February - March 2008
IT’S ALL ABOUT OUR MEMBERS
The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce Awarded 3-Star Accreditation
by U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Good news! The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that after a comprehensive self-review, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded us with 3-Star Accreditation. This prestigious honor puts us among the top 4% of chambers nationwide. While a total of 16 chambers were awarded some level of accreditation, we were among only six receiving this distinguished 3-Star rating.
This past year, the staff, board, and volunteers of the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce spent countless hours completing the Accreditation process. Our task: demonstrate competency in 9 core areas ranging from finance to facilities. The result of our hard-work is evidenced by this impressive rating. But in truth, we should all be extraordinarily proud of this milestone achievement. It was a true team effort.
The strength of our local chamber begins with a large, active and enthusiastic membership who is dedicated to building a prosperous community. We are very fortune to have numerous volunteers that serve on our board of directors and the committees who guide the programs that the staff manages day to day. Chamber volunteers donate their time and leadership skills to tirelessly promote the interests of Mount Airy and Surry County.
The only national program recognizing chambers for their effective organizational procedures and community involvement, Accreditation allows us to renew, improve, and promote sound business practices, policies, and procedures.
Local chambers are rated Accredited, 3-Stars, 4-Stars, or 5-Stars. State chambers are recognized as either Accredited State Chamber or Accredited State Chamber with Distinction. The final determination is made by the Accrediting Board, a committee of U.S. Chamber board members.
For details visit the U.S. Chamber at http://www.uschamber.com or contact Betty Ann Collins at 336-786-6116 or president1@mtairyncchamber.org
Travel & Tourism Update
January -February 2008 Visitor Center Traffic
In January the Visitor Center welcomed 1,448 guests and 1637 in February. The majority of the visitors were from NC, VA, FL, OH, AL, SC, GA; several international tourists from Canada,Cuba, Finland, Peru, China, Great Britain, Australia, New Finland, Russia and France also visited our community during January and February. In 2007 25, 903 visitor guides were mailed out through direct advertising leads. We are currently receiving leads from the March issue of the Oprah Magazine ad and as of today 5,000 leads have been received. Additional advertising this month in AAA Go Magazine, Southern Living Magazine. Next month advertising will appear in Women’s Day, Family Fun, AAA Homeaway and Our State Magazine. Over 45 bus tours have been scheduled for this year with additional inquiries from Bus Tour companies each day. Occupancy Tax collection is up 26% from last year (July – June). The 2208-2009 Visitor Guide is in the works with two formats; a guide style and a magazine style with 85,000 – 100,000 copies to be printed. The website traffic continues to be good with 2,080,109 hits in January and 58,139 unique visits and the first two weeks of February 964,199 hits and 22,660 unique visits. The E- Newsletter is emailed to 25,000+ every other week with current events and attractions to get on the list visit www.visitmayberry.com
Meetings & Conventions
-The Blue Ridge Parkway Association held a Regional Membership Meeting at The Hampton Inn-Dobson on January 8-10, 2008. Jessica Icenhour, Tourism Director mad a presentation on Mount Airy to the group and assisted with hosting the regional meeting.
-On February 7-8, 2008 the North Carolina Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus held their quarterly meeting in Mount Airy at The Hampton Inn. The group enjoyed a locally catered lunch, a trolley ride and diner at a local winery. This one meeting with attendance of 35 people resulted in positive $5,000 impact to our local economy.
Membership
Welcome New Members
*Select Real Estate, LLC - Located at 1835 Westfield Road Mount Airy, NC. www.ncselectrealestate.com336.786.4198.
Select Real Estate specializes in selling and buying real estate. Contact Harry Peterson, Anne Peterson, Deborah Hawks or Marie Cave for any of your real estate needs.
*Lydens Associates – Located at 135 Plantation Place, Mount Airy, NC. Lydens Associates provides Community Management Services to government and non- profit organizations in the Mount Airy Area. For more information contact Peter Lydens, President at peterlydens@gmail.comor 336.786.0088.
*East Coast Wings & Grill – Located at 692 S. Andy Griffith Pkwy, Mount Airy, NC. East Coast Wings & Grill is a full service restaurant serving wings, salads, burgers, and all type of sandwiches along with beer and mixed beverages. Call
336.719.6912 for additional information or visit our website at www.eastcoastwings.com. Manager Linda Spainhour invites you to drop by for lunch or dinner. For catering events contact Daniel Bennett at 817-8600.
