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PERMIT #314
• Business News from the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce •
explorecaldwell.com
MAY
2015
Chairman’s Corner
PAGE 3
A Word From
The President
PAGE 4
Are You An Eagle
Or A Duck?
PAGE 6
EDC Presents
Awards
PAGE 7
Small Business
Center Workshops
PAGE 9
MONTHLY FEATURES
Chamber Calendar.................. Page 8
Community Events................. Page 8
New Members........................Page 11
Renewal Members.................Page 11
The Chamber Matters
2
THE CHAMBER MATTERS
Published for the membership by the
CALDWELL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
1909 Hickory Blvd SE • Lenoir, North Carolina 28645
Phone: (828) 726-0616; fax (828) 726-0385
www.caldwellcochamber.org
Chairman of the Board
Secretary/Treasurer
Anything Office, Inc.
Business Executive Retiree
Past-Board Chair
Assistant Secretary/Treasurer
Prestwood Associates
Community One Bank
Michelle Colvard
Ralph Prestwood
Board Chair Elect
Jim Sponenberg
Janet Winkler
Dana Watson
Legal Counsel
Joseph C. Delk III
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Suzan Anderson
Benett Brittain
David Burney
Cody Byrd
David Deal
Cynthia Hicks
Glen Lowman
Jessica Mitchum
David Rivers
Sandy Russ
Grey Scheer
Jonathan Sterling
Dr. John Thuss
American Red Cross
Merchant Distributors, Inc.
Business At Large
Vision Design Build Remodel
Moss-Marlow Building Co.
Abigail’s Gifts
Clark Tire & Auto
Vintage Bella Antiques
Sattler Corp.
AllState Ins. - The Russ Agency
Blue Ridge Electric
Exela Pharma Sciences
Retired Business Executive
DIVISION VICE PRESIDENTS
Administration:
Business:
Community
Engagement:
Career Readiness:
Membership:
Public Relations:
Toursim:
Kim Edmisten, Caldwell UNC
Healthcare
Shirley Orrell, Retired HR Vice
President
Heather Justice, PolyChem/Tasz
Ann Smith, First Citizens Bank
Seth Eckard, Town of Sawmills
Ben Willis, CCC&TI
Kimmie Rogers, Reliable Insurance
Debbie Eller, Communities In School
Libby Brown, Caldwell County
Schools
Rick Shew, NC Works
Charlie Downs, Hickory Crawdads
Kim Williams, ServPro Alexander &
Caldwell
Edward Terry, CCC&TI
Carmela Tomlinson, Paragon
Design Group
Glenda Wilson, Realty Executives
Stephenie Oxford, Narrow the Gap
Marketing
EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBERS
Terese Almquist - News-Topic, Dr. Ken Boham - CCC&TI
Deborah Murray - Economic Development
Dr. Steve Stone - Caldwell County Schools
CHAMBER STAFF
Deborah Ashley Smith, President / CEO
Darin Moretz, Membership Specialist
Lois Dula, Visitor Center Specialist
Libby Killian, Visitor Center Specialist
Views expressed in paid advertising are not
necessarily endorsed by the Chamber of Commerce
Legal Counsel
Joseph C. Delk III
MAY 2015
MAY 2015
3
THE CHAMBER MATTERS
From the Chairman’s Corner...
Making Success a Reality, One Step at a Time
S
uccess can be viewed and measured
in many ways. Success can be
instant or it can take months or
years, depending on the desired goal,
mission or situation. And sometimes what
some may consider success, others may
consider failure, especially if they are not
seeing quick results.
Some of the more common types of
success can be tied to education, career
and family. When we were born, our parents probably already had our whole lives
planned out for us, based on their definition of success. It probably included education, career, possibly marriage, children and a house with a two-car garage
and white picket fence. Whether or not
we followed mom and dad’s plan for our
lives or forged our own plan, at some
point we have to decide if we consider
the path we chose a successful one. One
of the best indicators of that is if we are
satisfied and happy.
Regardless of the situation, we must
have a goal with a plan in place, and the
ability to persevere, to achieve any type
of success. Each step we take, no matter
how big or small, toward reaching the
goal should be considered success. Goals
and plans may change many times along
the way but we should never stop striving
to reach them no matter how long it
takes.
One of the best examples in which
some may see the same situation as success while others see it as failure is the
employment opportunities in our county.
Although Caldwell County is home to
many new businesses and industries who
have provided jobs for hundreds, even
thousands who were left unemployed in
the economic downturn, there are still
folks who have not found employment
and do not consider the progress successful. But for those who have found
employment with one of these new companies or from the growth or expansion
of existing companies, they would probably consider it a success.
What I ask myself in this situation is,
“What if no one cared?” What if no one
cared if the thousands of jobs lost were
never replaced? What if no one cared if
people who no longer had incomes to
provide for their families never found
employment here again? What if no one
cared if our children had to leave the
county or state upon graduation in order
to find employment?
What if no one cared if
our county could successfully provide
Michelle
employment for its
Colvard
residents again?
I am very glad that
we don’t have to answer that question
because the truth is many people did
care and those people have been working
hard for years to bring new diverse businesses to our county to provide jobs. Did
it happen overnight? No. Have all the
jobs been replaced? No. Rome wasn’t
built in a day. But there is a goal and
there is a plan and there are strategies
along with drive and perseverance and
the new jobs that have been provided
over the last few years and those that are
continuing to come is what SUCCESS
looks like.
