VGCC Small Business Center Offering Free ‘Coronavirus Business Ready’ Webinars

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-Information courtesy Sheri Jones, Director, VGCC Small Business Center

In an effort to support our local businesses and offer encouragement and help where we can, the Small Business Center of Vance-Granville Community College has scheduled a 7-part series of free, live webinars entitled “Coronavirus Business Ready – Protecting Your Small Business.”

Each part addresses various areas of concern that all businesses are currently facing, including:

Prepare Your Business to Borrow Money Before Negative Economic Shifts –

March 31, 9:30 – 11 a.m. (Register)

Keeping Customers & Employees Safe During Unsettling Times –

April 2, 2 – 3 p.m. (Register)

Promoting Your Business & Products During a Crisis –

April 4, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)

Ideas to Keep Cash Flowing During a Pandemic Shutdown –

April 7, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)

How to Manage Employees as Coronavirus Spreads –

April 9, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)

Business Planning & Strategizing as a Coronavirus Antidote –

April 14, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)

Communicating With Customers & Employees in Light of COVID-19 –

April 16, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)

Participants must register at least two days prior to each session with a valid email address in order to receive the webinar login information. After registering, the link will be sent approximately 24 hours before the event, and a reminder email will also be sent approximately an hour prior to the start time.

Please know that your VGCC Small Business Center is here to support you during this challenging time! We can be contacted via email at smallbusiness@vgcc.edu.

Town Talk 03/25/20: Sheriff, Police Chief Discuss Procedures, Coronavirus Reaction

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame and Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Brame and Barrow explained that both the Vance County Sheriff’s Office and the Henderson Police Department have made adjustments in their operating procedures to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the community.

For example, many non-violent criminal reports will only be taken by telephone during the coronavirus pandemic. These reports include, but are not limited to: misdemeanor theft, harassing communications, lost property, identity theft, computer/phone/mail scams.

Reports can be made with a Henderson Police Department employee during normal business hours (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. M-F) at (252) 438-4141. Reports can be made with a Sheriff’s Office employee during normal business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M-F) at (252) 738-2200.

The front lobby of the Police Department has been temporarily closed to the public, while the front lobby of the Sheriff’s Office will only allow one person at a time until further notice.

According to Brame, the Sheriff’s Office will continue to monitor the Vance County Detention Center to limit the exposure to inmates and staff; visitation is restricted until further notice.

“This [coronavirus] is having a huge impact on everyone in Vance County economically, especially small businesses and convenience stores,” said Brame. “We are all going to have to comply with executive orders from the governor and president. Right now, we are looking at ways that churches can still hold services and serve God while complying with orders concerning congregation numbers, but we are going to work it out.”

Governor Roy Cooper’s recent ban on gatherings larger than 50 people has prompted area churches to get creative with ways to still hold services. Brame said he has spoken with several local pastors and has heard suggestions ranging from online sermons to holding multiple services to keep the numbers below the threshold.

With updates coming from the governor and public health officials sometimes hourly, Barrow said law enforcement is facing the challenges head-on and adjusting accordingly. “We’ve been dealing with the unknown our entire careers. We live in the unknown. We took an oath to our office and our guys are prepared to take on whatever they need to take on.”

One of the challenges facing the department now, according to Brame, is securing enough personal protective equipment (PPE) for the staff. Brame said he is visiting several stores daily trying to gather enough face masks, hand sanitizer, gloves and other PPE for his deputies.

Both Brame and Barrow agreed that local City and County officials, as well as the general public, have been supportive and responsive during this time.

“I’m proud of our community,” said Barrow. “They’ve taken heed to the orders that have come down, for the most part, and we haven’t had any issues.”

To hear the interview with Brame and Barrow in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

United Way of Vance County Opens 2020 Grant Application Process

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-Press Release, United Way of Vance County

The United Way of Vance County grant application process for 2020 is now open.

We are accepting grant applications now through May 15, 2020, from local nonprofit agencies that seek to provide assistance to disadvantaged citizens in Vance and Warren counties in the areas of basic needs, health and education.

For those nonprofit agencies seeking to apply for funding, you may obtain an application from our website at www.unitedwayvance.org or by e-mail at unitedwayofvance@gmail.com.

