December 28, 2007
IT’S ALL ABOUT OUR MEMBERS
The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce
Cordially invites you to its
FORTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL MEETING
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Cross Creek Country Club
$45.00 per person
Social 5:30 p.m. Dinner 6:15 p.m.
Special Guest Speaker
Billy Prim
Winston-Salem Warthogs – Co-Owner
Primo Water Corporation – CEO
Blue Rhino - Founder
R.S.V.P. by January 3 786-6116 Ext. 5
Special thanks to these Sponsors:
EVENT SPONSOR: RBC Centura
ASSOCIATE SPONSORS:
Bank of America – BB&T – BB&T Blue Ridge Burke – Carolina Carports, Inc. – Duke Energy Carolinas
Embarq – Granite Development, LLC
Haynes Strand and Company, PLLC – Northern Hospital of Surry County – Select Staffing – SouthData, Inc.
This is sure to be an exciting Annual Meeting with Mr. Prim speaking about some of his entrepreneurial moments with both Blue Rhino and Primo Water Company and sharing his experience of bringing the leaders of Winston-Salem, Forsyth County and private investors together to make the Winston-Salem Downtown Baseball Stadium a reality. Make your reservations early, limited seating available.
If you have not sent in your nomination for Citizen of the Year, please do so as soon as possible. This prestigious award will be presented at the Forty-Seventh Annual Meeting.
Travel & Tourism Update
The Visitor Center (located in the lobby of the Chamber of Commerce at 200 North Main Street Mount Airy) assisted 3399 visitors in November.The month stated off very busy then declined by the end of the month which is normal, the slowest months at the Visitors Center are Nov-Feb. 1,412 Visitors Guides were mailed out in the month of November through direct Advertising and Visitor Requests with over 100 of those going to Canada and United Kingdom. The top five States that visited the center were NC, VA, OH, AL, and FL. The center assisted several International Visitors with over 20 being from Canada and other travelers were from China, Cuba, London-England, Australia and Finland. The staff assisted 916 phone calls for the month and mailed out 2308 visitor guides.
Visitor Center hours are Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm and Sunday 1pm - 4pm.
The new website has been launched and we invite you to visit it at www.visitmayberry.com and register for our NEW E-Letter.
Membership/Communication
Business after Hours
· January 24, 2008– 5:30pm-7:00pmBrintle Enterprises/Best Western 125 Plaza Lane Mount Airy NC
· January 31, 2008 -5:30pm-7:00pm Marilyn’s At The Lodge Highway 52 North Bypass Mount Airy NC (Mount Airy Elks Lodge)
This is a great way to show off your business while meeting and networking with other Chamber Members and their guests! For more information about planning a Business after Hours event for 2008 call the office
today…336-786-6116 X 4.
Welcome New Members
Stratford Mortgage Group, LLC. – Located at 304 East Independence Boulevard Suite 101 Mount Airy NC 27030. Raynelle Hamblin is the Owner and Managing Principal and can be reached at 336-786-7110, fax 336-786-7067 or at www.sratfordmortgagegroup.com.
Stratford Mortgage accepts, arranges and negotiates home mortgage loans or commitments for the sole purpose of providing financing for residential and commercial purchases and refinances construction and equity lines.
Riverview Holdings Hotel Group d/b/a FairfieldInn & Suites
828 CC Camp Road, Elkin, NC 28621. CEO – Ben Mastin and Operations Manager -Michael Wilson. Phone 336-353-2008, fax 336-835-1568 or www.marriott.com
The Fairfield Inn & Suites is under construction and is ahead of schedule, the hotel could open by June 2008. The complex will consist of five floors with all of the suites located from the second – fifth floor. Main level will house a meeting space and other amenities. Riverview Holdings Hotel Group/Fairfield Inn & Suites will offer the best possible lodging experience available exceeding expectations in service and hospitality.
Makayla’s
Located at 207 North Main Street Mount Airy, NC 27030
Makayla’s is a specialty gift shop that owner Melissa Wilson started in February 2000.
This unique country gift shop offers a large selection of decorative flags, home décor, homemade and handcrafted gift items. Todd McMillian operates the business Monday – Friday 10:00am – 5:30pm and on Saturday from 10:00am – 6:00pm.
Phone 336-789-7620; fax 276-728-2114; or www.makaylasgifts@hotmail.com
Chamber Surprise Patrol
The Chamber Surprise Patrol made up of the Chamber’s Ambassadors Club and the Chamber Staff are working on the 2008 schedule. The Chamber Surprise Patrol will be making surprise visits to our members…will you be next?
