Fall 2014 Newsletter - Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce

THE
CHAMBER
CHATTER
November Fall Edition 2014
HAPPY FALL!
5 “FALL” BUSINESS TIPS!
Letting Go is not a bad thing! - Don’t be afraid to ask for help, a fresh viewpoint could be
positive. Delegate responsibilities out to your team or consider hiring help.
Change Your Environment - Change your prospective, Have a meeting in a different place.
Take a break, go outside, come back refreshed.
Get Organized - what would increase your productivity? What 3 things do you need to do to be
ready for the new year? It is just around the corner.
Rake The Yard - not literally, but yes... clean up around you. Does those files really need to be
on your desk? You are more productive when you are not cluttered.
Catch the Early Show! -Meaning take time to celebrate little successes in your office and take
time for you! Enjoy the changing colors around you!
200 N. Main St.
Mount Airy, N.C. 27030
336-786-6116 Main
336-786-1488 Fax
Thursday, November 6th 4:00pm
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
S&S Menswear
512 N. Renfro Street Suite 2
Mount Airy, NC 27030
Friday, November 14th, 4:00 pm
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Wyatt’s Trading Post
New Location Downtown!
235 N. Main Street
Mount Airy, NC 27030
Friday, November 21st, 4:00pm
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Habitat for Humanity
New Location!
217 S. South Street Mount Airy NC 27030
Don’t forget to cast your
vote on November 4th!
Mark your calendar for
the 54th Annual Dinner
Meeting of The Greater
Mount Airy Chamber of
Commerce.
January 29th, 2015
BLACK FRIDAY - RESERVE YOUR SEAT!
December 5th, 6:00-10:00 pm
Black Friday Event and Silent Auction
Cross Creek Country Club
DJ and Dancing, Dinner, and Buy Local Christmas Shopping discounts at our Silent
Auction
Sponsorship inquiries, donations or to reserve your seat email [email protected] or call 786-6116 ext 206.
HELP US WELCOME OUR NEW MEMBERS!
Golden Corral
Located at 2226 Rockford Street Mount Airy, NC 27030. Phone 336-786-1400 fax 336-786-9090 website
www.GCPartners.com. General Manager- Bryan Council and Assistant Manager- Tammy Inman. Currently
employs 11 fulltime and 28 part-time employees.
Golden Corral is an American family-style restaurant chain. A main feature of the Golden Corral is the large
buffet and grill that offers numerous hot and cold dishes, a carving station and the Brass Bell Bakery. Golden
Corral's legendary “Endless Buffet” features an abundant variety of delicious familiar favorites and continuous
new menu offerings for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Planning an event? Golden Corral can handle large gatherings to intimate parties... Golden Corral has
everything you’ll need to make your event special! With so many delicious menu choices, including entrees,
side dishes, vegetables, soups, breads, desserts, beverages and even breakfast items, your guests will surely be
satisfied and delighted. They will even provide the cups, plates, bowls, utensils and serving implements and a
banquet room. So whether it's at your location or ours, let Golden Corral cater your next event, such as wedding dinners, receptions, reunions, corporate, church gatherings.
Golden Corral
2226 Rockford Street
Mount Airy, NC 27030
336-786-1400
www.GCPartners.com
Arsco Self Storage
Located at 1431 North Andy Griffith Parkway Mount Airy, NC 27030. Phone 336-789-0001. Established in
1976, Arsco Self Storage is Owned and Managed by Teddy Smith.
With more than 400 units ranging from 5x5 to 10x25, Arsco Self Storage can meet all your short- or long-term
storage needs. For more than 25 years, this family-owned business has prided itself on having one of the most
secure, clean and well-maintained facilities in the area. Combined with friendly service and great rates, they
cannot be beat!
Arsco Self Storage facility features: • Gated Access (gates are open from 6:00 am - 9:00 pm) • Owner lives
on-site• Well-lit• Multiple security cameras• Climate control units available • RV/Boat/Vehicle storage
• Controlled Access Storage •Drive-in Storage •Packing and moving supplies. Office Hours: Monday – Friday
9am- 5pm, Saturday 9am – 12noon and Sunday – Closed.
Call 336-789-0001 for current move-in specials!
Home
1431 North Andy Griffith Parkway
Mount Airy, NC 27030
336-789-0001
http://www.arscostorage.com
TNT Supplies
Located at 1075 Bryant Mill Road Ararat, NC 27007. Phone 336-283-0308, fax 336-374-4144 and website
http://www.tnt.supplies.com
Established in May 2003, Brandon Lawson is a Co-Owner and he can be reached by email at
[email protected].