Again, sometimes success is instant
and sometimes it takes months and
years, but as long as we keep striving to
reach goals that better ourselves and our
community, each positive step will make
a difference and we will all be better for it
and live happier, healthier and more satisfied lives.
Stay Safe — Sign Up For CodeRED
By LOUANNE KINCAID
Public Information Officer, Caldwell County
The spring and summer severe weather season is here,
so Caldwell County Emergency Services is encouraging
everyone to sign up for the CodeRED emergency notification system.
CodeRED is a free, mass notification system that allows
officials to quickly deliver telephone, text message or email
notifications about severe weather warnings or emergencies.
Using the address you enter in the system, CodeRED will
target specific areas that are affected by weather warnings
or emergencies and only call those phone numbers in that
area. You won’t be receiving notifications all the time; only
when it affects your specific area and ONLY in the case of an
emergency.
To sign up, go to the Caldwell County government web-
site at www.caldwellcountync.org and click on the CodeRED
icon. This link will take you to the “CodeRED Community
Notification Enrollment” page. There, you will be asked to
enter your name, physical street address (no P.O. boxes),
primary phone number and any additional phone numbers
or email addresses you chose.
“CodeRED allows geographically based delivery, which
means street addresses are required to ensure emergency
notifications are received by the proper individuals in a given
situation. The system works for cell phones too, but we need
to have an associated street address to provide relevant messages,” explains Robbie Wilkie, Director, Caldwell County
Emergency Services.
Anyone that does not have Internet access may call (828)
757-1419 to supply their information over the phone and be
set up in the system. All information provided will be kept
private and will not be used for any type of marketing services.
I’m a
Chamber
Believer
ANYTHING OFFICE
309 North Main St., SW • Lenoir, N.C.
828-758-0182
When Service Matters
Your Business Source
Locally Owned and Operated Since 1936
www.anythingofficeinc.com
Bass-Smith Granite
Funeral Service
Chamber
Believers
106 South Main St.
1x10
Granite Falls,
North Carolina
Telephone: (828) 396-1305 • Fax: (828) 396-1444
“Always
Answering
the Call”
• Trach Care - Specially Trained Care Givers
• Ventilator Care - Specially Trained Care Givers
• Personal Care - Bathing, Dressing, Grooming
& Meal Prep
• Skilled Care - Pre- & Post-Surgical Care
828-- • www.bayada.com
1905 International Blvd. • Hudson, NC
828-728-7300
www.beocare.net
www.blueridgeemc.com
4
THE CHAMBER MATTERS
MAY 2015
A Word From The President...
Helping Students Inch Toward Success
I
sometimes still think of my sons and
step-daughter as children, not just
OUR CHILDREN, but “young adults”.
In reality, they range in age from 38 to 45.
They are adults. In the workplace and life,
they are my peers. They have the same
basic adult responsibilities as I do, yet my
instinct is to want to protect them from
reality.
I think one of the most difficult roles of
a parent is to incorporate independence
and responsibility into the life of a child.
However, responsibility is necessary to
move them toward the realities of adulthood.
I have often reflected on
a profound comment my
son shared after experiencing the realities of adulthood. I have found his
moment of clarity valuable
in my own life. Years into
his career and family he
talked about his personal
philosophy
regarding
responsibility – regardless of
your age, when you are old
enough to make adult decisions, you are old enough to
take responsibility for those
decisions.
The Caldwell Chamber’s vision – to
improve the overall quality of life for the citizens in Caldwell County, this requires us
to be proactive in our effort to assure the
best possible outcome for our businesses
and community. Although this encompasses a broad range of issues, none are
more important than assuring we have a
strong healthy workforce.
Since its creation, the Caldwell
Chamber of Commerce has been a working partner with Communities In Schools
to present The Reality Store. The 2015
event was held in late March at the J.E.
Broyhill Civic Center. Every 8th grader in
the Caldwell County Schools is invited to
attend and almost 1000 were part of the
event this year.
AMAZING,
ENLIGHTENING,
SHOCKING are all words I would use to
describe the varied reactions from the students who attended this event. Many
come as naïve students and leave as
informed young adults. Informed about
the basic financial realities adults must
confront in normal life.
Students are prepped for The Reality
Store in the classroom. They explore
through an online program their aptitude,
interest and preparedness for the many
career options available here and throughout the nation. Their teacher helps them
narrow the options and they learn about
the average starting salary assigned for
their job. They also vision ahead ten-years
to create their personal life – will they be
something their parents
have never enjoyed.
What they take away from
the day is the reality that
Deborah
all adults should be finanAshley
cially independent.
Smith
We adults often minimize the importance of
financial success and argue money has little to do with happiness. However, financial success can be construed distinctively
different than financial security or financial independence. True financial success
is something we might all
dream about; financial security is something we all want;
but, financial independence
should be an essential goal
for all adults.
The reality of adulthood
can be challenging. Some
children have the luxury of
being indoctrinated into independence and responsibility
slowly – parents are able to
finance their first car, assist
with the down-payment on a
home, pay for their college
education - while others are
Photo courtesy of the News-Topic
quickly thrust into the harsh
married, have children, etc. The students reality of financial independence.
arrive at The Reality Store with a budget Regardless of how you come to undersheet showing the net monthly income stand and accept financial responsibility,
and information about their personal life. our community will be most successful
Then the fun begins!
when all our able-bodied adults are
Approximately 100 volunteers await employed and self-sufficient.
their arrival. The volunteers are manning
The Chamber embraces the value of
stores containing booths set up to repre- education, but it takes more than just recsent the many aspects of life adults have to ognizing its value. We all must be proacpurchase in a single month. Each booth tive in teaching responsibility, both with
has options. Example – at the housing our own children as well as those in our
booth you can rent a one, two or three community who need a responsible adult
bedroom house; or, choose from several role model. Consider your role in educatoptions to purchase a home. The students ing and preparing our youth. Become a
must consider their family needs and the volunteer, a school partner, or choose to
price-point. Similar options exist at the support the education program of the
transportation booth. Even the clothing Caldwell Chamber of Commerce.
and grocery booths have options.
