Tag Archive for: #hendersonvancechamberofcommerce

Still Time To Register For H-V Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament Oct. 12

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There’s room for three more teams to join the 25th annual Chamber Challenge golf tournament at Kerr Lake Country Club – join now and enjoy a good time on the links come Oct. 12.

Don’t want to play? You can still sponsor a hole for $100, said Chamber President Sandra Wilkerson; sponsorships show your support for the community while marketing your business at the same time.

Another way to market your business is by contributing a little swag for the golfer’s gift bags. Wilkerson said they’ll be filling 100 swag bags for golfers, so 100 of each item would be great – hand sanitizer, koozies, notebooks/pens, coupons, water or snacks – whatever you’d like to include.

To learn more, contact the Chamber at 252.438.8414 or visit https://www.hendersonvance.org/ for details.

The Local Skinny! Shop With A Cop Now Underway

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The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce, along with the Henderson Police Department and Vance County Sheriff’s Office, has added a couple of twists to the traditional fundraiser that pairs children in the community with law enforcement officers to go on a holiday shopping spree.

This year’s event has expanded to include first responders, firefighters, animal control and the N.C. State Highway Patrol to be a part of the Shop with a Cop and Friends event close to Christmas.

But the fun leading up to the Dec. 19 shopping event has already started, and this is the time for the community to participate, according to Chamber President Sandra Wilkerson.

“We’re all about putting community and businesses together,” Wilkerson said on Monday’s segment of The Local Skinny! By including additional agencies, Wilkerson said she, Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow and Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame felt it could be a more inclusive event – “so inclusive that nobody is left out,” she said.

For the next couple of months, the community is invited to purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win cash prizes.

But this isn’t an ordinary raffle – it’s called an envelope raffle. “There will be 180 tickets for sale,” Wilkerson explained. “The ticket number is the price you pay for the ticket; however, the ticket number will determine one of four drawings that ticket will be in,” she continued.

Here’s how it works: Say you want to buy ticket #50. You pay $50 for that ticket. BUT, you will be entered in a chance to win cash prizes according to the ticket you purchase. The breakdown is as follows:  Contributors giving between $1 and $40 will be entered to win $200. Contributors in the $41-$80 range are entered for a chance at $500. Those contributing between $81 and $120 will be entered to win $1,000.  And those purchasing tickets 121-180 are entered for a chance for the grand prize of $2,000.

The winners will be announced during a reception on Nov. 14 at Henderson Country Club, Wilkerson said. Anyone who purchases tickets in the 100-180 range get in free; admission for anyone else who would like to attend is $20.

The Nov. 14 reception is a time to celebrate, Wilkerson said. “We just want it to be really fun and (get) geared up for that shopping experience.” The goal is to have at least $5,000 for the children to spend during their shopping trip.

The raffle is a fun way to raise money for the shopping spree, but sponsors also play a role. Wilkerson said sponsors have already donated several thousand dollars.

It’s all for the culminating activity that pairs deserving children with representatives from the various law enforcement and first responder groups, who will go shopping at the Henderson Walmart on Dec. 19.

“We love this fundraiser,” said Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame.

It’s a great thing to see the excitement of those children’s faces,” Brame told WIZS News Monday. “We’re looking forward to having a great day,” he said, “seeing the smiles on a lot of children’s faces.”

Tickets can be purchased from the Chamber Office, the police department, and the Vance County Sheriff’s office.

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Chamber Launches Student Leadership Institute For Rising Sophomores, Juniors

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The Henderson Vance County Chamber of Commerce is launching a new Student Leadership Institute this fall.

The program is designed to educate young leaders by providing experiences and motivating them to take an active role in their community, according to Vanessa Jones, the Chamber’s director of Programs.

Open to public, private, charter and homeschool rising sophomores and juniors attending high schools in Vance County, the leadership institute is free to attend, and space is limited. Registration deadline is Tuesday, Sept. 19.

Through education, networking, peer interaction and problem solving, the Student Leadership Institute will help prepare students for constructive and responsive involvement in community affairs.

