Tag Archive for: #hvchamber

H-V Chamber Banquet Mar. 7; Citizen of Year Nominations Due Feb. 2

The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce will host its annual banquet on Thursday, Mar. 7. Sponsorships are available and tickets may be purchased now for the event, the theme of which is Past, Present, Future, according to Chamber President Sandra Wilkerson.

“Join us as we take a walk down memory lane, get updates on the present and what we expect our future to look like in Henderson and Vance County,” Wilkerson said in information sent to WIZS News. The banquet will be held at the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center.

The Chamber also will reveal the 2023 Vance County Citizen of the Year at the banquet. Nominations for this award will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 2, Wilkerson noted.

Find the nomination form here: https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Henderson-Vance-Chamber-of-Commerce-Citizen-of-the-Year-form-2023.pdf

Completed nominations may be submitted electronically to sandra@hendersonvance.org, dropped by the office, 414 S. Garnett St., Henderson or mailed to Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce at P.O. Box 1302, Henderson, NC  27536

Visit the Chamber website at to download a nomination form.

The banquet is the Chamber’s biggest fundraiser; Wilkerson recognized Duke Energy for its continued role in the effort by being the presenting sponsor.

Other sponsorship levels are noted below:

Presenting Sponsor (only 1) Duke Energy $4000

  • Eight complimentary tickets, Company Banner provided by sponsor displayed, Company name on all promotional pieces, recognition during Banquet, recognition on Social Media, radio and newspaper

Gold Sponsor $2500

  • Six complimentary tickets, Company name on program agenda, recognition during Banquet, recognition on Social Media, radio and newspaper

Silver Sponsor $1500

  • Four complimentary tickets, Company name on program agenda, recognition during Banquet

Table Sponsor $1000

  • Two complimentary tickets, Centerpiece and individual attendee gift.  Company name on program agenda and recognition at banquet.

Pre-Dinner Social Sponsor $1000

  • Two complimentary tickets, signage at food and beverage table. Company name on program agenda and recognition at banquet.

Tickets are $60 each and tables of eight may be purchased as well.

The evening kicks off with appetizers served from 5:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. The meal catered by Cook Shack Catering, will begin at 6 p.m.

Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce

The Citizen of the Year award is presented annually by the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce to an individual whose outstanding service and dedication has made a significant contribution to the community.  Qualities and criteria looked for are as follows:

  • A person who is a resident of Vance County.
  • A person who has shown a willingness to volunteer for community organizations, giving freely of their time and talents, is enthusiastic about the community and its citizens, and who serves in positions working for the betterment of the community.
  • Someone who is dedicated to the community, lends leadership and vision, and who assists in achieving organizational goals of the community.  They may serve on service, school, church, or civic committees.
  • A person with the qualities of honesty and integrity.
  • The community work they are involved with should not be a part of their business career or paid positions they have held.

The recipient does not have to be a member of the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce.  A nominee need only be nominated once to be considered.  The number of nominations received per nominee will bear no weight in their selection.

(This article was originally published Jan. 12, 2024.)

Community Yard Sale Aug. 5 a Chance to Get and Give

The Abria’s Chase Foundation and the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Vance Class of 2023 are sponsoring a community yard sale this Saturday.

Join in Aug. 5 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at 205 Dabney Drive.

Stephanie Tolbert told WIZS the Leadership Vance Class wanted to help.  “When we visited them, their story really touched us and made an impact on us, and they are trying to take a tragedy that happened within their family and turn it into something positive and impact their community in a positive way and that spoke volumes to us.”

The class is helping give back to an organization formed in 2010 in memory of Abria Jhune Lewis and Joshua Chase Lewis, two children who lost their lives in a fire that occurred on November 9th, 2009.

As founders Ayana and June Lewis have stated on their web page, abriaschasefoundation.org, “Their tragic and senseless deaths was our “call to action.”

The children both died in a fire in their home.

Class member Kenia Gomez-Jimenez explained there are many resources available to the community through the organization and said part of the goal with the yard sale event is to make the community aware.  “Of course we want to gather as many proceeds as we can to further the mission of the Abria’s Chase Foundation, but we also want to educate our community about the resources that they provide … (providing) support to grieving families through a variety of support group meetings that they host, I believe, every week.”

