108 years strong! - Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce

THE
CHAMBER
CHATTER
Volume 5
Issue 3
May 2012
Chamber of Commerce Receives Special Recognition
from the City of Mount Airy for over 100 years of
dedicated service to Mount Airy and Surry County!
108 years strong!
2012 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
May 18, 2012
5pm Ribbon cutting
5:30-7pm After Hours
Therapeutic Solutions Massage and Wellness &
Group3 Real Estate, LLC
304 East Independence Blvd. Suite 100 and 101
Mount Airy, NC 27030
June 7, 2012
5:30-7:00pm
Mayberry Coffee Company, Miss Angels Heavenly
Pies & Wyatt’s Trading Post, Inc.
701 W. Pine Street, Suite 300
Mount Airy, NC 27030
June 28, 2012
5:30-7:00pm
Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening
Business After Hours to follow
WorkForce Carolina
1908 Caudle Drive Suite 200 (Upstairs/Backside Entrance)
Mount Airy, NC 27030
October 25, 2012
5:30-7:00pm
JEEM Farms, LLC
129 Quesinberry Road
Pinnacle, NC 27043
RIBBON CUTTINGS
June 8th, 2012
3:00 pm
Mullins Pawn Shop & Jewelers
1911 Caudle Drive
Mount Airy, NC 27030
June 15, 2012
2:30pm
Liberty Home Care
814 Worth Street
Mount Airy, NC 27030
SEMINARS
Business Academy
Upcoming Seminar dates and topics
June 12
TBA
July 10
Unemployment Insurance
Aug. 14
Independent Contractor VS. Salary Employee
Sep. 11
Workforce Respect
Oct. 9
TBD
Nov. 13
Holiday Parties VS Risk
HRCI Credits
HRCI Credits
HRCI Credits
PROGRAMS
AUGUST TBA
Details to follow
Speed Networking
Cross Creek Country Club
1129 Greenhill Road
Mount Airy, NC 27030
September 13, 2012
11:30am lunch
1:00pm Tee Time
Chairman’s Cup 11th Annual Golf Outing
Cross Creek Country Club
1129 Greenhill Road
Mount Airy, NC 27030
October 12, 13, 14, 2012
9am – 9pm Fri. – Sat.
12noon-6:00pm Sun
46th Annual Autumn Leaves Festival
Downtown
Mount Airy, NC 27030
November 29, 2012
BLACK Thursday Social & Silent Auction
5:30pm Sponsor Reception
Cross Creek Country Club
6-8:00pm Social & Silent Auction 1129 Greenhill Road
Mount Airy, NC 27030
MEETING
January 24, 2013
6:00pm social
6:45pm dinner
52nd Annual Meeting
Cross Creek Country Club
1129 Greenhill Road
Mount Airy, NC 27030
Welcome
NEW CHAMBER MEMBER
Ottenweller Company, Inc.
Ottenweller Company, Inc. - Located at 401 Technology Lane
Suite 100 Mount Airy, NC 27030. Phone 336-783-6956, website
www.ottenweller.com.
Established by Ed Ottenweller in 1916 as a blacksmith and
iron repair shop with 6 employees in Fort Wayne Indiana.
Ottenweller remains a family owned business, current owners
Michael, Gary and Nancy (Dwire) Ottenweller still strive to follow
their Grandfathers principles.
Ottenweller is a supplier of fabricated welded and precision
machined metal parts and components to the heavy equipment
and transportation industries.
Ottenweller opened the plant in Mount Airy in the early part of
2007 and today employs over 65 employees.
Jim Trixler is the Plant Manager and Barbara Embry is the
Human Resource Manager.
Ottenweller Company, Inc.
401 Technology Lane, Suite 100
Mount Airy, NC 27030
336-783-6956
www.ottenweller.com
Welcome
NEW CHAMBER MEMBER
SHEETZ, Inc.
Sheetz, Inc. – Construction is well underway with the new Mount Airy
Sheetz that will be located at 2905 Rockford Street Mount Airy, the
intersection of Interstate 74 and U.S. Highway 601. Target opening
date is June 2012. Visit the Sheetz website at www.sheetz.com.
Sheetz is about providing kicked-up convenience for people on the go.
If you need to refuel your car, refresh your body with made to order
food enjoyed inside or outside, wash your car or pick up some of
those convenience items that you need – Sheetz is the place to stop!
Sheetz provides fast, friendly service and quality products in clean
and convenient locations….. open 24/7/365.
Since 1952, Sheetz has grown from a small dairy/deli in Altoona, PA, to
one of the fastest growing family-owned convenience stores in the
world, with more than 418 locations across six states — Pennsylvania,
Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio and North Carolina — and more
than 14,500 employees.
Fast, Friendly Service and Quality Products
In
Clean and Convenient Locations
SHEETZ, Inc.
2905 Rockford Street
Mount Airy, NC 27030
www.sheetz.com
Welcome
NEW CHAMBER MEMBER
Thai Café
Thai Café – Located at 647 West Independence Boulevard
Mount Airy, NC 27030. Phone 336-786-8480.
Ben Misay the new Owner and General Manager is excited to
own the Thai Café in Mount Airy and invites everyone to come by
and see him.
At the Thai Café the food is unique and unlike any other cuisine,
it balances the flavors of salty, spicy, sour and sweet in a way
that’s unimaginable without tasting it!
Join Ben and his staff for lunch or dinner in a friendly and casual
atmosphere conveniently located to downtown and surrounding
areas.
Thai Café
647 West Independence Boulevard
Mount Airy, NC 27030
336-786-8480
www.thaicafemta.com
Welcome
NEW CHAMBER MEMBER
Lone Star Steakhouse
Lone Star Steakhouse – Located at 1905 Woodland Drive Mount Airy, NC
27030. Phone 336-789-0142 fax 336-789-0552 website
www.lonestarsteakhouse.com.
