Business Briefs
October 25, 2007
IT’S ALL ABOUT OUR MEMBERS
Travel & Tourism Update
41st Annual Autumn Leaves Festival
Well let me say it again, The 41st Annual Autumn Leaves Festival was a huge success and the largest one so far! The Chamber hosted over 200 artists, craftsmen, commercial and food/drink vendors and with the help of WPAQ radio 31 live performances at the bandstand from local bands/groups. God blessed us with “perfect” festival weather and the support of our local business members and our community! This size festival could not have taken place without the support of our corporate sponsor Carolina Carports, Incorporated and the support of Waste management. Again, the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors would like to say “THANK YOU” to each of the following who helped to make the 41st Autumn Leaves Festival such a success!
SPONSORS
Carolina Carports, Inc.
Waste Management
SUPPORTERS
Brown Communications – City of Mount Airy – Coca Cola Bottling Company – Granite Development, LLC - Hanes Brands, Inc.
Lowe’s Foods - Mount Airy Fire Department - Mount Airy Police Department – Mount Airy Public Works Department
Mount Airy Rescue Squad - Neighbors Stores - North Carolina Highway Patrol - Pepsi Bottling Ventures
Riverside Building Supply - Sagebrush Steakhouse - Specialty Gifts & Collectibles - Surrey Bank & Trust
Surry County Sheriff’s Department - WPAQ Radio Station - State Employee Credit Union - Wal – Mart - The Surry Messenger
Community Service Work Program - Governors One on One Program - Carolina West Wireless
Merchants of Downtown Mount Airy
The VisitorCenter (located in the lobby of the Chamber of Commerce at 200 North Main Street Mount Airy) assisted 7607 visitors in September and another 5031 through October 15th.
For the month of July 2007 the occupancy tax collection increased by 29.86% over July 2006 and August 2007 increased by 41.39% over August 2006. YTD the occupancy tax collections up 35% from 2006.
Visitor Center hours are Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm and Sunday 1pm - 4pm.
A NEW website is being launched and we invite you to visit it at www.visitmayberry.comand register for our NEW E-Letter.
Membership/Communication
Business after Hours
· October 25, 2007 5:30pm – 7:00pm RogersRealty 1310 EMS Drive Mount Airy
· November 8, 2007 5:0pm – 7:00pm In A Flash 327 W. Lebanon St. Mount Airy
· November 15, 2007 5:30 – 7:00pm Mount Airy Diner 453 Andy Griffith Parkway Mount Airy
· November 29, 2007 5:30pm – 7:00pm Majure Skin Care & Wellness Center 2007 N. Main St. Mount Airy
· December 6, 2007 5:30pm -7:00pm Duke Energy Chamber Office 200 N. Main St. Mount Airy
· December 13, 2007 5:30pm – 7:00pm Adrian’s Hair Tique 127 Franklin St. 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
Welcome New Member
· All in One Portrait Studios – Complete photography services. Located at 788 West Lebanon Street Mount Airy. Phone 336.786.0045, fax 336.786. Studio hours Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm. Stop by and say hello to Jason Dooley Studio Manager and Head Photographer and to Stephanie Leftwich Studio Photographer.
Chamber Surprise Patrol
The Chamber Surprise Patrol will be making surprise visits to our members…will you be next?
Upcoming Dates/ Events/Programs/Meetings
· November 1, 2007 -The Surry Showcase – 3-6pm. Acelebration of local industries and an opportunity to showcase the economic diversity of Surry County; sponsored by the Surry County Economic Development Partnership. Location Surry Community College – Gymnasium, Building P Dobson NC
· November 2, 2007 Chamber Board Retreat Cross Creek Country Club
· November 6, 2007 General Election
· November 7, 2007 8:00am Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting NEW Goodwill Industries Highway 601 Mount Airy
· November 22, 2007 Thanksgiving - Chamber and Visitor Center Closed
· January 10, 2008 – Annual Chamber Meeting Cross Creek Country Club, 6:00pm Social and 6:30pm dinner followed with program and Citizen of Year Award
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
Sales Tax Referendum
Chamber to Support Approval of Sales Tax Referendum
The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce will be supporting the approval of the upcoming ballot referendum authorizing a ¼ cent sales tax increase. Chamber members, when polled, responded overwhelmingly (92%) in favor of approval. Listed below are some of the reasons given for support:
· A property tax increase would create a deterrent to potential capital investment in our community.
· We need to send a positive message of dedication to the quality of our school systems to potential employers.
· A ¼ cent sales tax increase would have minimal effect on retail sales.
· A sales tax allows tourists and shoppers from other areas, who pay no local property taxes, to participate in funding the burden of school facility requirements.