Leadership Vance Class member Kevin Wade described to WIZS in his words how the Lewis family has triumphed.  “When you hear their testimony, you’re left with a numbing feeling as a father (and as a husband.)  I’m just imagining losing two young children the way that they did and you know it just hits you square between the eyes.”

“To see what they’ve done from that from that point and moved forward, all I can think of is from tragedy to triumph,” Wade said.

The trio spoke to WIZS as a part of Thursday’s “The Local Skinny!” program at 11:30 a.m. as a reminder for yard sale lovers, community members and those who want to learn more or to contribute to stop by.

For more information, call 252-430-9913.

If you can’t make it, you can donate anytime online at www.abriaschasefoundation.org.

All proceeds go to help the Abria’s Chase Foundation, whose mission is to prevent fires and educate on fire safety, support grieving families and help rebuild.

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Community Resource Festival

By all accounts, Thursday’s Community Resource Festival at the Vance-Granville Civic Center was a success as hundreds of participants visited more than 60 vendors to learn about services they provide and more. For Michelle Walker, this event was the culmination of months of planning with community partners to help local residents learn about available programs and services that are right here for the asking.

Walker is the sales and account manager with Huff Consulting. She and other key planning partners invested time and energy into Thursday’s result, and she couldn’t be more pleased.

“As long as I have the opportunity, I’m going to do things like this to help people,” Walker told WIZS as she surveyed the activity around her. Walker and others no doubt have poured their heart and soul into making this festival a success, and Walker could barely hold back tears as she watched community agency representatives interact and connect with individuals from the community.

Huff Consulting is a recruiting firm that works with a wide range of employees – from day laborers to corporate executives, Walker said, adding that her company has recognized the struggles that face many in the community. “Everybody has a need,” Walker said on an earlier TownTalk broadcast to promote the event. And this resource festival is a way to bridge the gap between available resources and the folks who are looking for them.

Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce President Sandra Wilkerson said things got off to a good start in the morning and continued throughout the afternoon.

“We have absolutely packed the house,” Wilkerson told WIZS during the initial hour of the resource festival. During the planning process, she said, she and other organizers had a vision to bring under one roof community resources for the public to come and get information.

Sixty-plus organizations appeared from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – there were representatives from fire and police departments, as well as churches, non-profits and businesses from Vance and Granville counties. The event was free to attend, and more than 150 people were in attendance around 11 a.m., visiting the various information tables located throughout the Civic Center.

The Vance and Granville Chambers of Commerce, along with VGCC and Huff Consulting, teamed up to put on the festival.

VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais said she didn’t hesitate when she was approached with the idea for a community resource festival.

“We think of ourselves as a convener and a catalyst,” Desmarais said in an interview during the Thursday event. “The community is serving its constituents – this is how we all get better…and do better.”

This event was just one more way to empower people to care for themselves as they networked with community businesses, non-profits, churches and other resources in the area. “Whatever their goal may be, they’re welcome here. We want (the community) to remember that Vance Granville really does care.”

Granville Vance Public Health – As the name implies, the agency serves the two counties, and Tayshah Josey was on hand to discuss a variety of programs available to residents. From family planning and maternal care to STD and HIV testing, Josey said the health department is here for the community.

Josey said a new program designed to reduce infant mortality will be rolled out in the next few months. Participants who complete a infant safe sleep training will get rewarded with a new crib.

HIV test kits are available at the health department, too. These are home kits and individuals can request two free kits within a 90-day time frame. The STD clinic is available for walk-ins, but appointments also are available.

Family planning clinics use a sliding-scale for payment, Josey added. Visit https://www.gvph.org/ to learn about all the services GVPH provides.

Maria Parham Health – Donna Young, MPH marketing director, was on hand to network and provide information about the hospital, which enjoys high marks from Leapfrog, a national organization that measures patient safety. “We got an A for the Fall of 2022,” Young noted, which means that hospital staff puts patient safety first.

Whether getting care at the Duke-accredited cancer center, heart catheterization lab or any of the other departments, patients can be assured they’ll be taken care of.

Young said she fielded questions on a variety of topics at the resource festival, including inpatient rehab services. Whether you’re speaking to her in person or contact her via email at Donna.Young@lpnt.net, Young said you’ll get the answers you need.

“Every one of those inquiries goes straight to my inbox,” she explained, and she then routes each question to the right person to answer the question.

State Farm – In addition to medical care, a community needs other services as well, including insurance. State Farm Insurance Agency in Henderson provides the full range of insurance services in the area, and local agent Margier White had her sister, Davida Rascoe, with her at the vendor table Thursday.

