`We`re `big-company capable` - the Gaston Regional Chamber
Transcription
`We`re `big-company capable` - the Gaston Regional Chamber
GA S TO N REGI O N A L CH A M BER N E W S Vision FOURTH QUA RT ER | 2014 & Voice What's inside: Business profile: Sunshine Uniform Service PAGE 5 The Chamber Ribbon Cuttings PAGE 6-7 Business profile: West End Hardware PAGE 8 Business profile: Process Electronics Corporation PAGE 9 ‘Common Threads’ book signing PAGE 10 SUNSHINE UNIFORM SERVICE 601 W. Franklin Blvd. Gastonia, NC 28052 p 704.864.2621 f 704.854.8723 GastonChamber.com ‘We’re ‘big-company capable’ but still able to provide small-company, personal service’ PAGE 5 2 Gaston Regional Chamber • Fourth Quarter • 2014 Let Us Help You Put Your Money to Work I can help with important information for your financial future. • What is important to you about money? • What is your #1 goal for retirement? • Do you have a plan to fund your children’s education? • Are you retiring? 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LFS-1003736-090314 exp 09/2017 50141 Marshall Fletcher Gaston Regional Chamber • Fourth Quarter • 2014 Golf Classic Gaston Regional Chamber September 22 Gaston Country Club 9:30 AM Registration 11:30 AM Shotgun Start www.gastonchamber.com It was a beautiful day for playing golf at Gaston Country Club and members enjoyed the great course and the wonderful company at the annual Golf Classic held on Sept. 22, 2014. Congratulations to winners, College Building Supplies! Thank you to all who participated as sponsors and players and to those who volunteered to serve on the Golf Classic Committee. 3 4 Gaston Regional Chamber • Fourth Quarter • 2014 PUTTING TECHNOLOGY TO WORK FOR YOUR BUSINESS We provide comprehensive business technology services across a wide range of industries to help your operation succeed with an emphasis on Enterprise Class Hybrid-Cloud Back Up and Recovery and Business Class File Synchronization. IMPROVED DATA RECOVERY AND BACKUP • • • • DATA PROTECTION/PEACE OF MIND Single files located/recovered in minutes Multiple backup/recovery operations can run concurrently Data is stored off-site and recovered quickly Manage backup and recovery remotely or locally IMPROVE AND INCREASE IT RESOURCES EFFICIENCY • • • • T-Cloud backup is fully automated IT staff can remote-in to manage backup and recovery Only data that has changed is backed up Data is compressed for efficient band-width usage • • • • • Access your data 24 / 7 / 365 from easy to use web console Data is encrypted at all times with AES256 + SSL encryption Manage your own encryption key for HIPPA compliance Hybrid solution allows mix of local and cloud data AWS backed storage ensures data availability COST EFFECTIVENESS • • • • Replace aging servers with cost-effective hybrid-storage Complete disk based system, no tapes Bare-metal server and workstation backups Backup laptops to local storage while out of the office Are your Prepared for Data Loss? Did you know? 60% of companies that lose their date will shut down within 6 months. American business lost more than $7.6 billion as a result of viruses during the first 6 months of 1999. Other statistics on data loss go to: http://www.bostoncomputing.net/consultation/databackup/statistics/ . *Our Hybrid-Cloud backup and recovery solutions are HIPPA compliant. We can provide a Business Associate Agreement (BAA). Schedule a Free Consultation for Back-Up Assistance Today. Taylor Computing Services taylorcomputing.com 704.967.0204 [email protected] Gaston Regional Chamber • Fourth Quarter • 2014 Sunshine Uniform Service In 1949, James Waggoner and his three brothers decided to sell everything they had and start a uniform business armed with nothing more than passion, energy and good, old-fashioned common sense. None had any more than a high school education. They were dirt poor, but confident and willing to work hard. What began as a one-truck, Virginia-based business has evolved into a Certified HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) in North Carolina, still owned by Waggoner’s wife Mildred and their four daughters: Joyce Forman, Ruth Waggoner, Jackie Darken and King’s mother-in-law, Robert