connections - Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce
Transcription
connections - Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce
CHAMBER CONNECTIONS www.mtairyncchamber.org June 2011 A Membership through The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce helps you to... Achieve Visibility! Gain Credibility! Seize Opportunity! Increase Profitability! Gene Johnson-Johnson’s Xtreme Softwash at 336-410-2881 or 336-789-2495 Johnson’s Xtreme Softwash offers a “soft wash” for your home and roof without using damaging pressure washers. They offer many cleaning services to help you protect your most important investment, your home or business property. IN THIS ISSUE “Since joining the Chamber my business has grown here in Surry County. I credit the Chamber for how they have put my company name out in Surry County so I don’t have to travel out of town so much. I went from being out of town 60% of the time to where I can stay in Surry County 90% of the time. My company is growing everyday thanks to the Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce and the business after hours networking that they offer – they help you make those connections with potential businesses needing your services. I recommend any business that is not already a member of the Chamber to join and see what they can do for you and your business. Even if you already are a member of the Chamber I urge you to take advantage of all the networking events that they have... and get involved!” Our Members ................................................................. 2-4 New Members ................................................................ 5-6 50th Annual Meeting ......................................................... 7 “Academy Awards” ........................................................ 8-9 Administrative Professional of the Year ........................ 10 Ribbon Cuttings ......................................................... 11-14 Business Expo Interest Form .......................................... 15 Business After Hours ................................................. 16-17 Speed Networking ........................................................... 18 Ambassador of the Quarter ............................................ 19 Getting to Know You .................................................. 20-21 Surprise Patrol ........................................................... 22-25 People Make the Difference ............................................ 26 Chamber Contact Info .................................................... 28 The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce Chair Gary Lawrence Mount Airy Newspapers, Inc. 319 Renfro Street Mount Airy, N.C. 27030 336-786-4141 • 336-789-2816 (fax) [email protected] Dennis Lowe Lowe Consulting 6921 West Pine Street Lowgap, NC 27024 336-352-3228 [email protected] Doug Norman The North Carolina Granite Corporation 151 Granite Quarry Trail Mount Airy, N.C. 27030 336-786-5141 • 336-719-2623 (fax) [email protected] Traci Hamilton Workforce Carolina 711 Independence Blvd. Mount Airy, N.C. 27030 336-789-8220 • 336-789-0561 [email protected] Chad Stafford Haynes, Strand Co. PLLC 400 S. South Street Mount Airy, N.C. 27030 336-789-8989 • 336-789-6314 (fax) [email protected] Betty Ann Collins Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce 200 N. Main Street Mount Airy, N.C. 27030 336-786-6116 • 336-786-1488 (fax) [email protected] 2011 Officers and Directors Immediate Past Chair Britta Needham RBC Centura 501 North Main Street Mount Airy, N.C. 27030 336-719-2937 336-719-2905 (fax) [email protected] David O’Neal Leonard Buildings 566 Holy Springs Road Mount Airy, NC 27030 336- 789-5018 • 336-789-7314 (fax) [email protected] Jeff Gordon Haynes, Strand & Co. PLLC 400 S. South Street Mount Airy, N.C. 27030 336-789-8989 • 336-789-6314 (fax) [email protected] Nick Patel Quality Inn 2136 Rockford Street Mount Airy, N.C. 27030 336-789-2000 • 336-789-7917 (fax) [email protected] Hugh B. Campbell, III Gardner, Gardner & Campbell, PLLC 304 Franklin Street Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-789-8120 • 336- 789-5506 (fax) [email protected] Julie Perkins, PHR John S. Clark Company, LLC 210 Airport Road Mount Airy, NC 27033 336-789-1000 • 336-789-7609 (fax) [email protected] Chamber Staff Thomas Greenwood Blue Ridge Enterprises, Inc. 1120 West Lebanon Street Mount Airy, N.C. 27030 336-789-2134 • 336-789-3084 (fax) [email protected] Matthew Edwards Mount Airy Museum of Regional History 301 North Main Street Mount Airy, NC 27030 336- 786-4478 • 336- 786-1666 (fax) [email protected] Kevin Kimrey Surry Community College Director 1220 State Street Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-356-5304 • Cell: 336-374-0506 [email protected] Deborah Cochran, Mayor City of Mount Airy P.O. Box 70 Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-786-3504 • 336-719-7506 (fax) [email protected] Todd Tucker, President SCEDP 118 Hamby Road-Suite 146 Dobson, N.C. 27017 336-401-0990 • 336-401-9901 (fax) [email protected] Benton C. Lisk First Citizens Bank 502 North Main Street Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-789-9561 • 336-789-2858 (fax) Roger Cramer Rogers Realty and Auction Co., Inc. PO Box 729, Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-789-2926 • 336-789-2310 (fax) [email protected] Karen Hardy Wayne Farms 802 East Atkins Street Dobson, NC 27017 336-386-8151 • 336) 386-8822 (fax) [email protected] Jimmy Flythe Duke Energy Carolinas 500 Utility Dr/Clemons, NC 27012 336-917-2580 [email protected] Betty Ann Collins President Jessica Icenhour Director of Tourism Yvonne Nichols Autumn Leaves Festival Director 200 N. Main Street Mount Airy, NC 27030 Local: 336-786-6116 ext. 6 Fax: 336-786-1488 [email protected] 200 N. Main Street Mount Airy, NC 27030 Local: 336-786-6116 ext. 3 Fax: 336-786-1488 [email protected] www.visitmayberry.com 200 N. Main Street Mount Airy, NC 27030 Local: 336-786-6116 ext. 5 Fax: 336-786-1488 [email protected] Page 2 Appointed Ex-Officio Board Members Tanya Taylor Membership and Communication Director 200 N. Main Street Mount Airy, NC 27030 Local: 336-786-6116 ext. 4 Fax: 336-786-1488 [email protected] Visit Mount Airy Chamber at www.facebook.com www.mtairyncchamber.org Renae Andrews Finance Director 200 N. Main Street Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-786-6116 ext. 8 Fax: 336-786-1488 [email protected] PATTERSON • Chrysler • Dodge • Jeep Finding an affordable and quality vehicle these days can be difficult; that’s why the financial and sales team at Patterson Chrysler Jeep Dodge work together to provide you with the automobile you desire at a price you can afford. Peruse the new and preowned inventories of Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles and find something you like! We provide a stress-free, no hassle and friendly buying experience. Stop by and visit us at 538 N. Andy Griffeth Parkway • Mt. Airy, NC to experience true customer satisfaction. HOURS: 9am-7pm PHONE: 336-789-8105 Listing by Company Name 13 Bones, LLC 19th Pub at The Lodge at Primland A Cleaner World Aaron's Sales and Leasing About Face Acme Stone Company, Inc. Advanced Electronics, Inc. (AT&T Retailer) Advanced Compressor Technology, Inc. Advanced Electronic Services, Inc. Airmont Florist & Gift Shop Allstate Insurance/Tonda Phillips Corporation American Healthcare Services, Inc. AmeriGas Propane LP Animal Medical Services Applied Copier Concepts Asian House B & B Produce B. M. Sumner, Jr. DDS B.H. Tharrington Primary School Back Home Country Store Bailey , Peoples & Oghalai Drs., PA Barney's Cafe Bayada Nurses BB&T Blue Ridge Burke Bear Creek Gifts, LLC Before N After Construction Bel-Vue Trophy Belk Stores Ben Smith, DDS & Lynette Smith, DDS, PA Better Business Bureau of Northwest North Carolina Big Sheep Communications Blevins Workshop, Inc. Blue Bird Diner Blue Ridge CareNet Counseling Center Blue Ridge Concrete Products, Inc. Blue Ridge Enterprises Blue Ridge Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, P.A. BNI Platinum Producers Branch Banking and Trust - Main St. M.A. Branch Banking and Trust- Pilot Mtn Branch Banking and Trust- Rockford St./601 Brannock & Hiatt Furniture Company Bray's Recapping Company Brenda R. Lineberry, CPA, P.C. Brown Communication Bunn Engineering Company, P.C. Burke Robertson & Associates, Inc Burton Signworks, Inc. Buttonwood Chiropractic and Acupuncture Center Cana Mt. Airy Florist Canaan Land Children's Home, INC. Carlene''s Cleaning Carol Burke Carolane Propane Gas Carolina Carports, Inc. Carolina Connections, Inc Carolina Environmental Contracting, Inc. Carolina Farms and Homes (Real Estate) Carolina West Wireless Carolina Ziplines Catalina Tempering Cedar Ridge Elementary School Central Middle School Central States Manufacturing, Inc. Century 21 Homestead Realty CenturyLink Chappell Insurance Agency, Inc. Charles Dugger Chelli & Associates Childrens Center of Surry, Inc. Choice Center Homes Choice Physical Therapy & Chiropratic Christian Outfitters City of Mount Airy CK Technologies, LLC SE Clear Channel Radio Coca Cola Bottling Company Collins Pest Control, Inc. Comfort Keepers Commercial Air Systems, Inc. ConnXctions Consultant Cooke Flooring Cooke Rentals Cooke Trucking Company Copeland Elementary School Coram, J.G. Company, Inc. Country Additions Creative Designs Flowers & Gifts Creek Cide Cabin Rentals Cross Creek Country Club Crossroads Behavioral Healthcare Cutting Edge Tile & Grout Cleaning Dairy Center Data Publishing Davey's Fudge David Hill Builders, Inc. Day Trips & Tours Delp Chiropractic DePaul Twelve Oaks Diversified Auction Company, LLC Dobson Blue Ridge Medical Group Dobson Elementary School Dobson Optometric Eye Care, PA Donaldson Ins. & Financial Services Downtown Business Association Duke Energy Carolinas Eagle Storage, Inc. Early College High School of Design East Surry High School Easter Seals UCP NC and VA Easter Transportation, Inc. Edward Jones - Doug Draughn Edward Jones - Britt Wright Edward Jones - Tammy Joyce Edwards & Associates Elements at the Lodge at Primland Encore! Consignments & More Enterprise Rent-a-Car F. Rees Company Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Fancy Gap Outfitters Farm Bureau Mount Airy / Tim Hamlin Fastlink Communications Inc. Faw, Folger & Johnson, P.C. Fire and Ice HVAC First Citizens Bank - Dobson First Citizens Bank - Pilot Mountain First Citizens Bank- Mt. Airy First Southern Title Agency, Inc. Flat Rock Elementary School Food Lion, LLC Foothills Cycling Franklin Elementary School Frontier Natural Gas G & B Energy Gardner, Gardner & Campbell, PLLC, Attorney at Law Garson McMillian Real Estate & Auction Company, Inc. Gates Pharmacy Gene Clark Gilmer Smith Foundation Glenwood Development Company Globe Tobacco Lofts Golden Living Center Golding Transport, Inc. Goodwill Industries of Northwest NC, Inc. Granite City Construction Company, Inc. Granite City Insulation Granite Development, LLC Granite Tactical Vehicles Greater Mount Airy Area Habitat for Humanity Greene Finance Corporation Griffith Auto Shop & Car Sales Gwyn, Lucy Ellen Properties H & H Auto Sales H & M Motors Inc. H & R Block H & W Trucking Company H. Lee Merritt, Attorneys at Law Hampton Inn & Suites Shelton Vineyards Hampton Inn of Mount Airy Hanesbrands Inc. Harvest Time Bread Company of North Carolina LLC Haynes Strand and Company, PLLC Healthy Technologies Inc. Henredon Hiatt & Fawcett, Attorneys at Law, PLLC High Cotton Interiors, LLC Hodges Realty Holcomb Hardware Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hollows Motel, The Home Instead Senior Care Homeplace Recreational Park, Inc. Homeway Furniture Company Hutchens Laundry and Cleaners Hutson Electric, Inc. I-77 North Welcome Center Imperial Images Inman & Sparks Realty Insteel Industries, Inc. Interstate Sign Company It's About Art! J & B Foods, Inc. dba Aunt Bea's BBQ J. Sam Gentry Middle School J.C. Penney Company J.E.B. Stuart Birthplace Preservation Trust J.J Jones Intermediate School J's HVAC Unlimited, LLC J's Office Supply & Etc., Inc. Jack L. Wilson, CPA PLLC Jantec Neon Products JEEM Farms, LLC John Jackson Insurance Agency, Inc. John L. Gravitte, DDS, PA John S. Clark Company, LLC Johnson Granite, Inc. Johnson's Xtreme Softwash Kelly Office Solutions Kentucky Fried Chicken Kidwell & Company, Inc. Knights Inn Mayberry Kyoto at the Lake III L.S. Starrett Company Leonard Buildings and Truck Accessories Leonard's Jewelers Let's ParTea with La'Teah Liberty Business Partners Liberty HomeCare Ligon Electric Supply Little Richards BBQ Loftis HVAC Company, Inc. Lorene's Bakery & Catering Lowe Consulting Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse Lowes Foods #143 Lucky Bones Country Club Lydens Associates M & M Granite, Inc. M & M Signs, Inc. Mac Papers, Inc. Main-Oak Emporium Major Graham Mansion Majure Skin Care and Wellness Center, P.A. March of Dimes- Greater Triad Division Marion & Son Landscaping Services, LLC Marion's Jewelry Mark Appler M.D. Master Craft Builders of Mount Airy, Inc. Mayberry Mall Mayberry Campground Mayberry Cheese and Cider Country Store Mayberry Consignments & Souvenirs Mayberry Heating and Air Conditioning Mayberry Motor Inn Credibility A professional service isn’t like pie or a pair of shoes that you can taste or try on. People make a decision to use your service based on how much they trust you. A significant portion of your marketing activities should be aimed at increasing your personal credibility. Writing articles, giving seminars, or volunteering in your community or professional organization (i.e. The Chamber) are simple ways to help establish trusting relationships. People do business with people they know! Page 3 Listing by Company Name Our existing membership that is investing into the Chamber and our Community Page 4 Mayberry Mules Wagon Rides Mayberry Trading Post McDonalds #17224 Renfro Street McDonalds#17291 Rockford Street Meadowview Middle School Mickey W. Kiger, CLU Mid-Atlantic Lawn Service Millennium Charter Academy Mills, Lee Construction Company Moody Funeral Services Morgan Stanley Smith Barney - Geoff Owen Mount Airy Bike Rentals Mount Airy Blue Ridge Medical Group Mount Airy City Board of Education Mount Airy Drug, Inc. Mount Airy High School Mount Airy Jaycees Mount Airy Junior Woman's Club Mount Airy Middle School Mount Airy Museum of Regional History Mount Airy Newspapers, Inc. Mount Airy Oil Company Mount Airy Public Library Mount Airy Rescue Squad Mount Airy Restoration Foundation/Moore House Mount Airy Tourism Development Authority Mount Airy Veterinary Hospital Mount Airy-Surry County Airport Authority Mountain Park Elementary School Mountain Valley Florist Mountain Valley Hospice & Palliative Care (Elkin) Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care (Mount Airy) MRI The Mayberry Group, Inc Mullins Pawn Shop & Jewelers NCFI Polyurethanes Neighbors Stores, Inc. Nester Hosiery, Inc. Network Systems, SouthData, Inc. New Image Weight Loss & Wellness North Carolina Employment Security Commission North Carolina Granite Corporation, The North Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Services North Surry High School Northern Hospital of Surry County Northside Group, LLC Northwest Medical Partners/Pro Health Center NWN Corporation O2 Energies OfficeVision, Inc. Old North State Winery Olde Mill Olde Mill Music Opie's Candy Store Pages Books & Coffee Papa Johns Pizza Paradigm Financial Group, Inc. Parkway Neurology, PLLC Parrish Tire Company Patterson Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep Patterson Toyota, Scion Patterson-Collins Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac & Subaru Paychex, Inc. PC Needs, Inc. PCI Communications Pepsi Bottling Ventures Perkins & Associates Financial Group Pet Stop of the Foothills Petroleum Transport Company Phillips Motors Company Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation Piedmont Hematology Oncology Associates, PLLC Piedmont Triad Computer Consulting, Inc. Pike Electric, Inc. Pilot Knob Inn Bed and Breakfast Pilot Knob Park Country Club Pilot Mountain Elementary School Pilot Mountain Middle School Pilot Mountain Pride Pine State Marketing, Inc. Pioneer Printing Company Premium Tobacco Company U.S., Inc. Primland Professional Networks, Inc. Quality Inn & Suites Quality Inn (Mount Airy) Quality Termite & Pest Control Rabbit Ridge Enterprises Raynelle Hamblin RBC Bank RBC Bank Realty World - Yadkin Valley Reeves Community Center Renfro Corporation Reynolds Homestead Continuing Ed Center Richards, Dr. Swanson RidgeCrest Retirement LLC Riverside Building Supply Rock Solid Dimensional Stone, Inc. Rockford Digestive Health Specialists, P.A. Rockford Elementary School Rockford Inn Bed & Breakfast, The Rogers Realty and Auction Company, Inc. Rolling Hills Farms Round Peak Vineyards Sagebrush Steakhouse Restaurant SageSport Sam's Club Samet, Payne, Wood, Horton & Company Sand Dollar Productions Sanders Electric Company, Inc. Sawyers & Sawyers Accounting Services SB&T Insurance Scarlet Begonias Scenic Motors Scenic Overlook Bed & Breakfast Security Financial Services Select Real Estate, LLC SERVPRO Sheets Warehousing and Storage Rentals Shelton Vineyards Shoals Elementary School Simmons Insurance Agency Simmons, Dean DDS PA Sink Family, L.P. Skyline Memory Gardens Smith Auto Parts Snappy Lunch Snow Mountain Properties Sobotta Manor Bed & Breakfast Something Different on Main, Inc. Sonbert Security Systems, INC SouthData, Inc. Southern Community Bank & Trust Southern Style Spotlight Specialty Gifts, LLC - The Mayberry Collectors Center Squad Car Tours State Employees' Credit Union State Farm Insurance (Debbie B.) State Farm Insurance (Steve G.) State Farm Insurance (Victor Z.) Subway (601) Subway (Pine Street) Subway (South Main St.) Subway (Walmart) Sunset Slush of the Foothills Surrey Bank & Trust Surrey Emporium Surrey Investment Services Surry Animal Hospital, PA Surry Arts Council Surry Center - NC Cooperative Extension Service Surry Central High School Surry Chemicals Surry Community College Surry County Board of Education Surry County Chapter American Red Cross Surry County Economic Development Partnership, Inc. Surry County Historical Society Surry County Senior Services Surry County Tourism Development Authority Surry Friends of Youth Surry Insurance Surry Port-a-John Service, Inc. Surry Telephone/Internet Surry Yadkin Electric Membership Corporation Surry-Yadkin Residential Services, Inc T-N-T Carports, Inc. T.P. Supply, Inc. T.W. Signs & Graphics Talley's Custom Frame & Gallery Terminix The Copper Pot The Data Center Inc./Yadtel Networks The Fruit Basket The Gallery Group & Art Studio Inc The HR Group The Joan & Howard Woltz Hospice Home The Optical Place, Inc. The Spa at Primland The Tilley Group Therapeutic Solutions Massage and Wellness This 'N That Time Systems Inc. Titans of Taste Total Communications Systems and Solutions Tourism Partnership of Surry County Town and Country Realty and Construction TransACTions, LLC Transportation Services Co. Inc Tri-County Orthopedic & Sports Medicine, PA Triad Relocation Guide Trio Restaurant and Bar U.S. Cellular Uncorked in Mayberry United Fund of Surry, Inc United Plumbing Supply United Processing Co. US Army Video Works of North Carolina, Inc. Wachovia Bank, a Wells Fargo Company Wal-Mart Stores Wally's Pharmacy Waste Management Mount Airy Wayne Farms We Care Concessions Webb Interiors Wendy's Westfield Elementary School Westfield Kennel's White Plains Elementary School WIFM Winding Creek Design Window World of the Foothills Winston Salem DASH Wolf Creek Farm Woltz, Edwin Attorney at Law Wood's TV, Inc. Wordsprint, Inc. WorkForce Carolina Wound-About, Inc. WPAQ Radio Wyatt's Trading Post, Inc. Yadkin Valley Cabinet Company, INC Yadkin Valley Living Magazine Yadkin Valley Wine Trail YVEDDI Zach Blackmon Jr. Please help us welcome our New 2011 Chamber Members! Member Name Join Date LocalPhone Address1 City URL Rep 19th Pub at The Lodge at Primland 7/28/2010 (276) 222-3800 2000 Busted Rock Road Address2 Meadows of Dan, Va 24120 www.primland.com Andrea Griffith About Face 1/3/2011 (423) 989-3223 325 E. Main Street Wytheville, VA 24382 www.aboutfacebristol.com Sherri Shaffer Acme Stone Company, Inc. 8/13/2010 (336) 786-6978 P. O. Box 925 Mount Airy, NC 27030 www.acmestonenc.com Cathy Stevens Asian House 3/16/2011 (336) 789-9969 2021 Rockford Street Mount Airy, NC 27030 Tony Chen Back Home Country Store 9/17/2010 (336) 719-0418 825 W. Pine Street Mount Airy, NC 27030 Thomas Ramey Blue Bird Diner 4/14/2011 (336) 783-0006 244 North Main Street Mount Airy, NC 27030 Scotty Newman Carlene’s Cleaning 11/19/2010 (336) 710-5523 140 Kindness Street Mount Airy, NC 27030 Carlene Noonkester Charles Dugger 3/16/2011 (336) 789-5637 744 Greenhill Road Mount Airy, NC 27030 Choice Center Homes 7/29/2010 (336) 789-6248 1129 N. Andy Griffith Parkway Mount Airy, NC 27030 Cutting Edge Tile & Grout Cleaning 12/10/2010 (336) 325-8398 1153 Holly Springs Road Mount Airy, NC 27030 Diversified Auction Company, LLC 4/14/2011 (336) 755-5000 2980 Ararat Hwy Ararat, VA 24053 Dobson Blue Ridge Medical Group 2/7/2011 (336) 386-8270 Mount Airy, NC 27030 www.blueridgemd.com Pam Vybiral Early College High School of Design 12/1/2010 (336) 386-3620 630 South Main Street Dobson, NC 27017 www.surry.k12.nc.us/ech/ Celia Hodges Edward Jones - Britt Wright 12/30/2010 (336) 789-2079 184 W. Independence Blvd Mount Airy, NC 27030 Edwards & Associates 4/14/2011 (336) 786-1962 P.O. Box 805 Mount Airy, NC 27030 www.edwardsandassociatesbackgroundcheck.com Allen Edwards Elements at the Lodge at Primland 7/28/2010 (276) 222-3800 2000 Busted Rock Road Meadows of Dan, Va 24120 www.primland.com Encore! Consignments & More 3/9/2011 (336) 719-0440 1130 S. Main Street Fire and Ice HVAC 3/7/2011 (336) 352-4210 109 Hidden Ridge Trail Glenwood Development Company 11/1/2010 (704) 996-2760 9525 Birkdale Crossing Drive Granite Tactical Vehicles 2/22/2011 (336) 789-5555 H & M Motors Inc. 9/6/2010 (336) 368-4003 Home Instead Senior Care 4/20/2011 JEEM Farms, LLC 4/20/2011 Suite 700 Charles Dugger www.choicecenterhomes.com Rick Hunter diversifiedauctioncompany.com Dude Smith Britt Wright Mount Airy, NC 27030 Andrea Griffith Angela Mitchell Lowgap, NC 27024 Suite 200 Susie Sutherin Jay Cave Huntersville, NC 27078 www.glenwoodco.com Kevin McCluskey P.O. Box 591 Mount Airy, NC 27030 www.granitetacticalvehicles.com Jenny Anderson P.O. Box 1083 Pilot Mountain, NC 27041 www.handmmotors.com Michael Hege (336) 789-4472 172 W. Independence Blvd Mount Airy, NC 27030 homeinstead.com/645 Van Lankford (336) 710-5301 129 Quesinberry Road Pinnacle, NC 27043 www.jeemfarms.com Michelle McKinney Johnson's Xtreme Softwash 11/19/2010 (336) 789-2495 141 Pineview Drive Mount Airy, NC 27030 Lucky Bones Country Club 8/23/2010 (336) 719-2259 680 Riverside Drive Mount Airy, NC 27030 Mayberry Heating and Air Conditioning 8/27/2010 (336) 786-9480 1105 West Pine Street Mount Airy, NC 27030 Mayberry Mules Wagon Rides 1/3/2011 (336) 710-2783 276 Lindsay Creed Lane Mount Airy, NC 27030 Mayberry Trading Post 8/30/2010 (336) 786-7294 100 N. Main St. Mount Airy, NC 27030 McDonalds #17224 Renfro Street 5/11/2011 (336) 789-0402 McDonalds#17291 Rockford Street 5/11/2011 (336) 786-7679 Mid-Atlantic Lawn Service 4/14/2011 Gene Johnson www.luckybonescountryclub.com Shelby Boyles Dennis Sechrist www.mayberrymules.com Gary Dollyhigh Christy Prewitt Mount Airy, NC 27030 mobile.mcstate.com/17224/ Mark Soots 1916 Rockford Street Mount Airy, NC 27030 mobile.mcstate.com/17291/careers/ Michael Brannock (336) 386-4512 430 North Main Street Dobson, NC 27017 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney - Geoff Owen 9/16/2010 (704) 571-3369 P.O. Box 11429 Charlotte, NC 28203 fa.smithbarney.com/geoffowen Geoffrey Owen Mount Airy Bike Rentals 7/23/2010 (336) 786-8313 116 Melissa Drive Mount Airy, NC 27030 www.visitmayberry.com Marissa Cockerham Mount Airy Jaycees 10/21/2010 (336) 575-7137 1217 Mitchell Street Mount Airy, NC 27030 Mount Airy Junior Woman's Club 9/20/2010 P.O. Box 893 Mount Airy, NC 27030 www.majwc.org Abby Gallimore Nester Hosiery, Inc. 10/1/2010 (336) 789-0026 Vance Vaughn Dena Wood P.O. Box 1343 Mount Airy, NC 27030 www.nesterhosiery.com Tammy Jenkins North Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Services 12/10/2010 (336) 789-5039 P.O. Box 629 Mount Airy, NC 27030 www.ncdhhs.gov/dvrs/ Sherry Browning Northside Group, LLC 4/14/2011 (336) 783-9100 P.O. Box 72 Mount Airy, NC 27030 www.northsidegroup.com Carmen Smith NWN Corporation 12/10/2010 (336) 217-1341 7025 Albert Pick Road Greensboro, NC 27409 www.nwnit.com Ben Smith O2 Energies 1/3/2011 (704) 897-1739 P.O. Box 1455 Cornelius, NC 28031 www.o2energies.com Olee Joel Olsen Paychex, Inc. 7/30/2010 336-841-5600 ext 24387 4015 Meeting Way High Point, NC 27265 www.paychex.com Angela Strong Petroleum Transport Company 6/1/2011 (336) 368-8974 P.O. Box 490 Pilot Mountain, NC 27041 petroleumtransport.com Tammy York Pilot Mountain Elementary School 12/30/2010 (336) 444-8200 218 Friends Street Pilot Mountain, NC 27041 www.surry.k12.nc.us/pme/default.asp Angela Carson Suite 101 Page 5 Please help us welcome our New 2011 Chamber Members! Member Name Join Date LocalPhone Address1 City URL Rep Rabbit Ridge Enterprises 8/23/2010 (276) 251-1178 1251 Rabbit Ridge Road Address2 Ararat, VA 24053 www.rabbitridge.com Merlin Scales Rockford Elementary School 12/1/2010 (336) 374-6300 719 Rockford Road Dobson, NC 27017 www.surry.k12.nc.us/res Dana Thomas Simmons Insurance Agency 4/14/2011 (336) 368-5204 P.O. Box 638 Pilot Mountain, NC 27041 [email protected] Pam Morgan Sink Family, L.P. 1/4/2011 (336) 786-8051 29 Hollyview Farm Mount Airy, NC 27030 Southern Style Spotlight 2/7/2011 (919) 210-3470 129 Norval Lowe Rd Lowgap, NC 27024 www.southernstylespotlight.com Richard Hiatt State Farm Insurance (Debbie B.) 8/30/2010 (336) 783-0400 1207 W. Lebanon Street Mount Airy, NC 27030 www.debbieblinkhorn.com Debbie Blinkhorn State Farm Insurance (Victor Z.) 11/19/2010 (336) 789-8893 1448 Edgewood Drive Mount Airy, NC 27030 www.zamorainsurance.com Victor Zamora Subway (601) 11/1/2010 (336) 789-0800 701 W. Pine Street Mount Airy, NC 27030 Bill Juno Subway (Pine Street) 11/1/2010 (336) 789-1184 701 W. Pine Street Mount Airy, NC 27030 Bill Juno Subway (South Main St.) 11/1/2010 (336) 789-1184 701 West Pine Street Mount Airy, NC 27030 Bill Juno Subway (Walmart) 11/1/2010 (336) 789-4630 701 W. Pine Street Mount Airy, NC 27030 Bill Juno Sunset Slush of the Foothills 8/2/2010 Suite 300 Rosie Sink (336) 719-0340 153 N. Main Street Surry County Tourism Development Authority 1/6/2011 (336) 401-8390 118 Hamby Road Mount Airy, NC 27030 Todd & Melissa Tharpe Suite 342 Dobson, NC 27017 Chris Knopf The Copper Pot 1/3/2011 (336) 352-4108 P.O. Box 1149 The HR Group 8/23/2010 (336) 292-1911 216 S. Swing Road Suite 4 Greensboro, NC 27409 www.thehrgroupinc.net Patsy Wiggins The Spa at Primland 7/28/2010 (276) 222-3865 The Tilley Group 4/14/2011 (336) 789-1980 2000 Busted Rock Road Meadows of Dan, Va 24120 www.primland.com Melissa Dillon P.O Box 280 Toast, NC 27049 TransACTions, LLC 12/10/2010 (336) 786-1962 ext 205 154 North Renfro Street Trio Restaurant and Bar 7/22/2010 (336) 719-0131 247 City Hall Street Mount Airy, NC 27030 www.triorestaurantandbar.com Chris Wishart Uncorked in Mayberry 12/10/2010 (336) 786-1957 126 N. Main Street Mount Airy, NC 27030 www.uncorkedinmayberry.com Freddie Quesinberry United Plumbing Supply 9/24/2010 (336) 786-8394 925 W. Lebanon Street Mount Airy, NC 27030 www.hajoca.com Kevin Haynes Wendy's 1/6/2011 (336) 786-6576 1906 Rockford Street Mount Airy, NC 27030 www.wendys.com Sandy Prevette Wound-About, Inc. 10/1/2010 (336) 368-5001 P.O. Box 201 Westfield, NC 27053 www.woundabout.com Kyle Wallace Wyatt's Trading Post, Inc. 8/10/2010 (336) 789-7700 705 W. Pine Street Suite # 600 Mount Airy, NC 27030 www.wyattstradingpost.com Melissa Wyatt Yadkin Valley Living Magazine 4/14/2011 (336) 961-3407 1038 Ridgewood trail East Bend, NC 27018 www.yadkinvalleyliving.com John Norman Toast, NC 27049 Suite 202 Tracy and Greg Hiatt Kristin Tilley Mount Airy, NC 27030 Marty Hutson N.C. economy grew 3.4% in 2010 The Business Journal - by Catherine Carlock, The Business Journal North Carolina’s gross domestic product was $381 billion in 2010, a 3.4 percent increase from 2009, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Page 6 50th Annual Meeting of the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce The Fiftieth annual Meeting of The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce was held on Thursday January 27, 2011 at Cross Creek Country Club. Over two hundred and ten Chamber Members and guests attended the anticipated annual event. The Annual Meeting is a tradition for the Chamber and their Members. The 2011 Board of Directors and Officers were installed, Britta Needham, 2010 Chairmen of the Board gave her farewell speech and incoming 2011Chairmen of the Board, Gary Lawrence delivered his address. Donna Leger, President of Central States Manufacturing Inc. was the Guest Speaker for the evening and Dr. Frank Sells announced the 2010 Citizen of the Year recipients. This special evening would not have been possible without the support of our Members and the Sponsorship of these Chamber Businesses: The Event Sponsor for the The 2010 Citizens of the Year Charlie Shelton and evening was RBC Bank. Ed Shelton with the Award Sponsor - WorkForce Associate Sponsors for the Carolina’s President, Teresa Lewis, and Dr. Frank evening were: BB&T, BB&T Blue Sells who made the announcement. Ridge Burke Insurance, Duke Energy Carolinas, CenturyLink, Haynes Strand and Company, PLLC, Mount Airy Newspapers, Inc., Northern Hospital of Surry County, SouthData, Inc. and Workforce Carolina. The Citizen of the Year Award was sponsored by Workforce Carolina and the Wine Sponsor was Shelton Vineyards. Donna Leger, President of Central States Manufacturing, Inc. was the guest speaker for the evening. Mrs. Leger spoke about the beginning of Central States Manufacturing in a small plant and the successes that the company has had through the years due to the Incoming 2011 Chairman of the Board, Gary Lawrence employee owners and the gives outgoing Chairmen, Britta Needham a beautiful values that the company plaque for her service to the Chamber. represents. She said she wants Central States to be a positive impact on the community and on families through the company’s Giving Back Program. Central States Manufacturing, Inc. opened a $4.5 million facility in the Piedmont Triad West Industrial Park in Mount Airy, NC in August 2010. The Arkansas based company makes metal building components used in both commercial and residential construction. Central States Manufacturing, Inc. has facilities in Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana and Texas. The announcement of the 2010 Citizen of the Year recipients was delivered by Dr. Frank Sells, former President of Surry Community College. With the announcement of Ed Shelton and Charlie Shelton as the 2010 Citizens of the Year, the crowd rose to a standing ovation. Dr. Sells noted the monumental contributions, investments, political clout and vision Donna Leger, President Central States has shaped and molded our Manufacturing, Inc. the Guest Speaker at the 50th Annual Chamber Meeting. community like never before. The Shelton’s vision was the inspiration behind the local wine industry emergence in Surry County. We recognize and applaud their contributions, investments and their leadership that has guided our region through the formative years of fostering and nurturing the Yadkin Valley Wine Region and Hospitality Region. The Shelton brothers rose from their seats and came forward to receive their plaques and to say a few words. Britta Needham, 2010 Chairmen of the Board delivered the charge to the 2011 Chamber Board of Directors and Officers. Gary Lawrence, 2011 Chairman of the Board followed with a brief address to the Membership in attendance. The 2010 Chairmen of the Board, Britta Needham delivers the charge to the 2011 Chamber Board of Directors and Officers. Page 7 Chamber Hosts “Academy Awards” On Thursday March 24, 2011 The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce hosted the “Academy Awards” at Cross Creek Country Club. Duke Energy sponsored the Annual Awards Luncheon that was attended by One hundred and five Chamber Members that gathered for a wonderful lunch, address from the special guest speaker; the seasoned and accomplished television personality Rich Brenner, and the announcement and presentation of the Chamber’s Annual Awards. The room was abuzz as Chamber Members made their way to their tables and seats; stopping to reminisce with local business colleagues, acknowledging friends and peers across the room and making introductions with new contacts. A total of eight winners had been selected from twenty five official categorical nominations received earlier in the month. Various Chamber Committees were charged with the final selections that were announced at the luncheon. The committees had a very difficult task because all nominees were considered winners by the committee members! Chairman of the Board Gary Lawrence welcomed everyone to the “Academy Awards” and the program began after lunch with special guest speaker Rich BrenTraci Hamilton, Director of Sales & ner. Rich well known to all from his 21 years as an anchor for the 5, 6 and 10pm Marketing for WorkForce Carolina presents newscast at WGHP TV spoke of being a person of value and what it takes to bethe 2010 Ambassador of the Year Award to come one whether you are a sports figure or a leader in your community or comChairman of the Board Gary Tracy Webster, SouthData, Inc. pany. A person of value is always positive and confident and those who chose to chase perfection will be able to catch excellence. Lawrence welcomes everyone to the With numerous quotes from business leaders and well renowned coaches Rich Chamber’s “Academy Awards”. hammered home success is never easy or everyone would be successful. That you must do the little things that others aren’t willing to do. That you have to work hard and do what the opponent is not willing to do…work hard and stay focused and deserve victory! A theme that fit perfectly with the following announcements of the award winners. LeeAnn Stokes, Vice President Surry County Economic Development Partnership announced the 2010 Small Business of the Year award winner – WorkForce Carolina. The award was accepted by President, Teresa Lewis. This award was sponsored by the Surry County Economic Development Partnership, Inc. Kevin Kimrey, Director Business & Industry Services for Surry Community College announced the 2010 Outstanding Public Service Award winner – Chris Knopf, Assistant County Manager for Economic Development and Tourism Surry County Government. This award was sponsored by WorkForce Carolina. Chris accepted the award and was surprised because he had no idea he had been nominated. Jessica Icenhour, Mount Airy Tourism Director announced the 2010 ExcelDennis Lowe, Chamber Chair-Elect and lence in Travel & Tourism Award winner- Ken and Kari Gulaian, Round Peak President of Lowe Consulting presents the Vineyards. This award was sponsored by the Mount Airy Tourism DevelopLeeAnn Stokes, Vice President Surry County 2010 Business Longevity Award to William ment Authority. Ken was called out of town suddenly and his award will be Economic Development Partnership presents presented to him soon. Swift, President of The North Carolina Teresa Lewis, President of WorkForce Carolina Traci Hamilton, Director of Sales & Marketing for WorkForce Carolina anGranite Corporation. with the 2010 Small Business of the nounced the 2010 Ambassador of the Year Award winner – Tracy Webster, Year award. SouthData, Inc. This award was sponsored by Burke Robertson & Associates, Inc. Tracy was shocked and was without words. Dennis Lowe, Chamber Chair-Elect and President of Lowe Consulting announced the 2010 Business Longevity Award winner – The North Carolina Granite Corporation. This award was accepted by President, William Swift. This award was sponsored by Barney’s Café. Dennis Lowe, Chamber Chair-Elect, President of Lowe Consulting also announced the 2010 Green Business Award winner – Nester Hosiery, Inc. This award was accepted by Kelly Nester. This award was sponsored by Greene Finance/Specialty Gifts, LLC. Doug Norman, General Director, International Division The North Carolina Granite Quarry announced the 2010 Green Business Small Division Award winner – H & M Motors. This award was sponsored by the Business Development Committee of the Chamber. Mike Hege, Owner of H & M Motors had called earlier and was unable to attend due to sickness. Mike’s award will be presented to him soon. Jimmy Flythe - Director–East Region Government and Community Relations Duke Energy Carolinas announced the 2010 Duke Energy Citizenship & Service Award winner The Greater Mount Airy Ministry of Hospitality. Reverend Phil Goble accepted the award. This award was sponsored by Duke Energy. Honoring our local leaders, businesses and organizations is a time for celebration! Receiving an award comes with a sense of accomplishment and pride, giving the winner credibility. The ultimate reward is having someone recognize your hard work and celebrating your success with you! Congratulations to all the winners! Page 8 The following business and organizations were nominated for the above awards and are considered winners too! Surrey Bank & Trust F. Rees Company Creative Designs Flowers & Gifts Renfro Corporation SouthData, Inc. Carolina Environmental Contracting, Inc. CK Technologies Southern Community Bank and Trust (Dobson Branch) Pike Electric, Inc. Century 21Homestead Realty Crossroads Behavioral Healthcare Leonard’s Jewelers Surry Community College Greater Mount Airy Habitat for Humanity Mount Airy Junior Woman’s Club Northern Hospital of Surry County Modern Gardeners Surry County Parks & Recreation Special Olympics Program Surry County Schools THE 2010 CHAMBER ACADEMY AWARDS WINNERS… WorkForce Carolina 2010 Small Business of the Year Award Sponsored by Surry County Economic Development Partnership Ken Gulaian, Round Peak Vineyards 2010 Excellence in Travel & Tourism Award Sponsored by Mount Airy Tourism Development Authority The North Carolina Granite Corporation 2010 Business Longevity Award Sponsored by Barney’s Café Chris Knopf, Surry County Government 2010 Outstanding Public Service Award Sponsored by WorkForce Carolina Nester Hosiery, Inc. 2010 Green Business Award Sponsored by Greene Finance/Specialty Gifts, LLC Tracy S. Webster, SouthData, Inc. 2010 Ambassador of the Year Award Sponsored by Burke Robertson & Associates H&M Motors, Inc. 2010 Green Business Small Division Award Sponsored by Business Development Committee The Greater Mount Airy Ministry of Hospitality 2010 Duke Energy Citizenship & Service Award Sponsored by Duke Energy Special Guest Speaker Rich Brenner – Accomplished Television Anchor and Sports Personality. Dennis Lowe, Chamber Chair-Elect, President of Lowe Consulting presents the 2010 Green Business Award to Kelly Nester with Nester Hosiery, Inc. Kevin Kimrey, Director Business & Industry Services for Surry Community College presents the 2010 Outstanding Public Service Award to Chris Knopf, Assistant County Manager for Economic Development and Tourism Surry County Government. Page 9 2011 Administrative Professional of the Year… Kay Marcaccio The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual Administrative Professionals Day Luncheon at Cross Creek Country Club on April 27, 2011. The 2011 Administrative Professional of the Year award was presented to Kay Marcaccio with WorkForce Carolina. Haynes Strand and Company sponsored the 2011 award that honors an individual who strives toward the highest levels of personal and professional accomplishment, who excels in their chosen field, devotes time and energy to their community, and is a role model or mentor to peers, colleagues, or friends. Congratulations to Kay Marcaccico, who joins the impressive list of previous Administrative Professionals of the Year Award winners: 2004 Brenda Goad-Surry Telephone/Internet, 2005 Linda WilliamsNorthern Hospital of Surry County, 2006 Farrah Davis-John S. Clark Company, 2007 Mary Walker White-Surry Community College, 2008 Teresa Montgomery-Surry Community College, 2009 Susan Johnson-East Surry High School, and 2010 Shirley Perkins-Haynes Strand and Company. Over one-hundred fifty Chamber Business Members and their Staff attended the annual event which recognizes and celebrates the efforts of All Office Professionals. Guests were greeted at the door with applauds and cheers by the Chamber’s “truly awesome” Ambassadors, who would shortly entertain the crowd with a program that they wrote, planned, had rehearsed, and would shortly perform. Following lunch and the announcement of the 2011 Administrative Professional of the Year - Kay Marcicco, the crowd was introduced to some very special guests; Elvis, Lady Gaga, Brittany Spears and Gene Simmons. The theme of this year’s program was “Family Feud”… Celebrity Style. Office Professionals representing Easter Seals USPC-Sheila Easer, Haynes Strand and Company-Shirley Perkins, WorkForce Carolina-Kay Marcaccio and Dawn Wallace-Hampton Inn Mount Airy competed against Elvis aka Scott Kniskern, Lady Gaga aka Jenna Jordan, Brittany Spears aka Staci Hiatt and Gene Simmons aka Tracy Webster in a “twisted” version of “Family Feud” tagged as…Celebrity Style. Master of Ceremony, Tyler Morgan and Mountie, Glen Coleman who verified the correct answer did their best to keep the game moving along as the two teams squared-off against each other. In between each round of questions was a commercial break performed by Chamber Ambassadors and sponsored by local Chamber Business Members. Many Thanks to our Commercial Sponsors: State Farm Insurance – Victor Zamora, U.S. Cellular, Subway, Shelton Vineyards and 13 Bones! The unique and colorful center pieces that decorated the tables were door prizes donated by our Business Members and one lucky individual form each table took home the prize. Thank you for your donation: Insteel Industries, Inc., SouthData, Inc., Southern Community Bank & Trust, Nester Hosiery, Inc., WorkForce Carolina, Leonard Building and Truck Accessories, Hampton Inn of Mount Airy, Creative Designs Flowers & Gifts, Cross Creek Country Club, Pine State Marketing, Inc., Shelton Vineyards and Granite Tactical Vehicles, Inc. And a Special Thank You to our Program Partners: Brown Communication, Cooke Rentals and Cross Creek Country Club. The 2011 Ambassador League is an awesome group of energetic, highly creative and easily motivated business professionals who represent all segments of our membership. Hats off to the following for a sensational performance and program! Scott Kniskern, Chaquana Whitlock, Saroya Ceasar, Lenise Lynch, Tyler Morgan, Staci Hiatt, Tracy Webster, Kasey Riddle, Joan Vaughn, Bob Meinecke, Glenn Dulaney, Heather Elliot, Jenny Anderson, Jenna Jordan, Augusta Carroll, Glen Coleman and Patrick Hawks. Page 10 Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies PART Ribbon Cutting Held at the Mount Airy Park-and-Ride Lot A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held on Monday October 11th at 11:30am at the NEW Piedmont Authority Regional Transportation (PART) Mount Airy Park-and-Ride Lot located at the Mount Airy Plaza at Carter Street and Highway 52 South/Andy Griffith Parkway South in Mount Airy. Local city and county officials, partners, riders and business leaders were present for the ceremony. Chamber Chair Britta Needham welcomed everyone to the ceremony and introduced the elected officials.Chairman of the Surry County Commissioners and PART Board of Trustees- Paul Johnson, Mount Airy Mayor Deborah Cochran and PART Executive Director, Brent McKinney addressed the crowd. Following the ceremony guests were invited to tour the PART bus and to take a ride on the bus. Numerous guests rode the bus to downtown Mount Airy and were able to see first hand how comfortable and pleasant the ride is and how economical it is for so many of our citizens who work outside of Surry County. The Mount Airy Park & Ride Lot is a centrally located at the Mount Airy Plaza off of US 52 South/Andy Griffith Parkway South and Carter Street at the north end of the Big Lots store. The lot is beautifully landscaped with ample parking spaces and two shelters for the riders to take cover under. No pass is needed and it is serviced by the Surry County Express Route. Piedmont Authority Regional Transportation PART 7800 Airport Center Drive, Suite 102 • Greensboro, NC 27409 336-662-0002 www.partnc.org Ribbon Cutting Held at Mountain Valley Florist The Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held at Mountain Valley Florist on Thursday November 4, 2010. Owners, Lisa and Rod Lyons welcomed Chamber Members, Guests and Family to their new downtown location at 126 West Main Street Pilot Mountain, NC. You could easily see that the holiday’s were just around the corner as you entered Mountain Valley Florist….the front showroom was beginning to look a lot like Christmas with the decorated Christmas trees and holiday décor on display. Local Dignitaries were on hand to congratulate Lisa and Rod Lyons, meet the guests and participate in the celebration. Assisting with the Ribbon Cutting was: Surry County Commissioner & Chairman - Paul Johnson, Pilot Mountain Commissioner - Linda Needham and Pilot Mountain Planning Board Member - A.J. Dauod. Mountain Valley Florist is a full service florist with designs for every occasion: silk arrangements, fresh arrangements, gift baskets, balloons…..anything from get well to special occasions can be found at Mountain Valley Florist. Wire orders available and deliveries made within a 20 mile radius. Call Lisa at Mountain Valley Florist and let her design something special for you! Mountain Valley Florist 126 West Main Street • Pilot Mountain, NC 27041 (336) 368-5388 Visit us on www.facebook.com under Mount Airy Chamber. Add us as a friend or sign up as a fan to receive updates! We