THANK YOU to the members of the
What do the students learn? The les- Caldwell Chamber of Commerce for the
son is unique for every student. Some financial support you provide.
Your
come because it is required; others are investment allows us to be a hands-on
already searching for the magic of finan- partner and a leader in community educacial success; still others seek the knowl- tion events.
edge needed to attain financial security,
I’m a
Chamber
Believer
Ask to Come
Home.
Ask for
Caldwell Hospice.
Lenoir Location - 902 Kirkwood St.
Hudson Location - 526 Pine Mountain Road
754-0101
www.caldwellhospice.org
757-5100 • Lenoir
www.caldwellmemorial.org
Chamber
Believers
1x10
407 Mulberry St., Lenoir
757-5525
To Advertise
Call
758-7381
MAY 2015
5
THE CHAMBER MATTERS
AMBASSADOR AMBUSH REPORT
The Caldwell Chamber Ambassadors recently “ambushed” three unsuspecting Chamber member businesses. The
purpose, to thank them for their ongoing support of the Chamber’s program of work and to learn and share information
about each other.
I’m a
Chamber
Believer
Cars Plus
902 Wilkesboro Blvd. Lenoir, NC
757-9999
757-9999
Robin’s Nest
1051 Harper Ave. • Lenoir, NC
Tana Murray, Interim Director
www.robinsnestcac.org
754-6262
Mission – “Pursing Justice, Providing
Hope, Promoting Healing”
The Children’s Advocacy Center of
Caldwell County, known as Robin’s
Nest, is a 501(C)3 nonprofit that coordinates resources to serve child victims of sexual and severe physical
abuse.
Robin’s Nest is the center of coordinated services in Caldwell County for
children whose lives are traumatized
by abuse. The center operates on a
service delivery model designed to
decrease trauma, increase likelihood
of prosecution, and enhance community capacity to provide protective
service for our abused children.
Robin’s Nest works with its community
partners - Caldwell County Sheriff’s
Office, Hudson Police, Granite Falls
Police, Lenoir Police, the 25th Judicial
District Attorney’s Office, and the
Department of Social Services; and
collegial partners - Caldwell County
School System, the Department of
Health, and the Chamber of
Commerce.
Caldwell Chamber Member since 2011
Sagebrush
Lenoir
Kelly Miesenheimer - Manager
945 Blowing Rock Blvd. Lenoir, NC
754-7543
www.sagebrushsteakhouse.com
Sagebrush is a Western-themed, casual dining Steakhouse located in North & South
Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee. It is open 7
days per week.
The company wants to be involved with the
betterment of the neighborhoods where they
are located. In that spirit, they regularly partner with schools, churches and non-profit
organizations for fundraising. Whether it’s
new playground equipment at a nearby elementary school, extra funds for mission trips
or helping to building homes for the homeless, they are up to the task.
Catering
Hometown hospitality done right. From finger
foods to a full course meal, Sagebrush caters
and can provide a customized menu to
match style and budget.
Kids’ Dude Ranch
Sagebrush thinks kids are fantastic. The
Sagebrush Dude Ranch is a field trip created
for students ages 5-8. They spend a career
day at Sagebrush Steakhouse learning about
the restaurant business from a kid’s perspective. Their experience is packed full of learning lessons and followed by a great lunch.
Steak Dinner Fundraisers
Lose the bake sale and turn pennies into real
dollars. Steak dinner fundraisers are a great
way to raise big dollars for your organization.
It’s easy... pick the date & place, sell the tickets and Sagebrush will do the rest.
Wilkie Construction Co.
2025 Harper Ave. • Lenoir, NC
Owners: Greg and Deborah Wilkie
754-6431
Web site www.wilkie-const.com
Wilkie Construction Company was
established in the Hickory, NC; Metro
area in 1959. Glenn A. Wilkie (CEO
1913-1980) and his successors
since, have built a rock solid construction business – STILL GOING
STRONG under the leadership of
Greg Wilkie.
Covering the Carolinas and the
Southeast, Wilkie is an “Unlimited”
General, Design-Build and
Construction Management Contractor
that supports both new and existing
client’s needs through General,
Design-Build, and Construction
Management.
Truck Center
758-9929
www.carspluslenoir.com
D.D.Chamber
Suddreth
Believers
Furniture
Co., Inc.
1x10
“In Beautiful Downtown Whitnel”
1257 Norwood St. SW, Whitnel
754-6121
Since 1945
& Caldwell
ServingServing
LenoirLenoir
& Caldwell
CountyCounty
Bob Suddreth, President
Scott W Murphy, D.M.D., P.A.
Andrew Lyons, D.D.S.
General Dentist
“Total Family Dental Care”
Complete, Professional Dental
Services For Adults & Children
Se Habla Español
NEW PATIENTS
ALWAYS
WELCOME!
Care
Credit®
433-1223
341 E. Parker Rd.
Morganton, NC
www.morgantondmd.com
Greg Wilkie measures company success with through his satisfied, successful and repetitive customers.