King, center, Director of Corporate Development Dorothy Hager. Sunshine Uniform Service is also one of the largest family-owned uniform companies in the “We are the only company in the region with this Southeast. system,” King said. “We had to sew an RFID chip into By offering a no-nonsense, personal approach to their every single garment we own, but now every garment is customers, the Waggoner brothers expanded the business uniquely identifiable. We can sort items more effectively to include locations in South Carolina and Florida before in the plant; therefore, it allows us to be more effective the 1958 acquisition of the Gastonia location. Today, the and accurate for our customers.” average Sunshine Uniform Company employee has 15 Sunshine Uniform Service continues to operate on a years’ experience and its customers still appreciate the different business model, King said. In addition to being hometown, friendly service they receive. privately held, the company offers a level of service King “We’re ‘big-company capable’ but still able to provide believes is not available anywhere else. small-company, personal service,” said Robert King, “We actually have some smaller accounts where our Director of Corporate Development at Sunshine Uniform guys still go pick up money out of the Mason jar on the Service. King is married to “Pappaw” Waggoner’s front porch,” King said. “That ‘screen-door service’ is just granddaughter, Susan. “We know most of our customers as important as the service we provide to a company that on a first-name basis.” The linen and uniform-services’ business offers a variety employs 3,000 men.” King was trained in the business by his brother-in-law, of products, from industrial and executive uniforms to Danny Lawrence, the company’s CEO. Lawrence’s wife, coveralls and lab coats, as well as aprons and napkins. Paula, is corporate controller and Lawrence’s daughter, There also are custom logo mats and other personalized Holly Benfield, is the company’s HR Director. Along items available through catalog purchase. Customers with family being involved in the daily operations of the have the flexibility to choose from a purchase, lease or business, King also credits Sunshine’s employees as the traditional rental option, depending on their company’s ones who hold together the solid foundation the company needs. rests on after nearly 60 years in the industry. The company also invests where it makes sense, King And, of course, he’ll never forget the words of Pappaw said; conservative in its approach while still remaining on Waggoner: the cutting edge of business development. Two years ago “He always used to say, ‘If you take care of people, Sunshine Uniform Service fully implemented a SmartChip you’ll be a successful company,’” King said. “I RFID sorting system, which now allows the business to guarantee 100-percent accuracy on deliveries. wholeheartedly believe that.” 1 1 2 0 J e n k in s R o ad , G a s to n ia , N C 2 8 0 5 2 | 7 0 4 - 8 6 5 - 6 2 1 1 | su n sh in eu n ifo rm .c o m UPCOMING EVENTS Professional Women’s Association Holiday Luncheon Please join us for a special PWA Holiday Luncheon when we will celebrate the season! We also will be collecting donations for The Shelter of Gaston County to help them through the holidays. Make sure you bring plenty of business cards because we will be networking as well as celebrating! Event details Date: December 3, 2014 Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Location: RODI, 245 W. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia Cost: $15 members, $20 nonmembers, includes lunch RSVP: gastonchamber.com 5 6 Gaston Regional Chamber • Fourth Quarter • 2014 UPCOMING EVENTS CONT. Jumpstart The Gaston Regional Chamber held a Ribbon Cutting for E-Corps Expeditions on August 28, 2014. Located 604 S. Main Street in Mount Holly, E Corps Expeditions provides participants renewal, replenishment and restoration in nature. This includes learning opportunities as well as field trips. They can be contacted at (704) 601-5083 or visit their website at www.e-corps.org. Connecting your business to opportunities Jumpstart Have you been a member of the Chamber but never have gotten