Tag Archive for: #hendersonvancechamberofcommerce

Edward Woodlief Named 2023 Citizen Of The Year At Chamber Banquet

/by

When you see Edward Woodlief out and about in the community, or see his name pop up on your phone screen, you can bet that: 1) he will greet you warmly and ask how you’re doing; 2) he will make you chuckle with a quip or witty observation; and 3) he’s got tickets to an upcoming fundraiser to share.

Whether it’s chicken plates, pork butts – with sauce! – or Vidalia onions, Woodlief usually has his eye on raising funds for one group or another.

He’s “that” person behind the scenes, quietly and effectively making things happen. But at Thursday’s Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce 86th annual meeting and banquet, Woodlief took center stage for a few moments to accept the 2023 Citizen of the Year award.

EDWARD WOODLIEF AND MARGIER WHITE, 2024 BOARD CHAIRPERSON

And then, N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon put Woodlief in the spotlight a second time to present him with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest state honor that a civilian can receive.

Woodlief said he started putting things together as 2022 Citizen of the Year recipient Jack Richardson began listing some details about this year’s awardee, including his work with his beloved Union Chapel Church, where is currently is the choir director and president of the men’s fellowship.

“Our citizen of the year was raised on a farm, where he learned that hard work is the key to getting things accomplished,” Richardson began. Woodlief has devoted himself to a variety of organizations through the years, including the Optimist Club, Kiwanis Club, American Legion Post 60, his church and the local Crime Stoppers.

“He’s a pillar of our community and we are so lucky to have him,” Richardson said in his remarks, adding that he is “so giving to friends, neighbors and strangers” alike.

A genuine example of a servant leader, Woodlief is someone who is happiest when he’s rolled up his sleeves to do good for those in need.

“I thank God for giving me a heart filled with love and compassion” for others, Woodlief said after receiving the award from Sossamon.

Click Play

At 80-something years “young,” Woodlief has outlived the Zeb Vance Ruritan Club, of which he was a member for four decades before it became inactive. But Woodlief continues one of the club’s service projects and single-handedly mows, weeds and tends the cemetery that the club had adopted.

And if you ever wondered how those flags “magically” appear on the graves of military veterans, well, it’s Woodlief.

“It’s been a pleasure,” Woodlief said as he accepted the award, which followed a warm, well-deserved round of applause.

He quickly mentioned all the others who work with him to make sure all these fundraisers and projects are successful – “We all work together to raise funds,” he said.

It comes as no surprise that Woodlief thanked his wife of 11 years, Velvet Satterwhite Woodlief, for being a faithful and supportive partner. WIZS listeners know that Velvet has been a weekend staple at the radio station for more than 20 years, from Country Grass on Saturday mornings, Choice Country Classics from 9 to noon and the Sunday afternoon Gospel Jamboree.

In his presentation, on behalf of Gov. Roy Cooper, Sossamon called Woodlief “a man of faith who loves Vance County.” His efforts come from his desire “to improve the quality of life to one and all,” he said.

“I think he was called,” Sossamon said, “to sell tickets.”

True to form, as the newest Citizen of the Year stood on the stage, he greeted the crowd, shared a light-hearted comment and then lowered the boom: There’s a chicken plate sale on Friday, Mar. 15. “All you have to do is see me afterwards.”

HENDERSON-VANCE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 86TH ANNUAL BANQUET ON THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2024

Chamber’s Leadership Vance 2024 Forming – Applications Due Feb. 2 By 5 P.M.

/by

The Leadership Vance 2024 application process is open through Friday, Feb. 2 and Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce President Sandra Wilkerson said participants will get an in-depth look at the county, from its rich history and varied amenities to business and industry growth and much more.

Applications should be received by 5 p.m. on Feb. 2, Wilkerson said.

“Leadership Vance is a proven, structured program, designed to create a corps of informed and dedicated emerging leaders in our community,” Wilkerson said.  Upon graduation, the program participants will be qualified to meet the present and future challenges facing Henderson and Vance County. During the months-long program, participants will get a chance to learn about all aspects of the community in which they live and work.

They also will get to learn about volunteer civic and community opportunities, as well as gain valuable insight to boost their business and career goals.

For more information, contact Wilkerson at 252.438.8414 or via email at sandra@hendersonvance.org.

H-V Chamber Of Commerce Banquet Mar. 7; Award Nominations Accepted Through Feb. 2

/by

The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce will host its annual banquet on Thursday, Mar. 7. Sponsorships are available and tickets may be purchased now for the event, the theme of which is Past, Present, Future, according to Chamber President Sandra Wilkerson.

“Join us as we take a walk down memory lane, get updates on the present and what we expect our future to look like in Henderson and Vance County,” Wilkerson said in information sent to WIZS News. The banquet will be held at the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center.

The Chamber also will reveal the 2023 Vance County Citizen of the Year at the banquet. Nominations for this award will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 2, Wilkerson noted.