*Bath & Spa Supply – Located at 811 West Pine Street Mount Airy, NC 336.789.9905 or www.bathandspasupply.com. Bath & Spa Supply specializes in locally manufactured All Natural skin products that not only soften and fragrant the skin but Bath & Spa also carry products for specific concerns such as aging, eczema and allergies. Bath & Sap Supply have a wide variety of products from goat’s milk lotion to clean burning soy candles….something for everyone. Stop by and meet Diane Glass the owner and check out the selection!
*Hampton Inn & Suites Shelton Vineyards – Located at 150 Charlestowne Drive, Dobson NC 336.353.9400 or www.hamptoninn.com. The Hampton Inn & Suites Shelton Vineyards is a mid-priced hotel with meeting space and wine bar on site as well as an indoor pool and guest business center and exercise facility. Conveniently located to I-77. Curtis Largen, the Manager of this beautiful hotel and invites you to drop by and visit the property any time.
*Quill-Well, Inc. Sears Dealer Store – Located at 1217 West Lebanon Street, Mount Airy NC. 336.789.4400 or www.sears.com. Ron Knighton took over ownership last November and invites everyone to come by and see him. This Sears location carries Appliances, HD TV’s, Lawn and Garden equipment, tools and parts; repair service is also available. Now is the time to start thinking about a new mower or a new TV!
*Mount Airy Tourism Development Authority – Located at 200 North Main St. Mount Airy, NC. 336.786.6116 or www.visitmayberry.com. The Tourism Development Authority’s mission is to further the best interest of the citizens of the city of Mount Airy and to promote travel and tourism to Mount Airy and the surrounding area. Jessica Icenhour is the Tourism Director and Fawn Shaw is the Visitor Information Specialist. The Tourism Development Authority operates the Visitor Center located at 200 North Main Street open Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm, Saturday 10:00am – 4:00pm and Sunday 1:00- 4:00pm.
*Farm Bureau Mount Airy – Located at 942 West Pine Street, Mount Airy, NC. 336.789.5091. Tim Hamlin and the Farm Bureau Mount Airy staff invite you to come by and talk to them about your insurance rates. Farm Bureau a company with North Carolina people ready to serve you in every county statewide.
*Modern Dry Cleaners –Located at 526-100 West Lebanon St. Mount Airy, NC. 336.786.0096 or mtairycleaners@embarqmail.com . Manager, Nina Solomon and Assistant manager, Jody Casstevens, invite you to drop by for all of your laundry and dry cleaning needs.
*Delp Chiropractic – Located at 454 West Lebanon Street Mount Airy, NC 336.786.5555. Delp Chiropractic specializes in relief from headaches, low back pain, neck pain, leg and arm pain and degenerative disc diseases. Dr. Adam Delp, and his staff see these problems on a day-to-day basis and they can help, give them a call.
*The Greater Mount Airy Habitat for Humanity - Located at1132 West Pine Street Mount Airy, NC. Habitat for Humanity is a Christian based non-profit ministry working with economically disadvantaged people to create a better human habitat here in Surry County by providing simple, decent and affordable housing. If you want to get involved or offer help in some way, contact Executive Director, Tim VanHoy at 336.789.4663 or by email at tim-gmahfh@yahoo.com
*Downtown Business Association (DBA) –. The DBA is a membership organization of downtown businesses that plan, promote and advertise the downtown area. The DBA coordinates various downtown sales and marketing campaigns along with hosting the downtown Christmas Parade. DBA Coordinator, Julie Pharr can be reached at Mount Airy Downtown Business Association PO Box 535 Mount Airy NC 27030 or by email at jpharr@triad.rr.com or by phone at 336.786.4511.
*Emily Loftis has joined as an Associate Member of the Chamber. Already active with many local civic and community organizations, now she will be getting involved with the business community. The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce is excited to have Emily on board and we are sure you will see her at upcoming Chamber Functions. Emily resides at 1430 Henri Street in Mount Airy.
Chamber Surprise Patrol
The Chamber Surprise Patrol paid an unannounced visit to Northern Hospital of Surry County on Tuesday March 4, 2008. The Surprise Patrol surprised CEO, Bill James and over 20 of the hospital management team during a managers meeting with cookies, balloons and a basket of goodies.
