Tag Archive for: #hendersonvancechamberofcommerce

Local Chambers Recognize 2018 Small Business of the Year Recipients

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The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce, along with the Franklin, Granville and Warren County Chambers and the Vance-Granville Community College Small Business Center, hosted the seventeenth annual Small Business Luncheon at the Henderson Country Club on Thursday, May 9, 2019.

The 2018 Small Business of the Year award recipients included Holland Industrial, Vance County; US 98.3/Lakes Media LLC, Granville County; Focus Design Builders, Franklin County; and Hardware Café, Warren County.

Holland Industrial receives the 2018 Vance County Small Business of the Year award. Left to right: Patrick Brame, Bobby Powell, Charles “Charlie” Brown and Vanessa Jones, interim president, Henderson-Vance Chamber. (WIZS photo)

Duke Energy was once again the presenting sponsor for this event. Tanya Evans, district manager for Duke Energy, thanked the small business owners and staff members for their contributions to the community and for their level of commitment.

“As a small business owner, you don’t get to turn it off at 5 p.m. and go home. This is a way of life for you and takes dedication and commitment,” Evans said.

Keynote speaker John Alston, owner of A&S Pest Control and winner of the Warren County Chamber’s 2008 Small Business of the Year award, spoke on his 42 years of success as a local small business owner.

“Success is not about how much money you make, it’s about the relationships you form and your enjoyment of the job you are doing,” Alston explained.

Alston said he felt blessed to have started a company that allows him to do what he enjoys while also providing financially for other families.

After hearing from Alston, Vanessa Jones, interim president of the Henderson-Vance Chamber, presented the 2018 Vance County award to electric motor and mechanical repair facility Holland Industrial.

Focus Design Builders receives the 2018 Greater Franklin County Small Business of the Year award. Left to right: Jonathan Williams, Paul Eitel and John Barnes, executive director, Greater Franklin Chamber. (WIZS photo)

Located on West Montgomery Street in Henderson, the “employee-owned” company was started by Charles S. Holland, Sr. in 1952 and has expanded to include 35 employees and a 150-mile sales territory today.

Now in its third generation of management, Holland President Charles “Charlie” Brown thanked the Chamber for their support and said he hopes Holland will be around to celebrate their 100th anniversary in a few decades.

John Barnes, executive director for the Greater Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, presented the Franklin County award to Focus Design Builders, a construction-based company offering a single point of contact for design and construction services.

Founded in 2010 during an ebb in the construction industry, CEO Paul Eitel said it was faith that prompted him and his two business partners to start a construction business.

Three months into the business with $8 million in sales, Eitel said that faith paid off. The company now estimates 300-400 families benefit from the revenue generated by their small business alone.

Jonathan Williams, project developer for Focus Design Builders, also mentioned the education he received at Vance-Granville Community College before transferring to a four-year university.

US 98.3/Lakes Media LLC receives the 2018 Franklin County Small Business of the Year award. Left to right: Aurora Birch, Tom Birch and Sandra Dean Pruitt, president of Granville Insurance Agency. (WIZS Photo)

“I’m proof that you can receive a quality education here locally,” Williams said in support of VGCC.

Granville County’s award recipient, US 98.3/Lakes Media LLC was presented their award by Sandra Dean Pruitt, president of Granville Insurance Agency.

Tom Birch, president, accepted the award on behalf of the organization. Launched in Oxford in 2005 and expanding to South Boston in 2006, Birch said the station has approximately 45,000 listeners today.

Birch also proclaimed that “radio is alive and well” and is still the most effective medium of all reach platforms, including television, in the constantly-evolving communications game.

Warren County Chamber Chair Kathleen Derring presented the Warren County award to Hardware Café manager Haley Paynter.

Hardware Cafe receives the 2018 Warren County Small Business of the Year award. Left to right: Haley Paynter and Kathleen Derring, chair of Warren Chamber. (WIZS Photo).

Located in downtown Warrenton, the previous hardware store, now affectionately known by locals as the “red and black” café, has quite the history, including a recent change in management with Paynter at the helm.

Derring said this award was “a long time coming” for the Hardware Café and explained that as a small business owner herself, she knew that loving what you do is essential for success.

Held in conjunction with National Small Business Week, the annual luncheon highlighted and supported what Henderson-Vance Chamber Chair Nancy Wykle referred to as “the backbone of our community and our economy both nationally and locally, small business.”

Jones Talks Search for Next H-V Chamber President, Opportunities

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Vanessa Jones, interim president for the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce, was on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss how the Chamber has fared since the resignation of former president John Barnes in February.

“Things are going very well,” said Jones. “We have a great, well-trained staff that keeps operations moving along smoothly.”

The process of hiring the Chamber’s new president is well underway, according to Jones, with job applications and resumes due Wednesday, May 15, 2019. Jones estimated that the Chamber has received approximately 20 applications for the position thus far.

Acting as the Chamber’s Work First program coordinator since 2015, Jones previously served as chairwoman of the Chamber board during her tenure as dean and vice president at Vance-Granville Community College.

Her extensive knowledge of Chamber operations, coupled with the expertise of the Chamber’s membership director Jay Andrews and administration and events director Sandra Wilkerson, serve the Chamber business members well.

“Our goal is to promote and help our current members grow while attracting new members,” Jones said.

In this spirit of economic growth and development, Jones echoed the sentiment expressed by other community partners who have been interviewed by WIZS recently – it takes a village.

Jones acknowledged the close working relationship that the Chamber has with organizations such as the Vance County Tourism Development Authority, Henderson-Vance Downtown Development Commission, the City of Henderson, Vance County Government, Henderson-Vance County Economic Development Commission, Maria Parham Health, Vance-Granville Community College and many others.

“The Chamber works with these entities to ensure our community is an investment for new businesses and a great place for people to live and visit,” explained Jones.

In addition to working with businesses, the Chamber offers individuals an opportunity for community involvement via its ambassador program and annual Leadership Vance class.

Chamber ambassadors regularly network and connect with businesses and attend various Chamber events, such as ribbon cuttings, throughout the year.

Leadership Vance is an intensive, months-long training program that exposes participants to all aspects of the community, ultimately strengthening leadership skills and increasing knowledge of the inner workings of Vance County business.

Those interested in learning more about the Chamber and its various events and programs may call (252) 438-8414. Additional information may also be found on the Chamber’s website at www.hendersonvance.org.

To hear the Town Talk interview with Vanessa Jones in its entirety, click here.

Kerr Lake Country Club to Celebrate 55 Years With ‘Business After Hours’

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-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce

To celebrate their 55th anniversary, Kerr Lake County Club will host a “Business After Hours” event on Monday, April 29, 2019, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. All chamber members of Granville County and Vance County are invited to network, enjoy light refreshments, cold beverages and door prizes.

Please RSVP to Sandra at the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce by 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 25 – sandra@hendersonvance.org or 252-438-8414.

Henderson-Vance Chamber Looking for Small Business of the Year Nominees

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-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce

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.

 

 

Henderson-Vance Chamber Names Interim President

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-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.

H-V Chamber Logo

H-V Chamber Announces 2019 Board of Directors

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-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce’s Jan./Feb. 2019 “Focus” Newsletter

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.

2019 Leadership Vance Begins

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-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce’s Jan./Feb. 2019 “Focus” Newsletter

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.

H-V Chamber Logo

Chamber Launches Search for New President

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-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.

Henderson-Vance Chamber Announces 2019 ‘Meet Me in the Street’ Dates

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-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce’s Jan./Feb. 2019 “Focus” Newsletter

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.

Thomas “Tom” C. Church Named 2018 Citizen of the Year

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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.”