Find the nomination form here: https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Henderson-Vance-Chamber-of-Commerce-Citizen-of-the-Year-form-2023.pdf

Completed nominations may be submitted electronically to sandra@hendersonvance.org, dropped by the office, 414 S. Garnett St., Henderson or mailed to Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce at P.O. Box 1302, Henderson, NC  27536

Visit the Chamber website at to download a nomination form.

The banquet is the Chamber’s biggest fundraiser; Wilkerson recognized Duke Energy for its continued role in the effort by being the presenting sponsor.

Other sponsorship levels are noted below:

 

Presenting Sponsor (only 1) Duke Energy                $4000

  • Eight complimentary tickets, Company Banner provided by sponsor displayed, Company name on all promotional pieces, recognition during Banquet, recognition on Social Media, radio and newspaper

Gold Sponsor                                       $2500

  • Six complimentary tickets, Company name on program agenda, recognition during Banquet, recognition on Social Media, radio and newspaper

Silver Sponsor                                     $1500

  • Four complimentary tickets, Company name on program agenda, recognition during Banquet

Table Sponsor                                      $1000

  • Two complimentary tickets, Centerpiece and individual attendee gift.  Company name on program agenda and recognition at banquet.

Pre-Dinner Social Sponsor                  $1000

  • Two complimentary tickets, signage at food and beverage table. Company name on program agenda and recognition at banquet.

Tickets are $60 each and tables of eight may be purchased as well.

.

The evening kicks off with appetizers served from 5:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. The meal catered by Cook Shack Catering, will begin at 6 p.m.

Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce

The Citizen of the Year award is presented annually by the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce to an individual whose outstanding service and dedication has made a significant contribution to the community.  Qualities and criteria looked for are as follows:

 

  • A person who is a resident of Vance County.
  • A person who has shown a willingness to volunteer for community organizations, giving freely of their time and talents, is enthusiastic about the community and its citizens, and who serves in positions working for the betterment of the community.
  • Someone who is dedicated to the community, lends leadership and vision, and who assists in achieving organizational goals of the community.  They may serve on service, school, church, or civic committees.
  • A person with the qualities of honesty and integrity.
  • The community work they are involved with should not be a part of their business career or paid positions they have held.

 

The recipient does not have to be a member of the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce.  A nominee need only be nominated once to be considered.  The number of nominations received per nominee will bear no weight in their selection.

Chamber “Shop With A Cop” Fundraiser Nets $15,000

/by

The Shop With A Cop fundraiser sponsored by the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce was a huge success, and Chamber President Sandra Wilkerson said law enforcement officers and first responders were going to have about $15,000 to spend on their upcoming shopping spree with area youngsters.

A celebratory reception held last week for all the sponsors went great, Wilkerson said Monday. About 100 people attended the event, which included a 50/50 raffle. Between the proceeds of the raffle and a couple of last-minute sponsors, Wilkerson said the fundraiser exceeded her initial expectations of $11,000.

According to Wilkerson, Barrow commented that it’s the most money he’s heard any program in the area getting for a Christmas shopping program.

The shopping spree will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 19 at the Walmart in Henderson.

Still Time To Register For H-V Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament Oct. 12

/by

There’s room for three more teams to join the 25th annual Chamber Challenge golf tournament at Kerr Lake Country Club – join now and enjoy a good time on the links come Oct. 12.

Don’t want to play? You can still sponsor a hole for $100, said Chamber President Sandra Wilkerson; sponsorships show your support for the community while marketing your business at the same time.

Another way to market your business is by contributing a little swag for the golfer’s gift bags. Wilkerson said they’ll be filling 100 swag bags for golfers, so 100 of each item would be great – hand sanitizer, koozies, notebooks/pens, coupons, water or snacks – whatever you’d like to include.

To learn more, contact the Chamber at 252.438.8414 or visit https://www.hendersonvance.org/ for details.

The Local Skinny! Shop With A Cop Now Underway

/by

The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce, along with the Henderson Police Department and Vance County Sheriff’s Office, has added a couple of twists to the traditional fundraiser that pairs children in the community with law enforcement officers to go on a holiday shopping spree.

This year’s event has expanded to include first responders, firefighters, animal control and the N.C. State Highway Patrol to be a part of the Shop with a Cop and Friends event close to Christmas.

But the fun leading up to the Dec. 19 shopping event has already started, and this is the time for the community to participate, according to Chamber President Sandra Wilkerson.

“We’re all about putting community and businesses together,” Wilkerson said on Monday’s segment of The Local Skinny! By including additional agencies, Wilkerson said she, Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow and Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame felt it could be a more inclusive event – “so inclusive that nobody is left out,” she said.

For the next couple of months, the community is invited to purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win cash prizes.

But this isn’t an ordinary raffle – it’s called an envelope raffle. “There will be 180 tickets for sale,” Wilkerson explained. “The ticket number is the price you pay for the ticket; however, the ticket number will determine one of four drawings that ticket will be in,” she continued.

Here’s how it works: Say you want to buy ticket #50. You pay $50 for that ticket. BUT, you will be entered in a chance to win cash prizes according to the ticket you purchase. The breakdown is as follows:  Contributors giving between $1 and $40 will be entered to win $200. Contributors in the $41-$80 range are entered for a chance at $500. Those contributing between $81 and $120 will be entered to win $1,000.  And those purchasing tickets 121-180 are entered for a chance for the grand prize of $2,000.