Upcoming Dates/ Events/Programs/Meetings
- January 10, 2008 – Annual Chamber Meeting Cross Creek Country Club, 5:30pm Social and 6:15pm Dinner followed with program and Citizen of Year Award.The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Mr. Billy Prim, Co-Owner - Winston-Salem Warthogs Baseball Team, CEO - Primo Water Corporation and Founder - Blue Rhino will be the featured guest speaker at the 47th Annual Meeting on January 10, 2008 at Cross Creek Country Club.
This is sure to be an exciting Annual Meeting with Mr. Prim speaking about some of his entrepreneurial moments with both Blue Rhino and Primo Water and sharing his experience of bringing the leaders of Winston-Salem, Forsyth County and private investors together to make the Winston-Salem Downtown Baseball Stadium a reality.
Tickets for the event are available through the Chamber Office at 786-6116 X 5.
- February 8, 2008 - Ribbon Cutting – 12 noon - B&L Custom Jewelers new location 401 North Main Street, Mount Airy NC. 336-786-1100 www.mtairyjewelers.com
The Chamber’s monthly calendar along with current event photos can be viewed at www.mtairyncchamber.org …just click on chamber calendar tab. Community events and entertainment can be viewed by clicking on the community events tab. We encourage you to visit the Chamber calendar so that you don’t miss any of our upcoming events and programs and to visit the community event calendar so you can support local events!
Public Policy
U.S.LEGISLATION NEWS
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Supports these Bills…………………………….
Transportation Funding - HR 3074 – Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2008.The Chamber supports H.R. 3074 because it provides the necessary funding to endure that the U.S. transportation system is the safest and most efficient in the world.
*Summary of Bill and What it Means to You – The bill addresses the enormous demands of U.S. transportation infrastructure system by maintaining full funding for highway and transit programs as provided under current law. However, an amendment to the bill prohibits the implementation of the Department of Transportation’s Cross-Boarder Trucking Program, which allows a limited number of Mexican trucks to operate beyond the 20-25 mile commercial zones along the U.S. border for one year.
***Bill passed the Senate September 12, 2007***
Internet Tax Moratorium – S. 156 – The Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act – The Chamber supports legislation that encourages the growth of the digital economy by keeping Internet goods and services free of federal, sate and local transaction taxes.
*Summary of Bill and What it Means to You – The bill would extend to 2011 the current moratorium on Internet access taxes and multiple and discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce.
***The President signed the legislation on October 31, 2007***
Health Savings Accounts – H.R. 2639 – Promoting Health for the Future Generation Act. The Chamber supports H.R. 2639 because it would encourage employers and individuals to look at HSAs as a viable way to provide and obtain health insurance coverage.
*Summary of Bill and What it Means to You –this bill would implement important changes in the tax code to make health savings accounts (HSAs) more accessible and effective. It would allow the use of HAS funds to pay for premiums for high-deductible health plans, increase HAS contribution limits, and permit HAS owners to make catch-up contributions earlier.
***Introduced and referred to House Energy and Commerce Committee June 11, 2007***
The U. S. Chamber Opposes these Bills……………………………………………….
Small Business Definition – H.R. 3567 – Small Business Investment Expansion Act.
Passed the House 9-27-07.
Arbitration Fairness - H.R. 3010 – Arbitration Fairness Act.
Referred to House Judiciary subcommittee 8-10-2007; committee hearing held on 10-25-07.
***For the latest go to http://www.uschambermagazine.com***
N.C. LEGISLATION NEWS
To look up a N.C. bill to view the full text and find its status, visit http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/gascripts/BillLookUp/BillLookUp.pl
Last Action on Bills with Actions in 2007http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/lastaction/lastaction.pl?bPrintable=true&Biennium=2007&SessionNumber=1&StartIndex=100
The North Carolina Chamber's two-part newsletter called THIS WEEK AT THE CAPITAL has moved to the Chamber's website. Check out the Chamber's Competitiveness Update for new bills and changes in status on recurring bills as well as read about the hot topics in the capital city this week: http://www.ncchamber.net/mx/hm.asp?id=ThisWeek
Business Development
Free Help Available to Area Businesses
Starting and running a small business sometimes requires navigating a minefield of obstacles and challenges, but help is available through several local programs, often at no cost.