TNT Supplies offers: Office Supplies, Janitorial Supplies, Educational Supplies, Retail Store Supplies,
Printing Supplies, Mailing and Shipping Supplies and Technology Products.
Thousands and thousands and thousands of products...you must visit their website and request a catalog….
TNT Supplies
1075 Bryant Mill Road
Ararat, NC 27007
336-283-0308
http://www.TNT.supplies.com
SpiritPsych Stress-Anxiety Therapy Center
Stress kills. It may be the number one killer in America. Stress causes more physical illness, mental illness,
accidents, relational failure, job inefficiency, lost profits, lost wages, divorce, bullying, and crime than any
single factor. Stress is the enemy. To fight it, you need an expert ally providing you weapons and training.
For 33 years, Bruce S. Hodges has been a psychologist, counselor, and psychotherapist. He is the creator of a
psychotherapeutic methodology called Existential Values Therapy, or EVT, which has proven highly
successful in the treatment of a wide variety of disorders, especially those related to stress and anxiety, with
fewer required sessions and sustained healing. This has made Hodges a specialist in the treatment and
prevention of stress and anxiety related disorders, including physiological symptoms like hypertension. After
years of clinical counseling and psychotherapy in institutions including hospitals, an orphanage, and an opiate
addiction clinic, Bruce S. Hodges has moved his practice to Mount Airy, his hometown. Announcing the
SpiritPsych Stress-Anxiety Therapy Center on 154 N. Renfro Street, Suite 108. The mission of the Center is
to work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals in the preservation of both the length and quality
of life through the prevention and treatment of stress and anxiety.
SpiritPsych Stress-Anxiety Therapy Center
154 N. Renfro Street - Suite 108
Mount Airy, North Carolina 27030
Bruce S. Hodges MDiv EdD (Cand) EVT
Ph: 336-715-0555 Email: [email protected]
Ogburn Stables
Located at 5716 Ogburn Stables Road Tobaccoville, NC 27050. Phone 336-983-2279, cell 336-287-3661 visit
our website at www.ogburnstables.com.
Ogburn Stables is a full service-boarding stable for both show and trail horses that has been in operation since
1973. They offer; trail rides, host parties, riding lessons and summer camps. Ogburn Stables was founded and
is still family owned and operated by David and Vickie Ogburn. The facility includes 73 beautiful country
acres in the North Carolina foothills, just a few miles from both Pilot Mountain State Park and the Yadkin
Island Park. At Ogburn Stables, you will find true Southern hospitality.
The grounds include a large riding ring, a round pen, an additional covered riding ring and approximately 30
acres of beautiful wooded trails with varying terrain. In addition, a separate riding trail follows the full
perimeter of their 73 acres. The stables also have a fully covered pavilion complete with picnic tables, a grill,
and a playground area with swings, a slide and a horseshoe pitching area. The perfect place for a family outing,
a team building experience for a group or a simple get away and back to nature day for you and a friend!
Looking for a special place to hold a party…..Ogburn Stables could be the setting you have been searching for!
Trail Rides * Birthday Parties * Corporate Parties * Riding Lessons * Boarding * Lodging
Ogburn Stables
5716 Ogburn Stables Road
Tobaccoville, North Carolina 27050
336-983-2279
www.ogburnstables.com
Pilot Mountain Area Business Association
Pilot Mountain Area Business Association – PMABA is a professional association open to all businesses,
industries, organizations and clubs throughout the greater Pilot Mountain Area. The mission of PMABA is to
provide a strong professional network for local businesses to increase awareness and trade within the greater
Pilot Mountain Area. They hope to increase a sense of community and to encourage networking. PMABA
meets on the first Tuesday of each month, and is open to all businesses, organizations and groups throughout
the Pilot Mountain Area. Join us to learn about what PMABA offers. Become aware of upcoming events and
local economic development such as new business, or space available. Network with Local Pilot Mountain
Businesses to build relationships and word of mouth referrals. Visit www.pmaba.org for more information. You may email [email protected] for meeting information or like Pilot Mountain Area
Business Association on facebook.
Pilot Mountain Area Business Association - PMABA
P.O. Box 1392
Pilot Mountain NC 27041
www.pmaba.org
[email protected]
Rhythm On Main Dance & Gymnastics
Rhythm On Main is the Premier Studio in the Yadkin Valley for Dance and Gymnastics with classes from
pre-school to adult. The staff at Rhythm on Main strives to stay on the cutting edge of the current dance trends,
but still give students a strong hold on tradition with strong technique and knowledge of terminology. Their goal
is to INSPIRE each child to GROW and ACHIEVE so that whatever path they choose, they can SUCCEED.