The management team consists of: John P. Moore-General Manager,
Amanda Brabandt-Service Manager and Brent Williams-Kitchen Manager.
Lone Star is a “destination restaurant “ known for good food and big fun.
Upbeat country music, Texas artifacts, and excellent service standards.
Lone Star Steakhouse restaurants deliver an authentic Texas themed
experience, offering truly unique and flavorful food and outstanding service.
Lone Star is famous for the hand–cut mesquite-grilled steaks. Their menu
also includes "Texas-sized" portions and a great variety beyond steak …
salmon, ribs, sandwiches, burgers and more.
Today there are 108 Lone Star restaurants, which are open seven days a
week for lunch and dinner.
Stop in and enjoy our Texas Hospitality!
Lone Star Steakhouse
1905 Woodland Drive
Mount Airy, NC 27030
336-789-0142
www.lonestarsteakhouse.com
Welcome
NEW CHAMBER MEMBER
Veterans Memorial Park, Inc.
Veterans Memorial Park, Inc. – Located at 691 West Lebanon Street Mount Airy, NC
27030. Phone 336-786-2236.
Veterans Memorial Park Inc. was established in 1946 was donated to the Veterans as
a gathering place for meetings, events and activities. The park is roughly 43 acres and
is owned by the Veterans.
President–Gary Willard (336-345-7388), Secretary-Joe Harrell and Treasurer-Michael
Thorpe.
Veterans Memorial Park is cared for by the 300+ volunteers who host numerous
events and activities throughout the year.
Veterans Memorial Park is the site of Mount Airy's 41st Annual Bluegrass & Old-Time
Fiddlers Convention June 1-2, 2012 and the county fair that is scheduled for the last
weekend in August. Veterans Memorial Park is conveniently located to Historic Downtown Mount Airy, NC and the Andy Griffith attractions. The Mount Airy Greenway runs
along the side of the park for those who enjoy walking, running, bicycling or just being
close to nature.
Park Amenities include the following;
10 Acres of shady woods for camping and picnicking
Well-Lighted park
Modern Restrooms
2 Large Concession Stands
Picnic Sheds
34 Full Trailer Hook-Ups ($30 per night)
Non-Hook-Up* Camping on grounds ($10 per night)
Camper spots are rented by the day
All camps sites allow jamming
No drugs and alcohol allowed - laws will be enforced
No dogs allowed
*Full hook-up charged if you use electricity or water from hook-up sites.
Veterans Memorial Park, Inc.
691 West Lebanon Street
Mount Airy, NC 27030
336-786-2236
Outdoor Industry Companies Recognized by White House for Sustainability Initiatives
Nester Hosiery is proud to be recognized along with 250 other outdoor industry companies as White House Champions of Change for Corporate
Environmental Sustainability. The award was presented to the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Sustainability Working Group (SWG) on behalf of
the member companies last Thursday, April 12th. Nester Hosiery is a member of the OIA SWG and has been actively involved in its ongoing efforts
since 2010. Nester Hosiery also sits on the current OIA Sustainability Advisory Council, along with representatives from Black Diamond, Columbia
Sportswear, Mountain Equipment Co-op, Nau, Patagonia, Petzl, PMI, Polartec, REI and Timberland.
The White House Champions of Change program was created as a part of President Obama’s Winning the Future initiative. Each week, the program
highlights a different sector and group of Champions, ranging from educators to entrepreneurs to community leaders, and recognizes them for the work
they are doing to serve and strengthen their communities.
Frank Hugelmeyer, president and CEO of OIA attended a White House Champions of Change recognition event on behalf of the OIA SWG, along with
OIA SWG Advisory Council members Betsy Blaisdell, senior manager for environmental stewardship at Timberland; Sandra Cho, corporate responsibility manager forColumbia Sportswear; Jill Dumain, director of environmental strategy for Patagonia; and Kevin Myette, director of product integrity for
REI.
As discussed in the OIA Press Release, the “OIA SWG is recognized globally for its thought leadership and ability to take action to address supply-chain
and product-level sustainability challenges, as well as for showing that it is possible for traditional industry competitors to work together toward meaningful change in their business operations.”
One of the key OIA SWG accomplishments was the development of the Eco Index – a standardized tool that companies can use to evaluate and measure
the environmental and social impact of individual products. As a member of the SWG, Nester Hosiery supported the development of manufacturing
facility evaluation tools within the Eco-Index. These tools provided supply-chain companies a method to qualitatively assess environmental impacts in
areas like energy, green house gas emissions, water, and solid waste. In addition, Nester was actively involved in working with its customers and
suppliers to pilot test and improve these tools. As a part of the OIA Sustainability Advisory Council, Nester Hosiery’s Director of Sustainability, Dave
Petri, works alongside several key industry corporate responsibility leaders and provides a manufacturing perspective on sustainability issues.
According to Dave Petri, “Nester Hosiery is committed to improving its sustainability efforts and is proud to be one of the many co-collaborators actively
engaged with the OIA SWG. We view our SWG participation as a strategic business imperative, which allows us to work with both customers and
suppliers in developing meaningful sustainability tools we can all use. In addition, we share in the added benefit of industry-wide improvement and mutual learning throughout the global supply chain. It’s a win-win situation.”
For more Information:
Contact David Petri, Director of Sustainability
[email protected]
336-789-0026
About Nester Hosiery
“We make socks for the world’s toughest critics”
Nester Hosiery is a locally owned and operated company with a global presence. Based in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, our Mount Airy,
NC family-owned company designs and manufactures the most innovative socks in the world. For more information, go to www.nesterhosiery.com or
call 336.789.0026.
About the Outdoor Industry Association
Based in Boulder, Colo., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry and the title sponsor of Outdoor
Retailer. OIA supports the growth and success of more than 4,000 manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, sales representatives, and retailers of outdoor
recreation apparel, footwear, equipment and services. For more information, go to outdoorindustry.org or call 303.444.3353.