If your agency plans to apply for grant allocations, we ask that you complete the application in its entirety. Any application that is not complete will not be accepted for consideration for grant funding. The completed application also must be received in our United Way of Vance County office no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2020.

Properly completed and signed grant applications can be provided to us through regular mail or by e-mail. For regular mail, send the application to United Way of Vance County, P.O. Box 1352, Henderson, N.C. 27536. For e-mail, send the application to unitedwayofvance@gmail.com.

Once applications are received, we will be contacting those agencies that apply on the status of their application and plans for presentations to our Funds Allocations Panel at a location and time to be determined.

Any questions about our grant application process can be sent to our United Way by email at the address above or by calling Terri Hedrick, treasurer/secretary, at (919) 702-4329.

Clerk of Superior Court Vance County Update 3-25-20

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 — from Henry L. Gupton, Vance County Clerk of Superior Court

Due to the COVID-19 virus our operations have changed. Our office is still open Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, our doors are locked. Please know that if your matter is not an emergency and can be delayed, we would appreciate you waiting until the COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. If it can be handled by phone or mail, please do so. We will continue to accept filings. All other court cases will be continued. You will be questioned at our two windows about your business. We have also set up a public computer terminal just outside our office so that everyone will have access to look up the information they need. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 252-430-5100. Please continue to monitor the North Carolina Judicial on Facebook (click here) for any updates. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. It is our pleasure to serve you. Thank you for your understanding.

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North Carolina Reports First COVID-19 Associated Deaths

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reporting the first COVID-19 associated deaths.

A person from Cabarrus County died on March 24 from complications associated with the virus. The patient was in their late seventies and had several underlying medical conditions. A second person in their sixties, from Virginia who was traveling through North Carolina, also died from COVID-19 complications. To protect the families’ privacy, no further information about these patients will be released.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones. This is a stark warning that for some people COVID-19 is a serious illness. All of us must do our part to stop the spread by staying at home as much as possible and practicing social distancing,” said Governor Roy Cooper.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recommends that people at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 stay at home to the extent possible to decrease the chance of infection. On March 22, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated who is at high risk for severe illness. People at high risk include anyone who:

  • Is 65 years of age or older
  • Lives in a nursing home or long-term care facility
  • Has a high-risk condition that includes:
  • chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
  • heart disease with complications
  • compromised immune system
  • severe obesity – body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher
  • other underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, such as diabetes, renal failure or liver disease

In addition, pregnant women should be monitored closely since they are known to be at risk for severe viral illness. However, data so far on COVID-19 has not shown an increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness in pregnant women.

While children are generally at lower risk for severe infection, some studies indicate a higher risk among infants.

Governor Cooper has taken several actions to protect the health of North Carolinians, including ordering all K-12 public schools in North Carolina to close through May 15, banning gatherings of more than 50 people, limiting bars and restaurants to only take-out or delivery service, restricting visitors to long-term care facilities, and promoting social distancing by closing businesses like movie theaters, gyms, nail salons, and several others.

For more information and additional guidance, please visit the NCDHHS’ website at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus [click.icptrack.com] and CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus [click.icptrack.com].

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EDC Encourages Businesses to Prepare Now for Potential ‘Shelter in Place’ Order

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-Information courtesy Dennis Jarvis, Henderson-Vance County Economic Development Director

The Vance County Government, the Henderson-Vance County Economic Development Commission and Chairman Tommy Hester are hopeful that the current situation facing Vance County, the State of North Carolina, and the United States will be a short time for all concerned.

During this period of uncertainty, we are learning that the value of planning and being prepared is essential for the continuation of business. A key economic sector for Vance County and the state is manufacturing. Other sectors are reliant for manufacturing to progress. Manufacturing in Vance County has and always will be a critical component of our economic health.

On Friday, March 20, 2020, Governor Roy Copper stated he is “not issuing a shelter in place order or an additional closure of businesses,” however, the current trends demonstrate that daily cycles are evolving and can change at any moment.

The Vance County EDC is being proactive with various local, state, and regional organizations to provide access to vital information for citizens and the business community. Our goal is to provide an ability to communicate to state leaders on how to define the essential role your business provides Vance County and the State of North Carolina.

