ChamberNewsletterVolume 72, Issue 4 December 19, 2017

717 Main StreetNorth Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659

(336) 838-8662www.wilkesnc.org

By TERRIE STACKHOUSEWilkes Chamber Chairman

Wow! I can’t believe this year has gone by so quickly. The Christ-mas season is upon us. I love this special time of year as the down-town businesses, shops, restau-rants, churches, and homes are beautifully decorated for the hol-idays. There are so many fun and festive things to do. I love all the Christmas music and cantatas, Christmas plays and holiday gath-erings with lots of great food and fellowship.

The annual Wilkes County Christmas Parade is always a fa-vorite among all ages. This year’s parade theme was “Christmas Past… Christmas Future.” It was wonderful to see so many church-es, businesses, schools, marching bands, and other organizations participate with beautiful deco-rative fl oats in the parade. You all made this year’s parade extra special!

Many thanks to all the folks who came out to watch the pa-rade, shop, and dine with our lo-cal businesses. Your continued support in shopping and dining locally truly has a positive impact on our economy here in Wilkes. Thank you, everyone!

As this year is quickly coming to a close, I want to say that it has been both an honor and a privi-lege to serve as your 2017 Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Chair. I would like to sincerely thank all of the Cham-ber members for your continued investment in growing our com-munity. I especially appreciate the hard work, dedication, and the wonderful support of the Chamber staff, the board of directors and the executive committee.

Our Chamber is very blessed to have so many active community-minded leaders on board. This year has been a very rewarding experience. Serving as chair has allowed me to grow both person-ally and professionally. I have en-joyed meeting lots of new people, lending my support to existing businesses and welcoming new businesses into our wonderful community.

This year the Chamber adopted a vision statement : “Be a catalyst for economic growth and sustain-ability for our members through advocacy, education and com-munity involvement.” You have a Chamber that you can count on!

Most importantly, Christmas is that special time of year when we get together with families and

Chairman takes a look back at 2017

TERRIE STACKHOUSEChamber Chairman

See CHAIRMAN, Page 4See UTA, Page 4

By LINDA CHEEKWilkes Chamber of Commerce President

Joining the Wilkes Cham-ber of Commerce in 2018 is one of the wis-est decisions you will

make for your business or industry. Investing in your chamber will provide instant access to one of the largest business networks available regionally. Your chamber is the strongest, most active business advocacy organi-zation in the county, with a professional staff of top com-municators, marketers, con-nectors and supporters serv-ing Wilkes County.

Dedicated to our investor’s growth and prosperity, your chamber can help grow your business, connect you to lead-ers and legislators, and provide valuable savings on benefi ts and services. Explore the fol-lowing opportunities and dis-

cover the many advantages of belonging to this influential organization.

• Connect with a network of more than 550 Wilkes busi-nesses and industries;

• Gain a greater presence through chamber marketing: www.WilkesChamber.com, www.ExploreWilkes.com, www.Livability.com, social media, Chamber Connection, Chamber Newsletter, Livabil-ity Wilkes magazine, refer-rals, media marketing part-nerships and Chamber spon-sorship opportunities;

• Build relationships at-tending committee meetings, monthly held business after and before hours, ribbon cut-tings and open houses, annual meeting, Chamber Night at Mer-lefest and Chamber Foundation Golf Tournament;

• Enhance your company’s leadership skills by participat-

ing in Leadership Wilkes and Wilkes Women in Leadership;

• Help to increase the overall community’s brand and image.

Your Chamber benefi ts include:

• Referrals;• Business credibility;• Increased visibility with

website inclusions, Livabili-ty Wilkes magazine printed and online business directory, Chamber Newsletter, Chamber Connection e-newsletter;

• Free or discounted news-paper and radio marketing;

• Hot deals and job posting at no charge;

• Ribbon cuttings and pro-motion of open houses;

• Social media marketing;• Networking and relation-

ship building opportunities;• F irst Benef its Insur-

ance discounted worker’s compensation;

• I nvest ment i s a t a x deduction.

What does investing mean for your business?

• New business contacts;• Products and services

marketing;• H e a l t h y e c o n o m y

investment;• Advocacy for a strong busi-

ness climate;• Increased knowledge of

your community;• Visibility heightened;• Education support;• Increased global exposure;• P r o fe s s i o n a l s k i l l s

enhancement.As you begin planning for

the new year, make a wise de-cision that can affect your year of success by investing in the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce. Contact the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce today for details at 336-838-8662.

Make a wise business decision in new year

Ask about our BUSINESS SERVICE 973-3103 • wilkes.net

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INVEST IN YOUR BUSINESS by joining the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce in 2018.