About the Outdoor Industry Association Sustainability Working Group
The Outdoor Industry Association Sustainability Working Group (OIA SWG) is a volunteer collaboration among more than 250 outdoor industry brands,
retailers and suppliers working to identify and improve the environmental and social impacts of their shared global supply chains. The OIA SWG is currently focusing on four key areas: 1) index development for apparel, footwear and equipment, 2) responsible chemicals management, 3) materials traceability throughout the supply chain, and 4) social responsibility and fair labor issues. Through the OIA SWG, the outdoor industry is demonstrating that it
is possible to effect meaningful, scalable change through pre-competitive, business-driven collaboration. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org/
sustainability.
RidgeCrest Wins Prestigious National Award
RidgeCrest, a Mount Airy, N.C.-based retirement community, announced today that the community’s wellness
program has won the Assisted Living Federation of America’s (ALFA) 2012 ‘Best of the Best’ Award in the
category of Clinical Wellness.
Mount Airy, N.C. (PRWEB) May 03, 2012
RidgeCrest, a Mount Airy, N.C.-based retirement community, announced today that the community’s wellness
program has won the Assisted Living Federation of America’s (ALFA) 2012 ‘Best of the Best’ Award in the
category of Clinical Wellness.
The community’s “purpose-based wellness programming” took home top honors in one of the most competitive
categories, Clinical Wellness. Purpose-based wellness programming is a collection of wellness programs
developed specifically to counter the effects of chronic diseases or afflictions common among older adults.
The impetus for developing the wellness initiative was recent data which showed that a majority of Medicare,
Medicaid and personal health care expenditures for adults 65 and older fall into two categories: the long-term
management of chronic diseases and the necessary, immediate care required following a major, negative
health event such as a fall or stroke.
Executive Director Linda Vernon says the community’s purpose-based wellness programming addresses
these needs by offering Members alternative solutions to managing certain chronic diseases and by seeking to
prevent avoidable health events such as falls. If a negative health event is considered unavoidable, she says
the programming seeks to reduce a member’s length-of-stay in a long-term care setting.
“These wellness programs are changing our members’ lives,” said Vernon. “This award is a formal acknowledgement of the good work we see our members and wellness director doing every day.”
Rick Grimes, president and CEO of ALFA, says the competition is designed to encourage the sharing of best
practices.
“We have the honor to spread the good news about remarkable resident-centered programs fulfilling every
aspect of senior-living operations, from wellness services to staff development,” said Grimes. “All of this year’s
entries speak to the high standard of innovation and professionalism among our members and demonstrate
their resourcefulness and ingenuity.”
Program submissions were judged for their uniqueness in the industry, innovative use of ideas from outside
the industry, impact on residents, their families, staff and operations, embrace of industry core principles, the
strength of quantitative and qualitative results, and strategic vision.
Winning programs and other innovative strategies are recognized in the May/June 2012 issue of the Senior
Living Executive (http://www.alfapublications.org) and will be recognized at COMMUNITY 2012, the ALFA
Conference and Expo. Learn more about the event for senior living executives at http://www.alfa.org/
conference.
About RidgeCrest
RidgeCrest is an all-inclusive retirement community located in Mount Airy, N.C. The community’s care-free
lifestyle helps members live longer, healthier and happier lives by offering an array of amenities including
maintenance-free living, daily fine dining, weekly housekeeping, a nationally recognized wellness program and
on-site health services. Members are able to choose from one- or two- bedroom apartment homes. Assisted
living rooms are also available for those who need to make a transition from independent living. More
information about RidgeCrest is located at http://www.Ridge-Crest.com.
ABOUT THE ASSISTED LIVING FEDERATION OF AMERICA
The Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) is the largest national association exclusively dedicated to
professionally-managed, resident-centered senior living communities and the seniors and families they serve.
Since 1990, ALFA has advocated for choice, accessibility, independence, dignity, and quality of life for all seniors. ALFA’s programs promote business and operational excellence through education, research, publications, professional networking and online tools designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurism in the field of
senior living. Visit ALFA’s Web site at http://www.alfa.org.
Primland
By Blake Guthrie
PUBLISHED IN: TRAVEL
Primland is near Meadows of Dan, Va., about two hours north of Charlotte. Take I-77 North across the
Virginia line; head east on U.S. 58.
Staying there: Lodge rooms and suites, fairway cottages and mountain homes are available. For golfers, the
lodge and cottages are the most convenient to the course, as is the one-of-a-kind Golden Eagle Tree House, a
luxurious studio perched in the limbs of an old oak tree on the ridge next to one of the holes – a nice option
for golfing couples in search of a romantic hideaway. Rates: rooms $279-$409; suites $425-$1,200; tree
house $425-$549; mountain homes vary in size, style and location, check rates and other info at
www.primland.com/accommodations.
Dining: The 19th Pub is a small casual bar/restaurant serving high-end pub grub and cocktails in the lodge,
with patio seating overlooking the golf course. Across the lobby is Elements, a fine dining restaurant with a
dress code at night (jackets, gentlemen) but not in the morning, when a hearty breakfast is served.
Details: 866-960-7746; www.primland.com
Virginia’s Supernatural Wonder Named
One Of The World’s Top 100 Resorts
Meadows of Dan, VA – The Robb Report, one of America’s most prestigious luxury
magazines, this month named Primland, Virginia’s supernatural wonder, as one of its top 100
resorts in the world.
It was the only Virginia hotel named among the 24 selected throughout North America.
In its highlight commentary, the magazine said: “More than 12,000 wilderness acres frame
this 26-room mountaintop lodge and 18 cabins—a Frenchman’s vision of eco-sensitivitymeets-opulent-seclusion. Hunt, fish, hike, or ride ATVs, horses, or mountain bikes through
the Blue Ridge Mountain environment. Also home to one of the state’s top golf courses.”
