H-V Chamber Logo

H-V Chamber Experiencing Challenging Time, Staff ‘Keeping the Ship Right’

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The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce is currently experiencing a challenging time in its long history of serving the local business community.

In addition to recent news that John Barnes resigned from his position as president effective February 19, the Chamber is set to lose all funding for their Work First program effective July 1, 2019. This includes funding for the position of their Work First coordinator, a role currently filled by Vanessa Jones.

Chamber Chair Nancy Wykle, told WIZS News, “Vanessa Jones’ position was funded through the Work First Program. DSS (Department of Social Services) administered the funding for that, and they had a contract with the Chamber to administer the program.”

According to the Vance County DSS Work First website, the program was created to assist participants in becoming self-sufficient by securing and maintaining employment. Participants receive monthly cash assistance for themselves and their children by signing and adhering to a detailed plan that outlines their goals for becoming self-sufficient.

To qualify, participants are required to be involved in work-related activities for 20-55 hours per week depending on the age of the youngest child and if the family is a two-parent household.

Benefits can be received for up to 24 months if participants remain in compliance; families reaching that limit cannot reapply for welfare for three years.

In 2018, DSS informed Barnes they were pulling the contract with the Chamber saying, according to Wykle, that “we need to rethink how these dollars are being spent.”

Part of their need to reconsider the Chamber’s Work First dollars, according to DSS, included the increased need for foster care funding as a result of the opioid crisis.

At that time, Barnes reduced the blow the Chamber received by negotiating for the Work First money to only drop by 50 percent in the 2018-2019 fiscal year budget. That budget year ends, along with the Chamber’s DSS Work First grant, on June 30.

Wykle said the DSS Work First grant being cut by half and then dropping to zero hurts. “Coupled with losing some sponsorship or folks just choosing to spend their dollars another way, that has made for an interesting financial picture, and we know what we’ve got to do to make up the difference.”

She said, “The staff is really focused on what they need to do, and what they want to do. We are really lucky that we have the staff we have in place because I can’t imagine a more capable group of people keeping the ship right.”

In a press release issued Friday, February 22, the Chamber stated that an interim will be appointed while the organization searches for the next president.

“The chamber board is actively engaged in the process of naming an interim president and will be providing any support the staff needs to ensure that all member services will continue without interruption,” said Wykle.

2019 Leadership Vance Begins

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-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce’s Jan./Feb. 2019 “Focus” Newsletter

The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce kicked off its 2019 Leadership Vance Program with an orientation breakfast at Vance-Granville Community College on February 7, followed by its team building and challenge course retreat at the Fred G. Bond Metro Park.

The Leadership Vance program is designed to inform, challenge and educate participants on the opportunities and needs of the community and to strengthen their leadership skills while teaching about the social, economic, and political dynamics that shape our community.

The intensive training and exposure to all aspects of the community will provide participants with the historical background and the skills necessary for civic and community positions. The program is ultimately designed to create a group of informed and dedicated leaders who will contribute to the community.

The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce kicked off its 2019 Leadership Vance Program with an orientation breakfast at Vance-Granville Community College on February 7, followed by its team building and challenge course retreat at the Fred G. Bond Metro Park. (Photo courtesy H-V Chamber)

Participants are exposed to various aspects of Henderson and Vance County, specifically in regard to city and county government, health and community resources, economic development, agriculture and natural resources, history and media and criminal justice and law.

Participants in this year’s class include: Andrew “Joel” Beckham, Pastor – New Life Baptist Church; Eric Brooks, Operations Manager – Walmart Distribution; G. Norman Dickerson, Jr., Admin Assistant/Assist Event Coordinator – Vance County Tourism; Lee Andrew Faines, Jr., Accounting Specialist I – Vance County Dept of Social Services; Ray Gronberg, Managing Editor – The Daily Dispatch; Evelyn Lemay Harris, Director of Distance Education – Vance-Granville Community College; Pam Hester, Executive Director – Vance County Tourism Development Authority; Andre Howard, Engineering Inspector – City of Henderson; Fantasia Johnson, Clinical Social Worker/Therapist – Springs Holistic Center, Inc.; Sharita Antoinette Jones, 4th grade ELA Teacher – Vance County Schools; Elgin J. Lane, Human Resources Director – City of Henderson; Cathy E. Renn, Property Tax Evaluation Manager – Vance County Tax Office; Jason D. Varner, Marketing Manager – SERVPRO of Franklin, Vance & Granville; Lemondre’ Watson, Assistant Principal – Vance County Schools; Brian Williams, Account Manager – Temperature Control Solutions.

Granville County Logo

Raccoon Tests Positive for Rabies in Granville Co.

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-Information courtesy the Granville County Government’s Facebook page 

Granville County Animal Control reports that a raccoon has tested positive for rabies. The animal was reported in the area of Hancock Street at the intersection of East Front Street and Leak Avenue.

All pet owners are advised to be sure rabies vaccinations are up to date, in accordance with North Carolina Law. One-year rabies vaccinations are available at the Granville County Animal Shelter from noon until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Shelter is located at 5650 Cornwall Road in Oxford. Call (919) 693-6749 for details.

