Tag Archive for: #granvillechamberofcommerce

2024 Alive After Five! Kicks Off April 25 In Oxford

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The 2024 Alive After Five! concert season kicks off Thursday, Apr. 25 with Brake Tyme Band in the Littlejohn parking lot from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The Granville County Chamber of Commerce, along with other local sponsors including Duke Energy, brings the annual free entertainment event to towns across Granville County for all to enjoy.

Beverage tickets will be available for purchase at check-in tables the day of the event.

Visit the Chamber’s website, http://www.granville-chamber.com, or follow on Facebook or Instagram – Granville County Chamber – to stay updated with all the details, including a list event sponsors and contributors.

Sponsorships are still available, so contact Chamber Executive Director Cynthia Ratliff at cynthia@granville-chamber.com if you or your business would like to be added to the list.

Come early, visit our local downtown businesses, bring a chair, listen to this incredible music, dance, and enjoy visiting with friends.

 

Crawford Knott Named 2023 John Penn Citizen Of The Year At Granville Chamber Banquet

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The Granville County Chamber of Commerce named Crawford Knott as the 2023 John Penn Citizen of the Year at its 82nd annual membership meeting and banquet on Monday, sponsored by Granville Health System. More than 200 chamber members and guests attended the event, held at The Barn at Vino in Stem.

Knott was presented the award by Xavier Wortham, a former award recipient, who shared Knott’s outstanding dedication to his community in various capacities over the years.

The Chamber’s Education Committee shone a spotlight on outstanding students from the current academic year. Jade Gingue, chair of the Education Committee and president-elect recognized Cassie Peele, AJ Heggie, and Madison Lavrack, all students who are recipients of the Student Spotlight award.  These students who are employed by Chamber members, along with other spotlight nominees, are now eligible to apply for scholarships offered by the Chamber, fostering the next generation of community leaders.

Additionally, Winston International was honored as the 2023 Small Business of the Year. The 2022 recipient Trey Snide, offered remarks about the family-owned business and its commitment to excellence and support to the community. Winston President Rob Winston accepted the award alongside his family and several members of the Winston team.

 

 

SGHS Senior Honored As Chamber’s February Student Spotlight Winner

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A South Granville High School senior has been recognized as the February Student Spotlight winner by the Granville County Chamber of Commerce.

Madison Lavrack was nominated by Leah Powell, a digital teacher & learning advisor with Granville County Public Schools, for her leadership and advocacy skills she exhibits in both school-based and districtwide roles.

Madison is part of the Student Technology Assistance & Response team – STAR – at her school, and she also supervises a four-member team that manages district and school websites and communications, Powell noted in her nomination.

“Recently, she has taken on the role of managing the STAR team’s new members on the Marketing Team, further displaying her commitment to providing opportunities and information to fellow students,” Powell said.

As a student ambassador for SGHS, she actively promotes a culture of positivity by collaborating closely with staff and students. She is an open-minded individual and willing to share ideas and receive feedback.

As Madison nears graduation, her top school choice is UNC-Wilmington.  She plans to major in business while also having a strong passion for marketing and design as well as business management.  Her experience with the GCPS Marketing & Promotional Support STAR Team has increased her interest in not only marketing but also in graphic design.  Madison strives to continually learn new things and increase her knowledge in various subjects relating to business.

Madison has played a crucial role within their team, with Powell noting her growth over time and her willingness to take on new responsibilities. Described as a go-getter who approaches tasks with care and kindness, Powell expresses immense pride in Madison’s achievements. And indeed, we share in that pride!

Granville Chamber Banquet Mar. 11

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The Granville County Chamber of Commerce annual membership meeting and banquet is coming up on Monday, Mar. 11, 2024.

This year’s banquet will be held at The Barn at Vino in Stem, according to information from Chamber Executive Director Cynthia Ratliff. The recipient of the annual John Penn Citizen of the Year and the Small Business of the Year will be announced at the banquet – the deadline to nominate is fast approaching – submit completed forms before 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 8.

Tickets for the banquet are $60 each for Chamber members and $70 for prospective members; Tables of eight are available for $460. Reserve your spot now by purchasing tickets at

https://granville-chamber.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/4901

Here are links to the nomination forms:

2023 John Penn Citizen of the Year Award

 2023 Small Business of the Year Award 

Submit completed forms to the Chamber via email at   cynthia@granville-chamber.com or drop them off at the Chamber office, 124 124 Hillsboro St., Oxford, before 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8.