“Needless to say, we are honored by our inclusion in such a list of prestigious places around
the globe,” said Steve Helms, Vice President. “The owners’ dedication to seeing their father’s
vision come to fruition and be recognized alongside others who aspire to excellence is most
gratifying to them, the staff and the state of Virginia.”
This is the latest in a series of accolades the property has received since it opened its breathtaking 18-hole championship golf course in 2006, its Lodge in 2009, The Spa in 2010 and the
Golden Eagle Tree House in 2011.
A visually stunning promotional video for The Spa at Primland, produced by Donald
Silverman of New York, recently won the prestigious Gold Remi Award at the 46th Annual
WorldFest International Film Festival.
Directed by Silverman, the production featured a sumptuous high-definition journey through
the amenities and surroundings at Primland with a series of images emphasizing the spa's
superb services along with panoramic views of its 12,000 acres of natural beauty.
more
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The film promised renewal, rejuvenation, and relaxation, deftly communicating the soothing
natural beauty of Primland without a single spoken word, and in just over two short minutes.
“We were delighted to receive the Gold Remi Award in the Health and Wellness category,” said
Garance Primat, one of Primland’s owners and the creator of The Spa at Primland whose input
was the catalyst for the film. “The opportunity to be singled out from a field of so many
distinguished competitors, with some 4,200 category entries, is an amazing achievement,” she
added.
The Remi award was inspired by the creative genius of the great western artist, Frederick
Remington, famous for his paintings and sculptures of the Old West.
Award-winning golf writer James Dodson, author of “American Triumvirate: Sam Snead,
Byron Nelson, Ben Hogan and the Modern Age of Golf,” recently visited Primland and called
The Highland Course “the most rewarding course I have seen.”
Arnold Palmer’s official biographer went on to say: “It’s a course not designed to sell fairway
homes but for the pure experience of golf. Aesthetically and athletically, it doesn’t disappoint.”
In 2007, it was named one of the top 10 new courses in the world by Travel and Leisure Golf.
In 2008 it was named Best New Public Course in America ($75 and over) by Golf Digest.
In 2010 it made Golf Magazine’s list of Resort to Watch and also entered the Golfweek
rankings of Best Resort Courses at #22.
In 2011 Golf Odyssey, one of America’s leading high-end newsletters for golf aficianados,
suggested in might be The Best Boutique Mountain Golf Resort in the U.S.
And also last year, Golf Digest ranked it #13 in its ratings of the Top 100 Public Courses in
America, also making it #1 in Virginia.
Topping off the awards was recognition by The Audubon Society when it designated Primland
as A Certified Co-operative Sanctuary for its environmentally conscious approach to
maintenance of the golf course in harmony with the wildlife that abounds on the property.
For further information, contact:
Sandy Gardiner The Gardiner Consultancy
(631) 465 2070
Congresswoman Virginia Foxx hosts trip to Mount Airy for
Congressman Howard Coble
Congresswoman Virginia Foxx brought Congressman Howard Coble to Mount Airy
on Tuesday April 3, 2012. Following a visit to Pilot Mountain, Congresswoman Foxx
and Congressman Coble arrived at the Chamber of Commerce at 10:00am where
they were greeted by the Chamber staff and local citizens.
Melvin Miles with the Squad Car Tours was awaiting their arrival and would be their
tour guide and driver for FAM tour of Mount Airy. A tour of downtown was first on the
agenda then to North Carolina Granite Quarry where President William Swift and
Vice President of Safety and Human Resources Carlos Goad awaited their arrival.
Congressman Coble and his staff learned a lot about granite; where it used/how it is
used/various applications for it/etc., while visiting the quarry.
Next stop was the Andy Griffith Museum where childhood friend of Andy, Emmitt
Forrest was waiting their arrival. Emmitt gave Congresswoman Foxx and Congressman Coble a guided tour at the Andy Griffith Museum personally explaining the
numerous pieces of memorabilia that are part of his extensive personal collection.
After the wonderful tour at the Andy Griffith Museum and some photos Congresswoman Foxx and Congressman Coble were off to the Mount Airy Rotary Club where
they were welcomed by the fellow Rotarians and elected officials in attendance.
The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce hosted a Round Table Meeting for
Chamber Board Members and Mount Airy City and Surry County elected officials in
the Greenhill Room at Cross Creek Country Club following the lunch time Rotary
meeting. With the redistricting of North Carolina Congresswoman Foxx will no longer
represent Surry County, if re-elected Congressman Coble will add Surry to his
district. The Chamber seized the opportunity of this visit for our leadership to voice
their concerns and to personally ask questions. This venue provided an intimate
setting for our elected officials to ask questions of Congressman Coble and
Congresswoman Foxx about current policies that directly affect the economic growth
of Surry County. Over forty representatives attended the meeting and were
reassured by Congressman Coble that if re-elected he would serve Surry County to
the best of his ability. Congresswoman Foxx and Congressman Coble were gracious
and appreciative for the opportunity to meet with our elected officials and the
Chamber Board Members.
Congresswoman Foxx has been a visible and approachable representative for Surry
County and we believe Congressman Coble will follow in the same footsteps.
Mount Airy Public Library Hosts Chamber Business After Hours
The Mount Airy Public Library hosted a Chamber Business After Hours Event on Thursday March 29, 2012. The Mount Airy
Public Library is part of the Northwestern Regional Library system that serves North Carolina’s Surry, Stokes, Yadkin and
Allegany Counties.