State Farm is all about helping people when they’re in trouble, Rascoe said. “You need someone who cares,” she said, “who have your concerns at heart.” Her sister does a great job at making sure they cover whatever you need.”

Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame was in attendance, among other area law enforcement agencies.

“This is an awesome opportunity for citizens,” Brame said Thursday morning. Many agencies –  the sheriff’s office among them – also has applications available at the community resource festival.

Granville Health System – Granville Primary Care offers a complete range of services, from pediatrics to geriatrics, and Renita Timberlake said the Butner office offers primary care as well as express care services. A team of 10 providers in the Oxford office also works with businesses to provide services like drug screens for employees and workers’ comp claims.

Gail Barnes-Hall is the director of the Harold Sherman Adult Day Center, which provides respite care for those who care for loved ones with physical or cognitive issues. The center is open Monday through Friday from 7:15 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., Barnes-Hall said. Participants get three meals a day and participate in engaging activities, all while giving their caregivers a break from their care-giving duties.

Visit https://ghshospital.org/ to learn more.

HubZone Technology Initiative – Bryan Davis and Mark Williams work with HubZone, whose mission is twofold – refurbishing donated laptops and distributing them to those who need them, which keeps them in use and out of landfills.

“We help bridge the digital divide,” Williams said Thursday morning. The donated laptops have their data wiped before they’re converted to Chromebooks and donated to local nonprofits.

“We serve them so they can help the broader community,” Williams said.

Davis started out with HubZone as a photographer – until they found out he had experience with refurbishing computers himself.

Learn more about HubZone, located at 208 N. Garnett St., at https://www.hubzonetech.org/

Henderson Family YMCA – Tesa Alexander is membership director for the Henderson Family YMCA. The Y, located at 380 Ruin Creek Road, is the only Y in the four-county area, and Alexander said joining fees were waived for anyone who signed up at the resource festival.

“We try to partner with the community and make it a better place,” Alexander said. “We build our community by working with one another.” The Y will sponsor “Healthy Kids Day” Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Vendors, food trucks and more will be on hand at the Y to celebrate the nationwide observance.

Guardian Ad Litem, 9th Judicial District – Samantha Branch is supervisor of the guardian ad litem program for the 9th Judicial District, which includes Vance and Granville counties. April is Child Advocate Month and Branch said her agency is always looking for volunteers to be a voice in the court system for abused and neglected children. “The goal is to get children back with their family unit,” Branch told WIZS. “We gather information and report back to the court (about) what is going to be in the best interest of the child.”

Visit www.volunteerforgal.org to learn more.

 

Jack Richardson 2022 Citizen of the Year; H-V Chamber Banquet

Jack Richardson won 2022 Citizen of the Year honors at the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce membership meeting and banquet Thursday evening.

2021 Citizen of the Year Mark Hopper presented Richardson the award, noting the tremendous number of volunteer positions Richardson has held locally. He has been “an advocate for students and he has impacted so many lives,” Hopper said. Church, Area Christians Together in Service, the men’s homeless shelter were all described as areas Richardson has earned love and respect.

Hopper said Richardson has “been in every leadership role at his church (First Methodist) and he’s been on all the committees and has helped build handicap ramps and he’s done the live nativity scene of the church.”

He said Jack Richardson is “the epitome of what citizens should be doing to make our community better.”

Richardson was on stage as it began to sink in. He told WIZS afterwards, “I did not know.” He said, “It’s numbing almost.” He said he could not have dreamt this scenario.

Fifteen minutes earlier when he was on stage, he said it was very humbling. “I’m not sure I deserve this,” he said, but “I will gladly accept.” He said, “I enjoy working at the schools and the shelter and ACTS, and I’ve been doing these things for many years and I will hopefully be able to continue for many more. I thank you very much.”

L-R: H-V Chamber President Sandra Wilkerson; 2022 Citizen of the Year Jack Richardson; 2023 Chamber Board Chair Bert Long

Earlier in the evening, 2022 board chair Ronald Bennett provided a report to the 350 or so people in attendance, calling 2022 “A Year of Community.” Next, 2023 Chamber board chair Bert Long expanded on the present term as “A Year of Collaboration,” to the crowd inside the Vance-Granville Community College civic center.