Participants will have opportunities for interaction with their peers, as well as community-based service organizations, institutions of high education and professionals from the local community. They will gain insight into the importance of teamwork and develop a better understanding of what it means to be a leader.

Interested students should contact their high school counselor or principal and home school students should contact the Chamber at vanessa@hendersonvance.org or 252.438.8414.

Businesses can support this program through sponsorships.  The sponsorship levels are Presenting Sponsor – $1000, Gold Sponsor – $750, Silver Sponsor – $500 and Bronze Sponsor – $250.

Local Businesses Invited To Show Up, Cheer On VCS Educators At Aug. 22 Convocation

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The Vance County Chamber of Commerce invites local businesses to turn out for the back-to-school Convocation planned for Tuesday, Aug. 22 for Vance County Schools educators.

Chamber President Sandra Wilkerson said it’s a fun celebration and an opportunity to show support for teachers as they come together in advance of the first day of class for traditional-calendar students on Monday, Aug. 28.

According to school officials, teachers will arrive by bus between 7:45 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., and all community “cheerleaders” can line the entrance to McGregor Hall to provide well wishes for a successful school year.

It’d be cool to see some of those familiar business mascots, too – yep, we’re talking to you, Pete the Cat, Chick-fil-A cow, Sparky the Dog and Mikey the Shark…are there others?

 

 

 

Chamber’s ‘Business After Hours’ July 13 At Coastal Credit Union

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The Henderson Vance Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Business After Hours next week at Coastal Credit Union.

It’s a great time for Chamber members and their guests to gather for a little networking and socializing over hors d’oeuvres and beverages.

The Business After Hours social will be held Thursday, July 13, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Coastal Credit Union, located at 236 Dabney Drive in Henderson.

Please RSVP Vanessa Jones, the Chamber’s director of programs, at 252.438.8414 or via email at vanessa@hendersonvance.org.

 

The Local Skinny! Teacher Bags Being Prepared by Chamber

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The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce wants to help new teachers in the county feel welcomed as they begin – or continue  – their careers providing instruction to students in the area.

Now through July 11, the Chamber is collecting donations from area businesses for its annual New Teacher Bags program, and Chamber Events Coordinator Vanessa Jones said she’s already had a good response.

“There’s been a flood of emails from businesses that want to help us out,” Jones said.  “We’re excited for the opportunity…to make sure our teachers are having a good welcome” to the county and to their respective schools.

Donations in increments of 160 are what’s needed to fill up those bags, as that is the expected number of new educators across all schools – that includes Vance County Schools, Vance Charter School, Crossroads Christian, Kerr-Vance Academy and Henderson Collegiate.

The Chamber has set the mid-July deadline so all the bags can be ready for distribution for any new teacher orientations that may be held prior to the start of the teacher workdays at the beginning of the school year.

Items with business logos on them help identify local retailers and others that support the program – and the new teacher bags also are a great way for individuals new to the area to learn about where they can find certain goods and services.

Jones said any business or organization that cannot deliver the items to the Chamber office should contact her to arrange pickup. Call the Chamber office at 252.438.8414 or email her at vanessa@hendersonvance.org.

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Chamber, Rotary Team Up To Host “State Of The State” June 21

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The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce and The Henderson Rotary Club are hosting the annual “State of the State Address and Luncheon” Wednesday, June 21 at 12 noon.

State Sen. Lisa Barnes and N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon will bring news and updates from the General Assembly to those in attendance.

Chamber President Sandra Wilkerson said this event is designed to give business leaders and engaged citizens insight and information about what’s happening in Raleigh, especially as it pertains to government budgets, resources, initiatives and more.

Chamber members, staff and guests are invited to attend the luncheon. The price is $30 a person; tables of 8 can be reserved as well.

Registration for the luncheon should be made before June 15. Contact the Chamber at 252.438.8414 or email tanya@hendersonvance.org.

Chamber’s “Local Ladies In Leadership” Program Set For June 8

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Registration is now open for the next “Women in Business” session.

Vance County Economic Development Director McKinley Perkinson will be the speaker for the second in a series titled “Local Ladies in Leadership.”