Surry Community College Small Business Center (www.surry.edu/cont_ed/sbc.html or call director Dennis Lowe at 336-386-3309):
? Free consultations available in person or by phone for potential and existing businesses, including referrals to other programs or agencies.
? Free resource materials available with information on business plans, cash flow/record keeping, marketing, funding sources, and tax and regulatory issues.
? Business seminars offered on a regular basis, including How to Start a Successful Business; bookkeeping and taxes; marketing; management; and other topics. Check the website for upcoming seminar information.
Small Business and Technology Development Center (www.sbtdc.org, 336-750-2030):
Many of the services offered by the SBTDC are free, but there may be a charge for others.
? Management education and counseling on topics such as financing, marketing, human resources, operations, business planning, feasibility assessment.
? Business research.
? Assistance in selling to federal, state, and local governments.
? Help with export financing.
? Business and regulatory services to companies in the boating industry.
? Technology and commercialization and small business innovation research.
? Help for local governments and non-profits in establishing local business incubators.
Surry County Economic Development Partnership (www.surryedp.com, 336-386-4781): This is the lead agency for economic development in Surry County. The Partnership is a joint public-private venture with funding from local municipalities, Surry County, and private business members. It assists both existing industry in their expansion efforts as well as recruiting new industry into the area. Local businesses seeking assistance should contact the Partnership in the planning phase of their expansion projects. Services may include:
? Representing the business to government agencies/entities to solve problems and pursue possible incentives.
? Increasing the competitiveness of our existing industry by connecting companies to services, programs, and resources.
? Answering questions and facilitating additional help where needed.
SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) (www.scoregso.org, 336-786-6116):
Volunteer counselors provide free mentoring and advice, including referrals to other resources.
Grant Money Available to Assist Local Businesses
Building Reuse and Restoration Grants: Vacant commercial buildings are signs of economic distress, yet they can also provide opportunities for business growth and job creation. The North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center offers grants to local governments for reusing buildings which have been vacant for at least six months.
Pre-development grants of up to $25,000 are available to help cover the cost of an initial study or other activity necessary to secure commitments from a business or investors. At least $5,000 of private or other public funds must also be used.
Development grants of up to $400,000 are available for building renovation purposes. The amount of the grant depends upon the number of new jobs that will be created, with a minimum of one new job for every $10,000 in grant money. Development grants must be matched by an equal amount of private or other public funding, and the applicant must show that the new full-time jobs will be created within 24-months of the grant award.
A partial listing of buildings that may be eligible for grants is available at www.surryedp.com.
Water and Sewer Grants: Local governments can also apply for grants for water and sewer improvements or extensions for business projects that create jobs. Up to $10,000 is available for each job created, with a maximum of $500,000 or one-half the total cost of the project, whichever is less. The new jobs must be in place within one year of the project’s completion and they must be full-time, pay at least minimum wage, and provide benefits equal to other employees in the same classification. The business must agree to repay the grant money if the anticipated jobs are not created.
For additional information and assistance within Mount Airy City limits, contact Martin Collins, Community Development Coordinator for the City of Mount Airy, at 336-786-3526 or email mcollins@mountairy.org. Outside the city limits, contact Chris Knopf, Assistant County Manager for Economic Development and Tourism at 336-401- 8350 or email knopfc@co.surry.nc.us.
Local Businesses Eligible for Tax Credits
Surry County businesses that create new jobs, invest in business equipment, or make a substantial investment in real estate may be eligible for significant state tax credits.
Eligibility
Eligible types of businesses include:
Manufacturing; warehousing; company headquarters (if at least 75 new headquarters jobs are created); customer service call centers; electronic shopping and mail order houses; information technology and services; research and development; wholesale trade; aircraft maintenance and repair; air courier services hub; motor sports facility; and motor sports racing team.
In addition, eligible businesses must offer health insurance for all full-time workers and pay at least 50-percent of employee premiums. A business may be disqualified if it has had any significant environmental violations, serious OSHA violations, or overdue taxes.
Available Credits
Job creation: Eligible businesses that create a minimum of five new full-time jobs during the taxable year may claim a $12,500 credit for each new job created. If the job is filled by someone who resides in Mount Airy’s designated “agrarian growth zone” or by a long-term unemployed worker, the credit increases to $14,500. The credit is taken in equal installments over four years.
