— information courtesy of Warren County government
Warren County has its first tourism manager. Cherie Nielsen began in the new role on Tuesday, Mar. 4, which was created through a partnership with the county’s Tourism Development Authority and Community and Economic Development.
Nielsen brings a wealth of experience to the job that will help to enhance and expand tourism initiatives across the county, according to a press statement issued Friday.
“On behalf of the Warren County TDA and its members, it is my pleasure to welcome Cherie Nielsen as our new Tourism Manager,” stated Michael Hawkins, chair of the Warren County TDA board. “I am confident that her expertise and competencies can enable us to reach new heights with tourism in the county. I look forward to the changes or developments that she intends to bring about.”
As Tourism Manager, Nielsen said she will focus on increasing Warren County’s visibility as a travel destination while ensuring that tourism growth benefits the entire community, including rural residents and businesses.
“Tourism is a key economic driver, and I am committed to leveraging Warren County’s rich history, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities to attract visitors and support local businesses,” she stated.
Another goal is to strengthen connections between tourism and the larger community, recognizing the role of agritourism, local artisans and small businesses in driving sustainable economic growth.
Through strategic partnerships and innovative marketing, she plans to promote Warren County’s unique assets while creating opportunities for residents to engage in and benefit from tourism initiatives.
The tourism manager position is fully funded through the newly enacted occupancy tax, which went into effect on July 1, 2024. This funding allows for expanded tourism development efforts, marketing campaigns, and infrastructure improvements that will enhance visitor experiences and drive economic impact for the county. Occupancy taxes are levied on short-term lodging and related rentals and are paid by the visitor, not the property owner.
“Tourism has been a function of Warren County economic development for decades, but we have never had dedicated staff and dedicated funding to apply towards tourism initiatives,” said Charla Duncan, director of the County’s Community and Economic Development department. “For the past decade, we’ve seen year-over-year growth in travel-related expenditures in Warren County. With dedicated tourism resources, we look forward to bringing in more revenue to the county and to local businesses.”
Nielsen has experience with strategic planning, marketing and business development. Most recently, she served as the Project Associate Director for the Industrial Development Authority of Brunswick County, VA, where she played a pivotal role in securing funding, managing large-scale projects and fostering partnerships to revitalize the local economy. Her leadership contributed to business retention and expansion efforts, community development and the promotion of regional assets to attract investment.
Prior to that, Nielsen spent five years with the N.C. Department of Commerce as the Welcome Center manager in Warren County, where she led efforts to promote tourism across all 100 counties in North Carolina, connecting travelers with local attractions, businesses and cultural experiences. She also has experience in outdoor recreation and trail development, having served as the Trail Coordinator for the nonprofit Tobacco Heritage Trail before joining the Department of Commerce.
With a passion for rural economic development, Nielsen has also worked extensively in grant writing, nonprofit leadership, and advocacy.
For more information on the Warren County occupancy tax, visit https://www.warrencountync.com/876/Occupancy-Tax-5.
For information on the Warren County Tourism Development Authority, visit https://warrencountync.com/902/Tourism-Development-Authority.
To contact Cherie Nielsen, email cherienielsen@warrencountync.gov.
SportsTalk: Parking at Sporting Venues
/by Scout HughesSportsTalk 12:30 p.m. M-Th
Scout Hughes and Doc Ayscue talk about the upcoming high school baseball games in our area this week. The guys also preview the first round of the ACC Tournament. And, what is the best athletic venue with the best parking? That and much more on SportsTalk!
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TownTalk: Vance County Board of Commissioners; Economic Development Incentives
/by WIZS StaffThe Vance County Board of Commissioners on Monday approved putting up more than $43,000 in matching funds as part of an economic incentive package for a company that recently announced its plans to locate in Triangle North Campus near I-85 and Poplar Creek Road in Vance County.
The commissioners’ meeting included a public hearing about the proposed incentives; no members of the public spoke either for or against the plan, which was presented by Vance County Economic Development Director Ferdinand Rouse.
“Project Pinpoint” involves a commitment from Syntec Precision Technology Corp. within five years of locating in the county to invest $10 million in business personal property and create 61 new full-time jobs, with an average salary of just over $46,000.