have over 300 hits to our page a week. Visit us today and help us spread the word about our Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce Businesses! Page 11 Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies Ribbon Cutting Held Medical Weight Loss Partners Medical Weight Loss Partners, a division of Northwest Medical Partners located in the ProHealth Center at 280 North Pointe Boulevard, in Mount Airy held a Ribbon Cutting and Open House for the NEW office on Tuesday December 14, 2010. Over thirty five Chamber Members, Guests, and Local Dignitaries met in the office lobby at 12:30 for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to the New Office. Mount Airy Mayor Deborah Cochran, City Manager Barbara Jones and City Commissioner Steve Yokeley were on hand for the event. Dr. Nelson Gardner, Linda Griffith, and Mayor Cochran spoke to the group prior to the ribbon cutting. An Open House immediately followed with the staff giving tours of the new spacious office and its wonderful new amenities. The office was beautifully decorated in logo colors for the event. Teal ribbons and yellow tape measure ribbons were placed through out the office area, even the ornaments and decorations on the Christmas tree matched. Refreshments and appetizers were set up for the guests along with information packets about the weight loss program including calorie conscious holiday recipes. Photo boards of success stories with before and after patient photos were on display so you could see the difference this program has made in peoples lives. Medical Weight Loss Partners was established January 5, 2009 and is a part of the ProHealth Center which is a multi-use state of the art facility housing the ProHealth Fitness Center and Northwest Medical Partners. The mission of Medical Weight Loss Partners is to provide access to a comprehensive weight loss program of sound guidance, nutritional and fitness counseling, strategies for achieving and maintaining a health weight, and the support and environment that will empower one to achieve optimal health. Under the guidance of Linda A. Griffith, MSN, FNP-BC, the Director of Weight Management and the Medical Weight Loss Partners staff over 1600 patients currently enrolled have lost 43, 200 pounds; the biggest loser has lost 192 pounds. Plans for the future are to develop a pediatric program due to the need. North Carolina ranks 14th in the nation in overweight and obese adolescents; 25% of kids 218 years old are obese and in Surry County there is approximately 42% overweight. Medical Weight Loss Partners has developed a healthy sensible weight loss program that becomes a lifestyle change in the way you eat. Medical Weight Loss Partners will make the journey fun and show you how to make this a permanent part of your life! Call 336-719-6006 today and change your life! Medical Weight Loss Partners a division of Northwest Medical Partners ProHealth Center 280 North Pointe Boulevard • Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-719-6006 www.prohealthweightloss.com Official Ribbon Cutting and Open House held at new State Farm Insurance Office, Victor Zamora Owner/Agent The Official Ribbon Cutting and Open House Event were held on Thursday January 13, 2011 at the new State Farm Insurance office located at 1448 Edgewood Drive, Suite 300 Mount Airy, NC 27030. Over fifty Chamber Members, Local Dignitaries, Guests and Clients were welcomed by Owner/Agent Victor Zamora and his wife Angelia along with the State Farm staff to the new office. The office is conveniently located in the shopping center off of Edgewood Drive and within sight of Wal-Mart. State Farm Agency Field Executive, Aaron Beam, the Mayor of Mount Airy, a Mount Airy City Commissioner, the City Manager, State Farm Field Representatives and the State Farm Insurance Staff took part in the ceremony held in front of the new office. Following the ceremony, guests were invited back inside for delicious refreshments and an opportunity to congratulate and celebrate with Victor and his staff. Victor Zamora and his staff are excited about the opportunity to serve the residents of Mount Airy with all of their insurance needs as well as their financial needs. State Farm offers insurance and financial services, auto loans, mortgages, credit cards and retirement planning. State Farm, a name well recognized for auto, life, home, disability and health insurance. Stop by and say Hello to Victor and his staff at State Farm Insurance and congratulate them on the opening of their new office! State Farm Insurance 1448 Edgewood Drive, Suite 300 • Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-789-8893 (phone) • 336-789-8259 (fax) Victor Zamora Owner/Agent www.victorzamorainsurance.com Page 12 Official Ribbon Cutting and Open House held at new State Farm Insurance Office, Owner/Agent Debbie Blinkhorn The Official Ribbon Cutting and Open House Event were held on Thursday January 20, 2011 at the new State Farm Insurance office located at 1207 West Lebanon Street Mount Airy, NC 27030. Owner/Agent, Debbie Blinkhorn welcomed everyone to the new State Farm Office conveniently located in the Westwood Center with Food Lion. Over forty Chamber Members, elected officials, guests and clients were welcomed by Debbie and her staff to the new office. State Farm Agency Field Executive, Aaron Beam and Agency Field Consultant, Bob Roycoft was on hand for the ceremony along with Mount Airy Mayor Deborah Cochran and Mount Airy City Commissioner Dean Brown. Following the Ribbon Cutting ceremony out front of the new office, guests were invited back inside for delicious refreshments and an opportunity to congratulate Debbie and her staff and tour the office. Debbie Blinkhorn and her staff are excited about their new office and the opportunity to serve the residents of Mount Airy with all of their insurance needs as well as their financial needs. State Farm offers insurance and financial services, auto loans, mortgages, credit cards and retirement planning. State Farm, a name well recognized for auto, life, home, disability and health insurance. Stop by and say Hello to Debbie and her staff at State Farm Insurance and congratulate them on the opening of their new office! Office Hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm, Tuesday and Thursday 8:30am – 6:00pm. State Farm Insurance Owner/Agent Debbie Blinkhorn 1207 West Lebanon Street • Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-783-0400 [email protected] • www.debbieblinkhorn.com Ribbon Cutting Held at The Copper Pot Restaurant The Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for The Copper Pot Restaurant was held on Friday January 21, 2011 at 3:00pm. The Copper Pot Restaurant is located at 123 Scenic Outlet Lane (1-77 & Hwy 89 in the Scenic Outlet Plaza) in Mount Airy, NC. Over twenty-five Chamber Members and guests received a warm welcome from Owners, Tracy and Greg Hiatt and their wonderful staff. Guests were given a raffle ticket as they entered for door prizes that Greg Hiatt would give away after the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. The Copper Pot Restaurant was busy with regular customers who took part in the celebration. The Copper Pot had prepared a wonderful table of appetizers for their guests consisting of a fruit tray, a yummy cake, cookies and other delicious sweets. Everyone had a great time getting to know Greg, Tracy and their staff….it was such an enjoyable experience because the people at The Copper Pot Restaurant are so warm and friendly. We can’t wait to go back for dinner! The Copper Pot is a new dining experience with a country atmosphere and a welcoming staff. The Copper Pot is locally owned and operated by Tracy and Greg Hiatt and is open Monday through Thursday 6am – 8pm, Friday and Saturday 6am – 9pm closed Sunday. Open for breakfast (served until 11:00am) lunch and dinner. Daily plate specials to select from as well as everyday specials and breakfast plates, child plates, sandwiches, seafood, meat and chicken entrees, wings, salads and desserts! The Copper Pot Restaurant is cooking up something just for you so come hungry! The Copper Pot Restaurant 123 Scenic Outlet Lane • Mount Airy, NC 27030 (336) 352-4108 Ribbon Cutting Held at the Greater Mount Airy Area Habitat for Humanity ReStore On Friday March 5, 2011 Mayor Deborah Cochran, the Greater Mount Airy Area Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Laura Wharton along with the Habitat Staff and Habitat Board Members cut the ribbon to the new 22,000 square foot ReStore located at 813 Merita Street in Mount Airy. Mayor Cochran congratulated and thanked Habitat for making a difference in so many families’ lives by helping them to own a home. Mount Airy City Commissioner Steve Yokeley and County Commissioner Eddie Harris Chairman congratulated the Greater Mount Airy Area Habitat for Humanity Board, Staff and Volunteers on this awesome accomplishment and the difference Habitat has made in our community. Statements were made by Chairman of the Board Tonda Hall and other Habitat Board Members. Thirty One homes have been built for families in and around Surry County since the local Habitat was established some 18 years ago. The Greater Mount Airy Area Habitat for Humanity is not a hand out, they are a hand UP empowering families grow into all that God intends. Over 100 Chamber Members and guests were in attendance to celebrate the official ribbon cutting and to tour the new ReStore. The large ReStore was filled with some wonderful new merchandise donated from Andrew Pearson Designs, Ligna Furniture, Johnson Granite Inc. and from Lowe’s Troutman distribution center. The new space is so expansive that it allows for a large warehouse where one can find garden tubs, cabinets, sinks, toilets, screen and storm doors and room for the “build out” materials to be stored on site. Guests shopped the main sales floor where there was bedroom, dining room and living room furniture, new rugs and carpets, tables and lamps, art work, books and even decorative pots for landscaping. As guests wandered through the store you could hear everyone chatting about the great selections. Many had their arms full as they made their way to the cash register with some deals where they were greeted by the friendly ReStore Staff, who were equally excited about the new location and the added square footage. The Greater Mount Airy Area Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a shopper’s paradise and all proceeds go toward helping build more homes for deserving families in Surry County. Open Monday – Friday 10am6pm and Saturday 9am- 2pm. For more information about getting involved, contact 336-789-4663 or email [email protected] This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Greater Mount Airy Area Habitat for Humanity – ReStore 813 Merita Street • Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-789-4663 Page 13 Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies Encore! Consignments & More and Subway located at Mayberry Plaza hold Ribbon Cuttings ENCORE... The new Mayberry Plaza was bustling with excitement on Thursday April 28, 2011 with over 60 people on hand for the two ribbon cuttings held at Encore! Consignments & More and the newest Subway. Mayor Pro-Tem Todd Harris was on hand to cut the ribbon with President, Angela Mitchell of Encore! Consignments & More. Angela’s family and staff were on hand to celebrate this wonderful occasion! Once the ribbon was cut guests were invited inside to browse through the great selection of clothing, shoes, handbags, home décor and more. Encore! Consignments & More, Inc. - Located at Mayberry Plaza 1130 South Main Street, Suite 700 Mount Airy, NC 27030). Phone 336719-0440. Encore! Consignments & More was established in February 2011 by President and Owner, Angela Mitchell. Encore! Consignments & More is a store that provides quality clothing; infant to adult, home décor and one-of–a kind furniture at an affordable price. Some items maybe new but most will be gently used or nearly new. Some of brands that can be found at Encore! Consignments & More includes: Abercrombie, Aeropostale, American Eagle, Ann Taylor, Ann Klein, BCBG, Banana Republic, Bebe, Billabong, Carters, Chico’s Coach, Eddie Bauer, Fossil, Fox, Gap, Jones New York, Kasper, J. Crew, Kenneth Cole., Liz Claiborne, Nautica, Old Navy, Ralph Lauren/Polo, Tommy Hilfiger and MORE brand names! You may plan to only shop at Encore but if you have gently used items that include brands like listed above and want to make some money, Encore has two plans that you might be interested in …consignment or resale. Encore is a shop where you will find great merchandise for a great price…quality brands and current styles in excellent condition! Open Monday – Friday 10:00am – 7:00pm, Saturday 9:00am- - 6:00pm and Sunday 1:00pm – 5:00pm. “when great style deserves a curtain call” Encore! Consignments & More 1130 South Main Street, Suite 700 • Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-719-0440 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUBWAY… The newest Subway located at Mayberry Plaza 1130 South Main Street opened with an official Ribbon Cutting on April 28, 2011 with Mayor Pro-Tem Todd Harris and Developer and Owner Bill Juno cutting the ribbon in front of over 60 Chamber Members, friends and well wishers! The four Subways in Mount Airy are locally owned by Bill Juno. Bill’s wife Michele and their two sons, John and Austin Juno participated in the ceremony along with the new store’s Manager –Amy Belton. Subway - Located at 1130 South Main Street Mount Airy, NC 27030 with additional locations at 701 West Pine Street, 1408 Edwood Drive (highway #601), 2241 Rockford Street at (Wal-Mart) Phone 336-789-1184. The four Subway locations in Mount Airy are locally owned by Bill Juno. Subway serves sandwiches, salads, soups and TCBY Frozen Treats. Subway is now open for breakfast with delicious menus beginning at 7:00am until 10:00am. Subway began in 1965 with a seventeen-year-old entrepreneur who was searching for a way to pay for his education; Fred DeLuca wanted to become a medical doctor. Today there are 34,000 locations around the world; Subway is the world’s largest submarine sandwich chain. ...fresh, delicious, made-to-order sandwiches Subway Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-789-1184 Asian House Holds Ribbon Cutting The Official Ribbon Cutting for the Asian House located at 2021 Rockford Street Mount Airy was held on May 13, 2011. Mount Airy Mayor Deborah Cochran and Asian House Owner, Tony Chen cut the ribbon with over fifty Chamber Members and guests looking on. It was a festive event with some of the staff playing drums and tambourines. The Asian House is a welcome treat for our community offering Chinese and Japanese cuisine. The new sushi bar and the eight hibachi grills offer a brand new menu and dining experience to Mount Airy, don’t forget the Asian House still has the popular Chinese buffet available to. The Asian House is a dining experience with the beautiful dark wood features and the cultural accents, the entertainment of the Hibachi Chefs not to mention the wonderful food will become one of your favorites! The Asian House is open Sunday through Saturday from 11:00am – 10:00om and until 11:00pm on Friday and Saturday. Large parties are welcome and the Asian House has catering available. Asian House Chinese and Japanese Cuisine 2012 Rockford