Starting Your Own Small Business

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Dos and Dont’s to be Considered

Have a Game Plan.

  • What is the product or service? Location, home or in a known shopping area?  Having access to the business is very important. Who are going to be the workers? The new business will be time consuming and usually stressful.  Are you ready for this?
  • What is your financial/business plan? Where is the money coming from, Savings-Family-Your friendly banker?  If family/friends/banker, they are now your partners.  Even if you did not intend for them to be involved, they will.business (calc key)
  • Your financial plan needs to be in writing and should have a line for each expenditure, including the Salaries to be paid and Advertising/Marketing/Web Site. A detailed financial plan will provide the break even point for the business also known as the “Nut”.  Once the “Nut” is covered, the business will start to throw off cash i.e. working capital.  Until that point is reached, the business owner(s) need to provide the needed working capital.
  • Who are the vendors that will provide the product you are going to sell? How many are there for you to choose from? What are their terms of payment?  Are the terms long enough for you to sell their product and for you to get paid, before they are to be paid? This is all about working capital, the life blood of any business.
  • Don’t forget about paying taxes. Who will do the financial reporting, a bookkeeper or accounting service?  They all cost money and need to be in your financial plan and are a part of the monthly “Nut”.  Do not forget attorneys and insurance, a necessary evil if you are to make it past your first year.  Pay strict attention to any lease or rental agreements that you sign.  Look for things like – Who pays if the AC goes out? Who is responsible for electric wiring-Mold-Cracked front steps? Removal of graffiti, flower beds and cutting the grass, snow and ice removal?
  • Further Dont’s – Never underestimate costs including monthly rent. Never over project sales. This just digs the hole deeper.  A business loan always takes longer than you expected. Let’s not forget the competition.  If you came up with a good idea, then others can too.  How can you distance your business from competitors?
  • Do not expect family and friends to be your first and best customers. History indicates that many of them do not want you to be a successful business owner. You being a success brings out the worst in many. It’s called jealously.

New Animal Shelter Moving Forward

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A “New” animal shelter for Vance County is moving forward, although at a snail’s pace.  Vance County Commissioners recently agreed to move forward on a new 8,000 square-foot building that is to cost between $1.1 and $1.6 million.  The shelter will be built on five acres of donated land.

After much discussion and with Commissioner Deborah Brown casting the only NO vote, the project is moving forward. Commissioners have agreed to take the next step and have approved further review of plans for the new shelter.new animal shelter site

In addition, the County is working with the U. S. Department of Agriculture to receive a 30-year loan of $1.7 million.  If approved, the County will make a $17,000 contribution as a part of the USDA deal.

The current shelter was built 40 years ago and is considered to be out-dated and, with only 2,000 sq. feet, is very small relative to the current needs of the community.

The Boyd family donated the five acres three years ago and includes a sunset provision that has the property reverting back to the Boyds if construction is not started within five years of the original gift.

So far about $22,000 has been raised by active supporters and animal lovers for the new shelter.  You can help by donating to the Vance County Animal Shelter. Send your tax deductible donation to the shelter at 165 Vance Academy Road, Henderson, NC 27537.

As the old saying goes, “We are closer than ever” to having a New Animal Shelter in Vance County.

Changes to NC Immunizations for the 2015-16 School year

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If you are a parent of a child within the Vance County public school system or a private institution it’s important to know the health requirements which have been mandated by the state for enrollment and entry into the NC education system for the coming 2015-16 scholastic year. This information is vital for a quick application and acceptance into Vance County public and private schools and can help you and your family understand how your child as well as the student body as a whole will be protected against the possible spread of illness in the classroom and at home. Recently, changes have been made to the North Carolina vaccination requirements for students entering kindergarten and seventh grade. Students entering these grades during the 2015-16 school year will now be required to receive the following immunizations prior to attendance at any of the North Carolina public or private schools:

  • Diphtheria
  • Hepatitis B
  • Hib Disease
  • Measles
  • Meningococcal
  • Mumps
  • Pertussis (whooping cough)
  • Pneumococcal
  • Polio
  • Rubella
  • Tetanus
  • Varicella (chickenpox)

While this list details the required vaccinations for those entering kindergarten and seventh grade, NC health care officials strongly suggest that you complete the full list of vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for elementary and high school students prior to the start of the new school year if they have not already received them. This list of vaccines, as well as qualifications for exemptions from these vaccines, can also be viewed at the “Immunizations for Children” page of the “North Carolina Department of Public Health” website which can be accessed here: https://www.immunize.nc.gov/family/immnz_children.htm.