Contacts for Rhythm on Main Dance & Gymnastics are Will Shover -Director (Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip-Hop, &
Lyrical) Don Hudson -Operations Manager Leighanne Wright- Office Manager
Rhythm on Main Dance & Gymnastics
246 E. Main Street
Elkin, NC 28621
336-835-5272
www.rhythmonmain.com
Clean Machine Pro
Clean Machine Pro is putting dirt under pressure! Tackle your toughest job on concrete, brick, walkways,
patios, vinyl siding, decks, garage floors, RV’s, boats and more! Before you replace, give Don Hudson – owner,
or Jason Tharpe - Manager a call. Clean Machine Pro is a power washing, maintenance cleaning company that
offers free estimates. They are insured and dependable! For superior work at a great price Clean Machine Pro
will make your project sparkle!
Clean Machine Pro
246 E. Main Street
Elkin, N.C. 28621
800-299-8447
Like Clean Machine Pro on facebook to see how they put dirt under pressure!
Market Street Artisans and Designworks
The secret is out. Market Street Artisans and Designworks is an incredible new studio in downtown Mount Airy
on Market Street that is all about creating beautiful surroundings for your living spaces. Owned by Cathy
Robinson and Melanie Diamont, you can re-imagine your style, your way, with their tools, training and
inspiration! Cathy and Melanie can show you the many possible techniques available with Amy Howard at
Home products. Amy Howard paints are great for home improvement projects as there is no smell or paint
odor. Stop in the artisans studio to discuss your next design project. Market Street Artisans offers workshops
for you to learn the techniques very popular today turning old furniture into beautiful works of art easily! Bring
in a piece of furniture to see what ideas they have or bring in a photo of the look you want and get started
fast! Whether it is something you want to refinish, or paint to look distressed or cracked, or you want a new
look for an end table, mirror or headboard, Market Street Arisans and Designworks has the talent to share with
you to acquire the look you want!
Market Street Artisans and Designworks
235 Market Street
Mount Airy NC 27030
336-648-8477
Visit Market Street Artisans and Designworks on facebook to see all the workshops and fabulous designs.
Edgewood Place Apartments
Edgewood Place Apartments is the newest addition to exceptional living. It is the newest
investment of apartments in Mount Airy managed by Wynnefield Properties located behind
Walmart on 701 Edgewood Place Lane with close access to Hwy 52. Edgewood is now
leasing beautiful 2 and 3 bedroom apartment homes featuring Energy Star appliances, extra
storage space, ceiling fans, washer-dryer hookups, Window Blind Treatments, laundry
facility, playground, club house fitness room and a picnic area.
Donna Cox is the main contact currently until the onsite manager is hired. Edgewood is now
taking applicants for the new apartment community. Come by and visit this new investment in
Mount Airy. If you are looking for a new quiet haven but still want to have close access to
main stream come by for a visit and a tour and see what the Edgewood Place has to offer.
Edgewood Place
701 Edgewood Place Lane
Mount Airy, NC 27030
336-454-6134
S&S Menswear
S&S Menswear is a new retail store in Mount Airy located in the shopping center off of
Independence behind McDonalds with Ollies. Sunny Kriplani is the owner and also owns
S&S Menswear in Winston Salem on Peterscreek Pky. For the next two weeks they are
running a special for $99 for any suit. $119 for suit, shirt & tie, shoes for 39.99 and ties for
$14.99. They also carry an assortment of NFL Jackets and Caps. There will be a ribbon
cutting this Thursday November 6th at 4:00 pm. Come out this Thursday and see some of the
best suit prices in town!
S&S Menswear
512 Renfro Street Suite 2
Mount Airy, NC 27030
336-719-2962
The Chamber Surprises Surry Chemicals, Inc.
The Chamber Surprise makes a stop at Surry Chemicals, Inc. on Tuesday, August 19th.
We first met James Belton and Roger Craveley. Owner Sherman Shepherd and Son Pete
Shepherd joined the surprise. We asked Sherman to tell us a little about how Surry
Chemicals came to be. An interesting story of a layoff led to this company in Mount Airy
that now supplies its products and services all over the world! The company has been in
business almost 40 years. They manufacture and distribute premium quality chemicals and
processing equipment. A veteran supplier for a wide array of textile industries encompassing
bleaching, dyeing, and finishing chemistries. Their diversified product range continues to
grow following trends their customer base needs. They hold many patents on technology
being used in several of the textile industries today especially with sock manufacturers. For
over 30 years Surry Chemicals has been committed to providing state of the art equipment,
superior chemical products and processes. Surry Chemicals can monitor and troubleshoot all
technology placed in companies all over the world from their home office in Mount
Airy! Even globally they think locally using many of the local trucking companies. They
also have a cutting edge laboratory to insure the quality their customers require.