Street • Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-789-9969 Page 14 Page 15 BUSINESS After Hours Pine State Marketing hosts Chamber Business After Hours Event Pine State Marketing, Inc. hosted a Chamber Business After Hours Event on Thursday October 28, 2010 at 219 Frederick Street in Mount Airy, NC. The Business After Hours was held in conjunction with their Customer Appreciation celebration, and over 150 Chamber Members, Guests and Customers were in attendance. This annual event is anticipated and looked forward to by many of us because Bucky Holcomb and the Pine State team plan an amazing event every year. This year the food was exceptional and was complimented with wine selections from Round Peak Vineyards, the entertainment was awesome, Massage Therapist, Krystal Jones gave complimentary chair massages throughout the evening and everyone got to select a t-shirt of their color choice and then watch the screen printing process first hand. Custom wrapped vehicles that Pine State had created were on display for everyone to see up close what a work of art a wrap really is, also on display were other custom products such as tshirts, aprons and signage. Bucky, Kim and the Pine State Marketing staff thank you for hosting this Business After Hours event and for making it such a FUN event! If you are in the market for products, clothing, vehicles, banners, signs, with your name and logo on them, we suggest you contact Pine State Marketing and see how they can help you and your business “Stand Out From The Crowd” with innovative and creative marketing logo products. “Stand Out From The Crowd” Pine State Marketing, Inc. 219 Frederick Street • Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-789-9437 Video Works of North Carolina, Inc. hosts Chamber Business After Hours Event Video Works of North Carolina, Inc., a full service video production studio company located at 140 Franklin Street Mount Airy, NC. hosted a Chamber Business After Hours event on March 31, 2011 to a crowd of over 60 Chamber members and guests. Stefanie Easter, Owner and Producer welcomed guests and thanked everyone for attending. The event was catered by Little Richard’s Smokehouse BBQ located at 455 Frederick Street in Mount Airy and Vocalist Madam Weez entertained the crowd throughout the evening. The production company was filled with fun and excitement as Chamber Members made new business connections and reestablished existing business relationships. The crowd thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful food, fellowship and entertainment. Into the evening, Stefanie Easter introduced the NEW Venture between Video Works of North Carolina, Inc. and Winding Creek Productions; CAT TV-NC (Community Access Television TV-NC). With sponsorships from local businesses and partnerships with investors’ large blocks of air time will be purchased from Time Warner Cable, Piedmont Communications and Surry Television. The purpose of CAT TV- NC is to provide an affordable venue for local businesses to advertise with a community television spotlight where the public can share videos of local events, school plays, sporting events and more on a cable TV station. The combined talents of Stefanie Easter, a creative video production professional and the marketing genius of Glenn Springthorpe, Winding Creek Designs CAT TV-NC is sure to produce unique and innovative marketing opportunities for local businesses while creating additional employment positions within the organization! The launch of CAT TV- NC is very exciting for our community! CAT TV- NC is a local access television station that will be carried on Time Warner (Channel 75), Piedmont Communications (Channel 17) and on Surry Television (Channel 14). The concept for the station is simple – to allow local residents the ability to have their footage shown on television. If Johnny’s grandmother couldn’t make it to his tee-ball game, his parents can record it (adhering to certain standards) and submit it to CAT TV-NC where it will air the video in several airtime blocks over the course of the week. The programming is to include; Be Healthy Segments, Business Spotlights, Local Plays, Local Government Meetings, High School Sports, Festivals and more! CAT TV-NC is proud to spotlight local businesses. Every evening during the week, a different local business will be spotlighted and given a half-hour segment. CAT TV-NC an affordable venue for local businesses to advertise and a forum to share local events and news. For additional information about CAT TV-NC contact Stefanie Easter or Glenn Springthorpe at 336-719-6957 or email at [email protected]. Video Works of North Carolina, Inc. 140 Franklin Street • Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-719-6957 • www.videoworksofnc.com CAT TV-NC 140 Franklin Street • Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-719-6957 • www.cattvnc.com Page 16 BUSINESS After Hours Business After Hours held at Winston-Salem Dash BB&T Ballpark The Winston-Salem Dash hosted a Chamber Business After Hours on April 12th at the BB&T Ballpark in Winston-Salem NC three days prior to the opening season game. This was a unique event because it was a joint Chamber event between the Greater Mount Airy Chamber and the Yadkin County Chamber. Twenty eight local Chamber members attended and were able to forge new relationships with the twenty Yadkin County Chamber Members in attendance. The event was held in one of the beautiful corporate suites overlooking the ball park. Geoff Burke-Surry County Outside Sales Representative covering Surry County and Darrell Southern- Outside Sales Representative covering Yadkin County greeted the group and welcomed everyone to the BB& T Ballpark. Guests were introduced to the WinstonSalem DASH and the construction of the ballpark through a video. The BB&T Ballpark is an beautiful facility that offers numerous amenities to the individual fan and the corporate fan. Guests were treated by a visit from DASH President Geoff Lassiter who spoke about the team, the ballpark, the community support, and also answered questions. Guests were then given a tour of the park including locker rooms, dug outs and other usually off limit areas. It was a wonderful event that allowed the guests to see how fortunate we are to have the BB&T Ballpark and the Winston-Salem DASH just minutes down the road from us! For a fun time this summer take your family to the ballpark! Winston-Salem DASH 926 Brookstone Avenue • Winston-Salem, NC 27101 336-714-2287 • www.wsdash.com Choice Physical Therapy & Chiropractic hosts Chamber Business After Hours Choice Physical Therapy & Chiropractic located at 639 Independence Boulevard at New Market Crossing hosted a Business After Hours on Thursday April 21, 2011. Owner, Casey Vedder, Physical Therapist, Dr. Leslie Stoklosa, Physician Chiropractic, Regina Combs, Practice Manager and the entire staff planned and executed a wonderful event. Guests were invited to come by and meet the staff including new Aesthetician, Amber Lineberry and new Massage Therapist, Samson Oakley. The Choice Staff wanted to say thank you to their customers, colleagues and friends for another successful year! Over sixty Chamber Members and guests attended the event. The Choice staff was on hand to give tours of the facility and to answer questions. As the tours were completed the guests gathered in the huge exercise/therapy area that opens to a view of the greenway for fun, fellowship, some great food and prizes. CHOICE Physical Therapy & Chiropractic offers compassionate, individualized care using the latest technology and research to ensure safety and cost effectiveness. If you or a loved one are experiencing pain, physical therapy and/or chiropractic services may be able to help! Call 336-783-9400 today to make an appointment. The Right Choice for the Care You Deserve Choice Physical therapy & Chiropractic 639 Independence Boulevard • New Market Crossing • Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-783-9400 Cross Creek Country Club Hosts Chamber Business After Hours Cross Creek Country Club hosted a Chamber Business After Hours event on Thursday May 12, 2011. Chamber Members and Guests were welcomed by Club House Manager, Patty Younts and Membership Director, Kasey Riddle to the grand Ballroom. The view onto the golf course and the Blue Ridge Mountains was stunning as the sun started to set. Executive Chef, Chuck Gardner had prepared a wonderful selection of appetizers that all of the guests raved about. Cross Creek made the evening so inviting with tables set up so everyone could sit and enjoy the fellowship of each other. Chamber Chairman of the Board, Gary Lawrence welcomed everyone to the Business After Hours at Cross Creek then introduced Club House Manager, Patty Younts. Patty gave an overview of the accommodations and banquet services available at Cross Creek. Everything from a wedding ceremony, reception, bridal shower, corporate meeting, social gathering and charity event can be customized to fit the customer’s desires. This unique facility offers numerous options for an event such as the Patio Room, Willow Room, Magnolia Room, Bradford Room, Ballroom, and the Pavilion along with special equipment that is available to complete the needs of the customers’ event. The one of a kind outdoor Pavilion is a favorite spot for to host special events, with the handsome stacked fieldstone fireplace, granite topped bar and unobstructed view of the golf course and mountains. Cross Creek Country Club is an asset to Mount Airy and the community. Membership Director Kasey Riddle reviewed the membership options. The privilege of membership in Cross Creek Country Club is many; golf, tennis, swimming, and numerous social events suitable for everyone in your family. Thank you Cross Creek Country Club for hosting the Business After Hours event. The food and the wine were delicious, the clubhouse was beautiful and your hospitality was exceptional! Cross Creek Country Club 1129 Greenhill Road • Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-789-5193 • www.crosscreekcc.com Page 17 Chamber holds GRAND Networking Event The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce held its third Speed Networking Event on Thursday April 7, 2011 at Cross Creek Country Club with 51 participants who met face to face to learn about other businesses that could become potential customers. Divided into three groups of 17 participants, each member had two minutes to give their business overview to the business member across from them. Once the two minutes were up the other business did the same and then the members rotated to the next seat. Participants quickly learned to perfect their “elevator” speech since time was critical in this event moving along. Some of the participants made themselves and business more memorable by using props, costumes or having a unique slogan. This venue allows for face to face meetings between business representatives who likely can use each others services and products. By creating a fun and fast paced atmosphere the participants are relaxed and can concentrate on the objective… meeting potential customers or finding potential service providers for their business. At the end of the event participants were treated to an awesome Taco Bar and a wonderful selection of wine from Surry Cellars. The feed back from the participants was excellent! Everyone met someone they hope to do business with or learned about a business that they did know existed! Thanks to these sponsors who helped to make this event possible: Quality Inn Cross Creek Country Club Leonard Buildings & Truck Accessories Surry County Economic Development Partnership BNI Platinum Producers Surry Cellars Participants included but not limited to; Winston-Salem DASH, Healthy Technologies, Cross Creek Country Club, TransACtions, Carolina Farms and Homes, Wolfe Creek Farms, NC Department of Health & Human Services, Terminex, PC Needs, Northern Hospital of Surry County, First Citizens Bank, United Fund of Surry, Servpro, Hampton Inn, Carolina Connections, Glenwood Development Company, Aflac, Pet Stop of the Foothills, J&B Foods, Yadtel Networks, Quality Inn, Fire & Ice HVAC, Johnson’s Xtreme Softwash, Kelly Office Solutions, Surry County Economic Development Partnership, North Carolina Employment Security Commission, Easter Seals UCP NC & VA, Southern Community Bank, Professional Networks, Surry Community College, Henredon, Nationwide Insurance, Hutchens Laundry & Cleaners, Greater Mount Airy Area Habitat for Humanity, Paychex, Kentucky Fried Chicken, I-77 Welcome Center, RidgeCrest, Mount Airy Newspapers, Edwards and Associates, Paradigm, Wachovia, and Wells Fargo. Forecasting for Growth Taken from sba.gov Maintaining your momentum means looking forward even as you focus on the present. Forecasting and planning are critical to your continued success. Forecasting for Growth: Strategic Thinking To be effective as a leader, you must develop skills in strategic thinking. Strategic thinking is a process whereby you learn how to make your business vision a reality by developing your abilities in teamwork, problem solving and critical thinking. It is also a tool to help you confront change, plan for and make transitions, and envision new possibilities and opportunities. Strategic thinking requires you to envision what you want your ideal outcome to be for your business, then work backwards by focusing on the story of how you will be able to reach your vision. As you develop a strategic vision for your business, there are five different criteria that you should focus on. These five criteria will help you define your ideal outcome. In addition, they will help you set up and develop the steps necessary to make your business vision come true. Organization The organization of your business involves your employees, the organizational structure of your business and the resources necessary to make it all work. What will your organization look like? What type of structure will support your vision? How will you combine people, resources and structure together to achieve your ideal outcome? Observation When you are looking down at the world from an airplane, you can see much more than when you are on the ground. Strategic thinking is much the same in that it allows you to see things Page 18 from "higher up." By increasing your powers of observation, you will begin to become more aware of what motivates people, how to solve problems more effectively and how to distinguish between alternatives. Views Views are simply different ways of thinking about something. In strategic thinking, there are four viewpoints to take into consideration when forming your business strategy: the environmental view, the marketplace view, the project view, and the measurement view. Views can be used as tools to help you think about outcomes, identify critical elements and adjust your actions to achieve your ideal position. Driving Forces What are the driving forces that will make your ideal outcome happen? What is your company's vision and mission? Driving forces usually lay the foundation for what you want people to focus on in your business (such as what you will use to motivate others to perform). Examples of driving forces might include: individual and organizational incentives; empowerment and alignment; qualitative factors such as a defined vision, values and goals; productive factors like a