In support of this investment, Vance County is offering several incentives, according to information in the agenda packet:
personal property, not to exceed $166,390.86;
The matching grants come from N.C. Department of Commerce. The arrival of this company is expected to stimulate significant investment in the local economy, generate new jobs with competitive wages, and foster economic growth and development opportunities for the county.
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The Local Skinny! VGCC Foundation Fundraiser Saturday, April 5 At HighRock Farms
/by WIZS StaffJoin The VGCC Foundation at the second annual wine tasting gala and silent auction fundraiser on Saturday, April 5, from 6 – 9 p.m. to help support students facing unforeseen financial crises.
The event’s theme is “Unlocking Possibilities: You Are Key,” and will take place at HighRock Farms in Granville County.
Unexpected burdens can easily derail some students. Through initiatives like a food pantry, emergency assistance, transportation vouchers and career closet, The VGCC Foundation steps in to meet students’ basic needs when the unexpected gets in the way of their academic progress, according to information from VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel.
Now in its second year, the wine tasting gala and silent auction features an array of wineries showcasing their signature wines including reds, whites, bubbly and more. Guests will enjoy a buffet of foods including chicken, beef, and more (as well as tea and water), while The Hub will offer a variety of beer and wine for purchase by the glass.
Attendees will receive a souvenir wine glass and have the option to purchase their favorite finds. In addition, a variety of silent auction items will be on display for bidding throughout the evening. Also added this year is a Wine Pull and various raffle opportunities. A short program showcasing students who have benefited from donor contributions will open the evening, and local students will provide the event’s entertainment.
HighRock Farms, located at 2317 Enon Road outside Oxford, is owned by Beth and Dave Hollister.
Dress for the evening is business attire.
Tickets are $75 each and may be purchased through The Vance-Granville Community College Foundation office. Only 150 tickets will be sold, so be sure to get yours early! To purchase tickets online, visit www.vgcc.edu/the-vgcc-foundation-online-gifts and enter “Gala” in the Designation box. To purchase tickets using any other method, please email foundation@vgcc.edu or call 252.738.3264.
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WIZS Radio Henderson Local News 03-10-25 Noon
/by WIZS StaffListen On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
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Cooperative Extension with Wayne Rowland: Edibles In the Landscape
/by WIZS StaffOn the Vance County Cooperative Extension Report from Wayne Rowland:
Wayne discusses growing edibles in your landscape to increase your food supply.
The Vance Warren Beekeepers Association meeting will be on Monday, March 10, 2025 at 7pm at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
The Vance County Cooperative Extension is located at 305 Young St, Henderson, NC 27536
The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is located at 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson, NC 27536
Listen live at 100.1 FM / 1450 AM / or on the live stream at WIZS.com at 11:50 a.m. Mon, Tues & Thurs.
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West End Baptist Fish Fry Fundraiser Monday at 220 Seafood 4pm to 7pm
/by John C. RoseWho: The Baptist Men of West End Baptist Church
What: Fish Fry Fundraiser
When: Monday, March 10th, from 4pm-7pm
Where: 220 Seafood Restaurant, 1812 N Garnett St, Henderson, NC 27536
Why: All proceeds will be used to support our Local Ministries which include ACTS, Lifeline Ministries, GRACE Ministries, Rebuilding Hope and many others.
Fee: $10 per plate
How: Just Drive Up and Pay or Present Your Ticket
Warren County Hires First Tourism Manager; Position Funded Through Occupancy Tax Revenues
/by WIZS Staff— information courtesy of Warren County government
Warren County has its first tourism manager. Cherie Nielsen began in the new role on Tuesday, Mar. 4, which was created through a partnership with the county’s Tourism Development Authority and Community and Economic Development.
Nielsen brings a wealth of experience to the job that will help to enhance and expand tourism initiatives across the county, according to a press statement issued Friday.
“On behalf of the Warren County TDA and its members, it is my pleasure to welcome Cherie Nielsen as our new Tourism Manager,” stated Michael Hawkins, chair of the Warren County TDA board. “I am confident that her expertise and competencies can enable us to reach new heights with tourism in the county. I look forward to the changes or developments that she intends to bring about.”