What a great visit! It was wonderful to see a company in Mount Airy making an impact
locally and globally!
Surry Chemicals, Inc.
241 Hickory Street
Mount Airy, NC 27030
www.surrychemicals.net
United Plumbing Supply celebrates Ribbon Cutting and
Grand Opening of their new showroom!
On Thursday August 21st, United Plumbing held a Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of
their showroom. The last couple of months the office of United Plumbing had undergone a
complete renovation of their entrance and show room. It was a large investment that the
staff was very proud of. The new showroom is so inviting to their customers and gives them a
platform of comfort as well as many options to begin the design stage. You will find three
rooms of everything you would need for your kitchen and bathroom. Several brands from
beautiful sinks, faucets, toilets, soft close drawers, and even a fancy digital shower with
temperature control and multiple sprays was on display. From the smallest and simplest
repairs to the largest of renovations, United Plumbing Supply will handle your need.
Bennil Easter, plumber since 1967, attended the grand opening. He has been a loyal customer
since their opening. Easter said that everyone changes but United Plumbing continues to
carry the best lines and complete line of products his customers desire. Their customer service
brings him back again and again. He loves working with United Plumbing and recommends
everyone to come by and see their new showroom. The Kohler Team was also present for the
grand opening. They were very excited for what this new showroom offered to United
Plumbing as well as Kohler. United Plumbing is a division of HAJOCA Corporation.
Many told great stories of their outstanding customer service and how the United Plumbing
team makes you feel that your project is the most important. Members of the United Plumbing
Supply team are enthusiastic about the expansion. They take pride in ensuring each customer is
happy and more than satisfied. The new expansion of their showroom will help guide their
customers to visualize the end result of their project.
Manager Josh Sechrist, showroom Manager Lesley Potter, as well as the Kohler team were
very thankful for the large crowd and Chamber Support. If you were unable to visit at the
Grand Opening, they welcome you to come by and introduce yourself.
United Plumbing Supply
925 W. Lebanon Street
Mount Airy, NC 27030
336-786-8394
www.hajoca.com
Johnson Nurseries & Landscape Supply
holds Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening!
Johnson Nurseries & Landscape Supply celebrated their Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening on
Friday August 22nd. They are located on 52N just before Cana Mount Airy Florist on the
right. The new business catches your eye as you are driving by with all the beautiful fall trees,
shrubs and plants. Pulling in you see how all the plants go way beyond your eyesight around the
side of the building. At the entrance is a special patio featuring many of the stone and brick
options with a fire pit in the center. I can see a fun business after hours in the future! It of
course was the perfect place to hold the ribbon cutting!
Johnson Nurseries & Landscape Supply serves Surry County and the surrounding area with high
quality plants and landscaping for your residential and commercial property. They are locally
owned and operated providing retail and wholesale produce, landscaping supplies and plants.
They also offer landscape design and installation. Building retaining walls, patios, fire pits are
projects they can help you with. Do you have a project idea in mind? Call Loyd Johnson and
Elliott Johnson to see how they can help. They also carry Double Ground Mulch, Black, Red
and Brown Hardwood Mulch and other yard supplies. Come inside to their retail store and see
what they have for your next yard project. Whether it is controlling weeds or installing a
fabulous back yard paradise, Loyd and Elliott can guide you through the process.
Everyone stayed around after the ribbon cutting and enjoyed refreshments and conversation.
Thank you for your hospitality and we know you will be very successful!
Johnson’s Nursery & Landscaping Supply
1720 N. Andy Griffith Parkway Hwy 52 N
Mount Airy, NC 27030
(336) 755-3789
www.jsmandl.com
Miss Angels Heavenly Pies
Holds Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening Celebration
On Wednesday August 27th, A large
turnout of Chamber Staff, Board
Members, Elected Officials,
Ambassadors and Chamber Members
arrived downtown in support of a
Ribbon Cutting and Grand
Opening Celebration at Miss Angels
Heavenly Pies. Recently, the business
expanded, reorganizing, also using the
next door store front and adding Hillbilly Ice and Creamery to their menu. Miss Angels has been known
to have the most excellent pies and cakes featuring moonshine pie and fruit pies made with local fruit from
their very own Rolling Hills Farm. She also occasionally features quiches and daily specials. She is now
growing to expand her fall menu with pizza, chicken and beef pies and other popular items. Come in have a
seat and enjoy a lunch item, signature dessert or a cup of homemade ice cream. Miss Angels offers sugar
free and gluten free options!
Angela and Randy Shur owners of Miss Angels loves being downtown. Their business has brought a
different life to the Mayberry end of town. Not only are they present downtown, they are present in our
community. Miss Angels Heavenly Pies donates to many organizations that provide for those in need each
week.