Branch Librarian, Pat Gwynn and the library staff welcomed everyone to the library and invited everyone to enjoy the
wonderful and delicious appetizers that were provided by This & That Catering by Mary Planner. Steve Scott with Airmont
Florist & Gift Shop had created a beautiful fresh arrangement as the centerpiece for the refreshment table. Chamber
Members and Guests enjoyed the opportunity to visit with the staff at the library, members of the Library Board of Trustees,
members of the Friends of the Library and other supportive groups.
The Chamber Chairman of the Board, Dennis Lowe welcomed everyone in attendance and recognized several elected
officials from the city and county. He introduced Pat Gwynn, Branch Librarian who was excited to see everyone because
this gave the library the opportunity to preview the launch of the new Northwestern Regional Library website with the
business community.
Pat introduced Glenn Springthorpe, Winding Creek Designs who had designed the website. Glenn worked with the library
staff members, and with the regional staff to develop a website that would showcase the new technology that the
Northwestern Regional Library system was offering. Staying focused and moving in a new direction the task was
accomplished thanks to many individuals who worked long and tirelessly.
Some of the latest technology that you can find at the Mount Airy Library includes: Ancestry.com, “Playaway” portable,
preloaded self- playing, talking books….eBooks, digital audiobooks for your computer, mobile device, iPod or eBook
reader, NCLive.org…Answers: anytime, anywhere.
Guests were invited to preview the website at one of several terminals that SouthData Network Systems had connected.
SouthData Network Systems provides the service for the Northwestern Regional Library System. Guests were invited to
take a short survey upon viewing of the site so the library could get some constructive criticism from users. Take a look at
the new website at www.nwrl.org and let the library staff know what you think.
The Mount Airy Library is open Monday through Thursday 8:30am-8:00pm, Friday 8:30am-5:00pm, Saturday 10:00am5:00pm and closed on Sunday.
The mission of the Mount Airy Public Library is to provide materials, programs, and services free of charge to community
residents of all ages for personal enrichment, enjoyment, and educational needs. The library is dedicated to providing
practical access to all forms of media. It is the hope of the library that all members of our community will enjoy this wide
range of services offered by the library.
The Mount Airy Public Library Board of Trustees includes; Steve Scott, Chairman, Emily Loftis, Vice-Chairman, Kelly
Merritt, Secretary, Cooper Adams, Marie Ceasar, Dr. Gilbert Huffman, Rebecca Keesler, Ruth Richards and Judy Rhoden.
The Friends of the Mount Airy Public Library is a support group that plans activities, fundraisers, and events that enhance
all services of the library. Regular meetings are held on the first Tuesday morning of each month, September-May.
Everyone is welcome to attend and share ideas. Please contact the librarian if you need more information.
The Mount Airy Public Library Staff includes; Pat Gwyn- Branch Librarian, Tommie Smith- Assistant Librarian, Angela
Llewellyn, Norma Koontz, Doris Surratt, Juanita Wilhite and Jenny Wright.
Thank you Pat and staff for a wonderful event that was enjoyed by all! We love your new website and the new technology
that is now available!
Northwestern Regional Library…….Learn…..Explore……Connect
Mount Airy Public Library
145 Rockford Street
Mount Airy, North Carolina 27030
Voice: 336.789.5108
Fax: 336.786.5838
www.nwrl.org
Email: [email protected]
Chamber Surprise Patrol visits Jantec Neon Products
The Chamber Surprise Patrol paid an unannounced visit to Jantec Neon Products located at 332 Sexton Road, Mount
Airy, NC 27030. The Chamber Surprise Patrol wanted to find out more about this local manufacturer that ships
products all over the United States.
Thirteen Chamber Ambassadors and staff met in the parking lot of Jantec on Tuesday April 17, 2012 and while
gathering the balloons, a big bag of fudge and a couple of boxes of cookies, Jan Legere, the founder of Jantec arrived.
The Surprise Patrol quickly reacted deciding to greet Jan as he got out of his vehicle. The Chamber Surprise Patrol
explained the purpose of their visit was simply to say, “Thank You” to Jantec for being a Chamber Member.
Jan Legere welcomed the large group into the manufacturing plant where he personally gave a tour; explaining each
process along the way. The Chamber Surprise Patrol was able to meet and talk to the employees throughout the plant
and to see up close the processes involved with making a neon window sign.
Following the tour of the manufacturing plant Jan Legere invited the group to the sales and administration/
management office located in a separate building on the same road. There we met Mary Belton, Melissa Dunham,
Scott Bryant and Dustin Montgomery. Jennifer Cauthen and Lauri Legere were not in the office that day.
Today Jantec Neon Products employs over 30 people involved not only in the manufacture of Quality Neon Displays,
but also many high tech lighting products, some of which include; specialized microscope illumination units, lighting for
robotic vision units, and miniature neon indicator lamps (2mm in diameter). The fact that the same equipment that
processes your neon sign also processes special lamp units for million dollar microscopes results in a reputation for
quality that is unequalled in the sign industry.
Jantec is the largest manufacturer of neon window signs in the country and they are located in Mount Airy NC. Jan
showed us the invoices for the day before and Jantec had shipments going to seventeen different states. The food
industry is the largest purchasers of neon signs, 4,000 new restaurants opened in the U.S. last month. Asked how long
a neon sign would last, Jan said longer than most of the businesses. Neon signs manufactured by Jantec that you may
have seen on TV- Red Eye neon sign on Foxx News, NBC Today Show and the Volvo Hard Hat Café. Melissa
Dunham the Designer said she has created seventy nine new designs so far this year.
The visit to Jantec was impressive and the employees were so friendly but the most fascinating was Jan himself and
how he found his way to Mount Airy NC. With a 10,000 sq. ft. plant in Pennsylvania and really not happy there, Jan
decided that he wanted to relocate his business. He said his employees talked how rudeness of the people that they
dealt on a day to day basis. The only people who were nice to deal with were from North Carolina. After a period of
contemplation Jan took a map and drew a line from the Pennsylvania town he was located in to North Carolina and
Mount Airy was right in the path. Lauri his wife may not have been as excited about this move in the beginning but we
think she likes it here now. He moved the plant over a period of time, basically in the back end of the motor home he
pulled; he said he only had to use two trailers to complete the move. The actual location of Jantec is another story that
seems like destiny was calling…today he owns 35 acres on Sexton Road. He talked about how very fortunate we are
to have the school systems we do in Mount Airy and Surry County and how important that was in the decision to
relocate to Mount Airy.