 

Chamber Businesses Can Nominate Students For ‘Spotlight’ Recognition Through Oct. 31

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The Granville County Chamber of Commerce’s Education Committee continues its initiative to recognize local students who are involved with Chamber businesses – whether through volunteerism or as a paid employee.Nominations are due by Oct. 31 to the Chamber office.

To be eligible, students must be Granville County residents or attend one of the following schools: Granville Central High School, J.F. Webb High School, South Granville High School, Oxford Preparatory School, Falls Lake Academy, Granville Early College, Granville Academy, or Phoenix Academy.
Nominating a Granville County student who works for your organization will not only spotlight them, but your business as well. Once a spotlight student is chosen, the Chamber will notify your business.
The selected student will be asked to submit a short bio to be included in information that will be included in the public announcement. In addition, these students will be recognized at our Annual Chamber of Commerce banquet.
Every student who is nominated will have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship that will be awarded in June 2024 from the Chamber.
Submit nominations to cynthia@granville-chamber.com.
Find the nomination form at the following link here.

Chamber’s Student Spotlight Shines On Cassie Peele

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A rising senior at Granville Early College is the inaugural recipient of a Chamber of Commerce award that shines a light on teen employees in the county.

Cassie Peele has worked at Strong Arm Baking Co. in Oxford for close to two years, and owner Julia Blaine nominated Peele for the Student Spotlight, sponsored by the Granville Chamber.

“(Cassie) arrives to work every Saturday morning at 4:30 a.m., before most high school students could even dream about waking up,” Blaine wrote in her nomination. She began with basic cleaning tasks, but always asked for more. Now she leads the wholesale packing operation, leading four others who are responsible for packing all the items for Strong Arm’s dozens of wholesale accounts.

But that’s not all. “Cassie also represents our business at two farmers markets, keeping a clean and efficient selling space and treating customers and coworkers alike with respect and kindness. She is a true shining star for our business… continually rising to meet new challenges, and consistently surprising us with her problem-solving ideas, and positive, contagious attitude,” Blaine said.

In addition to her outstanding work ethic and leadership, Peele is committed to making a difference in her local community. She is a volunteer with Granville County Teen Court and is a member of the Granville County Youth Leadership Council.  She is also a member of the National Honor Society and serves on the Granville County Library Board of Trustees at the Richard H. Thornton Library, which allows her to give adult staff feedback on how teens view the changes and policies of the library. As if that wasn’t enough, she gives blood to the American Red Cross Association and creates holiday cards for the children’s hospital.

“Cassie is so deserving of this recognition.  She is a humble, intelligent, and kind person and it has been my pleasure to serve as her College Liaison over the past 3 years. I am very proud of her and the contributions of her time and talents to the Granville County community.  In addition to her work at Strong Arm Bakery, her service to various organizations will have a lasting impact.  I encourage her to keep shining bright and to continue the awesome work on and off the job!” said Reba Bullock, Chamber board president.

Cassie told the Chamber, “Strong Arm Baking is like my second home.  This work environment is helping me obtain more knowledge for my future career which will probably be in business administration. Thomas and Julia Blaine are role models in the Granville County community that can show that anything is possible!”

Cassie Peele exemplifies the qualities of a well-rounded, accomplished student who is poised to make a lasting impact in their community. Her achievements in academics, leadership, and community engagement have set a high standard for excellence. The Chamber of Commerce recognizes and applauds Cassie’s outstanding accomplishments and looks forward to watching her continue to shine!

Granville Chamber Members Can Nominate Students For Quarterly Spotlight Selection

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Members of the Granville County Chamber of Commerce have a couple more days to show support for local students and make them eligible to apply for a scholarship in June 2024 from the Chamber.

Lauren Roberson, the Chamber’s executive director, said the Education Committee has launched an initiative to recognize quarterly local students who work with Member businesses. Nominations for the first quarter are due by June 15. There are three attributes to keep in mind when considering a student to nominate:

  • Attendance: Student comes to work when scheduled without excuses. Student is prompt and prepared to execute necessary job duties upon arrival.
  • Work Ethic: Student is a hard worker and takes responsibility for their duties. They take initiative to reach organizational goals and are self-directed.
  • Character: Student is approachable, friendly, and a team player. If student works directly with the public: they have a pleasant demeanor and a positive attitude. If student does not work directly with the public: they are respectful to management and fellow employees.