Caldwell Chamber Member since 1961
Caldwell Chamber Member since 1997
The Chamber Ambassadors meet regularly to enhance the Chamber’s interaction with the membership. For information
about being part of the Chamber Ambassador team, contact Kim Williams at 396-1070.
515 Wilkesboro Blvd.,
Lenoir, NC 28645
828-754-1524
www.firstplaceford.com
6
THE CHAMBER MATTERS
MAY 2015
Are You An
Eagle Or A Duck?
By CARMELA TOMLINSON
Paragon Design Group
I was intrigued when I came across a simple
statement in a Ken Blanchard book on leadership. It
said, “Ducks Quack, Eagles Soar!” Then I saw a clip
from a motivational speaker saying the same.
Basically both were stating the point: “Differentiate
yourself from others. Don’t be a duck. Be an eagle.
Ducks quack and whine. Eagles soar above the
crowd.”
There is a reason these birds are compared. We
all know that ducks are small, noisy and usually
travel in flocks. Eagles are strong, independent, and
provide for themselves and their families. Ducks
represent a widespread approach to life, where a
person chooses to flock to others and to quack and
complain about their problems. Eagles have an
innate responsibility to soar, and we have many
opportunities to soar above the crowd lifting ourselves and others. We can rise beyond the normal
quacking and become leaders.
It’s up to each of us to decide if we want to be a
duck or an eagle. If you get up in the morning
expecting to have a bad day, you’ll rarely disappoint
yourself. It’s easy to cluster with the other ducks,
quacking and complaining about work and life. But
choosing to be an eagle represents an opportunity
to step out of the flock, look at the world from a higher vantage point and rise above. An eagle’s ability to
soar high inspires us to think about the opportunities that life’s challenges present to us. Choose to
succeed and soar like an eagle!
Ribbon Cutting Hosted For Anytime Fitness
The Chamber staff, members and Mayor Joe Gibbons recently visited Anytime Fitness for
a formal ribbon cutting. Manager Aja Williams, trainer Alex White and owner Ryan Poterack
provided personal tours.
Anytime Fitness of Lenoir is located at 116 Wilkesboro Blvd, in the Lenoir Crossing shopping center. Staffed hours are Monday through Friday 10am-7pm, Saturday 9am-Noon,
Sunday by appointment. However, Anytime Fitness is a center that fits your on-the-go
lifestyle. You can exercise any time using your own security-access key! That’s 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Talk about no more excuses!
Congratulations to Anytime Fitness.
Communities In Schools of Caldwell County’s 2014 graduation rate was
96.1%.
The NC Department of Commerce reported Caldwell County’s tourism
industry generated $47.89 million in 2013 – up 2.89% from 2012.
Anything
Delivering
Quality andOffice
Service Since 1936
3x2.5 - Next Day Delivery to Business Customers
Next Day Pick Up Available for Local Customers
Stop By and Visit Our New Furniture Showroom
Blue Ridge
3x2.5
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MAY 2015
7
THE CHAMBER MATTERS
EDC Recognizes Outstanding Accomplishments
The Economic Development Commission recently presented three prestigious awards to recognize outstanding accomplishment.
2014 INDUSTRY OF THE YEAR AWARD:
SEALED AIR CORPORATION
Caldwell Chamber Member since 1989
With more than 160
employees, the business is
part of a global leader in
protective packaging, food
preservation, and health
care applications. Overall,
this publicly-traded company has 25,000 full-time
employees, a worldwide
reach into 175 countries,
and a market valuation of
more than $8.5 billion. The corporation was named to FORTUNE’s 2014
World’s Most Admired Companies, ranking #1 in Packaging, Containers.
In recent years, the local Sealed Air sites in Lenoir and Hudson have
undertaken three expansion projects, creating nearly 50 well-paying jobs,
and investing over $13 million in machinery and equipment.
Howard has been instrumental in helping the county rebound from the
effects of the Great Recession. He has been a longtime Caldwell
Memorial Hospital board members and past Chairman, a board member
for North Carolina Governor’s School. Caldwell Chamber of Commerce,
Caldwell Community College Foundation, along with numerous other civic
and business organizations.
2014 LEGACY AWARD:
BERNHARDT FURNITURE COMPANY
Caldwell Chamber of Commerce Member for more than 50 years
Now in the fourth generation of family
management, Bernhardt Furniture remains
the largest family-owned furniture company
in North Carolina and one of the largest in
the country. With more than 1,200 employees, a culture that encourages charitable
and community involvement, and an
unyielding commitment to award-winning
designs that both honor the past and beckon the future, Bernhardt Furniture has
maintained its commitment to Caldwell
County.
2014 HERMAN ANDERSON AWARD:
WILLIAM ANDERSON HOWARD
Throughout his life,
William Howard has
believed in the value of
customer service. Whether
as the youngest of over
400 Belk department store
managers at the age of 24,
the current Vice President
of Human Resources at
Bernhardt Furniture or the
presiding Chairman of the
Caldwell County Economic Development Commission Board of Directors,
Howard believes every potential client deserves the highest level of customer service and professionalism.
In 2013 Caldwell County rated 58 in travel impact among
NC’s 100 Counties.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has
designated Caldwell UNC Health Care as better than the
national average for hospital-wide (all causes) 30-day readmission rates. Caldwell is one of only eight hospitals in North
Carolina and one of only 277 U.S. hospitals to achieve this
classification.