You are able to go by and see Miss Angel and her staff hard at work making things fresh daily. With the
new expansion the Shur’s will also be offering cake decorating classes. Need a wedding cake, birthday
cake, or a logo cake for a corporate event, we have been told Randy Shur is the best decorator in the country
and can do anything! Give Angela a call to see what delicious items she can recommend.
For the Celebration, Miss Angels had samples of cakes and Italian ice for those in attendance. Blanton
Youell with B-Dazzle Productions was there as entertainment for guests. What a wonderful event, thank you
Angela and Randy for your hospitality and your investment in our downtown!
Miss Angels Heavenly Pies
155 N. Main Street
Mount Airy, NC 27030
(336) 786-1537
Olde Mill Music Hosts Business After Hours Event
On Thursday August 28th, Chamber Members, musicians and customers came Downtown for a
wonderful evening and Business After Hours hosted by Olde Mill Music. Owners Rick Caudill
and Jennie Lowry welcomed guests with refreshments from McArthur’s on Main and Wine from
Old North State Winery. There was a special cake cutting with a cake that actually looked like a
guitar that many nearly attempted to pick up and play! The cake was created by Randy Shur from
Miss Angel’s Heavenly Pies and of course tasted Heavenly! John Rees provided the musical
entertainment for the evening. Jennie welcomed guests and was humbled by everyone’s
continued support of Olde Mill Music as well as downtown businesses in general. She thanked
everyone for coming and introduced many of her customers that were musicians and teachers that
attended.
Olde Mill Music offers a wide variety of new and used musical instruments, sound equipment,
repair service, accessories, instructional books and DVDs, school band supplies and musical gifts.
Olde Mill Music has been proudly serving our local community for over 20 years. Their shop is
run by and for musicians. Helping people make music and making it better is their mission. Have
a dream of playing an instrument? It is never too late to learn. Olde Mill Music provides an
excellent learning environment for all ages and levels in a comfortable teaching studio.
Olde Mill Music
236 N. Main Street
Mount Airy, North Carolina 27030
336-786-8742
www.oldemillmusic.com
Northern Hospital of Surry County Hosts Business After Hours
On Thursday September 4th Northern Hospital of Surry County hosted A Business After Hours
in the Surgical Center. Chamber Members were welcomed by Ashly Lancaster - Director of
Marketing & Communications and Shawn Watson -Provider Network & Community Relations
Coordinator with the Hospital. Several of the doctors were on hand to meet business
leaders. Interim CEO Bert Whitaker welcomed the attendees, introducing those doctors and
staff members in attendance. Bert announced the hospital’s board of trustees voted to appoint
Ned Hill as the hospital’s new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective Oct. 6. Bert
thanked everyone for their support and spoke highly of how our Business Community works
together.
Attendees enjoyed networking and delicious appetizers that they raved over that were
prepared by the hospital cafeteria. It was a great opportunity for Business Leaders to come in
and visit with Hospital staff, see the hospital and learn about the new options being offered.
Northern Hospital opened its doors in 1957 with 98 beds to serve the community. Today, it has
grown to a 133 bed, Joint Commission accredited facility with a state-of-the-art surgical center,
award winning radiology services, a skilled nursing facility, and 100% compliance with its
quality core- measures. Northern is ranked a Tier 1 hospital by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of
North Carolina because of top ratings for both clinical and quality outcomes, cost-efficiency
and accessibility. Northern is recognized by U.S. News & World Report and Business North
Carolina for excellence in patient care. Northern Hospital also operates a specialty physician
network, Northern Medical Group, which consists of providers in Cardiology, Gastroenterology,
General Surgery, Inpatient Care (Hospitalists), Obstetrics and Gynecology, Orthopedics, Pain
Management, Pediatrics, Pulmonology, and Urology. It is their mission to provide access to
quality, affordable healthcare with the vision to be the Healthcare system of choice for the
community.
830 Rockford Street, Mount Airy NC 27030
336-719-7000
www.northernhospital.com
Chamber Hosts Business Academy
On September 9th The Chamber Hosted a September Business Academy ‘How Companies
Successfully Use Social Media’. In this Business Academy Chris Vaughan OwnerBizness Transitions went through the most popular social media sites as well as the up and
coming. Chris gave specific examples of how businesses were successfully using the
different sites for marketing their products and services and how to measure the success of
your contact base and visibility. Chris was on hand after the seminar to answer questions that
the attendees had.