plugged in to activities, worked on committees or found ways to market your business through us? Are you a brand new member who is looking for ways to jump right in and start getting the most of your membership benefits? Then we encourage you to attend Jumpstart! Thank you to lunch sponsor Texas Roadhouse Event details Date: December 9, 2014 Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Location: Gaston Regional Chamber, 601 W. Franklin Blvd. Gastonia Cost: FREE and includes lunch RSVP: gastonchamber.com The Gaston Regional Chamber held a Ribbon Cutting for Loray Mill Lofts, 300 S. Firestone Blvd., Gastonia, on September 29, 2014. Loray Mill Lofts is the center of a “live, work, play” community that will feature both apartments and commercial space in the former Loray Mill. They have kept the historical architecture in the renovation of the building while incorporating modern conveniences into the space. Pictured are Billy Hughes from Loray Mill Lofts (holding scissors with Lucy Penegar), City of Gastonia Mayor, County Commissioners, City Officials, Gaston Regional Chamber Board Members, Ambassadors and other guests. On September 30, the Gaston Regional Chamber held a Ribbon Cutting for Krispy Krunchy Chicken/Lucky 7 Food Mart, located at 2230 N. New Hope Road, Gastonia. Krispy Krunchy Chicken features Cajun style chicken, shrimp, fish and fixings using only fresh ingredients. It is located inside the Lucky 7 Food Mart, where you can get many convenience store items. Pictured is the owner, Amit Patel (holding scissors) along with his family, employees, Krispy Krunchy Chicken representatives, Gaston Regional Chamber Board Members and Ambassadors. Let’s Do Lunch On December 10, join us at Passion Grill, the perfect place for a business lunch! Whatever you have a hankering for, Passion Grill has got it! And with a $5.99 buffet, the price can’t be beat. Event details Date: December 10 Time: Lunchtime Location: Passion Grill, 212 S. New Hope Rd. Gastonia let’s do lunch · · · December 10 11:30 a.m. Passion Grill 212 S. New Hope Rd. Gastonia On September 17, the Gaston Regional Chamber held a Ribbon Cutting at Hive, located at 127 W. Main Avenue, Gastonia. Hive provides supplies for arts and living, and hosts workshops on many different topics. Hive can also handle all of your invitation needs with unique and beautiful selections! They may be contacted at (704) 8605010, or ww.hivegastonia.com. Pictured is owner Merryman Cassels (holding scissors) along with her staff, family, Chamber board members, Chamber staff and Ambassadors. Gaston Regional Chamber • Fourth Quarter • 2014 On October 24, the Gaston Regional Chamber held a Ribbon Cutting for Car Keys to Go, located at 480 Gaston Mall Drive, Gastonia NC (right behind Ulta at Gaston Mall). Car Keys to Go is a new business that specializes in all makes and models of car and truck keys, including electronic key fobs at fantastic prices. Pictured are Ryan Karpinsky (holding scissors), his family, friends, co-workers, along with Gaston Regional Chamber Board Members, Ambassadors and other members. 7 ECONOMIC FORECAST On November 21, 2014, the annual Economic Forecast presented by CaroMont Health was held at the Gastonia Conference Center. Members packed the room to hear the 2015 economic forecast by Stuart G. Hoffman, senior vice president and chief economist, The PNC Financial Services Group. Hoffman serves as the principal spokesperson on all economic issues for PNC and was recognized as the most accurate forecaster for 2004 by BusinessWeek and the second most accurate economic and interest rate forecaster for 2006 by USA Today. The Gaston Regional Chamber held a Ribbon Cutting for Carolina Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Center, 2345 Court Drive, Gastonia, on October 2, 2014. This was to celebrate the opening of their brand new 29,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility which provides exceptional bone, joint and muscle care and includes on site digital X-ray and physical therapy. Carolina Orthopaedic can be reached at 704-865-0077. On October 3, 2014, the Gaston Regional Chamber held a Ribbon Cutting for The Woman in Pink Wig Boutique, located