mission or function; quantitative factors such as results or experience; and others such as commitment, coherent action, effectiveness, productivity and value. Ideal Position After working through the first four phases of the strategic thinking process, you should be able to define your ideal position. Your ideal position outline should include: the conditions you have found to be necessary if your business is to be productive; the niche in the marketplace that your business will fill; any opportunities that may exist either currently or in the future for your business; the core competencies or skills required in your business; and the strategies and tactics you will use to pull it all together. Ambassador of the Quarter Joan Vaughn oan Vaughn, Program Manager for Individual and Community Supports with Easter Seals UCP NC and VA, is our first Ambassador of the Quarter! Out of 17 incredible ambassadors, Joan stood out with her dedication to the Chamber Mission! She attends Chamber Surprise Patrols, Ribbon Cuttings, Luncheons, and even helped to bring in a new member this quarter! If you attended the Administrative Professional Day Luncheon you even saw her acting debut! “Every Business should send their professionals to the luncheon! It was an awesome event and our entire staff had a great time!” says Joan. Joan would like to thank Kathy McGuire for allowing her to represent Easter Seals UCP NC and VA in the business community this year. Joan has jumped in to what being a Chamber Member and Ambassador is all about! She describes being involved with the Chamber has allowed her to meet people in the business community that otherwise she would not have had the opportunity to meet. It has allowed her to make contacts that may benefit the individuals that Easter Seals UCP serves. Easter Seals UCP NC and VA is a lifelong partner to people managing disabilities and mental health challenges. Their services are centered around each person’s individual needs to live, learn and participate fully in their community. Families rely on Easter Seals UCP to be a trusted partner for support and access to resources in their community. Easter Seals UCP of NC and VA deliver more than 2.2 million hours of quality services to more the 17,000 children and adults with disabilities and mental health challenges across the state, preparing them for success in life. “The most fulfilling part of my job is seeing the individuals we support succeed in their goals.” “We are J successful due to the support from our community and our hard working, motivated, and dedicated staff; Phyllis Sutphin, Sheila Easter, Darline Watts and Terry James, who provide meaningful opportunities for those we serve.” Easter Seals recently received a KBR grant which will allow individuals that receive services from Easter Seals to be able to receive primary health care in a Clinic for severe and persistent mental illness. Easter Seals create opportunities, promote choice and change the lives of people with disabilities. Joan grew up locally here in Mount Airy attending Mount Airy High School. Her love of basketball and track in high school helped her to go on to obtain a Bachelors Degree in Physical Education. In working with children and adults with special needs in college eventually led her to working with Easter Seals UCP. Joan explains that family has played a major role in her success. Joan lives in Dobson with her husband Vance Vaughn. She is involved with the Surry Civitans and Surry County Special Olympics. She encourages everyone to seek information about these worthy organizations. Joan is very “worthy” of being our Ambassador of the Quarter and we thank her for all she has done to promote the Chamber Mission. Easter Seals UCP NC and VA 414 West Lebanon Street Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-789-9492 www.nc.easterseals.com How are you keeping expenses under control to ensure profitability? This is a task for any business but here are 5 things to remember. 1. What is your bottom line? Be familiar with your books and your budget. All businesses have fixed costs and variable costs. The variables are the ones that can put you in a pinch. Know what your variables are. Work closely with an accountant and your books person. They see numbers but may not understand the reason for the cost. Make sure you know why they are varying and when you can expect those variations. Know the maximum and minimum variations so that maybe a seasonal trend can be set to help you plan. Make sure items are being applied to the correct area in your budget for easier identification. 2. Find ways to increase sales without an increased cost in advertising and promotion. Provide a free Seminar, get the media involved, advertise through the Chamber. The Chamber has several low cost options to promote your business. Networking can be the easiest and most cost effective advertising and promotion you can do for your business. Building a referral base is a low cost option with a high return on your investment. 3. Raise Prices? You cannot raise your prices more than what the competition is doing or what the industry will allow. Instead set your product or service above the competition. What can you offer that they are not? Know what that is and build your advertising around it. Be unique even if your type of business may be the same. 4. Be a cost cutter. Where can you cut may be the question. We are all doing more with less. Personnel costs may or may not be the place to start. Look internally to see if there is anything that can be renegotiated to help cut down costs. Are their tax breaks, rewards, grants that can be obtained, leases with a buyout at the end? 5. Have a professional to look at your business on a regular basis to see if cost savings can be identified and if there are programs that can help you improve your bottom line. Visit these websites for more information on what help may be available. http://www.sba.gov/ • http://www.sbtdc.org/ Page 19 Getting to Know You SPOTLIGHT Getting to Know You - The Johnson Family of Johnson Granite, Inc. Johnson Granite, Inc., a natural stone fabricator and installer, began as a small family business in 2000 on West Pine Street/89 and moved to their current location on Hiatt Road in 2003. Johnson Granite, Inc. is one of the select few in the country that has earned the coveted designation of Accredited Natural Stone Fabricator from the Marble Institute of America. Johnson Granite, Inc. underwent and expansion in 2007. Their most recent investment caught the ear of the Chamber staff. Johnson Granite, Inc. recently invested $300.000 in a piece of new equipment that will be sure to send them to the top in service, efficiency, and quality. The CNC equipment was financed by First Citizens Bank of Mount Airy. We invited the board and business development committee out to visit with Johnson Granite, Inc. for a spotlight visit. Brian Johnson, President, gave us an exciting introduction to the company and allowed us an up close tour of his facility and the new CNC equipment. Father and Son team Larry and Brian Johnson joined forces to form Johnson Granite, Inc. which was soon built on the principles of hard work, honesty, and integrity. Larry Johnson brought over 30 years of experience in the granite and natural stone design to the business. Brian brought the knowledge of sales and marketing, along with a construction-based background. They joined forces to create a company that would set them above the competition. Eleven years later their eye is targeted for growth, customer service, and superior product leading to an elite choice in natural stone products. The new CNC, computer numerically controlled, Robocup Breton NC260 equipment from Italy, will allow them the opportunity to bid on jobs that they can now mass produce the design of choice with precise cutting. The equipment is controlled by a computer program to ensure the precise diamond cut pattern. The Robocup can do 34 kitchens in one day which would normally take three employees to do in one day. Although the time savings has been one of the key factors, no jobs were lost in the purchase, currently still employing 24 employees. In fact, those skilled workers can now concentrate on other equipment, cutting simpler designs. Brian also informed us that they anticipate such growth that there are plans in the future to run a second shift. Its fail safe, operator friendly characteristics allows for high quality that can be turned around to meet deadline limitations of large commercial jobs such as designs for hotels. Johnson Granite, Inc. is a wholesale company also offering a local retail business with walk in traffic. The show room’s exquisite detail is enough to get any homeowner’s creative planning flowing. Visit their vast showroom with samples from all over the world in hundreds of colors and types. Brian and his staff will assist you in a stylish yet functional design that you have dreamed of. Getting to Know You - Katie Cramer, Rogers Realty & Auction Co. It is a pleasure to have Katie Cramer part of the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce. Both Katie and her husband Roger Cramer are Real Estate Brokers with Rogers Realty and Auction Co., Inc. and are very active in the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce. Her husband Roger is serving on the 2011 Chamber Board of Directors. Katie feels involvement in the Chamber of Commerce and our local community helps to expand one’s network, keeping one abreast of what is happening in our area, and provides opportunities to give back to those we serve. Katie came to Mount Airy in 2006 from Rhode Island after marrying Roger Cramer. Growing up she moved around from New York to Connecticut, to Boston, then spending the last 34 years between Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Katie has an impressive resume starting as a Human Resource Manager, Teacher with a Masters in Education, Head Hunter, Kitchen and Bathroom Designer then finally settling on her love of Real Estate. Her love for all things related to housing helped lead her to her new career path. “I love helping others find their dream home.” Katie said. “I believe to be a successful realtor/broker; one must listen thoroughly to client’s needs and wishes. By being a good listener as well as being flexible, I can trust my instincts to explore options a buyer may not have contemplated.” “A win-win situation is what I call a successful conclusion,…my client’s smiles are worth a million words!” Katie feels a smooth transaction is part of acquiring the “perfect home” and builds trust that can lead to referrals and continued relationships. Katie is the 2011 President of the Surry County Board of Realtors. She served as the President Elect for 2010 and a Chairperson for 2009 & 2010. She was awarded the 2009 Realtor of the Year! Katie has come to love Mount Airy as home. “Mount Airy is an extremely welcoming town to newcomers. It is truly a unique experience being from the North to have complete strangers wave and speak as you pass by.” Being a newcomer, Katie explains The Chamber provides an inviting atmosphere to meet and network with business leaders in our area. “Relationships are what it is all about.” The Chamber does make a difference in relationship building and promotion of our local businesses maximizing growth potential. Katie is very involved in our community. She is a Heritage Foundation Member and a Habitat for Humanity Build Days Volunteer. She is seen at many Chamber Events supporting business growth in our area! Katie we are so glad to have you in Mount Airy and part of our Chamber family! Katie has a son Matt McCrystal, Step Daughter Catrina Alexander, Son-in-law Mel Alexander and grandchildren Jackson and Macy Smith. Give Katie a call if you are thinking of buying or selling a home. Katie Cramer Rogers Realty & Auction Co., Inc. 1310 EMS Drive • Mount Airy, NC 27030 (336) 789-2926 x 116 • Toll Free: (800) 442-7906 • Cell: (336) 325-6454 www.rogersrealty.com • Email: [email protected] Page 20 Getting to Know You SPOTLIGHT Getting to Know You - Jenna Jordan and Leonard Buildings and Truck Accessories Jenna Jordan, Marketing/Advertising/Web Representative for Leonard Building and Truck Accessories, is one of our 2011 Chamber Ambassadors. When I asked her where she was from she said she was from Mount Airy although her parents are not from here. She further explained her Mother is from New York and her Father is from Georgia. They met in Arkansas and moved to Mayberry and that is how she ended up here! Jenna has the best personality and is a complete joy to work with. Many may know her from her most recent role as Lady Gaga in the Administrative Professional Day Luncheon skit. Jenna has been a complete delight to have as an ambassador this year. She stepped up as Secretary of the Ambassador League. She is very involved in Chamber Events, learning what it means to be part of the Chamber. “I have thanked David numerous times for giving me the opportunity to represent Leonard as an Ambassador. It has been one of the most rewarding and enjoyable experiences in my life. I have met so many people and learned so much about local businesses, developing relationships with each of them. It has given me an opportunity to share with the business community what Leonard has to offer and to learn about other businesses as well.” A true Ambassador! Jenna explains how she is grateful of the opportunities that the Chamber has provided her. Jenna attended East Carolina University receiving a Bachelor’s of Science in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations and Corporate Writing. She started taking Communication classes and learned it was something she was not only good at but something she enjoyed and hoped to pursue a career in. She started working with Leonard in March of 2010 working with the Marketing Department assisting in advertising, marketing, web, public relations, and lot promotions for their 51 factory outlets. Established in 1963, Leonard Buildings and Truck Accessories is a privately owned retailer, manufacturer, and distributor, whose product lines include storage buildings, truck accessories, trailers, carports, truck covers, gazebos, greenhouses, chicken coops, and pet structures. Leonard serves its residential, commercial, and government customers through its 51 factory outlet stores in the five state region of North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Over the years, the company’s focus on craftsmanship and customer service has allowed each of its company owned stores to be an integrated partner in their local communities. David O’Neal is the CEO of Leonard Building and Truck Accessories. David also sits on the Mount Airy Chamber Board of Directors. We thank Leonard Building and Truck Accessories, David and Jenna for their continued support of The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce. Leonard received the Mountie Award for the “Best place to purchase bed liners”. Visit Leonard to review their complete and diverse product line. Leonard’s Buildings and Truck Accessories 566 Holly Springs Road • Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-789-5018 www.leonardusa.com Year to Date The Visitor’s Center has greeted 17,949 visitors since January of this year. Year to Date from July 2010-April 2011 the Occupancy Tax Collections were up 15.81% from July 2009-April 