CMH
3x5
8
THE CHAMBER MATTERS
MAY 2015
COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR
MAY CHAMBER
EVENTS
2015
04
Visit www.ExploreCaldwell.com for more info
The Caldwell Chamber provides a
community calendar at www.explorecaldwell.com. This online calendar is
open to the public for both posting
and viewing events. To learn more
about the following events and to see
others simply go to the site and click
on the events tab.
1
Business-4-Breakfast,
Commissioner Meeting Room,
8:00am
5
NC Works Career Center
Showcase, 4 – 6pm
An Open House and Celebration
6
Leadership Caldwell Graduation
Luncheon, Cedar Rock, NOON
Everyone is invited to attend,
Reservations required – call
828.726.0616. $20 per person.
Spring Old Fashioned Plow Day in
Happy Valley
9:00am to 4:00pm
Jones Family Farm, Hwy. 268, Happy
Valley, Lenoir, NC
Ambassador Ambush, Meet at
Chamber, 10am
Butterfly Festival in Downtown
Hudson
10:00am to 8:00pm
Downtown Hudson
7
11
City/County Meeting, CCC&TI,
11:45am
14
Chamber Executive Committee,
Chamber Office, 8am
14
Open House/Ribbon Cutting,
Walker Real Estate Services, 4 –
6pm
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, 5pm
27
Chamber Board of Directors
Meeting, Chamber Office, 11am
28
Caldwell Women’s Forum, Marcie’s
Kountry Kitchen, 8am
28
Chamber Ambassador Meeting,
Chamber Office, NOON
May
02
May
Mellow Monday Group Road Ride
6:00pm to 7:30pm
Luna Cycles, 110 Church St., Lenoir,
NC 28645
May
Sawmills Farmer’s Market
4:00pm to 6:30pm
Farmers’ Market lot across from
Sawmills Fire Department
Tuesday Night World Championships
Group Road Ride
6:00pm to 8:00pm
Luna Cycles 110 Church St. Lenoir, NC
28645
May
Lenoir Downtown Cruisers’ Monthly
Cruise-In
4:00pm to 9:00pm
Downtown Lenoir
Yoga & Vegetarian Garden Party April Food & Fools pARTy for the
Arts
6:00pm to 9:00pm
Home of Torre Hinnant & David Brendle
Barn Dance at the Jones Farm in
Happy Valley
7:00pm
Happy Valley -9 miles east on Hwy 268
from 321 in Lenoir
312 Mulberry St, SW
Lenoir, NC 28645
Thursday, May 14
4:00 until 6:00 pm
5:00 pm Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
07
Thirsty Thursday Group Road Ride
6:00pm to 8:00pm
Luna Cycles, 110 Church St. Lenoir, NC
28645
366 Morganton Lenoir Airport Ave.
Morganton, NC 28655
(828) 757-0099
[email protected]
Chamber
Believers
1x10
Singer Songwriters Series at Tucker’s
Barn
7:00pm to 9:00pm
United States
May
08
May
09
The Other Group: Reunited
May 8 - May 30, 2015
Caldwell Arts Council
4th Annual Wig Walk
9:00am to 12:00pm
T.H. Broyhill Walking Park
Your Sewer & Water Restoration Company!
828-757-0006
www.krgutility.com
EVENTS continued on page 10
Ribbon Cutting & Open House
WALKER REAL ESTATE
SERVICES, LLC
05
I’m a
Chamber
Believer
)XZ4&r)JDLPSZ/$r
#MPXJOH3PDL#MWEr-FOPJS/$r
ServPro
3x2.5
MI CARRETA
Mexican Grill
Best Mexican Food In Town
(828) 726-6855
1146 Hickory Blvd. SW
Lenoir, NC 28645
MAY 2015
9
THE CHAMBER MATTERS
Caldwell, Watauga Small Business Centers host workshops
Caldwell Community College and
Technical Institute’s Small Business
Center offers free workshops, one-onone assistance and many more services
to help local small businesses. To
reserve your seat at one of the workshops, call 828-726-2242 (Caldwell), or
828-265-5385 (Watauga) or visit
www.cccti.edu/smallbusiness to register.
Here is a list of upcoming free
workshops in Caldwell County:
Caldwell Community College and
Technical Institute’s Caldwell Small
Business Center will offer a free workshop titled “Business Essentials” from 9
a.m. to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 12 at
the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center in Lenoir.
During this seminar, representatives
from the North Carolina Department of
Revenue and North Carolina Secretary
of State’s office will cover basic requirements to help businesses in North
Carolina understand the laws and obligations necessary to be compliant.
Caldwell Community College and
Technical Institute’s Caldwell Small
Business Center will offer a free workshop titled “Writing a Business Plan”
from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, June
18 on the Caldwell Campus of CCC&TI
in Hudson. Speaker for this seminar is
Herman Metzler.
Here is a list of upcoming free
workshops in Watauga County:
Caldwell Community College and
Technical Institute’s Watauga Small
Business Center will offer a free workshop titled “Business Essentials” from 1
p.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12 at
Blowing Rock Fire and Rescue on Valley
Boulevard. During this seminar, the
North Carolina Department of Revenue
and North Carolina Secretary of State
will cover basic requirements to help
businesses in North Carolina understand
the laws and obligations necessary to be
compliant.
Caldwell Community College and
Technical Institute’s Watauga Small
Business Center will offer a free workshop titled “Customer Service for the
Business Owner” from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30
a.m. on Thursday, May 21 at the
Tweetsie Railroad Conference Room in
Blowing Rock. Speaker will be small
business expert Russ Seagle.