We are asking every manufacturer in Vance County to email beoc@ncdps.gov with the following information:

  • Company Name;
  • Main point of contact for their Vance County operation;
    • Name / Title
    • Email address
    • Phone number(s) – direct office line and cellular
    • Address of the company
    • Number of company employees
  • Brief description of the company products and uses;
  • Please define how your products are utilized either directly or in support of critical operations (examples: medical, food, grocery, agriculture, health, machining, logistics, transportation, national defense, construction materials, hospital supply, textiles, etc.). Be creative and think of all the ways your products, processes or equipment are essential to keeping the critical needs of the community going or could be converted to creating essential products needed in this fight.
  • List of any essential customers that your operation supports or is capable of supporting;
  • Company website.

In the event Governor Cooper does order a “shelter in place,” taking this action NOW will help expedite the possibility that you may receive a letter/certificate for your employees to present to public safety representatives should the need arise in their commute to and from their place of work.

If your business does cease operations and has to furlough your staff, NC Works is able to provide a “Quick Response Team” to address the needs of your employees. The NC Works Career Center is continuing to offer Rapid Response services for companies and their employees that are going to be affected by layoffs. For assistance with a quick response team, contact Lou Grillo, Business Services Manager at Kerr-Tar Workforce Development Board – lgrillo@kerrtarcog.org; Phone 252-436-2040 or 866-506-6223.

All industrial manufacturing, agri-business and distribution are ESSENTIAL. Your company is vital and valued in Vance County and the region. We appreciate all that you do for Vance County and the State of North Carolina.

If you have additional questions, please contact Dennis Jarvis at 252-492-2094 or by email: djarvis@vancecounty.org.

First Baptist Church to Hold ‘Virtual Vespers’ Midweek Community Prayer

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-Information courtesy First Baptist Church

On Wednesday, March 25, 2020, at 7 p.m., Dr. Ron Cava, senior minister of First Baptist Church in Henderson, will be hosting Virtual Vespers – a Midweek Community Prayer.

This will be held weekly via the online meeting platform, Zoom.

The public is invited to join by following this link https://zoom.us/j/904449512. You can also join with your telephone by calling (301) 715-8592 and entering meeting ID 904 449 512.

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Vance Co. Board of Elections; Please Call Ahead

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-Information courtesy Faye M. Gill, CERA, Elections Director, Vance County Board of Elections

UPDATED 03/27/20

Vance County Board of Elections — Public access to the Board of Elections office is controlled by the County Board of Elections. All members of the public are encouraged to call the office (492-3730) ahead of visiting should they have any questions or need anything like voter registration forms, reports, etc. The staff will report to work their normal business hours – 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. There is a drop-off mailbox outside of the Director’s office for mail. Email fgill@vancecounty.org for more information.

Per the board members for the Vance County Board of Elections, effective today, March 25, 2020, the Vance County Board of Elections office will be closed to the public until further notice. The staff will report to work for their normal business hours –  8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday.

There is a drop-off mailbox outside of the director’s office for mail. Should anyone need voter registration forms, reports, etc., please call the office at (252) 492-3730 or email fgill@vancecounty.org.

The staff will be available to assist you during this closure.

Public access to the Board of Elections office is controlled by the County Board of Elections staff. All members of the public are encouraged to call the office (492-3730) ahead of visiting should they have any questions or need anything like voter registration forms, reports, etc.

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Town Talk 03/24/20: Mayor Ellington Provides Henderson COVID-19 Updates

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.

With at least two cases of COVID-19 currently confirmed in Vance County, Ellington assured the community that steps have been taken to contain the spread and measures are in place to assist those in need.

“We cannot control what happens, but we can control how we respond and how we react,” Ellington stated. “I want to reassure the citizens of Henderson that we have taken steps to carry us through these moments. This is the time to stand on the side of grace, as we realize our own shared humanity, and to be there for your family, friends, neighbors and the elderly.”

Ellington thanked Terrell Blackmon, Henderson’s new city manager, and City Council members for their dedication to keeping residents and City staff safe.

Last week, Blackmon elected to close Henderson City Hall to the public, changing operations to an ‘appointment-only’ format for the foreseeable future.

City Hall staff will still be available to answer questions by telephone at (252) 430-5700 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Utility payments may be made online, by phone, by mail or placed in the drop box outside of City Hall (click here for more details).

Ellington also praised the City’s decision to temporarily suspend water disconnections due to non-payment of utility bills “so people will have access to safe, sanitary water during this difficult time.”