Chamber Hosts 13th Annual Chairman’s Cup
The 13th Annual Chairman’s Cup was held on Thursday, September 11th at Cross Creek Country
Club. The Theme for the day was Red White and Blue to honor those lost 13 years ago on
9/11. Jonathan Willard Golf Tournament Chair with Unique Background Solutions asked us to
take a moment to remember those lost and be thankful for those that serve us everyday putting
themselves in harm’s way. Renae Shaffer Finance Director for the Chamber began the
tournament with a prayer remembering those lost and their families.
The Eagle Sponsor for the 13th Annual Chairman’s Cup was Kelly Office Solutions who
has been a long time supporter of the Chamber Tournament. The day began with a
barbecue lunch under the pavilion with the 19th hole sponsors SouthData Inc., JG
Coram Company, and Surry Telephone Membership Corporation. A casual lunch with
members networking before play as Round Peak Vineyards set up as the lunch spirit sponsor
featuring their beer and wine. Renfro Corporation was the tournament spirit sponsor and
beverage cart sponsor. On what turned out to be a scorching afternoon, the “Renfro Beverage
Cart” was a hot item. The players received overfilled player bags also receiving very nice gifts
from Chamber Member sponsors. Mountain Valley Hospice was the towel sponsor for the
event. Carolina West Wireless was the bag sponsor, Rogers Realty & Auction Co. was the
Ball Sponsor. A new sponsorship added to the tournament was Mayberry Spirits who
sponsored a beautiful shot glass for the ‘buy a team shot’ hole for a guaranteed birdie on the
hole.
A full course of Chamber members played golf for the afternoon. Thank you to our Birdie
Sponsors LS Starret, Leonard Buildings & Truck Accessories, and Carolina West
Wireless. All players received a designed golf t-shirt with the logos of the Eagle and Birdie
Sponsors. Thank you also to our Par Sponsors Unique Background Solutions, Samet, Payne
Wood and Horton & Co., Scenic Motors, Lowe’s Hardware, Brannock & Hiatt Furniture,
Moody Funeral Service, Edward Jones, BB&T Bank, Burton Signworks, NC Granite Corporation, Collins & McNeely Pest Control, Old North State Winery, First Citizens Bank,
Johnson’s Granite, Foothills Garage Doors, Bray’s Recapping, and Northern Hospital of
Surry County. Thank you to Primland, Cedarbrook Country Club and CenturyLink for
sponsoring a prize from Rock Barn as our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes.
It was a great day of golf and the winners came in. 1st Place went to second time winner Choice
Metal Buildings, 2nd Place went to New Image Home Designs, and 3rd Place went to Unique
Background Solutions. Men’s Longest Drive went to Patrick Frazier, Ladies Longest Drive
went to Julie Perkins, Men’s Closest to the Pin went to Steve Loftis, and Ladies Closest to the
Pin went to Britta Needham.
After all tournament winners were announced a half and half raffle was held which the winner
received $200 cash that went to Marion Venable. Additional raffles were held with a gas grill
from Lowe’s and Chili’s gift cards and Hutchens Cleaners gift cards and other prizes. Thank
you to all those individuals that came out to play with us as well as BIG thank you to the
businesses for their continued support.
Chamber celebrates and welcomes new owner of Sonic,
Curtis Coleman, with a Ribbon Cutting Celebration
On Friday September 19th Elected Officials, Board Members, Chamber Staff and Chamber
Members welcomed the new young owner of Sonic Curtis Coleman. Curtis is 22 years old
and one of our newest young leaders in the community. Curtis explained how he grew
quickly through Sonic from high school until now learning each and every part of the business. He has such a passion for Sonic so when the opportunity presented itself in April, he
took it becoming the new owner. We look for great things from him and Sonic. Congratulations Curtis!
The day had many surprises! Our very own wonderful Mayor Deborah Cochran arrived at
Sonic in Roller Skates. She shared a special story about how she once worked at Sonic and
talked about the great people she worked with and her experiences. She even brought her
own tray she once used with her name on it and presented it to Curtis as a token! Also, In
surprise Curtis in turn presented the Mayor with a certificate being named as an Honorary
Carhop! A great day all around. Thank you to those that attended this very different and
special Ribbon Cutting Celebration. Attendees were able to sample and enjoy many of their
slushy flavors!
The Sonic Drive-In is a locally owned restaurant that provides high quality, made to order
food by Master Chef’s and delivered by a smiling skating carhop! Curtis and the Sonic staff
looks forward to bringing you a delicious menu option with a smiling and friendly dining
experience. There's a whole team pitching in to make sure that every order is made the way
you want it and delivered fresh to your car. Enjoy burgers, hot dogs, chicken, snacks and
sides or one of their famous slushies!
