Tag Archive for: #towntalk

McGregor Hall

Town Talk: Study Reveals Extent of McGregor Hall’s Economic Impact – 07/10/19

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

Mark Hopper, chairman and operations director for McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center, was on Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk to discuss the recently unveiled results of the Center’s economic impact study.

Conducted by researchers at NC State University, the months-long study found that McGregor Hall has a significant impact on Henderson, contributing $2.3 million to the local economy in the past 12 months alone.

According to lead researcher Dr. Jeffrey Diebold, who stated that one common criticism of studies is that numbers can often be skewed to the desired outcome, the McGregor Hall figure represents a conservative estimate.

“This [study] was as conservative as it could possibly be; we took no liberties. We wanted to represent the benefits as accurately as we could, so at every juncture where we had to make an assumption, the assumption was as conservative as we could make it,” Diebold reported to WIZS.

For Hopper and others associated with McGregor Hall and the Embassy Cultural Center Foundation, the results are confirmation of years of working to make a shared vision a reality for the community.

“We are thrilled we were able to accomplish what we said we were going to accomplish. The visionaries for the project said 15 years ago that they wanted this kind of facility to be an economic engine to revitalize Henderson,” Hopper said. “It’s a very proud moment for our Board and volunteers that we have done what we promised to do.”

The $2.3 million represents new spending from non-resident visitors flowing into the local economy, spending that was deemed by the NC State team to be a direct result of events hosted at McGregor Hall.

According to the study, the majority of this spending is associated with the emergence of Henderson as a destination for regional dance competitions. Each of these dance events brings thousands of visitors from states across the southeast for weekend-long competitions.

Ultimately, this weekend of travel means the dancers, their family members and supporters boost the local economy by purchasing hotel accommodations, meals, entertainment and more.

McGregor Hall also hosts a number of local performances, touring Broadway productions, musical and comedy acts, social events and more.

As part of their study notes, researchers indicated that the relationship between McGregor Hall, Vance County and the City of Henderson should be “one in which funding the theater is a key component of the county and city economic development, tourism and cultural budgets.”

Currently, McGregor Hall is operated through private funding and does not receive financial support from the City or County.

“To my knowledge, McGregor Hall is the only venue of that size – 1,000 seat category – that does not receive city or county support or have a connection with an educational institution,” Hopper stated.

In fact, Hopper said the arts center is “writing the book” on operating without public funding.

“Most of the colleagues we have in the industry are surprised we are able to make a go at it the way we are. Most facilities have their staffing, and many have a significant portion of their facility, covered by public funds.”

Hopper is hopeful that study results will help pave the way for future funding discussions.

“We feel like we can make an even bigger contribution economically if we are able to staff adequately,” said Hopper. “We want to expand our programming to where it needs to be to have the full impact of a real world-class venue.”

To hear Hopper’s Town Talk interview in its entirety, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.

City of Henderson Logo

Town Talk: Henderson City Manager Announces Retirement Date – 07/09/19

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

Following Monday night’s Henderson City Council meeting, City Manager Frank Frazier spoke with WIZS on his upcoming retirement from the City of Henderson.

“I’ve been with the City for almost 35 years and I figured it was probably a good time for me to retire,” said Frazier.

With a month-to-month contract extension approved by the Council, Frazier said his retirement date is currently set for the end of January 2020. Prior to the extension, Frazier’s annual contract was set to expire at the end of July.

In the six month interim, Frazier said he will be working with the Council and with Mayor Eddie Ellington to select a successor.

Ellington had this to say, in part, about Frazier’s retirement:

“We are at a significant moment for the City of Henderson. Frank Frazier and I started just a few months shy of each other, with myself as mayor and him city manager. I am pleased with what we have accomplished in our years together, but there is still work that must be carried out for the betterment of our city. The most important is finding the right person to succeed Mr. Frazier. This is a charge that I must lead, for this is our future and I know the citizens of Henderson share my concerns.”

Frazier, who said he never imagined that he would one day be city manager, said his years with the City have been time well-spent.

“I’ve been very fortunate to work for the City and have thoroughly enjoyed my time here.”

To hear Frazier’s Town Talk interview in its entirety, including discussion on the City Manager’s report as presented at Monday night’s meeting, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.

Town Talk: Granville Co. Summer Leadership Interns On Air – 07/08/19

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

Four of the five student interns in the Granville County Board of Commissioners’ Summer Civic Leadership Program were on Monday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss their experiences.

The interns were joined by Charla Duncan, management analyst for Granville County Government. Duncan provided background information on the program and expressed her pride in the interns’ accomplishments and work ethic.

Interns for 2019 include rising high school seniors Brooklyn Pridgeon of Oxford, a student at J.F. Webb High School; Anthony Goreman of Oxford, a home-schooled student; and Tanaura Harrison, Sarah Elliott and Akoya Penny-Campbell, all of Creedmoor, who are students of Granville Early College High School.