Accounts will continue to be billed as normal for any water used during this suspension period and residents are reminded that they are still responsible for payment of all account balances.

Calling the world-wide coronavirus pandemic a “fluid situation that is constantly evolving,” Ellington said the City will continue to work with state and federal officials, as well as community partners, to provide the latest information to the public.

Ellington said he suspects we will see an increase in closings and restrictions coming down from the State and governor’s office in the next few weeks, but a bounce-back and return to normalcy is expected.

“This is going to pass, we know,” said Ellington. “True character is revealed in these times that we face.”

To hear the interview with Ellington in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

H-V Emergency Operations

Emergency Management Confirms Second Case of COVID-19 in Vance County

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Henderson-Vance Emergency Management Director Brian Short has released the area’s latest situation report, including information about Vance County’s second positive COVID-19 case.

The report reads:

Late last evening, Henderson-Vance County Emergency Management was informed of a second individual who had tested positive for the Coronavirus in Vance County. Like the previous case, this individual is being isolated at home and our local health department is conducting contact tracing to determine the level of exposure to others.

This being the second occurrence in our county does not constitute any changes to our current response posture or our recommendations to the general public.

Keep in mind this continues to be a very fluid situation and the information provided and included could change at any time. As the confirmed cases of COVID-19 continue to increase throughout the state, nation and in fact the world, we continue to coordinate with Public Health agencies, Maria Parham Health, Department of Social Services, State Emergency Management and our local emergency services response partners. We are communicating several times daily in an attempt to gauge their needs and be as proactive in meeting those needs as we can be.

Testing is ongoing through both Maria Parham Health and our local Health Department. There are currently 297 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in North Carolina and, thus far, 0 deaths.

Please visit the NC Department of Health and Human Services Coronavirus statistics page at the following link to stay current on the number of cases in our state: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/covid-19-case-count-nc

Personal protective equipment (PPE) continues to be very scarce as global competition for the same supplies is occurring. Responders and health care providers are being encouraged to reuse PPE, in particular masks, as often as possible to ensure that we hold on to our supplies for as long as possible. Once they run out, they could be out for an extended period of time.

We continue to submit requests for PPE and related resources to State EM as they are received and so far all of our requests have been filled or are in the process of being filled as supplies become available.

Vance County and the City of Henderson continue to be under a local State of Emergency. Being under a local state of emergency allows us to implement certain emergency protective measures if and when they should become necessary.

The Emergency Operations Center is currently not activated, however, our Emergency Management staff is closely monitoring the situation across the country and at home on a continuous basis.

To date, calls into the Vance County 911 Communications Center have not shown a significant increase, however, we are poised to up staffing should it become necessary. The 911 Telecommunicators are asking additional Coronavirus screening questions on all medical-related calls and will continue to do so until it is no longer needed. As a precaution, our Backup 911 center remains prepped and ready to be occupied if needed.

We continue to ask that citizens please DO NOT call 911 to ask general questions about the Coronavirus. 211 has established a hotline for this purpose and we ask that our citizens contact their local physician or take advantage of the hotline if they have medical-related questions.

There is also a toll-free Coronavirus hotline manned by trained individuals that can answer questions that you may have. The number is 888-892-1162.

You may also visit the NC Department of Health and Human Services website at the following link: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-north-carolina

Both the Henderson Police Department and Vance County Sheriffs Office are now responding to nonemergency calls via telephone but are still responding as they always have to emergency calls.

We continue to encourage our citizens as they shop for groceries and other related items to please shop smart. Our local convenience stores and grocery stores are working hard to restock their shelves and, for the most part, items are available for them to do so. That means using good shopping practices and buying only what you need for yourself and your family.

We are strongly encouraging our citizens to continue to observe the social distancing parameters and closing orders being issued by the Governor and suggested by our local and state public health agencies. If you need to go to work, the grocery store or pharmacy, please do so, but we are encouraging everyone to stay home as much as they possibly can. In particular, those individuals that are already at risk due to age or other medical conditions.

Many of our local restaurants have remained open and have been very creative about continuing to provide their services to our citizens whether it be keeping their drive-through services open, offering online ordering or curbside services, and this is greatly appreciated.

Our office will continue to monitor this event very closely and will continue to issue informational releases as the situation develops.