for individuals that are opening a new business. Here
are six tax tips the IRS wants new business owners to know.
1. First, you must decide what type of business entity you are going to establish. The type of
business entity will determine which tax form you have to file. The most common types of
business are the sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation and S corporation.
2. The type of business you operate determines what taxes you must pay and how you pay
them. The four general types of business taxes are income tax, self-employment tax, employment tax and excise tax.
3. An Employer Identification Number is used to identify a business entity. Generally, businesses need an EIN. Visit IRS.gov for more information about whether you will need an
EIN. You can also apply for an EIN online at IRS.gov.
4. Good records will help you ensure successful operation of your new business. You may
choose any recordkeeping system suited to your business that clearly shows your income
and expenses. Except in a few cases, the law does not require any special kind of records.
However, the business you are in affects the type of records you need to keep for federal
tax purposes.
5. Every business taxpayer must figure taxable income on an annual accounting period called
a tax year. The calendar year and the fiscal year are the most common tax years used.
6. Each taxpayer must also use a consistent accounting method, which is a set of rules for determining when to report income and expenses. The most commonly used accounting
methods are the cash method and an accrual method. Under the cash method, you generally report income in the tax year you receive it and deduct expenses in the tax year you
pay them. Under an accrual method, you generally report income in the tax year you earn
it and deduct expenses in the tax year you incur them.
IRS Publication 583, Starting a Business and Keeping Records, provides basic federal tax information for people who are starting a business. This publication is available on IRS.gov or
by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676). Visit the Business section of IRS.gov for resources to assist entrepreneurs with starting and operating a new business.
Chamber and Surry County Economic
Development Partnership Host Lunch
and Learn Business Seminar
The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of
Commerce and the Surry County Economic Development Partnership partnered together to host a Lunch and
Learn Seminar on Wednesday July 14,
2010 at the Surry County Government
Center to a group of local businesses.
Speaker, David Sipple, Assistant Regional Center Director / Technology
Commercialization Counselor at NC
SBTDC (Small Business and Technology Development Center) delivered an
informative program titled, “Managers
– How to Motivate your Employees In
Customer Service and Going Above and Beyond!”
The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce and the Surry County Economic Development
Partnership are committed to assisting our existing business by providing them with resources
and opportunities that keep them competitive in today’s tough economy. Several local representatives from our manufacturing and small business sector took advantage of the no cost
educational seminar, looking for innovative ways to improve customer service at their individual businesses.
The Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) has been helping North
Carolina businesses grow and create new jobs since 1984. SBTDC specialists provide management counseling and educational services to small and mid-sized businesses throughout
North Carolina. Most SBTDC services are free of charge, and all SBTDC services are confidential.
Business Counseling — The SBTDC’s core service is in-depth management counseling, addressing financing, marketing, human resources, operations, business and strategic planning,
and feasibility assessment.
Management Education — The SBTDC also helps business owners and managers, economic and community development organizations, education institutions and not-for-profit organizations develop strategies and action plans to gain competitive advantage.
The SBTDC’s Market Development Services are specifically designed to aid growing companies in expanding their markets and increasing competitiveness.
Technology Development and Commercialization — SBTDC technology specialists work
extensively with technology-based businesses and university researchers in commercializing
innovative technologies. The SBTDC is also the Governor’s designated Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) assistance resource.
Government Procurement — SBTDC procurement specialists help clients successfully compete for federal, state, and local government contracts. Services include
identification of contracting opportunities, bid package preparation and post-award assistance.
Export Financing Services — The SBTDC provides assistance with export financing
(loans and credit insurance), and is North Carolina’s City-State Partner for the US Export-Import Bank.
Boating Industry Services — The SBTDC actively works to expand growth opportunities and advocate for companies involved in the boating industry (marinas, boatyards, boat dealers, boat builders, marine construction firms).
Marketing & Research Services — SBTDC specialists provide research and marketing support services for SBTDC clients, primary research on small business needs and
economic impact, and special projects such as small business incubator feasibility
studies.
UPCOMING SBTDC’s EVENTS
NxLeveL Business Planning for Entrepreneurs (various dates)
Access to Capital: SBA Lender and Small Business Matchmaker (August 2, Cary)
NC Angels: Investing Close to Home (August 3, Winston-Salem)
Becoming an Investor-Ready Entrepreneur (August 5, Winston-Salem)
Veteran's Small Business Conference (August 5, Jacksonville)
SBIR/STTR Proposal Preparation Workshop (September 13, Durham)
Supplier Diversity Workshop for Program Managers and Small Business Liaison Officers (September 16, Cary)
Take advantage of agencies like the Small Business and Technology Development
Center who offer expert advice and programs to help YOU start a business or succeed
in your current business!
Small Business and Technology
Development Center
5 West Hargett Street, Suite 600,
Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-1348
Phone: 919.715.7272 or 800.258.0862
www.sbtdc.org
11,282 visitors were greeted in July!
Year to date staff has greeted 38,435 visitors at the
Mount Airy Visitors Center
Top states that visited Mount Airy in July
NC, OH, PA, FL, SC, TN, IN, KY, GA, AL, MS, WV
New Tourism Partnership Launches
Interactive Web Site-Surry County
The Tourism Partnership of Surry County has just launched a new interactive website
(www.VerySurry.com) to support their townships’ collaborative effort of promoting local
dining, lodging and attractions through increased tourism.
The Web site, which captures Surry’s diverse blend of tourism opportunities, is engaging and
simple to navigate. It will constantly be updated with upcoming events, videos of local
festivals, and Twitter feeds. It features an interactive map of the county’s main townships
and attractions, as well as planned itineraries of sample weekend excursions.
The site also offers comprehensive lists of everything the county has to offer, including 10
vineyards and wineries, famous sights from The Andy Griffith Show, and hiking trails near
Pilot Mountain, as well as numerous dining and lodging options.
“The new VerySurry.com was designed with weekend travelers in mind. We provide them
with everything they’ll need to know to make their stay in Surry County as hassle-free and
enjoyable as possible,” said Chris Knopf, Assistant County Manager of Economic Development and Tourism, Surry County. “We have so much to do here, they’ll want to keep coming
back for more.”
About the Tourism Partnership of Surry County:
The Partnership, which was founded in 2009, has been working diligently to promote tourism
of their four main townships, Mount Airy, Pilot Mountain, Dobson and Elkin, through a new
advertising campaign and launch of the Web site. Their new slogan “Very Surry, Art & Soul
of the Yadkin Valley” demonstrates that Surry County is an ideal destination for wine, outdoor
activities and culture.
200 N. Main St. Mount
Airy, N.C. 27030
336-786-6116 Main
336-786-1488 Fax
V ISIT US ON- LINE
WWW.MTAIRYNCCHAMBER. ORG
AND WWW. VISITMAYBERRY. COM
THE CHAMBER IS NOW ON
F ACEBOOK UNDER MOUNT AIRY
C HAMBER
Betty Ann Collins - President
Email: [email protected]
Main Line Extension 6
Yvonne Nichols - Executive Assistant and Autumn Leaves Festival Director
Email: [email protected]
Main Line Extension 5
Jessica Icenhour - Tourism Director
Email: [email protected]
Main Line Extension 3
Tanya Taylor- Membership and Communication Director
Email: [email protected]
Main Line Extension 4
Fawn Shaw - Visitor Specialist
Email: [email protected]
Main Line
The Mission of the Greater Mount Airy
Chamber of Commerce is to advance,
promote and encourage successful business
growth for our members.