at 315 E. 2nd Avenue, Gastonia. This is a non-profit organization that provides wigs to women battling breast cancer. They also sell wigs, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and other novelty items to provide funding for their ministry. The Woman in Pink Wig Boutique can be reached at (704) 914-8983 or www.thewomaninpink.com. Pictured in pink shirts and striped jackets are Kim Beverly (holding scissors), Paige Golding, Deborah Mull, all with The Woman in Pink; Board Members for The Woman in Pink, Gaston Regional Chamber staff, Ambassadors, family and friends. Highlights from the forecast include: National Economy Hoffman remains cautiously optimistic and positive on the US recovery. He predicts the 2015 GDP will be at 3% due to a consumer powered economy, the fact that stocks are up, consumer confidence is at its highest level before the recession and the decrease in oil and gas prices. Market Hoffman predicts the Federal Reserve will stop buying assets and next summer we will start to see an increase in interest rates. He continues to believe that the stock market is the place to be. Small business will continue to hire. State and local government are in good financial shape so there will be an increase in hiring teachers and public safety staff. Projects, which had been postponed, will begin in 2015. The Gaston Regional Chamber held a Ribbon Cutting for Firehouse Subs, located at 2290 E. Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, on October 9. They specialize in hot sub sandwiches made with premium meats and cheeses, steamed to perfection, then piled high on a toasted private recipe sub roll. Firehouse Subs also provides customized catering menu for any size group. Local During the recession this region lost 72,000 jobs and unemployment was at 12.2%. Now, we have replaced all 72,000 jobs and increased the job market by 42,000 with unemployment at 6.5%. He forecasts unemployment will be down to 5% this time next year in this region and that housing prices will rise 2-3%. 8 Gaston Regional Chamber • Fourth Quarter • 2014 UPCOMING EVENTS CONT. Prospects Pipeline Connecting business with business Prospects Pipeline Prospects Pipeline has a drummed up lots of participation and helped members grow their business. This referral group is dedicated to expanding business opportunities for members and assisting each other in methods that work to grow their business. On December 11, we welcome Sheriff Alan Cloninger as guest speaker. Cloninger has just been re-elected and will share with you tools on how to build a large base of supporters. Date: December 11 Time: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM Location: Gaston Regional Chamber, 601. W. Franklin Blvd. Gastonia Cost: FREE - members only RSVP: gastonchamber.com West End Hardware In late 2011, Darrell Krentz stumbled across a little hardware store after spending years working as the Sanctioning Body Director for the Worldwide Racing Industry. He was looking to get out of the fast lane and settle down by investing in a hometown business. He looked to a business broker for help. “The guy said, ‘Darrell, I really think this business matches your personality perfectly,’” Krentz remembers. “When I first saw West End, I thought, ‘This has me written all over it!’ It truly was divine intervention.” Since then, Krentz has learned a great deal about the familyoriented community that his former home in Reno, NV, just Darrell Krentz, front left, surrounded by West End Hardware team. couldn’t offer. “Out west, there are fences and brick walls between every II vet who still delivers lawn mowers every day. house,” Krentz said. “Come here, and fences are almost Krentz doesn’t take his employees for granted. an insult to the neighbors.” “One of my strong suits is that I love people,” Krentz Krentz realizes that West End Hardware is considered said. “And I’ve learned over the years that employees to be a cornerstone in the community and vows to never tend to exhibit the same personality of the person in sacrifice customer service as part of his standards of solid charge. So, I surround myself with friendly outgoing business ownership. people.” West End Hardware