The winners will be announced during a reception on Nov. 14 at Henderson Country Club, Wilkerson said. Anyone who purchases tickets in the 100-180 range get in free; admission for anyone else who would like to attend is $20.

The Nov. 14 reception is a time to celebrate, Wilkerson said. “We just want it to be really fun and (get) geared up for that shopping experience.” The goal is to have at least $5,000 for the children to spend during their shopping trip.

The raffle is a fun way to raise money for the shopping spree, but sponsors also play a role. Wilkerson said sponsors have already donated several thousand dollars.

It’s all for the culminating activity that pairs deserving children with representatives from the various law enforcement and first responder groups, who will go shopping at the Henderson Walmart on Dec. 19.

“We love this fundraiser,” said Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame.

It’s a great thing to see the excitement of those children’s faces,” Brame told WIZS News Monday. “We’re looking forward to having a great day,” he said, “seeing the smiles on a lot of children’s faces.”

Tickets can be purchased from the Chamber Office, the police department, and the Vance County Sheriff’s office.

CLICK PLAY!

Chamber Launches Student Leadership Institute For Rising Sophomores, Juniors

/by

The Henderson Vance County Chamber of Commerce is launching a new Student Leadership Institute this fall.

The program is designed to educate young leaders by providing experiences and motivating them to take an active role in their community, according to Vanessa Jones, the Chamber’s director of Programs.

Open to public, private, charter and homeschool rising sophomores and juniors attending high schools in Vance County, the leadership institute is free to attend, and space is limited. Registration deadline is Tuesday, Sept. 19.

Through education, networking, peer interaction and problem solving, the Student Leadership Institute will help prepare students for constructive and responsive involvement in community affairs.

Participants will have opportunities for interaction with their peers, as well as community-based service organizations, institutions of high education and professionals from the local community. They will gain insight into the importance of teamwork and develop a better understanding of what it means to be a leader.

Interested students should contact their high school counselor or principal and home school students should contact the Chamber at vanessa@hendersonvance.org or 252.438.8414.

Businesses can support this program through sponsorships.  The sponsorship levels are Presenting Sponsor – $1000, Gold Sponsor – $750, Silver Sponsor – $500 and Bronze Sponsor – $250.

Local Businesses Invited To Show Up, Cheer On VCS Educators At Aug. 22 Convocation

/by

The Vance County Chamber of Commerce invites local businesses to turn out for the back-to-school Convocation planned for Tuesday, Aug. 22 for Vance County Schools educators.

Chamber President Sandra Wilkerson said it’s a fun celebration and an opportunity to show support for teachers as they come together in advance of the first day of class for traditional-calendar students on Monday, Aug. 28.

According to school officials, teachers will arrive by bus between 7:45 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., and all community “cheerleaders” can line the entrance to McGregor Hall to provide well wishes for a successful school year.

It’d be cool to see some of those familiar business mascots, too – yep, we’re talking to you, Pete the Cat, Chick-fil-A cow, Sparky the Dog and Mikey the Shark…are there others?

 

 

 

Chamber’s ‘Business After Hours’ July 13 At Coastal Credit Union

/by

The Henderson Vance Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Business After Hours next week at Coastal Credit Union.

It’s a great time for Chamber members and their guests to gather for a little networking and socializing over hors d’oeuvres and beverages.

The Business After Hours social will be held Thursday, July 13, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Coastal Credit Union, located at 236 Dabney Drive in Henderson.

Please RSVP Vanessa Jones, the Chamber’s director of programs, at 252.438.8414 or via email at vanessa@hendersonvance.org.

 

The Local Skinny! Teacher Bags Being Prepared by Chamber

/by

The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce wants to help new teachers in the county feel welcomed as they begin – or continue  – their careers providing instruction to students in the area.

Now through July 11, the Chamber is collecting donations from area businesses for its annual New Teacher Bags program, and Chamber Events Coordinator Vanessa Jones said she’s already had a good response.

“There’s been a flood of emails from businesses that want to help us out,” Jones said.  “We’re excited for the opportunity…to make sure our teachers are having a good welcome” to the county and to their respective schools.

Donations in increments of 160 are what’s needed to fill up those bags, as that is the expected number of new educators across all schools – that includes Vance County Schools, Vance Charter School, Crossroads Christian, Kerr-Vance Academy and Henderson Collegiate.

The Chamber has set the mid-July deadline so all the bags can be ready for distribution for any new teacher orientations that may be held prior to the start of the teacher workdays at the beginning of the school year.

Items with business logos on them help identify local retailers and others that support the program – and the new teacher bags also are a great way for individuals new to the area to learn about where they can find certain goods and services.

Jones said any business or organization that cannot deliver the items to the Chamber office should contact her to arrange pickup. Call the Chamber office at 252.438.8414 or email her at vanessa@hendersonvance.org.

CLICK PLAY!