The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce is looking for nominees for the 2019 Small Business of the Year. This is your opportunity to recognize an outstanding business in the small business community.
You are encouraged to nominate chamber member businesses that are deserving of this recognition.
A copy of the nomination form is posted below. Completed nomination forms must be returned to the Chamber by 5 p.m. on Monday, April 15.
2019 Small Business of the Year Criteria:
Employs a maximum of 50 people;
Member of the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce and must be located in Vance County;
Must be a viable, on-going business for three or more years, experiencing growth or stability over its business life;
Provides critical service or product, fills a void in the business community, or has a unique approach to the delivery of goods and services;
May have overcome diverse or extraordinary circumstances to remain in business;
Business is supportive of community growth and sustainability;
Is not a governmental agency or municipality
If you have questions, please contact Vanessa Jones or Sandra Wilkerson at (252) 438-8414.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/H-V-Small-Business-of-the-Year-2019.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-03-21 16:53:342019-03-21 16:53:34Henderson-Vance Chamber Looking for Small Business of the Year Nominees
-Press Release, Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce
The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Vanessa Jones has been named as interim president.
“I look forward to working with our members and the Chamber staff and board as we continue to move our community forward,” Jones said.
Jones has extensive knowledge of both Chamber operations and the community. She previously served as a dean and vice president at Vance-Granville Community College. Jones is a past board chairwoman for the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce. She later joined the Chamber staff and has been with the organization since June 2015.
The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce names Vanessa Jones as interim president. (Photo Credit: The Daily Dispatch)
“There is no better person to help us move forward and continue to grow our membership during our search for a permanent president than Vanessa Jones,” said board Chairwoman Nancy Wykle. “Vanessa is extraordinarily well-regarded in the community and by the Chamber staff. She has built extensive relationships with members and other key stakeholders over the years. I am thrilled that she was willing to take on this role as we search for a new permanent president.”
In addition to assuming responsibility for the day-to-day Chamber operations, Jones will also continue her responsibilities with the Chamber as the Work First program coordinator.
Jones replaces John Barnes, who resigned from the chamber February 19.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Vanessa-Jones-1.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-03-02 10:05:142019-03-02 10:25:00Henderson-Vance Chamber Names Interim President
Officers for the 2019 Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors have been elected.
Nancy Wykle, Publisher of The Daily Dispatch will assume the role and responsibilities of Board Chair. Hunter Peyton of BB&T will become first vice-chair, and Mel Manning of Quality Investments of Henderson will assume the role of immediate past chair.
Levy Brown of Vance-Granville Community College will assume the role of second vice-chair and Cynthia Ratliff will serve as treasurer.
All new, existing and outgoing Chamber officers and directors were recognized during the Chamber’s 2019 Annual Membership Meeting and Banquet on Thursday, January 31 at the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center.
The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce kicked off its 2019 Leadership Vance Program with an orientation breakfast at Vance-Granville Community College on February 7, followed by its team building and challenge course retreat at the Fred G. Bond Metro Park.
The Leadership Vance program is designed to inform, challenge and educate participants on the opportunities and needs of the community and to strengthen their leadership skills while teaching about the social, economic, and political dynamics that shape our community.
The intensive training and exposure to all aspects of the community will provide participants with the historical background and the skills necessary for civic and community positions. The program is ultimately designed to create a group of informed and dedicated leaders who will contribute to the community.
The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce kicked off its 2019 Leadership Vance Program with an orientation breakfast at Vance-Granville Community College on February 7, followed by its team building and challenge course retreat at the Fred G. Bond Metro Park. (Photo courtesy H-V Chamber)
Participants are exposed to various aspects of Henderson and Vance County, specifically in regard to city and county government, health and community resources, economic development, agriculture and natural resources, history and media and criminal justice and law.