On March 11, 2008 The Chamber Surprise Patrol visited SurryCommunity Collegeand surprised everyone attending the President’s Cabinet Meeting. In attendance were President, Dr. Deborah Friedman, Dr. George Sappenfield, Dr. Gary Tilley, Dr. Anne Hennis, Dr. Jami Woods, Dennis Lowe and Jamie Childress. Cookies, balloons and a basket of goodies were delivered to the group.
The Chamber Surprise Patrol is made up of the Chamber’s Ambassadors Club and the Chamber Staff and Board members who arrive unannounced to surprise our business members …Just to Say “Thank You for being a Chamber member”. The Chamber Surprise Patrol has visits scheduled every month of 2008 …will you be next?
Business after Hours
· March 20th 5:30pm – 7:00pm All in One Portrait Studios, 788 West Lebanon Street, Mount Airy
· April 3rd 5:30pm – 7:00pm RBC Bank, 800 South Key Street, Pilot Mountain
· April 10th 5:30pm – 7:00pm Hampton Inn & Suites Shelton Vineyards, 286 Cabernet Lane, Dobson
· May 29th 5:30pm – 7:00pm The Drapery House, 844 North Main Street, Mount Airy
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
Ribbon Cuttings & Anniversaries
· March 17th 4:00pm – Ribbon Cutting Bath & Spa Supply located at 811 West Pine Street (Pine Plaza) Mount Airy, NC 336-789-9905
· March 19th 10:00am – Ribbon Cutting Quill-Well, Inc. Sears Dealer Store – Located at 1217 West Lebanon Street (Westwood Shopping Center ) Mount Airy, NC 336-789-4400
· April 16th 2:00pm – Ribbon Cutting & Anniversary East Coast Wings located at692 South Andy Griffith Parkway(Granite Town Center) Mount Airy, NC 336-719-691
Chamber Events
· March 27th 12 noon Annual Awards Meeting –
Cross Creek Country Club
· April 23rd 12 noon Administrative Professionals Day –
Cross Creek Country Club
· May 8th 12 noon Annual Chamber Golf Tournament –
Cross Creek Country Club
· June 22nd 3:30pm Mount Airy Day at Ernie Shore Field – Ernie Shore Field Winston-Salem
Other Important Dates
· April 2nd 8:30am -5:00pm Career Fair- National Guard Armory
· April 16th 10:00am – 1:00pm SurryCommunity CollegeEmployment Fair –SCC Gymnasium
· May 3rd Latino Festival – Veterans Park
· May 6th NC Primary
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…………………………….
Regulatory Reform –H.R. 4458 – Small Business Regulatory Improvement Act -The Chamber supports legislation to require government agencies to provide a comprehensive analysis of the total impact of proposed regulation on small business.
Last Action – Voted out of one of two House committees 12/13/07. Next Step – Committee Vote.
Flexible Spending Accounts – H.R. 3947– The Chamber supports eliminating the FSA use-it-or-lose-it rule because doing so would encourage Americans to set aside pretax dollars for health care spending thus lowering their out-of-pocket costs.
Last Action – Referred to a House Committee 10/23/07. Next Step – Committee Vote.
The U. S. Chamber Opposes these Bills……………………………………………….
Energy – H.R. 6 – Energy Independence And Security Act of 2007 –The Chamber opposed this bill because it compromises the nations’ national security by discouraging production of valuable domestic oil and gas supplies, causing greater dependency on foreign oil and gas. Last Action – President Bush signed the legislation into law 12/19/07.
Climate Change –S. 2191- America’s Climate Security Act of 2007 –The Chamber opposes this bill because it does not address the international nature of climate change, promote technology development and deployment, preserve American jobs and the economy, reduce barriers to the development of climate-friendly energy sources, or promote efficiency. Last Action – Voted our of Senate committee 12/5/07. Next Step – Senate Vote.
Small Business Definition – H.R. 3567- Small Business Investment Expansion Act of 2007 –The Chamber opposes creating a loophole to allow larger business enterprises, colleges, and universities to avail themselves of services, resources, and programs dedicated to traditional small business. Last Action- Passed the House 9/27/07. Referred to a Senate committee on the same day. Next Step – Committee Vote.