Caldwell Community College and
Technical Institute’s Watauga Small
Business Center will offer a free workshop titled “Do You Really Want to Start
a Business and 12 Key Suggestions”
from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, May
28 at the Fairfield Inn and Suites
Conference Room in Boone. Speaker for
this seminar is Herman Metzler.
Caldwell Community College and
Technical Institute’s Watauga Small
Business Center will offer a free workshop titled “Writing a Business Plan”
from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, June
4 at Blowing Rock Fire and Rescue.
Speaker for this seminar is Herman
Metzler.
YOU ARE INVITED
to the
LEADERSHIP
CALDWELL
GRADUATION/LUNCHEON
Wednesday, May 6
NOON – 1:30pm
Cedar Rock Country Club
20
$
Reservations Required
828.726.0616
• Make a fruit packed smoothie for
breakfast
• Prepack healthy fruit and vegetable snacks for your workday
• Fill up your fruit bowl with quick
Pendry's Funeral
Home & Creamatory
522 Wilkesboro Blvd.
Lenoir, NC 28645
828-754-3441
Realty
Lenoir
RealtyExecutives
Executive Lenoir
Chamber
203 Hospital Ave. NW
Believers
Lenoir NC 28645
1x10 office
828-754-8905
www.RealtyExecutivesLenoir.com
www.RealtyExecutivesLenoir.com
follow us on facebook
Make your day colorful with
more fruits and veggies!
We all know that when it comes to
healthy eating, fruits and vegetables
are at the forefront of the food groups.
Unfortunately, Americans are not getting the recommended 2-3 servings of
fruits and 3-4 servings of vegetables
per day. In fact, according to a CDC
report, fewer than 11% of Americans
are meeting the minimal recommendation of 5 total servings of fruits and
vegetables per day. If you find yourself
falling short of getting your daily
intake, you can use these helpful tips
to increase your fruit and vegetable
intake throughout your busy day:
I’m a
Chamber
Believer
grab and go fruit options
Salon Savvy
Providing
P
idi T
Traditional
di i
l&
Unique hair styles for
brides and bridal parties on their
special day.
Valerie Corley - owner & stylist, Amy Adams - stylist,
Callie Messer - stylist, Melony Pritchard - stylist.
565-B Harper Avenue Lenoir, NC 28645 • 828-754-0010
• Be on the lookout for different
fruits and veggies you haven’t tried
before, you might find a new favorite
• Keep frozen vegetables on hand
for quick additions to a meal
• Take advantage of produce sales
and farmers markets for the best price!
Buy in season for even lower costs.
• Make your plate as colorful as
possible with a variety of fruits and
vegetables!
By Marci Rosenberg an Appalachian
State University Graduate Dietetic intern
with Caldwell Nutrition & Diabetes Health,
a division of Caldwell Memorial Hospital
of Alexander & Caldwell Counties
Fire & Water Cleanup & Restoration
828-396-1070
Independently Owned and Operated
To Advertise
Call
758-7381
10
THE CHAMBER MATTERS
EVENTS continued from page 8
May 09
Cycle to Serve
Begins/Ends Downtown Lenoir
Sponsored by Lenoir Rotary Club
Saturday Night Live alum Jim Breuer
7:30pm
JE Broyhill Civic Center 1909 Hickory Blvd.
Lenoir
English Hunter-Jumper/Western Show
Patterson Equestrian Center & Riding Club
May
10
South Carolina Broadcasters in Concert
at the Chapel of Rest
4:00pm
Chapel of Rest
May
11
Mellow Monday Group Road Ride
6:00pm to 7:30pm
Luna Cycles, 110 Church St., Lenoir, NC
28645
May
12
Sawmills Farmer’s Market
4:00pm to 6:30pm
Farmers’ Market lot across from Sawmills
Fire Department
Tuesday Night World Championships
Group Road Ride
6:00pm to 8:00pm
Luna Cycles 110 Church St. Lenoir, NC
28645
May
13
Coffee with the Curator: “Little Known
Evidence about Frankie Silver” Caldwell
Heritage Museum
10:00am
Caldwell Heritage Museum
May
14
Make Aluminum Jewelry with Ellen Ball:
Aluminum Bracelet Cuff
6:00pm to 7:30pm
Caldwell Arts Council
Thirsty Thursday Group Road Ride
6:00pm to 8:00pm
Luna Cycles, 110 Church St. Lenoir, NC
28645
Lenoir Amateur Radio Club Meeting
7:00pm to 9:00pm
Gamewell Fire Department
MAY 2015
Visit www.ExploreCaldwell.com for more info
May
18
May
19
Mellow Monday Group Road Ride
6:00pm to 7:30pm
Luna Cycles, 110 Church St., Lenoir, NC
28645
Sawmills Farmer’s Market
4:00pm to 6:30pm
Farmers’ Market lot across from Sawmills
Fire Department
Tuesday Night World Championships
Group Road Ride
6:00pm to 8:00pm
Luna Cycles 110 Church St. Lenoir, NC
28645
May
21
Thirsty Thursday Group Road Ride
6:00pm to 8:00pm
Luna Cycles, 110 Church St. Lenoir, NC
28645
May
25
Mellow Monday Group Road Ride
6:00pm to 7:30pm
Luna Cycles, 110 Church St., Lenoir, NC
28645
Sawmills Memorial Day Fireworks
8:00pm
Veterans Memorial Park
May
26
Sawmills Farmer’s Market
4:00pm to 6:30pm
Farmers’ Market lot across from Sawmills
Fire Department
Tuesday Night World Championships
Group Road Ride
6:00pm to 8:00pm
Luna Cycles 110 Church St. Lenoir, NC
28645
May
28
Caldwell Women’s Forum
8:00am to 9:00am
Marcie’s Kountry Kitchen at Lenoir Golf
Club, Inc.