Jan talked about his employees like they were his own family . He said he hires Human Talent and then finds a
position for that talent. His employees have a more flexible schedule…responsible for their section of work to be
completed even if they are absent. This works because they are also cross trained to do other tasks. Most of his
employees have been with the company for many years and seem to enjoy what they are doing. Jantec’s business
continues to grow and plans are underway to expand the manufacturing plant.
Jantec Neon Products was founded in 1993 by Jan Legere; prior to 1993 Jan Legere worked in the fluorescent lamp
field as President and Chief Operating Officer of a major manufacturer of specialty fluorescent lamps. He also worked
as an engineering consultant helping to setup lamp plants both domestically and in Mexico, Thailand and mainland
China. A long family history of artists, combined with some of the most state-of-the-art knowledge of how to
manufacturer neon signs led to the vision of Jantec Neon Products.
Jantec Neon Products
332 Sexton Road
Mount Airy, NC 27030
336-352-5478
www.jantecneon.com
Mount Airy Professionals of Surry (MAPS) hold Ribbon Cutting One of the newest and most exciting organizations to form in Surry County is
MAPS…..Mount Airy Professionals of Surry.
A Ribbon Cutting ceremony was held on Thursday April 5, 2012 at the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History.
The event was the launching pad for what promises to be an active and engaging group of professionals in Surry
County.
Those interested in finding out more about the organization were pleasantly surprised to hear from the founding
officers of the organization, President - Jason Pike and President –Elect Robbie Gardner, Vice President- Will
Jackson and Treasurer- Jessie Murphy.
The collaborative efforts of these young professionals all from various career fields had one thing in common,
meeting and building relationships with like-minded professionals. With the steady guidance and mentoring of
some established and seasoned professionals the new organizations took shape and MAPS was formed.
Mount Airy Professionals of Surry (MAPS) is a volunteer not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing its
members the opportunities to engage in social networking, philanthropy, personal and professional growth.
MAPS’s mission is to promote an environment that attracts and retains professionals in Mount Airy and to
develop future business, civic and community leaders.
We wanted to make this as inclusive as possible. We are trying to make it fun and interactive. This is a great way
for people to meet other professionals in the area and network. It’s like the Chamber of Commerce, only with
individuals,” said Pike.
There are a lot of young, talented people in this area. We wanted to find a way to keep those people here,” said
Pike. “This is also a way to recruit new businesses to the area by showing that we do have an active group of
professionals in this area.”
For those interested in joining the group or visiting the next meeting, email [email protected].
The group also has a page on Facebook.
MAPS
Mount Airy Professionals of Surry
118 Hamby Road
Dobson, NC 27017
336- 710-5083
http://www.mountairyprofessionals.com
SouthData, Inc. Hosts Chamber Business After Hours
SouthData, Inc., the Innovative Solution for Billing,
Scanning and Networking hosted a Chamber Business
After Hours on April 12, 2012 at the corporate office
located at 201 Technology Lane in Mount Airy.
This event highlighted SouthData Network Systems
which offers the following products:
Network Security - Firewall appliances, Email filtering,
and Antivirus. Remote Backup Systems, Servers,
Hardware, Software and Mobile Devices. Structured
Cabling Systems and Wireless Systems.
Over one hundred and twenty-five Chamber Members
and Guests were greeted at the main entrance by a
SouthData Employee and escorted by other employees
to the main event hall. The room was buzzing with laughter and chatter from clients and friends catching up on each
others news. White fabric drapped the numerous tables prepared for guests to sit and enjoy the company of each
other and the wonderful appetizers catered by Trio Restaurant & Bar.
The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Board, Dennis Lowe welcomed everyone and
thanked our host SouthData Network Systems for hosting this event.
John Springthorpe, III addressed those gathered, gave a brief overview of SouthData, Inc. and Network Systems
then turned the podium over to his brother, Dwight Springthorpe, Vice President of Network Systems.
Dwight has 26 years of experience in computer network design, implementation and support. He is the founder of
Network Dynamics, a network engineering firm specializing in the design and integration of local and wide area
networks, and in providing support services for servers and desktop computer systems.
Following the acquisition of Network Dynamics by SouthData, Dwight assumed the responsibilities of Vice President
of Network Systems. In that capacity, he directs a staff of computer specialists who design and implement computer
networks and provide desktop and server support to public schools, small businesses and non-profit agencies.
Dwight holds a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from North Carolina State University.
Dwight discussed the numerous products that Network Systems now offers, the services available, the speed at
which technology changes, the security concerns of network systems and how to protect your company and your
personal information. The Network Systems team was on hand to show Chamber Members and Guests some of the
latest tools and products.
What an awesome event held at SouthData, Inc. Thank you to John, Karen, Dwight, and the entire SouthData, Inc.
Team!
Innovative Solutions
Billing
Scanning
Networking
SouthData, Inc.
201 Technology Lane
Mount Airy, NC 27030
336-719-5000
www.southdata.com/networking
Talley’s Custom Frame and Gallery
Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Talley’s Custom Frame & Gallery went through a complete renovation earlier this spring and on Thursday April
12th the Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held to celebrate the transformation at 212 North Main Street
Mount Airy, NC.
In business for over thirty years, Steve Talley continued in his father’s footsteps of quality custom framing. The
legacy began over 30 years ago when Carl Talley started crafting frames for friends and neighbors from his
home. The business expanded and moved to 212 North Main Street 18 years ago. While watching his father
work, Steve developed a passion for custom framing and eventually took over the business and has operated
and owned the business until this past February.