 

 

Henderson 6th Annual Ducky Derby & Festival

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On August 29, 2015 Smart Start of Franklin Granville Vance Partnership will be holding its 6th annual Ducky Derby and festival on Breckenridge Street in Henderson, NC. The festival will feature food and non-profit vendors, games and rides for kids, library events including a book giveaway, SAFEKIDS car and safety seat check, as well as live music from both local bands and high school drum lines. The festival itself, held between the police station and library, will run from 10am until 2pm, at which point the Ducky Derby will commence on Garnett Street amid cheering participants and on-lookers wearing the Ducky Derby signature duck hats and blasting out a mighty “quack” from bill shaped duck calls.
A large concrete mixer courtesy of Greystone Concrete Inc. will be filled with 500 gallons of water and Untitled-8several thousand rubber ducks. Once released, the ducks will float down the street towards the finish line.  Those in attendance who are participating will watch their ducks race for the win in hopes of clenching one of the several cash prizes being awarded to the first, second, third and final duck to cross the finish line. The prizes awarded are as follows:

First duck to cross the line: $1000

Second duck to cross the line: $500

Third duck to cross the line: $250

Last duck to cross the: $100

At the end of the race, a prize of 52 Chick fil A meal tickets (free Chick fil A for a year) will be awarded at random to a participant in attendance.

Ducks can be purchased at $5 a piece or in a “Quack Pack” (6 ducks for $25) or a “Flock” (25 ducks for $100) and are available either by calling FGV Partnership or can be claimed at one of the following businesses participating in the event:

Easy Car Care

State Employees Credit Union

Dot’s Hallmark

Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce

Tickets can also be purchased at the festival and derby itself. Proceeds for the event will go to fund Smart Start, a non-profit volunteer program dedicated to providing access to health services for children as well as an education and literacy program designed to aid children ages 0-5 in preparation for attending school.

For more details or to be a participant in the event you can call the FGV Partnership at 252-433-9110. You can also call this number if you would like to be a vendor or sponsor of the Ducky Derby, just ask for Gary.

 

Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society

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The Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society is having a new volunteer orientation session on Sunday, August 2nd from 1:00pm until 3:00pm.  (Event info)  The event will take place at 165 US-158 Bypass in Henderson, a building owned by Charles Boyd Chevrolet.

RCAPS is a group of volunteers who banded together in 2011 with a dedication to helping homeless animals at the Vance County Animal Shelter find the loving homes they deserve.  Spaying and neutering is stressed to help reduce the number of animals given up to the shelter.RCAPS

RCAPS is on Facebook.  It is very easy to contact this outstanding community service organization.  Donations and the dedication of the volunteers are the overwhelming reason RCAPS is succeeding and make a huge difference in Henderson and Vance County.

 

 

Hurricane Awareness

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The 2015 Atlantic Hurricane Season continues until November 30th. Are you prepared?

The Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1st of each year and ends on November 30th.  The Vance County Office of Emergency Operations wants to make sure that you and your family are prepared for whatever this season brings our way.

Tropical cyclones are among nature’s most powerful and destructive phenomena. If you live in an area prone to tropical cyclones, you need to be prepared. Even areas well away from the coastline can be threatened by dangerous flooding, destructive winds and tornadoes from these storms. The National Hurricane Center issues watches, warnings, forecasts, and analyses of hazardous tropical weather.vancecoemergencyoperations

Each year, Dr. William Gray and his team at Colorado State University produce a report that contains information on the projected outlook for the upcoming season. This year is forecast to be an average year according to Hurricane Experts.
“We anticipate that the 2015 Atlantic basin hurricane season will be one of the least active seasons since the middle of the 20th century. It appears quite likely that an El Niño of at least moderate strength will develop this summer and fall. The tropical and subtropical Atlantic are also quite cool at present. We anticipate a below-average probability for major hurricanes making landfall along the United States coastline and in the Caribbean. Despite the forecast for below-average activity, coastal residents are reminded that it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season for them. They should prepare the same for every season, regardless of how much activity is predicted”. Dr. William M. Gray, Department of Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University.