Bennett said he saw 2022 as being about different “ships.” “Partnerships, relationships, friendships, friendships that last a lifetime,” he said.

Three hundred fifty members strong, Bennett said 2022 for the Chamber was “busy and quick.” He spoke of the strong financial position of the chamber and the staff. He said, “Most importantly we are strong because of you,” speaking about and directly to the member base. “We thank you for your support.”

Long, of HG Reynolds, spoke 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.”

Sandra Wilkerson Begins New Leadership Role As President Of Henderson-Vance Chamber

Sandra Wilkerson has officially begun her new role as president of the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce. Wilkerson succeeds outgoing president Michele Burgess, who announced her retirement in the fall.

Wilkerson has been the Chamber’s director of programs for the past four years.

“I am excited to step into this leadership role for our community and look forward to working with the board and all of our current team members who make our chamber as strong and vibrant as it is,” she said in a press statement announcing her selection.

“We are excited to have Sandra step into this leadership role to continue the positive momentum within our Chamber as well as the community,” incoming board chairman Bert Long said in the press statement. “Sandra has made it clear that she hopes to foster collaboration and provide a pathway to business for all in our community,” Long said.

Sandra Wilkerson New President Of H-V Chamber Of Commerce

Sandra Wilkerson has been named president of the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce, effective January 1, 2023.

Wilkerson has been the Chamber’s director of programs for the past four years, and she said Friday that she is looking forward to her new role with the Chamber.

“I am excited to step into this leadership role for our community and look forward to working with the board and all of our current team members who make our chamber as strong and vibrant as it is,” she said in a press statement released Friday.

Wilkerson takes over from outgoing president Michele Burgess, who announced last month her plans to step down at the end of the year.

“We are excited to have Sandra step into this leadership role to continue the positive momentum within our Chamber as well as the community,” incoming board chairman Bert Long said in the press statement. “Sandra has made it clear that she hopes to foster collaboration and provide a pathway to business for all in our community,” Long said.

In addition to the past four years as the chamber’s director of programs, Wilkerson was employed for 32 years with the City of Henderson, where she served in various roles.

In 2011 she was honored as a recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.  Among the most prestigious awards conferred by the Governor of North Carolina, it is awarded to persons for exemplary service to the State of North Carolina and their communities that is above and beyond the call of duty and which has made a significant impact and strengthened North Carolina.

The Local Skinny! Jobs In Vance 08-16-22

The H-V Chamber of Commerce and WIZS, Your Community Voice, present Jobs in Vance for August 16, 2022. The Chamber compiles the information, and it is presented here and on the radio. Contact the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce at 438-8414 or email michele@hendersonvance.org to be included.

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Business Name – Holy Innocents Episcopal Church

Job Opening –  Preschool Program at Holy Innocents is hiring.  Looking for 2 individuals to lead the 2-year and 3-year classrooms.  Monday-Friday from 8:15 am – 12:15 pm, beginning September 6th.

How To Apply – Contact Crystal for more information at 252-430-9604 or hinnocentspreschool@gmail.com

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Business Name – Carolina Sunrock – Kittrell, NC Plant

Job Opening –  Opening for a Plant Utility Person. Responsible for general housekeeping and maintenance of the plant.  Benefits include paid time off, plus 8 paid holidays. In this position routine duties are performed with minimal supervision. Standard practices or procedures allow the employee to proceed alone at routine work. Good judgment and common sense is required in all duties and any other tasks assigned. Normal work hours are 7:00 am until 6:00pm Monday through Friday with weekend hours as needed.

How To Apply – Apply at https://jobsearcher.com/c/carolina-sunrock or at www.indeed.com

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Business Name – Maria Parham Health

Job Opening –  Hiring for a Women’s Health Administrative Assistant.  Full-time. Performs receptionist, registration, and clerical duties associated with and scheduled patient admissions.  High School diploma or equivalent required, Associate’s degree in Secretarial Science preferred.  Requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgment and the ability to work with minimal supervision.

How To Apply – Apply online at https://lifepoint.taleo.net/careersection.  Or apply at www.indeed.com.

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Business Name – Schewels Furniture Company

Job Opening –  Hiring for an Office Associate.  Part-time or Full-time.  Hiring immediately for individual with a pleasing personality, a team player who responds well to pressure. Has the ability to effectively deal with the public.  Must be efficient working with numbers and the handling of monies.  Needs the ability to accurately maintain a cash drawer with no significant problems. Must have demonstrated skills in typing, use of computer and various other office machines. Complete the terms on a charge sale, process cash sale transactions, and answer the telephone and use the intercom in a professional manner.