After much thought and even more reflection Steve decided to sell the business to a trusted friend who had
helped out at Talley’s in years past, Lane Harrell. Lane bought the building, business and the name then
convinced Steve to stay on as the Manager.
Lane wanted to give Talley’s Custom Frame & Gallery a face lift and the first renovation project was the main
sales floor. This proved to not be a simple or easy project and was time consuming to complete and required the
store to close for about a month. Once completed this project delivered the biggest impact especially removing
the carpet and previous flooring and restoring the original hardwood floors to their original luster.
Slat wall boards were added to all of the interior walls for displaying larger groupings of artwork and mirrors. The
walls now tell a story…you may see a grouping of landscapes or a collection from a particular artist; the walls
draw you in and you find yourself moving from one piece of art to the next…telling a story as you move.
Additional cosmetic touches were made to the original tin ceiling and wide moldings, the customer checkout
counter and the front window area. Lane brought a natural element inside the store with the stone feature at the
checkout counter and to the back wall of the window display area. This stone feature will become part of the
exterior of the building in the near future. The basement was underutilized and with some minor upfitting it now
is a more efficient work and storage area.
Lane has some wonderful and creative ideas for the store and I think we will see them come to fruition in the
next few months. If you were not able to attend the Ribbon Cutting we invite you to drop by and see the face lift
at Talley’s Custom Frame and Gallery and to say “Hello” to Steve, Jessica, Dennis, Mitchell and Lavonda.
Talley’s Custom Frame and Gallery
212 North Main Street
Mount Airy, NC 27030
336-786-4696
April 2012 Visitor Center Stats
In the month of April 2012 the staff of the Mount Airy
Visitors Center greeted 4,838 visitors into the Mount Airy
Visitors Center which is about even from last April. The Top
10 States Represented by the most visitors includes: North
Carolina, Virginia, Florida, South Carolina,
Pennsylvania, Ohio, Tennessee, Georgia, West Virginia and
Alabama. Year to date January-April the staff has tracked and
greeted a total of 11,624 Visitors.
The staff greeted international visitors from: Canada,
Germany, Austria, England, Mexico, Poland and London.
Occupancy Tax Figures
In January 2012 the Occupancy Tax collections were up 20.83% from January 2011. In the
month of February 2012 the Occupancy Tax collections were up 33.50% from February
2011 and in the month of March 2012 the collections were up 3.77% from March 2011
bringing the total change from the prior year to 5.22% Year to date.
Mount Airy Wins Greatest Main Street
-American Planning Association of NC!
Voters across the state designated Mount Airy’s Main Street as their favorite in a
statewide initiative sponsored by the North Carolina chapter of the American
Planning Association. We are generating some great press since we won the
People’s Choice award and have been mentioned on News 14, Fox 8 News,
WXII News Channel 12, WFMY-News Channel 2, Triad Business Journal, The
Virginian-Pilot, The Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Business Journal, Raleigh
News and Observer, Winston Salem Journal, Mount Airy News, Salisbury Post,
Gaston Gazette, Asheville Citizen Times, The State Port Pilot-Southport, Chapel
Hill News.com and DavidsonNews.com and it’s been blasted on Facebook and
other social media outlets through our efforts and the American Planning
Association of North Carolina.
Chamber Hosts 9th Annual Administrative Professionals Day Luncheon
The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce hosted the 9th Annual Administrative Professionals
Day Luncheon at Cross Creek Country Club on April 25, 2012. The Administrative Professionals Day is
the perfect opportunity to celebrate the growing and diverse contributions to the workplace made by
ALL administrative professionals. The luncheon featured the announcement of the 2012 Administrative
Professional of the Year Award recipient, entertainment by the Chamber Ambassador League and a
delicious lunch away from the office!
Chamber Ambassador Scott Kniskern- AES Advanced Electronic Services, Inc. welcomed everyone to
the event. Gary York- Neighbors Stores, Inc./ WIFM/Dr. Flippins Bed & Breakfast said the invocation.
After lunch Dennis Lowe, Chairman of the Board thanked the administrative professionals for their
contribution to the workplace. The Chamber had received eight nominations for the Administrative Professional of the Year Award and after three independent reviews by an ad-hoc committee one honoree
was selected to receive the award sponsored by WorkForce Carolina.
Before announcing the recipient of the 2012 award Chairman Lowe gave the audience some hints; this
individual does all the things you would expect: known as a multi-task’er who keeps the lines of communication up to date with board members, organizes meetings, arranges schedules, manages records, serves customers, is friendly and knowledgeable in her field, acclimates new board members,
serves on committees, involved with local civic groups, serves on the board of several charitable organizations while suffering from a chronic disease.
The 2012 Administrative Professional of the Year ….. Nicki V. Brame, with the City of Mount Airy!
Nicki was shocked …she thanked the Mayor and the City Manager and said she works with a wonderful group of people!
Congratulations Nicki!
Following the announcement of the 2012 Administrative Professional of the Year – Nicki Brame, the
Chamber Ambassadors unveiled the theme for this year’s entertainment program……a “Minute to Win
It” …..the Ambassadors had met for weeks, planning and discussing today’s event and now it was
time to perform and execute. Based on the TV show, the Ambassador version was equally as challenging and even more fun to watch!
Glass Road Trucker, Caddy Shack, Ready Spaghetti, Johnny Appleseed, Nose Dive, Yank Me, Elephant March, Face the Cookie, Junk in the Truck, Wreath Rally, Paper Airplanes and Dash and Dress
were some of the games that the Ambassadors along with contestants from audience competed
against each other in. In between some of the games the Ambassadors performed Chamber Member
sponsored commercials patterned after real commercials that were performed in between some of the
games.