carries a diverse and everThere are future plans to expand the services West growing inventory of hardware, including plumbing End Hardware provides, specifically to include power supplies, paint, tools, nuts and bolts, chemicals, pest equipment sales and service, while also making room control supplies, seed, straw, pine needles, hand tools, for the inclusion of commercial-grade repair facility. He furnace filters, nails, rope and chain. and his crew are excited at what the future holds for the Its power equipment inventory continues to grow, as business and its patrons. well, and includes blowers, trimmers and accessories by “Our growth has resulted in a significant increase Stihl, Echo and Snapper. Small engine technicians are in business,” he said. “We’ve expanded our reach into also on staff to provide on-site repair. the market, and what we provide – in our inventory, There are about nine employees (give or take, our commercial line of lawn mowers, and through depending on the season, Krentz said) who can offer individualized service – keeps customers coming back. assistance with any project, from mowing the grass to “They’re looking for service after the sale. And that’s what we’re going to give them. Smile and all.” painting a bedroom, including a 92-year-old World War 1 0 0 9 Bessem er City Ro a d , G a sto n ia , N C 2 8 0 5 2 | 704-864-2106 | we st e nd-har dwar e.com Gaston Regional Chamber • Fourth Quarter • 2014 Process Electronics Corporation (PEC) On Brickyard Road across from the Mount Holly Post Office sits Process Electronics Corporation (PEC), a company with more than 70 years of experience designing and manufacturing rectifiers for virtually all metal finishing and industrial applications. The company’s DC power supply systems, previously carrying the Udylite brand name and now known as PEC, have earned a worldwide reputation for quality, efficiency and dependability. Don Butler, vice president of Process Electronics Corporation Vice president Don Butler, who manages the company’s 15 – some have designed products for more than 30 years – employees, sees a bright future in the metal finishing who collectively strive toward total customer satisfaction, industry worldwide. and respond quickly to all customer requests. The company ships to Canada, South America and PEC is also proud to provide the latest and China, and will design and manufacture the product to most proven technology, unparalleled technical the customer’s specifications, Butler said. One of its support and quality parts and service. Throughout largest U.S. customers is Moen, headquartered in Ohio, the years the company has been granted patents with offices in Sanford, N.C. Over the last five decades, Process Electronics for some of the most important innovations in Corporation has gained a reputation for providing the rectifier design and control. best value in high quality power conversation equipment, “We service places like Galvin Industries and proudly shipping more than 90,000 units globally. in Charlotte (Harrisburg), supply units to Hill A complete line of air and liquid cooled systems, in Air Force Base in Utah, and also to the airline both standard and custom configurations, solve the most industry,” Butler said. “This industry continues to grow. demanding customer requirements. Work that was once farmed out is coming back to the PEC currently employs three sales representatives, United States. We are blessed to see it.” customer-service professionals and in-house engineers 1 0 0 B rick ya rd R o a d , M o u n t H o lly, N C 2 8 1 2 0 | 7 0 4 - 8 2 7 - 9 0 1 9 | p ec rec tifier.c o m 9 UPCOMING EVENTS CONT. Dallas HIGH NOON Dallas area Chamber of CommerCe Dallas High Noon On December 16, the Dallas Area Chamber welcomes Ashley Smith with United Way of Gaston County as he shares the many options for holiday giving at Dallas High Noon. Please note the change in location, Dallas High Noon will be held in the Dallas Courthouse, downstairs in the conference room. Thank you to program sponsor Mayor Rick Coleman. Date: December 16, 2014 Time: 12:00 - 1:30 PM Location: Dallas Courthouse, 131 N. Gaston St. Dallas Cost: $15 members, $20 