The Atlantic Basin Seasonal Hurricane Forecast for 2015 is as follows:

“The time to prepare is now, well out in front of peak hurricane season.” Keep in mind that it only takes one storm to cause significant impact. Communities and individuals are expected to be self sufficient for a minimum of 72 hours (3 days) following the impact of a hurricane. “If the impact is severe enough, it may potentially take outside help that long to get here”, Short said. “By taking the time to gather up a few basic necessities now, you will enable your family to weather the storm and the aftermath until help can arrive.”

In the event that a storm should threaten our area, The Vance County Emergency Operations staff will get important information will keep the public informed of our preparedness activities. Like us on Facebook to stay up to date on severe weather and coordination activities.

Smart phone users can also download a free app from ReadyNC.org. This app provides a great deal of information regarding storm preparedness as well as current road conditions, local weather, power outages and storm shelters that are open just to name a few. Follow the link below to get this free app.

https://www.readync.org/EN/DOWNLOADAPP.html

For more information about how you and your family can prepare for severe weather including hurricanes visit our visit our website at: https://www.vancecounty.org/departments/emergency-operations/

While you’re there, be sure to visit our community alert and notification section to sign up for CODE RED, our emergency alert and notification system. NOTE: if you have a land line phone you are most likely already in the CODE RED system. Please add your cell phone if you would like to receive real time alerts on your mobile phone or device. Or visit Vance County Emergency Operations on Facebook. You can also call our office at 252-438-8264.

2015 Tropical Storm Names for the Atlantic Region

Attached is a detailed list of general preparedness items that are recommended to have on hand going into hurricane season.

Recommended Family Preparedness Items

The best time to assemble a three-day emergency supplies kit is well before you will ever need it. Most people already have these items around the house and it is a matter of assembling them now before an evacuation or State of Emergency order is issued. Stocking up now on emergency supplies can add to your family’s safety and comfort during and after a disaster. Store enough supplies for at least three days, preferably seven days, in one place.

Start with an easy to carry, water tight container – a large plastic trash can will do, or line a sturdy cardboard box with a couple of trash bags. Next gather up the following items and place them in your kit:

Essentials
• Water -1 gallon per person per day (a week’s supply of water is preferable)
• Water purification kit or bleach
• First aid kit and first aid book
• Pre-cooked, non-perishable foods, such as canned meats, granola bars, instant soup & cereals, etc.
• Baby supplies: formula, bottle, pacifier, soap, baby powder, clothing, blankets, baby wipes, disposable diapers, canned food and juices
• Non-electric can opener
• Anti-bacterial hand wipes or gel
• Blanket or sleeping bag per person
• Portable radio or portable TV and extra batteries
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Essential medications
• Extra pair of eyeglasses
• Extra house and car keys
• Fire extinguisher -ABC-type
• Food, water, leash and carrier for pets
• Cash and change
• Seasonal change of clothing, including sturdy shoes

Sanitation Supplies
• Large plastic trash bags for waste, tarps and rain ponchos
• Large trash cans
• Bar soap and liquid detergent
• Shampoo
• Toothpaste and toothbrushes
• Feminine hygiene supplies
• Toilet paper
• Household bleach
• Rubber gloves
• Don’t forget your pets when getting prepared!!!

Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations
156 Church Street Suite 002 Henderson, NC 27536
252-438-8264 Office
252-438-8145 Fax
252-492-0202 Comm. Center
Brian K. Short, Director

New Teacher Welcome Bags

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Your help is needed to welcome new teachers to Vance County!  The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce is putting together new teacher welcome bags.  Snacks, gum, candy, water bottles, notepads, pens, pencils, coupons etc. are just a few of the things needed to pack in the bags.backtoschool

The H-V Chamber is seeking enough items to pack 140 bags. These bags will be distributed to new teachers at all Vance County Public schools, Kerr-Vance Academy, Henderson Collegiate, Vance Charter, and Crossroads Christian.

If you would like to make a donation, please contact Melanie Mann at 252-438-8414 or info@hendersonvance.org.

Deadline for donations is August 5th.

WIZS Shop Local Contest

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Five & Under, Sam’s Furniture & Mattress Center, The Screen Master, Moody Brothers Jewelers, Postal Plus Business Center, City Tire, Dockside Seafood, Larry’s Service Company, Hometown Hardware, and WIZS Radio have teamed up to reward listeners in Vance County and the surrounding area for
spending their dollars locally.

These nine businesses have embarked on a marketing program that rewards their own customers.

Each week for 12 weeks, on Friday afternoons, WIZS staff members draw either a receipt or the back of a WIZS decal from a large blue bucket hidden safely somewhere inside the radio station.