As Tourism Manager, Nielsen said she will focus on increasing Warren County’s visibility as a travel destination while ensuring that tourism growth benefits the entire community, including rural residents and businesses.
“Tourism is a key economic driver, and I am committed to leveraging Warren County’s rich history, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities to attract visitors and support local businesses,” she stated.
Another goal is to strengthen connections between tourism and the larger community, recognizing the role of agritourism, local artisans and small businesses in driving sustainable economic growth.
Through strategic partnerships and innovative marketing, she plans to promote Warren County’s unique assets while creating opportunities for residents to engage in and benefit from tourism initiatives.
The tourism manager position is fully funded through the newly enacted occupancy tax, which went into effect on July 1, 2024. This funding allows for expanded tourism development efforts, marketing campaigns, and infrastructure improvements that will enhance visitor experiences and drive economic impact for the county. Occupancy taxes are levied on short-term lodging and related rentals and are paid by the visitor, not the property owner.
“Tourism has been a function of Warren County economic development for decades, but we have never had dedicated staff and dedicated funding to apply towards tourism initiatives,” said Charla Duncan, director of the County’s Community and Economic Development department. “For the past decade, we’ve seen year-over-year growth in travel-related expenditures in Warren County. With dedicated tourism resources, we look forward to bringing in more revenue to the county and to local businesses.”
Nielsen has experience with strategic planning, marketing and business development. Most recently, she served as the Project Associate Director for the Industrial Development Authority of Brunswick County, VA, where she played a pivotal role in securing funding, managing large-scale projects and fostering partnerships to revitalize the local economy. Her leadership contributed to business retention and expansion efforts, community development and the promotion of regional assets to attract investment.
Prior to that, Nielsen spent five years with the N.C. Department of Commerce as the Welcome Center manager in Warren County, where she led efforts to promote tourism across all 100 counties in North Carolina, connecting travelers with local attractions, businesses and cultural experiences. She also has experience in outdoor recreation and trail development, having served as the Trail Coordinator for the nonprofit Tobacco Heritage Trail before joining the Department of Commerce.
With a passion for rural economic development, Nielsen has also worked extensively in grant writing, nonprofit leadership, and advocacy.
For more information on the Warren County occupancy tax, visit https://www.warrencountync.com/876/Occupancy-Tax-5.
For information on the Warren County Tourism Development Authority, visit https://warrencountync.com/902/Tourism-Development-Authority.
To contact Cherie Nielsen, email cherienielsen@warrencountync.gov.
WIZS Radio Henderson Local News 03-07-25 Noon
/by WIZS StaffListen On Air at 8am, 12pm, 5pm M-F
WIZS Radio ~ 100.1FM/1450AM
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Repository Helps Families, Law Enforcement, Public When Children Go Missing
/by WIZS Staff— information courtesy of the N.C. Center for Missing Persons
A new public resource has been launched to help families and law enforcement agencies locate missing children.
In 2024, there were 8,758 reports of missing children in the State of North Carolina. Until now, North Carolina has not had a unified way to notify the public when children go missing. Additionally, photos of missing juveniles have not always been readily available to the public.
The Missing Child Repository includes all juveniles reported missing in North Carolina, regardless of the circumstances. Family members can now submit a photo of a missing child to be included in the repository by emailing the child’s name and case number to missing@ncshp.gov.
“Our hope is that this public repository will aid in the location of missing juveniles across the state, as well as providing a means to identify juveniles that are unable to identify themselves,” said Morrissa Ahl-Moyer, Director of the N.C. Center for Missing Persons.
For more information about the N.C. Center for Missing Persons and to access the Missing Child Repository, visit https://nccmp.ncdps.gov/.
“Purple Heart Community” Ceremony Friday, Mar. 7 In Henderson
/by WIZS StaffThe City of Henderson will host a ceremony Friday, Mar. 7 to designate the region as a “Purple Heart Community.”
The program will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in front of the Henderson Police Department, 200 Breckenridge St.
Purple Heart recipients, their families and all veterans are cordially invited to attend.
This designation is intended to express gratitude to members of the military from the community who were either wounded in combat or who were killed in combat.
There are more than 900 Purple Heart locations across the United States honoring the 1.6 million Purple Heart recipients.