How To Apply – Apply at www.indeed.com.

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Business Name – Eckerd Connects

Job Opening –  Youth Counselors are desperately needed!  Eckerd Connects is a Manson, NC at-risk girl’s camp (ages 13-17). The girls are court ordered to be there and they need strong role models and positive guidance.  Applicants need to have a high school diploma and at least 2-years experience working with youth, counseling, or non-profit, such as a daycare, coaching, or homeless shelters.  Or a degree in any type of Human Service or Social Service field.

How To Apply – Contact Lorena Marquez, Recruiter for more information or send your resume to lmarquez@eckerd.org.  828-358-8895.

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Business Name – Truist Bank (former BB& T Bank) – Dabney Drive in Henderson

Job Opening –  Senior Relationship Banker.  Requires previous banking experience.  Full-Time.  Monday – Friday.  Benefit Package. Applicants need excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including a desire to interact with clients and prospects.  Demonstrated proficiency in basic computer applications, such as Microsoft Office.

How To Applyhttps://careers.truist.com/job/16401950/sr-relationship-banker-henderson-main-henderson-nc.  Questions, contact April Alston, Branch Manager.

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Some of these businesses are present or past advertisers of WIZS.  Being an ad client is not a condition of being listed or broadcast.  This is not a paid ad.

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Henderson State of the City Address

The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with The Henderson Rotary Club, has announced a State of the City address and luncheon.

According to a flyer out about the event, it will serve as the first in a series of informative, local agency meetings.

The City’s vision, strategic plan, recent achievements and challenges will be provided by keynote speakers including Mayor Eddie Ellington and City Manager Terrell Blackmon.

Particularly, it is an opportunity for business owners and others engaged in the community to gather.

Reservations required by June 24th for the Thursday, June 30, 2022 address and luncheon — noon until 1:30 p.m. at the Henderson Country Club, $30 per person with tables of eight available.

In an email sent to Chamber members, organizers indicated, “You can reserve your seat by calling the Chamber at 252-438-8414…emailing sandra@hendersonvance.org or go to the Chamber website at https://business.hendersonvance.org/events/details/state-of-the-city-address-and-luncheon to register and pay on-line.”

Small Business Nominations Due Wednesday

— from Sandra Wilkerson, Director of Programs, Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce

Wednesday, April 20th is the deadline to submit your nominations for small business of the Year for 2021. Please consider nominating a deserving business based on the criteria:

• Employs 1 – 50 people
• Member of the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce and business 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 a critical service or products, fills a void in the business community, or has a unique approach to delivery of goods and services
• May have overcome diverse or extraordinary circumstances to remain in business – please explain on application
• Business is supportive of community growth and sustainability
• Is not a governmental agency, municipality, school or non-profit

These nominations will be given to a committee to review and select a winner for 2021 and an award ceremony luncheon will be held in May announcing that winner. Thank you for partnering with the Chamber and for being dedicated to our community. If you have any questions, please call the Chamber at 252-438-8414.

Citizens, not just other businesses, may nominate a local small business.

2022 Leadership Vance Class Forming Now – Apply By Jan. 21

The 2022 class of Leadership Vance is forming now. Applications will be taken until Jan. 21.

The program is designed to create a corps of informed and dedicated emerging leaders in the community as it educates and challenges participants to become more involved in their county.

The class is limited to 20 people, and participants will be informed of their selection by Tuesday, Feb. 1, according to information from the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce.

Orientation will take place on Feb. 15, 2022. Sessions in March include a business/economic development on Mar. 1 and leading a healthy & caring community on Mar. 15.

A typical program day begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends by 5 p.m. on two Tuesdays each month through July.

In addition to monthly sessions, class members are required to attend several public body sessions and a graduation ceremony. Each session is planned by a steering committee member. The sessions provide participants with a sense of issues relevant to the day’s theme.

Participants are introduced to the key leaders in each environment,  conducted through a series of discussions, lectures, group discussions  and tours. Leadership skills are challenged in a variety of simulation exercises.

Tuition is $500 for Chamber members and $750 for non-Chamber members and includes all training materials, meals, travel, graduation and diploma.

Contact the Chamber office 252.438.8414 to learn more or to request an application.