697 W. Independence Blvd.
336-789-5082
http://www.sonicdrivein.com
The Chamber Surprises Mt. Airy Drug
On September 23rd on an early Tuesday morning, Chamber Staff and Ambassadors arrived at the business
of Mt. Airy Drug to thank them for their continued support as Chamber Members. Phones were ringing,
customers were entering and exiting and their busy day had already begun. Owners Travis and Elizabeth Hall
were not in that morning but we did celebrate very briefly with the staff and spoke with them about their new
venture. Mt. Airy Drug will be moving to the old Blockbuster building estimated in November. They will
be adding a drive thru and expanding their services with more equipment. They currently have 10 employees
and have been in business since 2002. They were very excited about the expansion and what it will offer to
their customers and the community.
Mount Airy Drug is a locally owned pharmacy. You will always work with somebody who greets you by
name. Mt Airy Drug is proud to have built the business on getting to know their customers personally. Not
only do they want to know your medical needs they want to know you as a person so that they can make you
feel comfortable and better serve you. They specialize in serving the Mount Airy community with fast,
friendly, professional service and the highest-quality medicines and health products. Their pharmacists take
the time to explain your medication and answer questions you may have. Wait times average between 8 and
10 minutes. They will get you in and out fast by showing you not only prompt and reliable customer service
but personal service. Go in and talk with the Pharmacists at Mount Airy Drug about your prescription needs.
701 West Pine Street Suite 500
Mount Airy NC 27030
336-786-5506
www.mtairydrug.com
The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce Holds Lunch With Leaders.
On October 2nd, The Chamber held its Fall Lunch With Leaders. Lunch With Leaders is
in its second year and provides a platform where Business Representatives can network with
local and state representatives and discuss issues and concerns affecting their day to day
business. We thank the support of our City and County commissioners as well as State
Representatives that continue to attend and support this event to keep communication flowing
for the needs of our Businesses. City Commissioners Shirley Brinkley, Steve Yokeley,
Community Development for the City Martin Collins, County Commissioner Larry Phillips,
State Representative Sarah Stevens, Mike Finley from Senator Richard Burr’s office, Todd
Tucker and LeeAnn Nixon from the Surry County Economic Development Partnership were all
on hand for questions. Issues such as healthcare, sewer projects, the Spencer’ Complex project
and other news were updated during lunch.
Teresa Lewis owner of Workforce Carolina made it very clear that the uncertainty of the Health
Care Reform Act is still causing very strong concerns for our local businesses. The projections
for insurance cost increases for next year were above 40%. This is a huge concern as businesses
decide whether they can make decisions to grow or limit growth based on the cost of healthcare
and penalties businesses can expect. Businesses urged our State and Federal Representatives to
look for ways to simplify healthcare for businesses. Businesses feel that the complexity of
healthcare will require full time positions just to keep up with the paperwork in addition to the
rapid rising estimates of the cost to provide insurance to their employees.
We also thank the support of our Chamber Members. Those in attendance enjoyed the relaxed
atmosphere and the delicious pasta and salad buffet from Cross Creek Country Club. Being able
to meet face to face our elected representatives and to ask questions is such an asset to our local
businesses and their growth. They can stay on top of the issues and stay in touch with those
elected to serve us.
SpiritPsych holds Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening
17th Many Chamber Members, Staff, local leaders came to congratulate
Bruce Hodges on the Opening of Spirit Psych. A Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening
Celebration was held at the new office 154 N. Renfro Street - Suite 108. Spirit Psych is
one of the newest medical alternatives treating Stress and Anxiety. Stress kills. It may
be the number one killer in America. Stress causes more physical illness, mental illness,
accidents, relational failure, job inefficiency, lost profits, lost wages, divorce, bullying,
and crime than any single factor. Stress is the enemy. To fight it, you need an expert
ally providing you weapons and training. Bruce is the creator of a psychotherapeutic
methodology called Existential Values Therapy, or EVT, which has proven highly
successful in the treatment of a wide variety of disorders, especially those related to stress
and anxiety, with fewer required sessions and sustained healing. Bruce also has other
stress relieving products such as aroma therapies and items such as herbal road rage bags.
Linda Hodges, EVT Consultant assists Bruce in ensuring your stress and anxiety
reduction is complete.
On October
The mission of the Center is to work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals
in the preservation of both the length and quality of life through the prevention and
treatment of stress and anxiety. For 33 years, Bruce S. Hodges has been a psychologist,
counselor, and psychotherapist who returned to his hometown to open SpiritPsych.
Bruce’s dream is to provide a 24/7 call in hotline for people in need of someone to talk to
in a crisis situation.
Come by and visit Bruce where you will instantly be made
to feel at home… but in a
stress free environment.