***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/Workforce Development
Get Answers to Business Challenges-
Entrepreneurs can receive Free Advice from resources like MicroMentor. MicroMentor is a free web-based service that connects low-income start-ups and business owners –called “microentrepreneurs” – with successful business owners and managers. More than 1,000 entrepreneurs and mentors participate nationwide. For more information go to www.micromentor.org
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)
Small Business and Technology Development Center (www.sbtdc.org, 336-750-2030)
Surry County Economic Development Partnership (www.surryedp.com, 336-386-4781)
SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) (www.scoregso.org, 336-786-6116)
Grant Money Available to Assist Local Businesses
Building Reuse and Restoration Grants- for more information contact the Surry County Economic Development Partnership at www.surryedp@surry.net
Water and Sewer Grants:
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 Surry County Government at 336-401-8210 or email knopf@co.surry.nc.us
Local Businesses Eligible for Tax Credits
For more information regarding eligibility and available credits please contact Surry County Economic Development Partnership 336.386.4781, surryedp@surry.netor www.surryedp.com.
**Rural Business Opportunity Grants**
The U.S. Department of Agriculture requests proposals for Rural Business Opportunity Grant (RBOG), for projects that provide
Rural areas with technical assistance for business development and economic development planning. The primary objective of RBOG is to improve the economic conditions of rural areas. $2.6 million expected to be available, up to 13 awards anticipated. Responses due 3/31/08. For more information contact Cindy Mason at cindy.mason@wdc.usda.govor go to:
http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=40659
http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=40659.
**Rural Community Development Initiative**
The U.S. Department of Agriculture requests proposals for Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) Grants. RCDI supports intermediary organizations that will provide financial and technical assistance to recipients to develop their capacity and ability to undertake projects related to housing, community facilities, or community and economic development. Project areas may include micro-enterprise and sustainable development. $6.2 million expected to be available, up to 100 awards anticipated. Responses due 5/5/08. For more information, contact Susan Woolard at susan.woolard@wdc.usda.gov
or go to:
http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=40654
** Eight-six percent of the nation's net new jobs in 2003 and 2004 were created by firms with less than 20 employees, that most firms on the Inc. magazine's 500 list started small, were home-based, didn't start with venture capital and weren't in the high-tech field.
Education Division
Youth Leadership
Youth Leadership students traveled to the Raleigh and the State Capital on March 12th for a first hand look at our State government. This is always a fun trip for the students and has in the past given them an opportunity to see and meet state officials and dignitaries. The Year End Celebration and Year End review is scheduled for March 27th at camp Raven Knob. Youth Leadership is patterned after the adult Leadership program. Twenty five high school juniors who have completed the course will receive their certificates at the Year End Celebration
Y.I.E.LD.
Youth interested in Economics, Leadership and Decision making will hold their last session on April 10th at Camp Raven Knob with twenty high school students completing this course of study.
Leadership Surry County (Adult study course) is a 60 hour program of study designed to develop the leadership potential of Surry County. In monthly class meetings held between August, 2008 and May, 2009, participants are made aware of local history and existing service programs within the county. They are provided a platform from which relationships with community leaders can be created, and opportunities to acquire and use skills in communication, planning, organization, and conflict resolution. Leadership Surry County is sponsored by the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce, the Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce and Surry Community College. A detailed description of the program with applications for admission will be made available later in the spring.
The Surry County Career Fair for Surry County high school juniors will be held April 2 from 9:00am to 3:00pm at the National Guard Armory, Highway 52 North, in Mount Airy. This marks the second year for the county-wide event that represents over seventy different careers, enabling Surry County juniors to meet and talk with a wide variety of people representing many careers.
The career fair will be open to the public from 3pm to 5pm. Adult participants are encouraged to bring copies of their resumes and be ready to talk to prospective employers.
For further information please contact: Joan Sherif (336-835-4894; jsherif@nwrl.org)
Upcoming Business Seminars
|
Beyond the Basics: Starting an eBay Store |
Mar 13, 2008 |
6:00-9:00pm |
SCC, Room J-115 |
Free |
Nick Hawks |
|
Refresh, Rejuvenate, Refocus: The Professional Woman's Guide for Success |
Apr 24, 2008 |
1:30-4:30pm |
SCC, Presidents' Dining Room |
Free |
Linda Rozelle |
|
Business Bookkeeping |
May 6, 2008 |
6:30-9:30pm |
SCC, Room J-103 |
Free |
Jerry Sawyers |
|
Understanding Payroll |
May
13, 2008 |
6:30-9:30pm |
SCC, Room J-103 |
Free |
Jerry Sawyers |