Paid Assistance Needed for 2020 US Census

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-Information courtesy the US Census Bureau

In preparation for next years Census, the Census Bureau is now offering jobs this spring and summer entailing verification of maps. The individual will be given a digital device with maps near their home. The individual would then survey the area and make the necessary changes to the maps.

In return, the Census will reimburse the individual at the rate of $.58/mile driven and for Franklin & Vance counties $17.50/hr., Warren County, $16.00/hr., and Halifax County, $13.50/hr.

Hours are flexible and up to the individual who sets their own schedule. Apply online at www.2020census.gov/jobs.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Eaves Auction to Hold Relay for Life Fundraiser

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-Information courtesy Jeanette Brummitt

A Relay for Life Auction will be held at Eaves Auction, 8521 NC-39 in Henderson on Saturday, March 16, 2019, beginning at 5 p.m.

All funds raised at the auction will go towards the American Cancer Society – Vance County Relay for Life. Anyone wishing to donate items to the auction may contact Jeanette Brummitt at (252) 226-6085 or Angela Matthews at (252) 204-2976.

“Please know that without your support, we simply cannot meet our goal. These much-needed funds are used in furthering cancer drug research and cures. Without it, more lives will be lost.”

(This is not a paid advertisement)

 

Oxford Board of Commissioners to Hold Goal-Setting Retreat

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-Information courtesy Cynthia Bowen, City Clerk, City of Oxford

The Oxford Board of Commissioners will be attending a two-day goal-setting retreat on Friday, March 1 and Saturday, March 2, 2019, at Vino Oasi in Stem, NC.

Commissioners will meet with City Staff to discuss operational issues and priorities for 2019 during this time. Agenda items include:

March 1

8:30 – 9:00 a.m. Breakfast

9:15 – 9:30 a.m. Welcome/Overview/Review of Retreat Agenda

9:30 – 10:00 a.m. Expressions of Expectations of Retreat by Mayor and Commissioners

10:00 – 10:30 a.m. Review/Status Report of Prior Year Priorities

10:30 – 10:45 a.m. Break

10:45 – 12:30 p.m. Departmental Reports

12:30 – 1:15 p.m. Lunch

1:15 – 2:15 p.m. Angela Allen, Granville County TDA & Corey Hughes, Hughes Marketing Research

2:15 – 2:30 p.m. Break

2:30 – 5:00 p.m. Departmental Reports

5:00 p.m. Recess

March 2

9:00 – 9:30 a.m. Reconvene Retreat & Breakfast

9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Board Review of Core Priorities & Annual Strategic Visioning

10:30 – 10:45 a.m. Break

10:45 – 12:00 Continuation of Board Review of Core Priorities & Annual Strategic Visioning

12:00 – 12:30 p.m. Wrap Up

12:30 p.m. Adjournment

St. Paul’s Lutheran to Hold Indoor Yard & Bake Sale This Sat.

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St. Paul’s Lutheran Church located at 114 Poplar Mount Road in Norlina will be having a gigantic indoor yard and bake sale on Saturday, March 2, 2019, from 7 a.m. until noon.

There will be clothes, cookbooks, and lots of miscellaneous items. Bake sale items will feature a number of yeast breads and rolls, cookies and pies.

Profits from the sale will be used to help fund a mission trip to a remote village in Alaska.

News 02/25/19

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H-V Chamber Logo

Chamber Launches Search for New President

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-Press Release, Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce

The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce is launching a search for a new president to lead the organization, which serves businesses in the greater Quad-County region.

“We are excited about the opportunity this search represents. We have a chamber staff that does a tremendous amount to provide value to our membership and to connect businesses with each other and the greater community,” said Nancy Wykle, chamber board chairwoman. “The person who fills this leadership role has a tremendous asset in the staff, and will offer new ways to better serve our members.”

The chamber plans to appoint an interim president as it conducts its search.

Former Chamber President John Barnes resigned from the organization Feb. 19 with plans to pursue other opportunities.

“We appreciate John’s years of service in leading the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce, and wish him well in the next chapter,” Wykle said. “We see this time of transition as an opportunity to re-examine how we serve our members and the community.”

The chamber board is actively engaged in the process of naming an interim president and will be providing any support the staff needs to ensure that all member services will continue without interruption.

Vance County High School

Vance Co. High School to Operate on Early Start Calendar for 2019-2020

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-Information courtesy the Vance County School’s Facebook page

With the Vance County Board of Education’s earlier approval of a restart plan for Vance County High School, the school will operate on an early start calendar for the 2019-2020 school year.

VCHS will follow the same calendar as Early College High for the upcoming school year with classes beginning in early August.

School system officials are seeking input now from parents, students and employees on the proposed calendar for both schools, which has Monday, August 5, as the first day of classes. The proposed calendar also stipulates that first semester exams will occur prior to the Christmas break. The last day of classes in the proposed calendar is Thursday, May 21.

The Board of Education is expected to review and approve the proposed calendar, as well as calendars for all traditional schools and E.M. Rollins Elementary, at its March 11 meeting.