Perkinson will bring updates and information about local trends in economic development.

The lunch and learn will begin at 12 noon on Thursday, June 8, in the Farm Bureau Room at Perry Memorial Library.

This is an opportunity for women in the community to hear first-hand how the community is growing and what is in store for the future of Henderson and Vance County.

Contact Vanessa Jones, director of programs for the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce at vanessa@hendersonvance.org by June 5 to register. The fee is $20 a person.

Call the Chamber office at 252.438.8414 for more information.

Area Chambers Name Winners Of 2022 Small Business Of The Year At May 3 Luncheon

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Four local Chambers of Commerce announced the 2022 Small Business of the Year winners at a luncheon in Henderson Wednesday.

Vance County Chamber President Sandra Wilkerson presented Kilian Engineering with the award. What Michael Kilian began in 2001 with one employee has grown to five offices in Henderson and surrounding areas, Wilkerson said.

The firm is very interested in establishing local partnerships – from the new men’s shelter in Henderson to internships for local high school students.

“They do what they do because they want to do the right thing,” Wilkerson noted. Other groups the firm has sponsored include Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and a recycling program, the proceeds of which are donated to McGregor Hall.

Rhonda Wells accepted the award on behalf of Kilian Engineering.

Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce Photo L-R: Sandra Wilkerson, H-V Chamber President; Bobby Pegram; Rhonda Wells; Janelle Kilian; Shade Bolling; Bert Long, H-V Chamber Board Chair

In Granville County, Next Door Radio was named 2022 Small Business of the Year. Lauren Roberson, director of the Granville Chamber, called Trey Snide to the podium to accept the award.

“Trey is a pure asset to our community,” Roberson told the group of about 35 at the event. Snide and Next Door Radio give the community a platform to express ideas, opinions and more. “He’s one of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet,” Roberson added.

Franklin Chamber Executive Director Richie Veverka presented his award to the Youngsville ABC Store. Veverka said the store, which opened in 1971, has consistently given back to the community. In fact, he estimated that their giving back to various organizations across Franklin County has totaled more than $5.6 million.

Bridget Stanley, general manager, accepted the award. The new location opened at Youngsville Crossing on Capital Boulevard in 2021.

Person County’s Small Business of the Year is 1792 Beer Co., a bottle shop that strives to welcome its customers, whether they come to grab a beer at the bar or choose from the wide variety of beers, ciders and other beverages for purchase. In her remarks, Roxboro Area Chamber Executive Director Samantha Bagbey said owner Kyle James and his partner opened the business in 2019 – just in time to be told they had to shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Now they’re thriving and really are staples of our community,” Bagbey said. The business is located at 106 N. Main St. in Roxboro.

The Local Skinny! Reflecting On The Chamber Banquet

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Commentary: There is more going on in this speech than just the business portion that’s on the surface.  And while it’s about business and was offered in a business setting and in a business context and does in and of itself have deeper business significance than just what is on the service, is this message not also about life itself?  Should each person everywhere not hear it?  Listen in and decide for yourself.

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2023 Chamber board chair Bert Long, of HG Reynolds, spoke at the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce annual membership meeting and banquet on Thursday, March 30, 2023 and said each chamber year has a theme. He spent some time pondering to help come up with this year’s theme, naming 2023 “A Year of Collaboration.”

The idea is to propel the business community forward, work together or cooperate.

Long said, “In the current environment, working together can go a long way. We need conflict, but hear me out. We need healthy conflict. We must have conversation and spend time to understand each other, and we can’t learn and grow without it.”

“How,” he asked. “It starts by listening. Sometimes business leadership is looked to for answers, but there also needs to be respect. Once we listen, we must respond in a respectful manner. The tone is important.”

Rather than saying “Yes, but…” Long said, “What if we could say ‘yes and.’”

That could make a difference because as Long noted, everyone has a unique perspective but may need to put themselves in the other person’s shoes because that person has also had defining experiences and perspective as well.

We must work at it, he said, and celebrate the success of others.

Long concluded, “Take some time to connect. Explore how you can collaborate. It could be with someone in this very room.”