Participants in this year’s class include: Andrew “Joel” Beckham, Pastor – New Life Baptist Church; Eric Brooks, Operations Manager – Walmart Distribution; G. Norman Dickerson, Jr., Admin Assistant/Assist Event Coordinator – Vance County Tourism; Lee Andrew Faines, Jr., Accounting Specialist I – Vance County Dept of Social Services; Ray Gronberg, Managing Editor – The Daily Dispatch; Evelyn Lemay Harris, Director of Distance Education – Vance-Granville Community College; Pam Hester, Executive Director – Vance County Tourism Development Authority; Andre Howard, Engineering Inspector – City of Henderson; Fantasia Johnson, Clinical Social Worker/Therapist – Springs Holistic Center, Inc.; Sharita Antoinette Jones, 4th grade ELA Teacher – Vance County Schools; Elgin J. Lane, Human Resources Director – City of Henderson; Cathy E. Renn, Property Tax Evaluation Manager – Vance County Tax Office; Jason D. Varner, Marketing Manager – SERVPRO of Franklin, Vance & Granville; Lemondre’ Watson, Assistant Principal – Vance County Schools; Brian Williams, Account Manager – Temperature Control Solutions.
-Press Release, Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce
The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce is launching a search for a new president to lead the organization, which serves businesses in the greater Quad-County region.
“We are excited about the opportunity this search represents. We have a chamber staff that does a tremendous amount to provide value to our membership and to connect businesses with each other and the greater community,” said Nancy Wykle, chamber board chairwoman. “The person who fills this leadership role has a tremendous asset in the staff, and will offer new ways to better serve our members.”
The chamber plans to appoint an interim president as it conducts its search.
Former Chamber President John Barnes resigned from the organization Feb. 19 with plans to pursue other opportunities.
“We appreciate John’s years of service in leading the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce, and wish him well in the next chapter,” Wykle said. “We see this time of transition as an opportunity to re-examine how we serve our members and the community.”
The chamber board is actively engaged in the process of naming an interim president and will be providing any support the staff needs to ensure that all member services will continue without interruption.
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The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce is proud to host another season of “Meet Me in the Street,” a series of concerts offered free to the local community.
The first concert for the year will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2019, and will feature The Castaways. A reputable band known throughout the South, The Castaways posses over fifty years of experience in the beach music industry. From it’s beginning in Durham, NC in 1961, The Castaways have been pleasing audiences with their unique flavor of Beach, Soul, and Rock N’ Roll for generations of fans.
With eight members on stage, The Castaways bring a full sound that includes live horns, versatile vocals covering a variety of music and high energy. Don’t be surprised if you hear some current Country, Top-40, or a little Southern-Rock as well!
The second and final concert for 2019 is set for Thursday, June 13 and will host “The Konnection Band.” This band is a local favorite and is one of the East Coast’s premiere party bands, specializing in a variety of music including Top 40, Rock, Country, R & B, Beach and Oldies.
Sponsors for this year’s concert series are Duke Energy and Maria Parham Health – Gold Sponsors; Wake Electric Membership Corporation and Walmart DC #6091 – Silver Sponsors; and BB&T, Benchmark Community Bank, Express Employment Professionals, MARS Petcare – Bronze Sponsors. Contributing Sponsor is Temperature Control Solutions – Thermo King. Advocate sponsors are the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission and Union Bank.
All concerts are free to the public and will be held at the corner of North Garnett and Breckenridge Streets in Henderson from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting the Chamber at (252) 438-8414 or jay@hendersonvance.org.
The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce’s first “Meet Me in the Street” concert for the year will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2019, and will feature The Castaways. A reputable band known throughout the South, The Castaways posses over fifty years of experience in the beach music industry.
The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce’s second and final concert for 2019 is set for Thursday, June 13 and will host “The Konnection Band.” This band is a local favorite and is one of the East Coast’s premiere party bands, specializing in a variety of music including Top 40, Rock, Country, R & B, Beach and Oldies.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Meet-Me-in-the-Street-2019.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-02-21 17:00:062019-02-21 16:15:20Henderson-Vance Chamber Announces 2019 ‘Meet Me in the Street’ Dates
Tom C. Church, dedicated supporter of local education, founder of the Henderson Community Foundation and local businessman, was named Citizen of the Year at the 81st annual Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce Banquet held in the Civic Center of Vance-Granville Community College on January 31.