While the response was definitive in its direction, it was not without its reservations. Members were concerned that the funds would not be earmarked for schools. While, according to statute, the revenues cannot be earmarked, Surry County Government has certainly given “implied intent” regarding the funds use and should understand that the Chamber and its members will be closely monitoring the subsequent distribution of them.
· Congresswoman Virginia Foxx invites you to participate in her candid conversation on the important issues facing Congress. Telephone Town Hall, Tuesday October 30th 7:30pm. Dial 877-850-4143 Password: FOXX
U.S.LEGISLATION NEWS
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Supports these Bills…………………………….
Litigation Reform - HR 989 - Innocent Sellers Fairness Act. The Chamber supports commonsense legislation that would discourage costly and frivolous lawsuits against product sellers while still protecting the rights of those with legitimate claims.
Internet Tax Moratorium – S. 156 – The Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act – the Chamber and its Don’t Tax Our Web Coalition support legislation that encourages the growth of the digital economy by keeping Internet goods and services free of all federal, state and local transaction taxes.
***For the latest go to http://www.uschamber.com/october.***
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
Do you have questions about your business or business idea? The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce Business Development Committee can help you find the answers. Contact us at:
Phone: 336-786-6116
Fax: 336-786-1488
Email: presiden1@mtairyncchamber.org
Address: The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce
Attn: Business Development Committee
200 North Main Street
Mount Airy, NC 27030
Business Development Mission Statement
The mission of the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce Business Development Committee is to act as a catalyst and facilitator in enhancing business growth in the Greater Mount Airy community.
Education/Workforce Development
Youth Leadership
Youth Leadership students toured the historic village of Rockford on October 18th. Marion Venable a respected local historian led the tour. She gave students an overview of the history of the formation of Surry County and how Rockford developed, providing highlights from both the county-seat period and the arrival of the railroad and its heyday. Youth Leadership then traveled to the Mount Airy where they went on a scavenger hunt for information visiting the Chamber of Commerce, the Visitors Center, Snappy Lunch, Floyd’s Barber Shop and stopping and talking with Charles Vaughn, our Step – on - Guide who was on the street giving a tour. The students seemed to enjoy the events of the day.Economic Development, Health & Wellness and Education, Law Enforcement and Local Government, State Government with a trip to Raleigh, and a year End Celebration and Year End Review. Youth Leadership is patterned after the adult Leadership program.
YIELD
Youth Interested in Economics, Leadership and Decision-Making kicked off yesterday at Raven Knob Camp with Leadership being the topic. The spring one day session will address Economic Development.
Learning Ventures Grants
Applications for the Learning Ventures Grants will be reviewed Friday October 26th by the Education Support Committee.
EMBARQ funds $2500 for five $500 grants that all local teachers can apply for. These grants are used for programs that our local school systems can not fund. Applicants must meet the committees established set of criteria to be considered. The announcement of the grant recipients will take place next month at a luncheon sponsored by EMBARQ.
Great learning opportunites for your business and your employees
Surry Community College Corporate and Continuting Education Business Seminars
· Basic Bookkeeping for Business – Oct. 30th 6:30pm – 9:30pm J Building at SCC Room J-103 FREE
· Worksite Safety – Oct. 30th 1:00pm – 3:00pm J Building at SCC Room J-103 FREE
For additional information call 386-3211 or on-line at http://depts.surry.edu/conted/sbc_schedule.html
Chamber Member Programs
New Programs
TheMember to Member Discount Program – Would you like to increase your customer traffic? Want to add Chamber Members to your regular list of customers?The Member to Member Discount Program is a unique opportunity for any business member that wants to expand their customer base and to keep local $$$ here at home. To preview the Member to Member program click on http://www.mtairyncchamber.orgclick on the membership information and scroll down to Member to Member program tab. To sign up for this program or for additional information contact Robin Dollyhigh, Membership Specialist at 336-786-6116 X 4.
Business Bulletin Board is the Chamber’s newest communication tool not only with our membership but with the general public. In partnership with the Mount Airy News, a weekly column (every Tuesday) titled Business Bulletin Board will share chamber news with the readership. If you have business news that you would like to share with the membership please forward to president1@mtairyncchamber.org. for consideration.
Ongoing Programs
The Good Neighbors Program has been a big success from the member’s standpoint and from the Chambers standpoint. We have been able to sit down and talk face to face with our members without taking away from their daily work routines by having lunch together. Thanks to our Chamber member, Sagebrush for making the Good Neighbor’s Program possible. Photos from previous Good Neighbors Program are on our website. We hope to be contacting your business to join us for lunch real soon!
Gifts/Rewards/Incentives
Looking for an employee gift, reward, incentive … while keeping dollars in the community? CertifiChecks is a gift certificate program offered by the GMACC redeemable only at Chamber member businesses. Log on to www.mtairyncchamber.org : go to Membership Information tab - Chamber Benefits tab.