Business Property: Eligible businesses may take a seven-percent tax credit on the cost of capitalized tangible personal property that is placed in service during the taxable year. The credit is taken in equal installments over four years.
Real Property: Eligible businesses that invest at least $10-million in real property within a three-year period and create at least 200 new jobs within two years may take a credit equal to 30-percent of the real property investment, taken in equal installments over seven years. To qualify for this credit, a written determination from the NC department of Commerce is required.
For more information, please contact Surry County Economic Development Partnership 336.386.4781, surryedp@surry.net or www.surryedp.com.
Economic Census
In December, more than 4 million American businesses, including 1,100 businesses in Surry County, will receive 2007 Economic Census forms. Responses to the questionnaire are required by law (Title 13, U.S. Code), and are to be returned by February 12, 2008.
Every 5 years, the Economic Census develops a comprehensive portrait of American business, from the national to the local level. Timely and accurate data are vital to effective public policy and important to our chamber and to our members.
A special Web page at <business.census.gov> will tell you about the Economic Census, and provide statistics that you can use to assess and grow your business operations.
Businesses, communities, and governments use Economic Census data for planning and market development. Statistics are published for more than a thousand industries as well as for states, counties, cities and metropolitan areas at http.//www.business.census.gov.
Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke has called this census "indispensable to understanding America's economy."
Mount Airy YTD Permits and Alterations
· YTD New Construction Permits in Mount Airy $ 22,040,105
· YTD New Commercial Alterations in Mount Airy $ 2,278,000
Education/Workforce Development
Youth Leadership
Youth Leadership students attended another session on December 12th that focused on Health & Wellness and Education. The day began at Reeves Community Center with the focus on Health & Wellness then the students traveled to Surry Community College for an afternoon session addressing Education. The students will meet on February 13th for the Law Enforcement session. Remaining course topics for the program include Local Government, followed with State Government which includes a trip to Raleigh and a year End Celebration and Year End Review. Youth Leadership is patterned after the adult Leadership program.
Occupational Studies
Each year a number of students at Mount Airy High School take part in the Occupational Studies program. One of the requirements for a diploma in Occupational Studies is to accumulate 900 hours of work experience during the four years they are in the program. To accomplish this, some students in grade 9-12 work each day for local businesses, between the hours of 11:30 and 1:00. Others work 1-4 days, while some students work in small groups on short-term projects during the same hours. Transportation to and from work is provided, as well as direct and indirect supervision. The Occupational Studies program recently helped Habitat for Humanity in the move to their new store on Route 89.Other students are working for local businesses and for the public library. Since the program is growing, NEW work opportunities are needed for more of the students. If you can help, or would like to learn more about the program, please call Justin Gammons or Debra Bowman at Mt. Airy H.S. (336-789-51147 X 323) or Rich Swart (X 245).
Upcoming Business Seminars
|
Business Related Seminars through Surry Community College |
|
Schedule |
Days |
Time |
Location |
CST |
Instructor |
|
Home Based Business Basics |
Jan 29, 2008 |
6:00-9:00pm |
SCC, Room J-103 |
Free |
Harry Ponder |
|
eBay Your Way to Success: Selling Items on eBay |
Jan 31, 2008 |
6:00-9:00pm |
SCC, Room J-115 |
Free |
Nick Hawks |
|
Business Loans & How to Get Them |
Feb 5, 2008 |
2:00-5:00pm |
Workforce Development Center, Mount Airy |
Free |
John Canosa |
|
Bulletproof Your Business |
Feb 6, 2008 |
1:30-4:30pm |
Jonesville Comfort Inn |
Free |
Russ Seagle |
|
Resolving Small Business Claims |
Feb 12, 2008 |
6:00-8:30pm |
Workforce Development Center, Mount Airy
Room 121 |
Free |
Mike Creed |
|
How to Start a Successful Business |
Feb 19 - Mar 18, 2008 |
6:30-9:30pm |
SCC, Room J103 |
Free |
Roy High |
|
Traits of Successful People |
Mar 4, 2008 |
11:00am-2:00pm |
Workforce Development Center, Mount Airy
Room 111 |
Free |
Tim Dannelly |
|
Networking for Results |
Mar 5, 2008 |
1:30-4:30pm |
Yadkin Center
Room 216 |
Free |
Denise Ryan |
|
Beyond the Basics: Starting an eBay Store |
Mar 13, 2008 |
6:00-9:00pm |
SCC, Room J-115 |
Free |
Nick Hawks |
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