The five-week program, which began on June 13, allows the interns to rotate through various Granville County departments to learn more about general government, human services, public safety and community services.

“It’s been really interesting learning a lot about the government and how it works,” Goreman said.

Harrison and Penny-Campbell echoed that sentiment and said they were introduced to the program through their guidance counselor at Granville Early College High School.

Pridgeon said she was initially interested in the internship because it coincided with her future career goals. “I want to be a social worker when I grow up, so I said, ‘hey, why not do something that can get me some experience in the field?’”

Elliott was unavailable for the Town Talk interview.

Upon completion of the program, each participating student will receive educational assistance in the amount of $1,400.

To hear the interview with the interns in its entirety, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.

Town Talk 07/03/19

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

Town Talk: Rescue Squad Chief Carpunky Provides Water Safety Tips – 07/02/19

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

With scorching hot temperatures and the July 4th holiday upon us, many local residents are planning activities at a lake, beach or a swimming pool.

Vance County Rescue Squad Chief Doyle Carpunky was on Tuesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the best ways to stay safe in and around the water this summer.

“The biggest things are to wear a life jacket, never go swimming alone and be mindful of designated swimming areas and weather conditions,” said Carpunky.

For more safety tips from the National Safety Council, click here.

To hear the interview with Carpunky in its entirety, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.

 

Henderson Fire Dept

Town Talk: HFD’s Captain Edmonds Talks Fireworks Safety – 07/01/19

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

Lee Edmonds with the Henderson Fire Department was on Monday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss fireworks safety in light of July 4th celebrations.

Edmonds said his best advice is to leave fireworks to the professionals by planning to attend one of the many events taking place in the four-county area over the next few days.

In NC, many fireworks are illegal, including those that explode and project into the area. Even the few that are legal, including sparklers, can be an extreme fire and safety hazard, according to Edmonds.

“Sparklers do burn very hot; water boils at 212 degrees and the tips of sparklers can reach 1,200 degrees.”

Legal fireworks include snake and glow worms, smoke devices, snappers, string poppers and wire sparklers.

For more safety tips from the National Safety Council, click here.

To hear the interview with Edmonds in its entirety, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.

 

Town Talk 06/28/19

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

Town Talk: Blue Collie Coffee Provides Job Opportunities for Disabled – 06/27/19

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

Paige Sayles, co-owner of Blue Collie Coffee, was on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the nonprofit coffee shop.

Located at 106 N Main Street in Louisburg, the coffee shop provides employment opportunities for community members with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Blue Collie currently employs six local residents that have been with the shop since Sayles and husband Al first opened the store in May 2017.

“We started looking around, found a coffee shop that had been closed for two-and-a-half years, did the renovations, started hiring, went to coffee school…and here we are two years later,” said Sayles.

Featuring Hillsborough’s Joe Van Gogh Coffee, tea, baked goods and more, Sayles said the shop is proud to serve most of its offerings from NC-based business owners.

Hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.; closed on Sunday. The shop will be closed the week of July 4th and will reopen on Monday, July 8, 2019.

To hear the Town Talk interview with Paige Sayles in its entirety, including information on the Z.B. Collie Foundation, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday – Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

 

Vance County NC

Town Talk: H-V Economic Development, Coop. Extension Updates – 06/26/19

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

Dennis Jarvis, director of Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission, and Turner Pride, county extension director with Vance Co. Cooperative Extension, were the guests of honor on Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk.

Jarvis and Pride discussed current news and events related to their respective organizations, including an upcoming H-V Chamber-sponsored Business After Hours. Scheduled for Thursday, June 27, 2019, Chamber members and their guests are invited to enjoy food catered by Next Door Bistro, door prizes and live entertainment by local group The Cabin Pickers, featuring Jimmy Barrier.

Hosted by Vance County Economic Development and NC Cooperative Extension, the event will be held from 5:30 until 7 p.m. at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market located at 210 Southpark Dr. in Henderson.

To hear the Town Talk interview with Dennis Jarvis and Turner Pride in its entirety, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday – Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.

 

 

 

Town Talk: Hedrick Discusses Retirement, 21 Years With VCS – 06/25/19

100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

Terri Hedrick, public information officer for Vance County Schools, was on Tuesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to announce her upcoming retirement from the school system.

Hired by VCS in 1998, Hedrick will retire Monday, July 1, 2019, with 21-years of service.

A native of Wilson County and a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, Hedrick has called Vance County home for the past 40 years.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time living in Vance County and working here,” Hedrick said.

Prior to joining VCS, Hedrick served as marketing director for Maria Parham Hospital. Hedrick also spent 15 years at what was then known as The Henderson Daily Dispatch as a reporter and editor.

Hedrick has also represented VCS well on WIZS’ Vance County Schools news program that has most recently aired on Mondays. She is wished the very best and will be missed!

To hear the Town Talk interview with Terri Hedrick its entirety, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.