nonmembers, includes lunch RSVP: gastonchamber.com Holiday Business After Hours Please join us for an extra special Business After Hours hosted by Park Sterling Bank on December 18. This festive event gives members an occasion to celebrate the season together. Come enjoy delicious food and drink and take some time out from this busy time of year to spread some holiday cheer. Date: December 18, 2014 Time: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Location: Park Sterling Bank, 519 S. New Hope Rd. Gastonia Cost: FREE RSVP: gastonchamber.com 10 Gaston Regional Chamber • Fourth Quarter • 2014 NEW MEMBERS Alison Cookson 3420 Country Club Dr. Gastonia, North Carolina 28056 (704) 904-3568 Andrew R. Oblinger, DDS, PA 247 West Catawba Ave. Mount Holly, NC 28120 (704) 827-0206 drofamilydentist.com blueharbor bank 5061 Kentwood Dr. Gastonia, NC 28056 (704) 214-6422 blueharborbank.com BP Energy Company 1538 Union Rd. Suite B Gastonia, NC 28054 (704) 869-7954 BrightStar Care 3810 S New Hope Rd., Suite D Gastonia, NC 28056 (704) 691-0280 brightstarcare.com/gastonia Cal Tec Process Management, LLC. 920 Blairhill Rd. Suite B104 Charlotte, NC 28217 (704) 733-9302 caltecpm.com Capstone Multifamily Group 257 West Main St. Gastonia, NC 28052 (704) 861-6114 livewithcapstone.com CrossRhodes Chef Shack & Tavern 103 N. Holland St. Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 922-5425 tavernonthesquare.net Deveris, LLC 3816 South New Hope Rd. Suite 11 Gastonia, NC 28056 (704) 879-9492 deveris.com Car Keys To Go 480 Gaston Mall Dr. Gastonia, NC 28054 (704) 824-1511 Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont 250 South New Hope Rd. Gastonia, North Carolina 28012 (704) 864-3245 girlscoutsp2p.org Caronet 1960 Cross Beam Dr.; Suite 100 Charlotte, NC 28217 (704) 643-8330 caro.net H & M Catering, LLC 119 N. Main St. Mount Holly, NC 28120 (704) 820-8611 h-mcatering.com James R. Hovis, Jr. CPA, PLLC 303 West Trade St. Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 922-3100 hoviscpa.com Karyae Park 4227 Linwood Rd. Gastonia, NC 28052 (704) 678-2099 Krispy Krunchy Chicken/ Lucky 7 Food Mart 2230 N. New Hope Rd. Gastonia, NC 28054 (704) 609-3047 Merrill Lynch 4500 Cameron Valley Pkwy. Charlotte, NC 25211 (704) 442-4614 Minnick Law Firm 355 S. New Hope Rd. Gastonia, NC 28054 (704) 323-8485 minicklaw.com N2 Publishing (704) 728-5574 Prevent Child Abuse Gaston (704) 865-8551 Quality Quickly, Inc. 945 3rd Ave. SE Suite 103 Hickory, NC 28602 (828) 323-8339 qualityquickly.com Riverview Raw Bar & Chill 10012 Moores Chapel Loop Charlotte, NC 28214 (704) 392-7920 riverviewrawbar.com Spirit Communications 8720 Red Oak Blvd. Suite 227 Charlotte, NC 28217 (704) 206-1300 spiritcom.com St. John’s Outreach Center 1282 Bradford Heights Rd. Gastonia, NC 28052 (704) 864-6222 Talley’s Florist, Inc. 245 W. Garrison Blvd. Suite C Gastonia, NC 28052 (704) 865-1234 talleysflorist.com The Junior Assembly of Gastonia 2912 Grampian Dr. Gastonia, NC 28054 (704) 718-3974 juniorassemblyofgastonia.com The Woman In Pink Wig Boutique 315 E. 2nd Ave. Gastonia, NC 28054 (704) 914-8983 thewomaninpink.com Gaston Regional Chamber presents By Sarah Park Rankin Celebrate a century of life and work in Gastonia and Gaston County with a journey through yesterday, today and tomorrow. This truly extraordinary new book showcases the first decades of the twentieth century, a special period in the history of Gastonia and Gaston County. A model of the boundless energy and optimism of the era, Gastonia served as a perfect example of a New South town. Representing both the New South’s opportunities and challenges, Gastonia and other Gaston County towns created community amidst the whirlwind of history. With period photographs and lively writing, Sarah Park Rankin brings these early decades of the early twentieth century to life in a revealing portrait of bustling communities bursting with possibility. Cost: $39.95 + tax Available at Gaston Regional Chamber, 601 w. Franklin Blvd. or onlne at gastonchamber.com Common Threads On November 20, 2014, the Chamber hosted a Book Signing Event at Loray Mill Lofts for “Common Threads,” written by local resident Sarah Park Rankin. This truly