Thirsty Thursday Group Road Ride
6:00pm to 8:00pm
Luna Cycles, 110 Church St. Lenoir, NC
28645
May
29
May
30
Celebrate the Children/A Taste of
Caldwell County
6:00pm
Cedar Rock Country Club
CCC&TI Foundation 5K Run for Student
Scholarships
9:00am
Redwood Park, Hudson
Adopt a Trail Program by US Forest
Service
11am - until
Wilson Creek Visitor Center
I’m a
Chamber
Believer
1258 SW Hickory Blvd.
Lenoir, NC
(Hwy. 321 S.)
728-7171
Chamber
Believers
1x10
The Irish Rose
Bed & Breakfast
1344 Harper Avenue, N.W.
Lenoir, N. C. 28645
Come for a weekend or a week
of rest and relaxation.
For reservations: Tel: 828-758-2323
e-mail: [email protected]
Presentation by Marci Spencer, Author,
Naturalist, Historian
1:00pm to 2:30pm
Wilson Creek Visitor Center
Lenoir Downtown Cruisers Cruise-Ins
4:00pm to 9:00pm
Downtown Lenoir, NC
Apartments
IaaVUdWef
226 Wilson Street, NW
$3$570(176
Lenoir, NC 28645
:LOVRQ6WUHHW1:
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/HQRLU1&
[email protected]
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ZRRGFUHVW#FPFQFFRP
Please Join Us For
BUSINESS 4 BREAKFAST
Friday, May 1, 2015
8:15 to 9:30am
Caldwell County Offices – Commissioners’ Meeting Room
NC House of Representative George Robinson will provide an
insider perspective on budget, the 2015 legislative agenda and
other “hot” topics in Raleigh
To Advertise
Call
758-7381
MAY 2015
11
THE CHAMBER MATTERS
MEMBER RENEWALS
Belk #319
Deb Niekamp
350 Blowing Rock Blvd.
Lenoir, NC 28645
Member Since: 1/1/1954
Hibriten Building Supply Company
Steve Minton
2148 Norwood St., SW
Lenoir, NC 28645
Member Since: 2/12/2013
Hickory Saw & Tool
Anna WItherspoon
406 9th Street, SE
Hickory, NC 28602
Member Since: 2/24/1997
Town of Sawmills
Seth Eckard
4076 US Hwy 321-A
Sawmills, NC 28630
Member Since: 2/17/1989
NC Division of Vocational Rehab /
DHHS
Sherri Aguero
675 Pennton Ave SW
Lenoir, NC 28645
Member Since: 10/21/2006
City of Hickory
Mick Berry
PO Box 398
Hickory, NC 28603
Member Since: 2/21/1996
Lake Hickory Veterinary Hospital
Dr. Denise Glander
4607 Hickory Blvd
Granite Falls, NC 28630
Member Since: 2/20/1997
Carolina Base-Pac
Weidner Abernethy
3157 Freezer Locker Rd.
Hudson, NC 28638
Member Since: 1/29/2008
Lenoir Service League
Becky Layton
PO Box 2304
Lenoir, NC 28645
Member Since: 2/12/2009
Caldwell County Economic
Development
Deborah Murray
1909 Hickory Blvd., SW
Lenoir, NC 28645
Member Since: 2/1/1986
Domino’s Pizza
Mitch Young
360 Wilkesboro Blvd SE
Lenoir, NC 28645
Member Since: 2/24/1997
Guardian Health Services
Dorothy Powell
100 Main Avenue NW, Ste. 200
Hickory, NC 28601
Member Since: 2/11/2004
NEPTCO Inc.
Randy Dula
PO Box 800
Granite Falls, NC 28630
Member Since: 2/1/1988
Vulcan Materials Co.
Darrell Groves
776 Quarry Rd.
N. Wilkesboro, NC 28659
Member Since: 2/25/1999
Mountain Recycling - Connelly Springs
David Okey
1581 US Hwy 70
Connelly Springs, NC 28612
Member Since: 1/16/2013
Individuals
Dr. John Thuss, Jr.
Member Since: 2/1/2000
Vanderbloemen & White, PA
Dianne Holsclaw
PO Drawer 1320
Lenoir, NC 28645
Member Since: 2/1/1986
Delma Jean Martin
Member Since: 1/1/1988
NEW MEMBERS
Our family of products are designed to satisfy
requirements from the most difficult mountain slopes
to an easy home lawn.
the development of our partnerships we expect to
evolve into a more traditional real estate investment
company.
Orchard Hills Golf Course, LLC
Jeff Thompson
2515 Connelly Springs Road • Granite Falls, NC 28630
828.728.3560
www.orchardhillsgolfcourse.com
Orchard Hills is a rolling golf course that is nestled in
the rural hills of the Baton Community in Western
North Carolina, open to the public. The course, once
an apple orchard, is now home to 18 holes of undulating terrain. Players are tasked with using all of
their tools, both mentally and physically, in navigating this deceptively challenging course. Orchard Hills
measures 6,125 yards from the back tees, has a
practice facility, and a full length driving range.