2010 Friendliest City Mount Airy has been selected as a finalist in the “Friendliest” category in the inaugural search for the Best of the Road by Rand McNally with USA Today. Mount Airy is in the top finalists and will be featured in the 2013 Rand McNally Road Map. More than 20,000 Americans have registered on BestofTheRoad.com to vote, post pictures and share reviews of their favorite places in the U.S. As a town finalist, it is truly a testament to our community’s pride to be among the top 30. On June 23, each of the five Best of the Road® finalist teams will depart New York in search of the best small town in America in an assigned category which will be revealed that morning. Best of the Road® judges will announce the winning towns at the Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) Annual Convention on July 22. The top towns will be highlighted on www.BestofTheRoad.com and in the 2013 Rand McNally Road Atlas, as well as on USA TODAY's Travel site. Run on the Ridge Coming up July 28-30, 2011 is a new Motorcycle event called Run to the Ridge-Bikefest. This event is being chaired by Ric Marshall but we are assisting him here at the Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce through our local tourism efforts. This event is a fundraiser for the Second Harvest Foodbank and riders will have the opportunity to win up to $50,000 in prizes through the Poker Run. Jimmie Van Zant will be playing Saturday night at Veterans Memorial Park for this event. Page 21 CHAMBER SURPRISE PATROLS Chamber Surprise Patrol visits T.P. Supply Company, Inc. On Thursday October 26, 2010 the Chamber Surprise Patrol paid an unannounced visit to T.P. Supply Company, Inc. located at 203 Galloway Street in Mount Airy, NC. The Chamber Surprise Patrol entered the office lobby with balloons, a candy basket and a box of cookies. We were greeted with a warm welcome and a beautiful smile from Lynn Bickerstaff, who has been with T.P. Supply Company for 18 years. Owner of T.P. Supply Company, Inc., Troy Payne was out back surveying the lot and would return momentarily. In the mean time, Tyler Payne, Troy’s son who handles the web-based business logistics working from an adjoining office joined us in the lobby for the celebration. Troy arrived minutes later and we were able to get the management staff together for a few minutes. Troy gave us the history of T.P. Supply Company, Inc. The company started in 1979 and catered to the large industrial and textile manufacturing plants that were in our area; providing them with chemical and cleaning supplies. As the local economy changed and the local industries moved out of the country, T.P. Supply Company, Inc. had to change in order to stay in business. In 2001 T.P. Supply Company, Inc. became a material handing equipment company; buying new and used storage products that T.P. Supply Company, Inc. refurbished, reconditioned and resold. Dedicated attention to both quality and service has proved successful for T.P. Supply Company, Inc. with repeat customers and an award winning reputation! “Racking” is now the main focus of T.P. Supply Company, Inc. with customers returning again and again for quality products with no rust, no stickers, and no bent legs. The customer saves money and T.P. Supply Company, Inc. provides a service where existing storage materials are refurbished to a high quality status and put back into the marketplace. The T.P. Supply Company story is inspiring and one of survival. A small local company adapting to a global economy and making the necessary changes to stay in business themselves by finding a niche market that they can become successful at. We many not be the biggest…..but we’re the best! Material Handling Equipment T.P. Supply Company, Inc. 203 Galloway Street • Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-789-2337 • www.tpsupplyco.com Chamber Surprise Patrol visits Office Vision, Inc. On Tuesday November 2, 2010 The Chamber Surprise Patrol paid an unannounced visit to OfficeVision, Inc. located at 252 North Main Street, Suite 200 Mount Airy, NC. The Chamber Surprise Patrol entered the lobby carrying balloons, a candy basket and a box of cookies for the OfficeVision, Inc. staff to say “Thank You for being a Chamber Member” and to let them know how much we appreciate their continued support! Owner, Rich Kunkel was not in the office that morning so The Chamber Surprise Patrol celebrated with two lovely ladies, Debbie Hooker and Bessie Comer who take care of business when Rich is away. Debbie Hooker- Director of Publishing Services has been with OfficeVision, Inc. for 12 ½ years. Bessie Comer- Advertising & Subscriptions Administrator has been with OfficeVision, Inc. for 6 years. OfficeVison, Inc. publishes two magazines. Office Solutions –The Magazine for All Things Office…technology, furniture, supplies, equipment, gadgets, ergonomics, news & events, staffing, mailing, solutions and more…..if it’s in the office… it’s in the magazine. Office Dealer-The Independent Dealers Playbook for Success…dedicated to the independent dealer of office equipment, supplies and furniture….. each issue explores key trends, hot issues and the latest technologies and products affecting today’s office products, office equipment and office furniture dealers. These two magazines have a combined readership/circulation of 59,575 and thousands more of the digital versions. OfficeVision, Inc. 252 North Main Street, Suite 200 • Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-783-0000 Chamber Surprise Patrol visits Rock Solid Dimensional Stone, Inc. On Tuesday November 16, 2010 The Chamber Surprise Patrol paid an unannounced visit to Rock Solid Dimensional Stone, Inc. located in the Piedmont Triad West Industrial Park at 581 Mountain View Lane Mount Airy. It was a rainy morning but The Chamber Surprise Patrol was delivering cheerful balloons, a candy basket and a box of cookies for Doug Porter, owner of Rock Dimensional Stone Inc. and his staff. The Chamber Surprise Patrol was greeted by Arlette Porter, Doug’s wife, who just happened to have dropped by for a few minutes (we had called Arlette to see if she could join us for the surprise visit). Doug Porter emerged from his office where he was greeted with balloons, a candy basket, cookies and a sincere Thank You for being a Chamber Member from The Chamber Surprise Patrol. After introductions were made Doug asked his staff to join him at the beautiful stone fireplace in the lobby for a few photos. Rock Solid Dimensional Stone is a fascinating place and Doug was so interesting to talk to. He showed us blue prints of a 30,000 square foot house that calls for 1 million feet of Rock Solid stone work, his engineers showed us how their computer programs work with the stone cutting equipment in the in the cutting room, we were given a tour of the warehouse where all of the cutting is done and the stone is unloaded and loaded. Doug told us that math revolves around almost everything they do at Rock Solid Dimensional Stone. Back in the office we were able to see photos of finished projects and the stone work was amazing! Doug was so pleasant to talk to that before we knew it we had taken up an hour and half of his time. Thank you Doug for taking time to visit with us and to educate us about Rock Solid Dimensional Stone, Inc. Rock Solid Dimensional Stone, Inc. is, first and last, a cut stone fabrication facility serving the building industry up and down the eastern seaboard. They custom cut both exterior and interior architectural details in natural stone per a clients specifications. Their state-of-the art manufacturing plant offers the latest in technology in CNC sawing and finishing. Previous projects include single residential and multiresidence complexes, churches, universities, business and industrial sites, memorials, signage and columbaria, Beauty, strength and endurance…natural cut stone… Rock Solid Dimensional Stone, Inc. Mountain View Lane • Mount Airy, NC 27030 (336) 789-1996 www.rocksoliddimensionalstone.com Page 22 CHAMBER SURPRISE PATROLS Chamber Surprise Patrol visits Select Real Estate On Tuesday December 7, 2010 The Chamber Surprise Patrol paid an unannounced visit to Select Real Estate located at 1835 Westfield Road Mount Airy, NC 27030. The Chamber Surprise Patrol braved the frigid temperatures carrying a basket of candy, a box of cookies and two bunches of balloons just to say “Thank You” to Select Real Estate for being a Chamber Member. The Chamber Surprise Patrol entered the office surprising Deborah Hawks-Chilton, a realtor/broker, with the balloons, the candy, and the cookies and a camera in hand! After proper introductions of who we were and why we were visiting Select Real Estate, Deborah seemed to be put at ease. As we were getting to know her, Anne Peterson realtor/broker/SFR that has been operating the Winston-Salem office arrived and we really celebrated! Anne and Harry Peterson were the first Select Real Estate people we got to know back in February 2008 when they decided to join and become a Chamber Member. Today they have two office locations; 1835 Westfield Road, Mount Airy NC and 406 Harvey Street Winston Salem, NC and five realtors. Select Real Estate is an independently owned company committed to ethical and competent real estate practices. Select Real Estate is a full service brokerage committed to providing their clients with the kind of professional services and information needed to conduct their real estate transactions with confidence. Select Real Estate will make you one promise; to work hard and give you the time, resources and expertise necessary to sell your home or buy your next home. Whether you are a first time home buyer, a seasoned consumer or relocating to this area, Select agents are there for you from showing you properties, helping you negotiate a fair price, finding the right lender to the closing table. Call today and let the Select agents show you the SELECT difference. Select Real Estate 1835 Westfield Road • Mount Airy, NC 27030 (336) 768- 4198 or 406 Harvey Street • Winston-Salem, NC 27103 (336) 774-4799 www.ncselectrealestate.com Chamber Surprise Patrol visits Sawyers & Sawyers Accounting Services On Tuesday December 14, 2010 The Chamber Surprise Patrol paid an unannounced visit to Sawyers & Sawyers Accounting Services located at 813 South Main Street Mount Airy, NC 27030. Braving another winter day of frigid temperatures and blustering winds The Chamber Surprise Patrol blew through the front door at Sawyers & Sawyers Accounting Services with a basket of candy, a box of cookies and two “wild” bunches of balloons just to say “Thank You”. Once inside and we got the door closed, we were greeted by Carolyn Sawyers who looked somewhat surprised or maybe it was all the wind and cold air that came in with us. We told her that we were The Chamber Surprise Patrol and we were there to say “Thank You” to Sawyers & Sawyers Accounting Services for being a Chamber Member. Carolyn called for her husband, Jerry who quickly came from an adjoining office to see what was going on. Surprise Jerry…It’s the Chamber Surprise Patrol. Here to say Thank You for being a Chamber Member and for your continued support over the last sixteen years! Sawyers & Sawyers Accounting Services has been a Chamber Member since April 20, 1994. We spent the next thirty minutes talking to Jerry and Carolyn about the business, their family and friends that we had in common. Sawyers & Sawyers is a small locally owned and operated accounting office with three employees; Jerry and Carolyn Sawyers and Meagan Castle. Several years ago Jerry had needed some assistance and had called Surry Community College for an accounting student. They referred Meagan Castle to him and Meagan has been with Sawyers & Sawyers since then. Our visit to Sawyers & Sawyers Accounting Services was the last Chamber Surprise Patrol visit of 2010. Jerry, Carolyn and Meagan, thank you for taking time away from your business to spend with us….we had a great time! Sawyers & Sawyers Accounting Services 813 South Main Street • Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-786-5935 Chamber Surprise Patrol visits Faw, Folger & Johnson, P.C. On Tuesday, March 1, 2011 The Chamber Surprise Patrol paid an unannounced visit to Faw, Folger & Johnson, P.C. located at 619 North Main Street Mount Airy, NC 27030. It was a beautiful morning and the Ambassadors were excited about the first visit of the year. Faw, Folger & Johnson law office is located in the former Sergeant House which is a beautiful granite house next door to the Robert Smith house in one of the most beautiful residential areas in town. The Chamber Surprise Patrol arrived with bunches of cheerful balloons, a basket of candy and a box of cookies for Fred and Richard Johnson and the staff at Faw, Folger and Johnson, P.C. The Chamber Surprise Patrol consisting of sixteen Chamber Ambassadors and three Chamber staff members entered the law practice and quickly filled the entire front lobby. We were warmly greeted by Attorney, Richard Johnson who watched in amazement as the group made their way into the office. Introductions were made and we stated our reason for dropping in was simply to say “Thank You” to Faw, Folger & Johnson for being Chamber Members. Attorney, Fred Johnson was not in the office that morning due to being in court but Richard Johnson, Donna Puckett and Jennifer Gardner were kind and gracious, taking time to not only tell us about the practice but also giving us a guided tour of the fabulous house and its history! Everyone was impressed with house and all of its unique charm, beautiful wood work and fixtures, original décor and the modern amenities added when the house was originally built. THANK YOU again Richard, Donna and Jennifer for your hospitality and for sharing your morning with us! Faw, Folger & Johnson, P.C, consists of two attorneys, Fred Johnson and his son, Richard Johnson. The firm handles legal matters in the following practice areas: General and Trial Practice. Business and Corporate, Commercial, Education, Municipal, Trusts and Estates, Wills, Probate, Real Estate Law. Fred Johnson is also an author of the following "School Districts: A Constitutional Violation," Popular Government, March 1973; "Contracts," Education Law in North Carolina, 1988. Fred serves as the attorney for over a dozen school districts and Surry Community College. Faw, Folger & Johnson, P.C. 619 North Main Street • Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-786-2401 www.fawfolgerjohnson.com Page 23 CHAMBER SURPRISE PATROLS Chamber Surprise Patrol visits Farm Bureau The Chamber Surprise Patrol paid an unannounced visit to Farm Bureau Insurance on 942 West Pine Street Mount Airy, NC 27030 on Tuesday March 29th. The Surprise Patrol arrived with several Chamber Ambassadors carrying Balloons, Cookies, and Fudge to say “Thank You” to Tim Hamlin and his staff for their continued support of the Chamber. We were greeted at the front desk by Janet Fulk and Betty Jackson, customer service representatives for the agency, who explained that the entire staff was just finishing up with a morning meeting. Agency Manager Tim Hamlin and Agents Kenneth Snow, Mark Bender, Tim Lowe, Jo Lynn Johnson, and Associate Agent Susan Roberts greeted the Surprise Patrol and shared with us their individual backgrounds from law enforcement to experience with other insurance agencies. We were excited to be