You can get your decal from any of the nine participating businesses or WIZS Radio itself. All you need to do is put the information on the back of the decal, and apply the sticker on the back of your vehicle’s bumper or glass window. That way, there is no purchase necessary for you to enter.

However, when you shop at one of these nine locations simply drop your receipt in a sand bucket at the location. You can put as 11751186_10205867226132111_1008528664_nmany receipts in the bucket as you like, but you still need the decal on the back of your vehicle. Otherwise, we cannot hand you $145 cash.

Shop locally, and you could win $145. The odds are much better than playing the lottery.

Contest rules for the Shop Local Contest are in the top Menu under Contests.

Vance County Friday Night Football is on the air…

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Local Vance County high school football will return soon.  The first game for both Northern Vance and Southern Vance is Friday, August 21.  For more than 50 straight years, WIZS 1450 AM has broadcast high school football live.  The games are also broadcast live on wizs.com.

Northern Vance High School and Southern Vance High School will meet each other in the Optimist Bowl on Friday night, September 4, at 7:00pm.  The gridiron match up will take place at Viking Stadium this season.  Although the two schools previously played the bowl as the regular season finale, and did so since Southern opened its doors in the fall of 1990, the game has been played the last couple of years much earlier in the schedule because they are no longer in the same conference.

FNF2The Vikings have a new football coach this season.  Cory Lea has had his squad participating in 7-on-7 games already.

The Raiders Athletic Director, Joseph Sharrow, has just completed his first year at the helm.  Sharrow recently told The Daily Dispatch newspaper that he never missed a home sporting event in his first year nor did he miss a single away football or basketball game.  Sharrow is multi-talented and has an obvious hands-on approach.  He filled in as an announcer a couple of times last year for WIZS as well.

2015 Northern Vance Varsity FB Sched

2015 Southern Vance Varsity FB Sched

 

Henderson-Vance Night Out Against Crime

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The Henderson-Vance Night Out Against Crime is coming up on Tuesday, August 4th on Breckenridge Street in downtown Henderson between the Henderson Police Department and the Perry Memorial Library. The event starts at 5:00 p.m. and will wrap up at about 8:00 p.m.

As always, there will be free hot dogs, drinks, and t-shirts.

In a community that normally receives a fair amount of negative attention, the Henderson-Vance Night Out Against Crime is something that many area residents look forward to.

460x460-vance-county-seal

Sponsoring Agencies for the Night Out Against Crime are the Henderson Police Department, Vance County Sheriff’s Office, Vance County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, F.V.W Opportunity Inc., and Vance County Schools.

Participating Agencies are as followed:

North Carolina Highway Patrol
North Carolina Kerr Lake Parks & Recreation
Vance Granville Community College Campus Police Department
North Carolina Forestry Service
North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement
Henderson Fire Department
Vance County Emergency Services
Henderson-Vance Recreation Department, Youth Services & Teen Court
Vance County Rescue Squad
Henderson-Vance Community Watch Association
Henderson-Vance Crime Stoppers
Cardinal Innovations Healthcare Solutions
Duke Trauma Ground Unit and Helicopter
Vance County Public School Nurses & Social Workers
Vance County School Bus Safety
Safe Kids Henderson-Vance Coalition
Chuck Elgin & Sharon Elgin
North Carolina Department of Public Safety of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice
South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church Band
ACTS of Vance County
911 Emergency Management
Vance County Dentition Center
Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society
Henderson Family YMCA Stride
Girls on the Run Northern North Carolina
H. Leslie Perry Memorial Library
F-G-V Smart Start Inc.
The Daily Dispatch
Vance County Department of Social Services
Children’s Services & Foster Care & Adoption
Royall Harris Character Antics
United Way of Vance County
Chick-fil-A of Henderson
Alice Aycock Poe Center for Health Education
Kittrell Job Corp Center
Wal-Mart Distribution 6091
Boys & Girls Club North Central North Carolina
Infinite Possibilities Inc.
Vance Gang Awareness Partnership
Vance County School Dropout Prevention
Aaron’s
Vance County Schools TRU-Swat Tobacco Prevention
Youth Villages
Vance County Child Support Unit
Vance Granville Community College
US Food Service
Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce
Vance County Senior Center
Kesler Temple A.M.E Zion Church
Vance County Parenting Education Program
Vance County 4H Program
WIZS Radio