Tommy Hester, the 2017 Citizen of the Year recipient, presented the prestigious award, which honors an individual who has made a positive impact for the betterment of the community through personal involvement and contribution of volunteer time and efforts.
“The Citizen of the Year Award is very special. The honor is earned by an individual who has made a significant contribution and demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of Henderson and Vance County,” said Hester.
Left to right: John Barnes, president of the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce, 2018 Citizen of the Year recipient Tom C. Church and wife Gillie Church.
Each year, an anonymous committee selects the honored citizen, with the name of the recipient being a closely guarded secret until announced at the annual chamber banquet.
Prior to announcing the name of the 2018 recipient, Hester gave a brief background of Church’s life and service to his community. “Portrayed as a guiding light to what community service is all about, our 2018 Citizen of the Year is constantly involved in promoting Henderson and Vance County. Graciously and humbly committed to Vance County with a passion for volunteerism and charitable giving, our recipient avoids attention and shuns the glare of publicity, which led one admirer to describe our Citizen of the Year as an unsung and unpretentious star of Vance County.”
Hester continued by listing several of Church’s numerous community achievements including:
Treasurer and original board member of Henderson Collegiate Charter School
Lifetime trustee of the Kerr-Vance Academy Board
Board of Trustee member for Maria Parham Health
2018 Chairman of the Maria Parham Health Joint Venture Board
Board of Trustee member for Occoneechee Council of the Boy Scouts of America
Personal contributor to McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center
Past chairman of the Henderson-Vance County Economic Development Commission
Member of the charter team that conceived and built the Henderson Family YMCA
Previous Senior Warden of Henderson’s Holy Innocents Episcopal Church
Member and past president of the Henderson Rotary Club
Born and raised in Gastonia, NC, Church is a graduate of Ashley High School and North Carolina State University where he received his degree in Civil Engineering.
Hester said that upon graduating from NCSU, Church was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Air Force, serving for six years as a fighter pilot and logging over 400 combat hours during the Vietnam War.
In addition to being a two-time recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross during his time in the military, Church also received the Bronze Star and nine Air Medals for valiant service.
Upon leaving active duty Tom and his family settled in Henderson where he co-founded Ashland Construction Company, a multi-state commercial construction company, and co-founded Plantation Realty Company, a commercial real estate firm.
Church is married to Virgilia (Gillie) Leggett Church and they have a daughter, Gillie Nichols, of Manteo, NC, a son, John, of Raleigh, NC and two granddaughters, Lucy and Anna.
Hester concluded his speech by simply stating, “Tom Church, our 2018 Citizen of the Year, what an asset for Vance County.”
Church then took the stage with his family and said he was at a loss for words. “What do I say? I’m humbled, honored and shocked; you caught me off-guard.”
Thanking his wife, family and business partner for their encouragement and support, Church told the crowd that he and his family deeply love their community. “Henderson has been good to me and my family. We love Henderson and it has loved us.”
Proving his humble nature that was alluded to several times in Hester’s speech, Church concluded by saying, “If I’ve been able to do anything to give back to this community for what it has given me, I am very honored and proud.”
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/H-V-Chamber-Banquet-2019.png265504Kelly Bonduranthttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngKelly Bondurant2019-02-01 16:58:362019-02-01 16:58:36Thomas “Tom” C. Church Named 2018 Citizen of the Year
The 81st Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce Annual Membership Meeting and Banquet will be held on Thursday, January 31, 2019, at the VGCC Civic Center.
This year’s keynote speaker is Allison Capps, Assistant District Attorney for North Carolina’s 9th Prosecutorial District.
Allison Siler Capps grew up in Belmont, NC. She attended Peace College and received a B.A. in Psychology. Following Peace, she attended the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University where she received her law degree.