King Ford Lincoln of Lenoir
Pedie King
515 Wilkesboro Blvd, NE • Lenoir, NC 28645
828.754.1524
www.kingfordlincolnoflenoir.com
[email protected]
Walker Real Estate Services
Rhonda Walker
312 Mulberry Street • Lenoir, NC 28645
828.851.1541
[email protected]
www.walkerrealestateservices.com
Mr. Pedie King is proud to announce the grand
opening of the new King Ford Lincoln of Lenoir,
located at 515 Wilkesboro Blvd NE, Lenoir, NC
28645. Mr. Tommy Calhoun’s team welcomes you to
visit King Ford Lincoln of Lenoir to purchase a new
Ford, Lincoln, or a used car or truck. The Service &
Parts Department can handle maintenance for all of
your vehicles.
Mat-NuWood, LLC
Stacy Igo
811 Price Place • Lenoir, NC 28645
828.758.4463
www.matinc.biz
August One, LLC
Jim Sponenberg
PO Box 1860 • Lenoir, NC 28645
828.302.7820
[email protected]
Mat-NuWood, LLC is a subsidiary of Mat, Inc. MatNuWood, LLC is a manufacturer of quality erosion
control products for the hydraulic seeding industry.
August One, LLC is a real estate investment business. We purchase, rebuild and rehabilitate homes
and commercial properties to resale for profit. With
Keith and Rhonda Walker are excited to announce
the opening of their new business back in January
2015! Rhonda has practiced real estate for the past
13 years and has been a top producing agent year
after year. Keith is known throughout the community
as a master dog trainer but obtained his broker
license in 2013 to join Rhonda. Now they are proud
new owners of Walker Real Estate Services, LLC,
located at 312 Mulberry St, SW Lenoir, NC 28645,
across from Caldwell Memorial Hospital. They offer
every service in the real estate field including property management. They are a small but growing company and you can visit them at their new office location or their website at walkerrealestateservices.com.
Recently, Angela White, Broker, joined the team at
Walker Real Estate Services and she is excited and
ready to help folks with their real estate needs.
12
THE CHAMBER MATTERS
Please join us ...
NC Works/Career Center Showcase
(located in the lower entry to the Commerce Center)
An Open House and Celebration
1909 Hickory Blvd., Lenoir NC
Tuesday, May 5
4:00 until 6:00pm
In 2013-2014, Caldwell County Schools achieved the
following:
• Highest graduation rate ever record - 90.9 percent
• Students earned more than $7.9 million in
scholarships
• Students earned more than 6,500 college credits
during high school
• 83 percent of Early College High School graduates
earned an Associate Degree
• More than 80 percent of high school graduates
moved on to some form of higher education
From 1964-2014, Caldwell Community College and
Technical Institute achieved the following:
• In 1964, 78 percent of Caldwell County adults 25 and
older lacked a high school credential. In 2014, that
number was less than 25 percent
• In 50 years, CCC&TI served more than 70,000 Adult
Education/Basic Skills students and awarded 9,000
credentials
• In 50 years, CCC&TI served 39,322 curriculum
students, who attended more than 400,000 classes
and earned 14,147 degrees, diplomas or certificates
• In 50 years, CCC&TI served 126,679 Continuing
Education students, who attended 492,309 classes.
Caldwell UNC Health Care has been recognized as a
2013 Top Performer on Key Quality Measures® by The
Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care
organizations in the United States. The hospital was
recognized in the report America’s Hospitals:
Improving Quality and Safety for attaining and sustaining excellence in accountability measure performance for heart attack, pneumonia, and surgical care.
Caldwell is one of 1,224 hospitals in the United States
to achieve the 2013 Top Performer distinction, and one
of only 712 U.S. hospitals to achieve this distinction for
the past two consecutive years.
MAY 2015
‘Become Socially Acceptable’ – 2015
By STEPHENIE OXFORD
Narrow The Gap Marketing
Should I keep using Facebook to promote my business? You’ve probably
heard that Facebook is making it more and more difficult to promote a business on Facebook without paying for advertising. To a certain extent, that is
true. They have created algorithms that scrub out or suppress overly promotional posts by pages so that they do not show up in your followers’ newsfeeds. And, although it can make it more challenging to come up with your
business posts, it should actually improve them. The purpose of social media
is to truly grow stronger relationships with your followers. Not to barrage
them with “BUY NOW!” “TODAY ONLY!” “ACT NOW!” “SIGN UP!”
demands like the obnoxious hype you often see on television or hear on the
radio. Use this opportunity to improve your content to tell your story, and
share information. Talk about your business, product or service like you
would to a friend, or someone you’ve just met at a social event. Be personable, be informative, and be unique. With better, more creative posts, you’ll
turn more of your loyal followers into loyal customers.
Value Begins At Home.
Affordable Funeral Services
right here in LENOIR
At Pendry’s Lenoir Funeral Home we’re committed to bringing Lenoir families the
highest quality services at maximum value. Whether burial or cremation, we put your
needs first and back everything with a 100% Service Guarantee. And we do it all at a
reasonable neighbor-to-neighbor price. So whatever your budget, there’s no need to go
any farther than our convenient location. Our “family” stands ready to help yours.
Call us to learn more
and to receive a FREE
Personal Planning Guide.
Pendry’s
3x5
Exclusive provider of Dignity Memorial® benefits.
Pendry’s Lenoir Funeral Home
522 Wilkesboro Blvd Se | Lenoir, NC 28645 | 828-754-3441
www.pendrysfuneralhome.com