 

“Nominating a Granville County student who works for your organization will not only spotlight them, but your business as well,” Roberson said. The Chamber will notify the business when one of its nominees has been selected and will gather more information about the nominee.

To be eligible, the student employees must attend one of the following schools: Granville Central High School, JF Webb High School, South Granville High School, Oxford Preparatory School, Falls Lake Academy, Granville Early College, Granville Academy, or Phoenix Academy, or be a resident of Granville County.

Every student who is nominated will have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship that will be awarded in June 2024 from the Chamber.

If you would like to submit a nomination, please email Lauren@granville-chamber.com. The first round of nominations are due by June 15.

Find the nomination form HERE.

Chamber Accepting Nominations For John Penn Citizen Of The Year Award Through Feb. 14

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Nominations are now being accepted for the annual John Penn Citizen of the Year award, according to information from the Granville County Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber will take nominations through Tuesday, Feb. 14 and the honor will be awarded at the Chamber’s annual banquet on Mar. 6.

Nominees must be residents of Granville County and the nomination form should list contributions and accomplishments, as well as evidence of the person’s impact on Granville County.

Find the nomination form here: 2022 JOHN PENN CITIZEN OF THE YEAR NOMINATION FORM.

This award is named for Granville County’s first and perhaps most outstanding citizen, John Penn, who was one of North Carolina’s signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Submit completed forms to the Chamber office, P.O. Box 820, Oxford, NC 27565.

Tickets On Sale Now For Nov. 4 Granville Chamber’s “Cluck ‘N Shuck”

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Join the fun at the annual Cluck ‘N Shuck fundraiser sponsored by the Granville County Chamber of Commerce on Friday, Nov. 4 at the Granville County Expo & Convention Center.

Tickets are limited, so make sure to stop by the Chamber office, 124 Hillsboro St., Oxford to get yours now, said Chamber Executive Director Lauren Roberson. Tickets are $50 each. Contact the Chamber at 919.693.6125.

Cluck ‘N Shuck is from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Leon Nixon Catering will be providing all-you-can-eat steamed oysters, fried fish and shrimp, fried chicken tenders, slaw, buttered potatoes and hushpuppies. Iced tea, Coca-Cola products and other cold beverages from Tobacco Wood Brewing Co and The Hub on Main are provided

Next Door Radio will be on site to providing music for the evening.

There are numerous sponsorship levels for businesses to choose from, from a single presenting sponsor level for a donation of $2,500 to a bronze sponsor for $250.

The presenting sponsor gets 8 tickets to the event, as well as having the company logo on promotional materials and other benefits, including setting up a table at the event to showcase the business. Other levels include:

  • Gold Sponsors get 4 tickets, and the additional promotional benefits – $1,000
  • Silver Sponsors get 2 tickets and some of the promotional benefits – $750
  • Wristband Sponsor (only one) gets 2 tickets and company name on wristband – $600
  • Bronze Sponsors get 2 tickets, company name on banner, recognition in the Chamber update and on social media.

Sponsors of the event who were not listed in some way above also include Creedmoor Forest Products, Inc., Granville Pallet Company, Lewis Electric of Oxford, Oliver’s Towing, Oxford Preparatory School, Shalag Non-wovens and Wilkinson Creative Co.

(This story was edited from its original at the request of the Granville Chamber to list event sponsors.)

Business Owners: Still Time To Apply For NCDOR Recovery Grant

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There’s still time to apply for the Business Recovery Grant Program through the N.C. Department of Revenue (NCDOR). This second phase of applications has approximately $200 million left in funding for eligible businesses. While there is a June 1 deadline, all applications will be considered after June 1, according to information from the local Chambers of Commerce.
Two types of grants, up to $500,000 per business, will be available to eligible business owners that suffered substantial economic loss during the pandemic:

  • A hospitality grant will be available to eligible arts, entertainment, recreation, and accommodation or food service businesses such as a hotels, restaurants, and bars.
  • A reimbursement grant will be available to an eligible business not included in the hospitality program.

Grants are not awarded on a first come, first served basis.  No grant money in this Phase II has been given out yet.  This is not a difficult application process. Visit

https://www.ncdor.gov/business-recovery-grant to learn more.