She began her career as an Assistant District Attorney in the 2nd Prosecutorial District, working for just over a year. She returned to the 9th District, (Granville, Vance, Franklin and Warren counties) where she had interned while in law school and currently serves.
As a part of the DA’s office, she has tried over 20 jury trials, ranging from DWIs to First Degree Murder cases and everything in between. She has received numerous awards from Crime Stoppers, NC Gang Investigators Assoc. and others.
Mrs. Capps is an active member of Delrayno Baptist Church, President of the Board of Directors for the Granville Education Foundation, participates in the Girls on the Run Program and in the NC Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. She resides in Oxford with her husband, Jason, and their son, Luke.
Presenting Sponsor for this special annual event is Duke Energy. Gold sponsor is Maria Parham Health and Silver Sponsors are BB&T, MARS Petcare, Wake Electric Membership Corporation and Walmart DC# 6091; Bronze Sponsors are Benchmark Community Bank and Express Employment Professionals; Contributor Sponsor is CenturyLink and Advocate sponsor is Union Bank.
Seating for dinner will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. Tickets will be available for $35 each or a table of 10 for $320. Please reserve tables and purchase tickets no later than January 23. Contact the Chamber at 252-438-8414 to purchase tickets, for more information or for sponsorship opportunities.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wizsfbresize_0001s_0042_chamberofcommerce.png.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-01-11 17:00:262019-01-11 17:00:26Tickets on Sale Now for H-V Chamber’s 81st Annual Membership Banquet
Attention Women of Vance….. It is with excitement that the Henderson-Vance Chamber and the Small Business Center of VGCC introduce a series of quarterly lunch meetings for women. WOVEN (Women of Vance Empowered Networking) must be a priority for you and your staff.
Each session will be held at a different location with a different speaker and topic. Other Chambers in North Carolina have been very successful in these exciting lunch and learn sessions and now it’s Vance County’s turn.
The first WOVEN session will be held at VGCC Civic Center on Tuesday, January 15, from 12 to 1:30 p.m. The cost is $20 per person and includes lunch. The speaker will be Susan Crews.
Reservations can be made now by calling the Chamber at (252) 438-8414 or email sandra@hendersonvance.org
Advance registration is required.
Make YOU the priority in 2019!!!
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/WOVEN-flyer-2019.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-01-11 16:59:502019-01-11 16:59:50Reminder: WOVEN Series for Women Begins Jan. 15
It’s time to apply for Leadership Vance 2019! If you haven’t been through the Chamber’s Leadership-Vance program, you don’t want to miss the 2019 session.
Leadership Vance is a proven, structured program, designed to create a corps of informed and dedicated emerging leaders in our community. Upon graduation, program participants will be qualified to meet the present and future challenges facing Henderson and Vance County.
Leadership Vance will inform, challenge and educate participants on the opportunities and needs of the community. Participants will strengthen their leadership skills while learning about the social, economic, and political dynamics that shape our community.
Leadership Vance will encourage the development of interpersonal relationships among the participants and establish an ongoing resource network.
The intensive training and exposure to all aspects of the community will provide participants with the historical background and the skills necessary for volunteer civic and community positions. It will also benefit participants in their business and career goals.
Individuals who live or work in Vance County are invited to apply. A maximum of 25 participants will be chosen by the Leadership Vance Selection Committee and will be selected to represent all backgrounds, occupations and geographic areas of Vance County.
To receive maximum benefit from Leadership Vance, it is essential that participants and their employers be willing to commit the time necessary for successful completion of the program. A participant is expected to attend all sessions, barring extreme emergencies. A maximum of two excused absences are permitted in order to graduate from the Leadership Vance program. All participants are expected to plan and participate as a team in a community service project.
Program cost is $350 for Chamber members and $425 for non-Chamber members. The tuition fee includes all course materials, meals, retreat expenses, travel, graduation banquet and diploma.
All participants should submit a completed application to the Chamber office no later than Monday, January 7, 2019. Notifications will be made by Friday, January 18, 2019.
For more information, contact Sandra Wilkerson at (252) 438-8414 or by email at sandra@hendersonvance.org.