Announcements
· CK Technologies has announced Carol Colna, Human Resource Manager is relocating to Mount Airy NC. Carol will be responsible for guidance and direction to support both Human Resource departments in Montpelier Ohio and Mount Airy NC. Carol will report directly to Bruce Arps, VP of Operations, Finance and Administration at CK Technologies, LLC.
Congratulations
· N.C. Business Hall of Fame to induct Charlie, Ed Shelton JOURNAL STAFF AND WIRE REPORT Tuesday, October 23, 2007 The N.C. Business Hall of Fame said yesterday that Charlie and Ed Shelton will be inducted into the hall of fame Nov. 15 in Charlotte. The hall of fame recognizes men and women who have made a significant contribution to North Carolina’s economic development. The Sheltons created Shelco Inc. and Shelton Vineyards Inc. Shelco, based in Charlotte, is one of the largest construction companies in the state. It was started in Winston-Salem in 1978. Shelton Vineyards is in Surry County and produced about 28,000 cases of wine last year.
· John W. Moore a registered representative with UVEST Financial Services located at Surrey Bank & Trust has gained membership in the Monarch Society for The Hartford Mutual Funds. The society recognizes those representatives who excel in meeting their clients financial needs. Moore has also been named a member of PLANCO, a wholesaler of insurance products. Moore produced over $1,000,000 in sales in one calendar year with his inclusion in PLANCO’s Captain Club.
· The Triads 50 Fastest – Growing Private Companies in 2007 - # 31 SouthData, Inc. Congratulations John Springthorpe and staff!
In the News
SkyBus Announces
New Non-Stop Service To 7 Cities From PTI
$10 Fares Go On Sale Tuesday at 6 a.m.
#1 Boston,
#2 Jacksonville/Daytona Beach
#3 Punta Gorda/Ft. Myers,
#4 Ft. Lauderdale
#5 Gulfport-Biloxi/New Orleans
#6 Hartford/Springfield
#7 Los Angeles
Service Starts 1/15/08
Boston – Portsmouth International Airport (PSM)
Jacksonville/Daytona Beach – St. Augustine Airport (UST)
Punta Gorda/Ft. Myers – Charlotte County Airport (PGD)
Service Starts 1/17/08
Ft. Lauderdale – Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
Gulfport-Biloxi/New Orleans – Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT)
Hartford/Springfield – Westover Metropolitan Airport (CEF)
NEW WEST COAST NON-STOP Service Starts 2/25/08
Los Angeles – Burbank Airport (BUR)
Additional Service 1/06/08
Columbus – Port Columbus International Airport (CMH) Now 2 daily flights.
10 seats for $10 on every flight on full-sized Airbus A319 jets
Book tickets beginning 6 a.m. on Tuesday
SkyBus.com
Interesting Numbers
“Over the last 5 years, the number of EMPLOYED AMERICANS has increased by 7.12 million people to 138 million. Service-related jobs have gone up 8.56 million nationwide while construction and manufacturing jobs have declined by 1.44 million workers (Source: Department of Labor”). The trend locally follows the national trend of increasing service-related jobs and fewer manufacturing jobs. Therefore when we get a New “Walgreens” or a New “Chili’s or a New Hospice Home or an expansion of our local hospital or the building of additional healthcare facilities/offices and other new shops and services it is ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT!!
Economic Update
The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reported personal income expanded by 0.3% in August following growth of 0.5% in July and June.
Ø Personal consumption expanded by 0.6% in August following growth of 0.4% in July.
Ø This implies that problems in the credit markets did not dampen consumer spending in August.
Ø The pull upon the supply chain is stimulating freight volumes, since inventories are in equilibrium throughout the supply chain.
Ø Media headlines are focused on a single story, households who have problems meeting monthly mortgage payments, but this single focus does not accurately reflect households’ balance sheets.
Ø There are problems with some households meeting mortgage payments, but households’ balance sheets remain relatively solid, since unemployment remains low and wages are moderately expanding.
The Census Bureau reported durable goods orders decreased 4.9% in August, following an increase of 6.1% in July.
Ø The backlog of unfilled orders increased in August, which was the 27th monthly increase in the past 28 months.
Ø Durable goods’ inventories decreased in August, which was the second monthly decrease in the past three months.
Ø Durable goods orders are normally volatile month-to-month due to orders for aircraft and other expensive products, but durable goods have been slowly trending upward over the past several months due to inventories being in equilibrium throughout the supply chain.
The Census Bureau reported construction spending in August increased 0.2% from July and 1.7% lower than the same period a year earlier.
Ø Residential construction spending decreased 1.4% in August and was 16.0% below the same period a year earlier.
Ø Residential construction activity will continue to trend downward due to negative market fundamentals and tighter credit conditions that will exacerbate the downturn in the residential market.
Ø Private non-residential construction spending increased 2.3% in August and was 15.2% higher than the same period a year earlier.