The audience was in stitches most of the time with roars of laughter at every turn….just what the Ambassadors had hoped for everyone was having a great time! The Chamber Ambassadors had out done
themselves again!!!
Closing remarks and thank you’s were made by Ambassador Glen Coleman- Healthy Technologies.
Many thanks to the following Chamber Business Members who participated as Sponsors!
The 2012 Administrative Professional of the Year
Nicki V. Brame, with the City of Mount Airy
Award Sponsor
WorkForce Carolina
Program Sponsor
Mid-Atlantic Lawn Service
Program Assistance
B-Dazzle Productions- Blanton Youell
Cooke Rentals
Cross Creek Country Club
Granite City Florist
Appreciation Sponsor
Carolina West Wireless
A Special Thank You to Our Chamber Ambassadors
Game Sponsors
13 Bones, LLC
Nester Hosiery, Inc.
Northern Hospital of Surry County
Miss Angels Heavenly Pies
Airmont Florist & Gift Shop
Shelton Vineyards
The Mount Airy News
Cross Creek Country Club
Trio Restaurant and Bar
Reeves Community Center
Food Lion, LLC
Mayberry Consignments & Souvenirs
Table Sponsors
Pine State Marketing, Inc.
Interstate Sign Company
Ridgecrest Retirement, LLC
Moody Funeral Services
Johnson Granite, Inc.
Lucky Bones Country Club
Wolf Creek Farm
SouthData, Inc.
Perkins & Associates Financial Group
Cana/Mt. Airy Florist
Hodges Realty
NCFI Polyurethanes
Rogers Realty & Auction Company, Inc.
BB&T
Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corporation
Brannock & Hiatt Furniture Company
Patterson Chrysler Dodge Jeep
Burton Signworks, Inc.
ACME Stone Company, Inc.
Insteel Industries, Inc.
M&M Granite, Inc.
Dr. Leslie Stoklosa, Chiropractor
TransACTions, LLC
Homeway Furniture Company
Ambassador ChairTyler Morgan-Burton Signworks, Inc.
Scott Kniskern- AES Advanced Electronic
vices, Inc.
Saroya Ceasar-WorkForce Carolina
Toni Dnardo-PNC Bank
Brandon McHone- SB&T Insurance
Gary Bowman-BB&T
Dr. Leslie Stoklosa-Chiropractor
Joan Vaughn-Easter Seals UCP NC&VA, Inc.
Tasha Mason-Hampton Inn of Mount Airy
Glen Coleman-Healthy Technologies, Inc.
Sandra Hurley-The Mount Airy News
Augusta Carroll-Insteel Industries, Inc.
Bob Meinecke-Liberty Business Partners
Allen Burton-Patterson Chrysler Dodge Jeep
Sandra Griswold-Ridgecrest Retirement, LLC
Amy Casstevens-Southern Community Bank & Trust
Marsha Wagoner-Southern Community Bank & Trust
Erica Johnson-Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership
Corporation
Mary Huston-TransACTions, Inc.
Allison Golden-Wells Fargo
Gary and Cindy Holback-Wolf Creek Farm
Traci Hamilton-WorkForce Carolina
Ser-
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT;
Yvonne Nichols
336-786-6116
[email protected]
www.autumnleavesfestival.com
SOUTHEAST TOURISM SOCIETY SELECTS AUTUMN LEAVES FESTIVAL AS A “TOP 20 EVENT IN THE SOUTHEAST” FOR OCTOBER 2012
MOUNT AIRY – The Southeast Tourism Society (STS) has named Mount Airy’s Autumn Leaves Festival one of the Top 20
Events in the Southeast for October 2012. This year’s Autumn Leaves Festival (www.autumnleavesfestival.com), held in the
downtown area and will run October 12-14. The Autumn Leaves Festival has received this prestigious award for many years, including 2010, 2011 and 2012.
“Every autumn since 1967, the Autumn Leaves Festival has given the finest in arts, crafts, entertainment, fun and food to the locals
and visitors from around the country,” said Autumn Leaves Festival Director Yvonne Nichols, “and we are excited and honored by
this prestigious recognition from Southeast Tourism Society.”
Historically, the Autumn Leaves Festival has an attendance of approximately 200,000 each year and is made possible by many
groups and individuals.
Southeast Tourism Society started its Top 20 Events program in 1985. Travel industry experts select 20 events per month, and STS
publicizes the list throughout the United States. The complete list is published monthly on two web sites:
www.southeasttourism.org and www.escapetothesoutheast.com.
Southeast Tourism Society, founded in 1983 and headquartered in Atlanta, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting tourism in 12 southeastern states-Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
200 North Main Street
Mount Airy, NC 27030
www.autumnleavesfestival.com
336-786-6116
VISIT US ON-LINE
WWW.MTAIRYNCCHAMBER.ORG AND
WWW. VISITMAYBERRY.COM
T HE CHAMBER IS NOW ON F ACEBOOK
UNDER MOUNT A IRY CHAMBER
200 N. Main St.
Mount Airy, N.C. 27030
336-786-6116 Main
336-786-1488 Fax
The Mission of the Greater Mount Airy
Chamber of Commerce is to advance,
promote and encourage successful
business growth for our members.
Supporting LOCAL businesses and
Chamber Members F1R$T, keeps
58% more of your dollars and jobs in
our community strengthening our
local economy!
Betty Ann Collins - President
Email: [email protected]
786-6116 Extension 6
Tanya Taylor- Membership and Communication Director
Email: [email protected]
786-6116 Extension 4
Renae Shaffer - Finance Director
Email: [email protected]
786-6116 Extension 8
Jessica Icenhour Roberts - Tourism Director
Email: [email protected]
786-6116 Extension 3
Yvonne Nichols - Autumn Leaves Festival Director
Email: [email protected]
786-6116 Extension 5