extraordinary new book showcases the first decades of the twentieth century, a special period in the history of Gastonia and Gaston County. Rankin’s painstaking research and perceptive prose illuminate some of the interesting characters and vanished landscapes that have created the Gastonia and Gaston County of today. Drawing on the incredible collection of local archivist Allen Millican, as well as the archives of the Gaston Regional Chamber, Rankin also chose evocative photos, which provide a unique window into yesterday and a new appreciation for today. They are a perfect touchstone for family discussions and contribute to a better understanding of what life was “Common Threads” author, Sarah Park Rankin with Allen Millican, Millican Pictorial History Museum (millicanpictorialhistorymuseum.com) like “back in the day.” Books maybe be purchased at the Chamber for $39.95+tax, or online at gastonchamber.com. Gaston Regional Chamber • Fourth Quarter • 2014 11 Salute to Business and Manufacturing Awards The 12th annual Salute to Business and Manufacturing Awards & Gala, presented by CaroMont Health, took place on October 16, 2014, at the Matthews Belk Cannon Environmental Studies Center at the Schiele Museum. This event recognized the business and community contributions and leadership of Thomas C. Watson, Jr. and CaroMont Health. Tom Watson also received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, which was presented to him by Johnathan Rhyne. Thank you to all who attended and a special thank you to Award and Table sponsors for supporting this event! Presenting Sponsor CaroMont Health Reception Sponsor Park Sterling Bank Coffee BarSponsor GSM Services Spirit of the Carolinas Award Sponsor A. B. Carter, Inc. Spirit of the Economy Award Sponsor Summit Eye Associates Table Sponsors American & Efird, LLC Carolina Brush Company / Carolina Trust Bank CaroMont Health David Belk Cannon Foundation Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC Gaston College Gaston County Government PNC Bank PSNC Energy Standard Distributors Watson Insurance Wells Fargo Bank, NA WIX Global Filtration A special thank you to the Schiele Museum Spirit of the Carolinas recipient, Tom Watson with Tom Efird (L) and Rick Houser(R). Doug Luckett accepted the Spirit of the Economy Award on behalf of CaroMont Health. Pictured left to right: Bob Clay, Doug Luckett, Kim Price, Dr. Ann Hoscheit and Rick Houser. Salute attendees from left to right: Mary Frances Forrester, Doug Luckett, Mr. & Mrs. Rick Craig. From left to right: John Lowery, Malinda Lowery, Karen Blalock, Robert Blalock, Angela Davis and Joe Davis. Past Spirit of the Carolinas recipients with Tom Watson as he receives the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. Pictured left to right are: Robert Blalock, Fred Jackson, Tom Efird and Tom Watson. 12 Gaston Regional Chamber • Fourth Quarter • 2014 Explore Gaston Explore Gaston is the Gaston Regional Chamber’s membership directory as well as a snapshot of life in Gaston County that is valuable to residents as well as business owners and leaders. Explore Gaston is distributed to the entire Chamber membership and is also given to new members and business leaders throughout the year. www.GastonChamber.com 2014 List of December events: Professional Women’s Holiday Luncheon December 3 11:30 AM at RODI Jumpstart December 9 11:30 AM at Gaston Regional Chamber EXPLORE GASTON GASTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLIN A Let’s Do Lunch December 10 Noon at Passion Grill Prospects Pipeline December 11 3:30 PM at Gaston Regional Chamber CALL NOW to reserve your company’s position in this directory. Your ad will reach a huge audience of local companies and business professionals who use this directory throughout the year. It’s the perfect Business-to-Business environment to promote your brand and elevate your profile at an affordable investment. The final space reservation deadline is December 19. Dallas High Noon December 16 Noon at Dallas Courthouse Holiday Business After Hours December 18 5:30 PM at Park Sterling Bank Mary Craft 704-869-1754 [email protected] 50143 Business Development Specialist 1893 Remount Road, Gastonia, NC