SpiritPsych
Stress & Anxiety
Therapy Center
154 N Renfro Street Suite 108
Mount Airy, NC 27030
336-715-0555
Chamber Surprises Smith-Rowe LLC
On Tuesday, October 21st Chamber Staff, Ambassadors and Board Members arrived at the office of Smith-Rowe LLC bringing cookies from Pages Books & Coffee, Fudge from Bear
Creek and Balloons from Creative Designs Flowers & Gifts. Smith-Rowe has been in business
since 1983. Projects consist from the very small, less than $100k to the larger projects in the
$20m range.
Lock was very busy working on a new bid but we did get a chance to talk with Henry and
David Rowe and celebrate with some of the office staff. The Chamber Surprise came out to
thank Smith-Rowe for their continued support as a Chamber Member and to celebrate their
success as a local business. Smith-Rowe has been in the location since the early 90's. Recently
they have made an investment on the remodeling and expanding the building as well as grading the large lot that surrounds the office. They currently employee 180.
Smith-Rowe, LLC is a Bridge construction company with projects that include the Low water
Bridge Rockford, Pilot Mountain Bridge and will be doing the Cook School Road
Bridge. They have been building bridges all over the NC, Virginia, South Carolina and have
done a few projects in Georgia. They have also worked on several marine jobs over water. They also handle grading, sign erection, crushing, and utility construction. We are always
excited to read about the projects Smith-Rowe receives and we look forward to their continued
success.
Smith-Rowe LLC
639 Old US Hwy 52 S
Mount Airy, NC 27030
336-789-8221
Chamber holds 6th Annual Grand Speed Networking Event
The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce held the 6th Annual Grand Speed Networking Event
on Thursday October 23 at Cross Creek Country Club. 60 Business leaders RSVP’d to this ever
popular networking event. Business representatives participated in a 2 hour action-packed
event. Speed Networking is similar to speed dating, but for business. Businesses Representatives
had approximately thirty, four-minute business meetings in two hours. Business came with their
creative tools to stand out. If you wanted to know what Speed Networking is all about, all you had to
do was read Morton Kristensen’s jacket, owner of &Marketing. Be Creative and Stand out in what
you do.
Chamber Membership & Communication Director, Tanya Taylor plans and directs this event and
Finance Director Renae Shaffer assists in helping with the changes in movement and speaking time
with a whistle and tambourine. On several occasions Renae had to beat extra hard and long
because networkers were having such great meetings they did not want to stop. Business leaders
learn very quickly how to articulate what they do professionally and how being attentive and listening
to the other person are both very important in Speed Networking as in any networking event. Our
Annual Speed Networking Event has proven to be a valuable tool for our members by providing
them an avenue to meet many like-minded business leaders in a short amount of time. Business
Representatives learned about other companies we have in town, what local services that are
available they can use and how they can better refer fellow businesses to friends, family and
coworkers. Speed Networking is a platform businesses can use to get their name out to
others. New and existing businesses use it is a foundation for building long term relationships.
Speed Networking concluded with a Social hour including Taco Bar and Wine provided by Surry
Community College that allowed all participants to relax, socialize with the businesses they met.
Thanks to our GREAT Sponsors we were able to provide this event at no cost to our Chamber
Members! Thank you to all the participants.
Event Sponsor
Networking Sponsors
PruittHealth Home Health
The Mount Airy News
The Happy Tooth
Wine Sponsor
Surry County Economic Development
Partnership
Surry Community College
Surry Cellars
BNI Platinum Producers
Social Sponsor
Johnson’s Xtreme Softwash
Cross Creek Country Club
Chamber Hold Business Academy "Building your team"
The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of
Commerce held its October Business
Academy on “Building Your Team”. Lisa
Martin with Reynolds Homestead
Continuing Ed Center of Virginia Tech
took us through the steps on building a
successful team. The key to a great team
is communication and making sure that
each member understands the task at
hand and that goals are communicated
for understanding by all team members.
Attendees learned how to positively motivate their team so that they feel invested and
rewarded starting them on a path to success. Make sure you have a qualified team where each
team member assigned is able to utilize their skills for the task assigned. Create a positive
environment for your team to succeed in their task. Lisa is a big fan of stand up meetings not
unproductive meetings. Briefly for 15 minutes in the morning meet with your team in a non
formal place like a hallway, break room etc and discuss what tasks each team member has for
the day and what the team and team members need to accomplish that task. Any issues that
arise should be addressed and solved by the team. If more help is needed the team leader can
schedule an additional meeting not to hinder the efficiency of the group.
The Mission of The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of
Commerce is to advance promote and encourage
successful business growth for our members.
Remember to Buy Local and Support
Chamber Members FIR$T!
www.mtairyncchamber.org
www.facebook.com/MountAiryChamber
www.twitter.com/@MtAiryChamber