able to celebrate with the entire staff! The Chamber Surprise Patrol went out on the front porch of their beautiful office location on West Pine Street/highway 89 to capture a few pictures. The agencies original office opened in March of 1994 and moved to their current location on West Pine Street in December of 2006. There are 46 years of combined experience in the Hamlin Agency to serve you with all your insurance needs. Farm Bureau works hard every day to maintain the financial stability and strength to provide the security you need, when you need it most. Dedicated to protecting what matters most, Farm Bureau - Tim Hamlin Agency puts the needs of each customer first with superior service. They are local people serving our local community! Farm Bureau started in 1953 when Farm Bureau leaders were concerned by a lack of insurance coverage for farmers and rural communities in N.C. Today they have continued with the mission to provide affordable insurance to members in all 100 counties in North Carolina. Farm Bureau has assets of over $1 billion, and is an A.M. Best Company, Inc. with an A rating of excellence. In addition to Home, Life, Auto and Health insurance, Farm Bureau offers a wide array of other commercial, farm, crop, and personal liability policies as well as a variety of banking products. Thank you to Tim Hamlin and his staff for sharing a few minutes of their morning with us! Stop in and let Tim and his staff evaluate your insurance needs. “Helping You is what we do best” Farm Bureau 942 West Pine Street • Mount Airy, N.C. 27030 336-789-5091 phone • 336-789-0344 fax Email [email protected] Chamber Surprise Patrol visits Interstate Sign Co. Inc. On Tuesday, April 5, 2011 The Chamber Surprise Patrol paid an unannounced visit to Interstate Sign Co. Inc. located at 1990 Rockford Street Mount Airy, NC. The Chamber Surprise Patrol met in the parking lot and went in as a group carrying balloons, a box of cookies and a box of fudge for the staff at Interstate Sign Co. The Chamber Surprise Patrol was greeted by President, Rick Shelton and Secretary & Treasurer, Steve Barnard. The Chamber Surprise Patrol explained the reason for the visit was to simply say, “Thank You” to Interstate Sign Co. for being a Chamber Member. Rick and Steve allowed the Chamber Surprise Patrol to ask questions. They were asked about the commercial side of the sign business, who some of their customers were, what type industries did they specialize in, what territory they cover, and what unusual sign regulations and experiences they have encountered? Rick took the Chamber Surprise Patrol on a tour of the shop where the making of the actual sign is done. The group was able to see some of the steps involved in producing a sign and got to meet the employees that actually make the signs. It was an informative and interesting visit that allowed the Chamber Surprise Patrol to leave with a better understanding and appreciation of the sign manufacturing and installation industry. Thank you Rick and Steve for taking time away from your busy morning and spending it with the Chamber Surprise Patrol. The tour of the warehouse and watching a sign being made was fascinating and we really enjoyed meeting your employees! Interstate Sign Co. Inc is the Total Image Solution when it comes to your image. The benefits of using Interstate Sign Company for your project are the use of quality materials, complete site surveys, conceptual renderings, permit procurement and project management with a turn-key installation. We invite you to experience what we can do for you. We utilize state of the art equipment and experienced craftsmen to design, fabricate and install a wide array of signs. By emphasizing quality in our materials and throughout the manufacturing process, Interstate Sign Company gets it customers noticed by providing top quality signs that are as durable as they are beautiful. Total Image Solution Interstate Sign Co. Inc. 1990 Rockford Street • Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-789-3069 • www.interstatesign.com Chamber Surprise Patrol visits Phillips Motor Company On Tuesday, April 19, 2011 The Chamber Surprise Patrol paid an unannounced visit to Phillips Motor Company located at 265 West Lebanon Street Mount Airy, NC. The Chamber Surprise Patrol rolled into the Phillips Motor Company with eleven Ambassadors and staff taking over the remainder of the sales lot. Noticing the men watching form inside, The Chamber Surprise Patrol entered the office carrying balloons, a box of candy and some cookies to say Thank You to Phillips Motor Company for being a Chamber Member. The group was welcomed by Owner, Wade Phillips who also took time to tell us about Phillips Motor Company and how the used car market was going. Mr. Phillips said truck sales have been good and economy cars sales have been good. With on-site financing available shopping for a vehicle is very convenient for the customer. Phillips Motor Company has a great selection of inventory from large passenger vehicles to small economy vehicles…Phillips Motor Company has a vehicle for YOU! The Chamber Surprise Patrol had a great time visiting with Wade Phillips and the staff at Phillips Motor Company! Phillips Motor Company has been in business for Forty Years! Thirty Seven years at 265 West Lebanon Street and the first three years across from Reeves Community Center in the vacant lot next door to John Jackson Insurance. Phillips Motor Company has been a Chamber member since November 17, 1994 and we say “Thank you” to Wade Phillips for his continued support of the Chamber. Being in business for forty years is something to be proud of and tells us that you can trust Wade Phillips for helping you to find a vehicle that you can rely on for the price that you want! Stop by Phillips Motor Company and tell Wade Phillips we sent you! Phillips Motor Company 265 West Lebanon Street Mount Airy, NC 27030 (336) 789-3394 Page 24 CHAMBER SURPRISE PATROLS Chamber Surprise Patrol visits Mullins Pawn Shop & Jewelers On Tuesday May 3, 2011 The Chamber Surprise Patrol paid an unannounced visit to Mullins Pawn Shop & Jewelers located in Surry Plaza at 1128 West Pine Street Mount Airy, NC 27030.The Chamber Surprise Patrol met in the parking lot and entered Mullins shortly after the shop opened, hoping to not interrupt business by arriving early but customer traffic was steady that morning. Manager, Frank Davis quickly greeted the group of ten who were carrying bunches of balloons, candy and a box of cookies for the staff at Mullins Pawn Shop & Jewelers to say, “Thank You for being Chamber Members”! Owner Frances Mullins had not arrived so the Chamber Surprise Patrol visited with Frank Davis and Dennis Tolbert, learning about the pawn industry and how closely Mullins works with law enforcement to ensure the merchandise being pawned is not stolen property. The Chamber Surprise Patrol got the opportunity to see the large selection of merchandise that is available and learned that local musician/vocalist Dennis Tolbert also teaches lessons and Mullins had a large selection of guitars. Mullins Jewelry selection was unbelievable, with a selection that covered almost ½ of the sales floor and everything you could ever want was in a showcase. Owner Frances Mullins came in just as some of the group was about to leave. What a gracious lady she is taking time to talk with us and share some of the history of the business. In the 1980’s the Mullins bought the Jewel Box which was located in the 200 block across from the Chamber on North Main Street. In 1985 Mullins Jewelers moved to a store front across from the Snappy Lunch and opened up the “Pawn” part of the business in the basement. Business was really good and a second pawn shop was opened in the 400 block of North Main Street. In the early 1990’s Mullins Pawn Shop & Jewelers moved to the Surry Plaza where both businesses had room for growth. Mullins Pawn Shop & Jewelers has been a loyal Chamber Member since 1984 continuing to grow and change with the times and just as popular today as ever! The Chamber Surprise Patrol had a wonderful time meeting Mrs. Frances Mullins, Frank Davis and Dennis Tolbert. We are sorry that we missed Debbie Martin, Justin Gammons and Jewelry RepairmanKeith Osborne…we hope to meet each of you real soon! If you have not visited Mullins Pawn Shop & Jewelers lately… stop by…. you will be amazed at the selection and the great deals! Mullins Pawn Shop... Largest in Surry County Mullins Jewelers ... Mount Airy’s Diamond Center Mullins Pawn Shop & Jewelers Surry Plaza • 1128 West Pine Street • Mount Airy, NC 27030 336-789-7109 • 336-786-6417 The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce Business Academy, People Make the Difference, a Monthly Educational Series Sixteen Chamber Members attended the February 8th Business Academy; People Make the Difference, a monthly educational series of seminars held the second Tuesday of each month, beginning at 8:30am in the boardroom at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites. The February topic was It Takes Talent….To Spot Talent presented by Jim Collier, Consultant, The HR Group Inc. The seminar covered identifying team leaders and talent management: Identifying the company’s core competencies: What are core competencies? Types of core competencies and Examples of core competencies. People Competencies needed to support company competencies and how to measure skills. Effectively Identifying Team Leaders: Steps to identifying talent, recognizing talent, and retaining talent. What to look for in a potential leader and developing an Employee Career Development Plan. Participants will receive college credit hours for attending. It Takes Talent…..To Spot Talent was sponsored by the Surry County Economic Development Partnership. Seminar partners include; The HR Group Inc., Holiday Inn Express & Suites and The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce. "The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce helped jump start my new business. The week I joined the Chamber I attended a Business After Hours event. At the event, I met people who were interested in hearing about my business. It was a contact I made at this Chamber event that led to a presentation at a local organization and then led to two referrals for my business in just a few short weeks. I believe in the value of the Chamber." Page 25 The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce Business Academy, People Make the Difference, a Monthly Educational Series Nineteen Chamber Members attended the April 12, 2011 Business Academy; People Make the Difference, a monthly educational series of seminars held the second Tuesday of each month, beginning at 8:30am in the boardroom at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites. The April topic was Connecting Generations in the Workplace presented by Marilyn Honeycutt Consultant, The HR Group Inc. The class discussed understanding how “generational values” are formed; indentifying how generational values compete and complement others; learning how to work with different value sets and approaches to managing the diverse generational world. This was a wonderful seminar that helped to explain the difference in values, work, leadership style, communication, motivation and feedback for each of the working generations; Traditional Generation: 1922 – 1943, Baby Boomer 1943-1960; Generation X: 1960-1980; and Generation Y: 1880-2000. We all recognized characteristics dominate in our own generation and the history behind those characteristics. It was a fascinating seminar and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The April Business Academy was sponsored by WorkForce Carolina, Chelli & Associates and The HR Group Inc. “Life: The Great Balancing Act” topic of the May 10th Chamber Business Academy The Great Balancing Act …. Keeping balance in your life in an out-of-balance world was the topic for the May Chamber Business Academy; People Make the Difference, a monthly educational series of seminars. “The Great Balancing Act” was presented by Merikay H. Tillman, M.S., also known as CoachMKay, a fantastic speaker, author and consultant for The HR Group Inc. Eighteen Chamber Members attended the seminar hoping to learn how to balance all of the facets in our daily lives. We evaluated 8 key areas in our lives and looked at what was working, what was not working and what was missing. We asked ourselves were we balanced. Were there areas that tend to run our calendars or things within the key areas that don’t fulfill us? One of the most important areas is “self” and can affect many other areas of our lives. We were asked to identify the changes that we each needed to make in order to have more balance. If your life is not well balanced…will your business be? Things to consider in YOUR quest to balance…… Peel back some of the layers……Remain elastic or you will break…...99% of what we worry about never happens.… ..prepare for the worst but expect the best…...Always have a Plan B……Connect to something spiritually……Invest in yourself because you are worth it!......When it comes to stressful situations or something you don’t enjoy doing……DO IT, DELEGATE IT, OR DITCH IT!...... Do you think of yourself as a good manager?...... Be a better manager of yourself…… What is not working for you?….. Look at life as a meal…… What is your main course, what is most important?...... What are your side dishes, which are not as important but still important?……Remember appetizers and desserts are always optional. And finally….Life is like golf……There is a new opportunity at each hole to start over. The seminar ended with CoachMKay saying that she hoped she inspired people to grow in spirit, to believe in their abilities, to give their best and to achieve success in all areas of their life. The May Business Academy was sponsored by Dr. Leslie Stoklosa, Chiropractic Physician at CHOICE Physical Therapy and Chiropractic….The Right Choice for the Care You Deserve. Page 26 Serving Surry County Since 1964! www.rogersrealty.com 336-789-2926 Voted 2010 Best Real Estate Company and Best Auction Company! Making a Difference... One local business at a time! Buy Local and Support Chamber Members FIRST Make your dollars count LOCALLY! Making a difference... one local business at a time! VISIT US ONLINE WWW.MTAIRYNCCHAMBER.ORG AND WWW.VISITMAYBERRY.COM The Mission of the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce is to advance, promote and encourage successful business growth for our members. THE GREATER MOUNT AIRY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IS NOW ON WWW.FACEBOOK.COM UNDER MOUNT AIRY CHAMBER. BUY LOCAL! SUPPORT CHAMBER MEMBERS! Chamber members are investing in the growth of YOUR community. JOIN TOGETHER WITH THE GREATER MOUNT AIRY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 200 N Main St. Mount Airy, N.C. 27030 336-786-6116 Main 336-786-1488 Fax Betty Ann Collins - President Email: [email protected] Main Line Extension 6 Renae Andrews - Finance Director Email: [email protected] Main Line Extension 8 Tanya Taylor - Membership and Communication Director Email: [email protected] Main Line Extension 4 Jessica Icenhour - Tourism Director Email: [email protected] Main Line Extension 3 Yvonne Nichols - Autumn Leaves Festival Director Email: [email protected] Main Line Extension 5
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