U nited Teens in Action (UTA) started with a simple question: What would you do to make Wilkes better?

In 2007 Linda Cheek, Wilkes Chamber of Commerce president, met with Steven Laws, the Wilkes County Schools super-intendent at that time, and Director of De-velopment Dennis Huggins to discuss her vision of having a Youth Leadership group. The thought was to develop an education-al series similar to the Chamber’s adult leadership program, Leadership Wilkes. After discussing the possibilities, a deci-sion was made to begin a youth leadership curriculum involving 11th-grade students representing each of the four high schools and Early College. The Wilkes Chamber Foundation, the 501(c)(3) nonprofi t arm of the Chamber, has been the fi nancial supporter of UTA from the beginning. A few years later, Wilkes Communications also became a supporter and actively in-volved, making it a big part of their com-munity outreach.

Ten years later we celebrate over 200 of Wilkes County’s most committed, pas-sionate, creative, driven, and altruistic students answering the very same ques-tion—“What would they do to make Wilkes better?” Through the decade, these young

people have not only gained a greater un-derstanding of their Wilkes community, but have exponentially changed it as well. From the collective build of a house with Habitat for Humanity to the facilitation of

a student-read mentorship initiative, the United Teens In Action have emerged as a powerful group of active change mak-

Celebrating 10 years United Teens in Action is a youth leadership program

funded by the Wilkes Chamber Foundation

Next to Lowes FoodsWilkesboro

336-667-2257www.brandjewelrync.com

2 • Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • December 19, 2017

Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Inc.

2017 Board of DirectorsOffi cers

Name Title Company

Terrie Stackhouse Chair 2017 Carolina Realty Inc.

Shane Gebauer Chair Elect 2018 Brushy Mountain Bee Farm Inc.

Brent West Past Chair Tyson Foods Inc.

Shane Gebauer Treasurer Brushy Mountain Bee Farm Inc.

Charles Johnson Assistant Treasurer United Country-Johnson Realty

Chad Treadway VP Ambassadors/Membership Cube Creative Design

Mark Byrd VP Education Wilkes County Board of Education

Landon House VP Leadership Wilkes Carolina West Wireless

Jody Call VP Youth Leadership Wilkes Communications Inc.

Laurie Brintle-Jarvis VP Small Business Assistance Wilkes Community College

Julia Turpin VP Tourism/Quality of Life Wilkes County Public Library

Chris Robinson VP Workforce Development Wilkes Community College

Nancy Call VP Wilkes Women in Leadership Lowe’s Companies Inc.

Jimmy Flythe Executive Committee at Large Duke Energy

Greg Edwards Executive Committee at Large Great State Bank

Directors

Mark Byrd 2017 Board Member Wilkes County Board of Education

Dr. Jeffrey Cox 2017 Board Member Wilkes Community College

Chris Robinson 2017 Board Member Wilkes Community College

Scotti Stevens 2017 Board Member Samaritan's Purse-North American Projects

Brent West 2017 Board Member Tyson Foods Inc.

Nancy Call 2018 Board Member Lowe's Companies Inc.

Scott Cranston 2018 Board Member LP- Roaring River

Shane Gebauer 2018 Board Member Brushy Mountain Bee Farm Inc.

Jude O'Sullivan 2018 Board Member Carolina West Wireless

Terri Stackhouse 2018 Board Member Carolina Realty Inc.

Chad Treadway 2018 Board Member Cube Creative Design

Vanya Baker 2019 Board Member Wilkes Regional Medical Center

Laurie Brintle-Jarvis 2019 Board Member Wilkes Community College

Jody Call 2019 Board Member Wilkes Communications Inc.

Gary Daemer 2019 Board Member InfusionPoints LLC

Matt Reese 2019 Board Member Rose Glen Village

Julia Turpin 2019 Board Member Wilkes County Public Library

Ex-Offi cio

Victor Varela Mayor Town of Ronda

Robert Johnson Mayor Town of North Wilkesboro

Mike Inscore Mayor Town of Wilkesboro

Larry South Town Manager Town of North Wilkesboro

Kenneth Noland Town Manager Town of Wilkesboro

John Yates County Manager County of Wilkes

Greg Minton County Commissioner-Chair County of Wilkes

Dan Little President Wilkes Economic Development

Chamber Staff

Linda Cheek President Wilkes Chamber of Commerce

Terrian Carter Membership Director Wilkes Chamber of Commerce

Ashley Barton Marketing, Comm. & Events Dir. Wilkes Chamber of Commerce

Lynn Dyer Offi ce Manager Wilkes Chamber of Commerce

NWNC Visitors Center

Stacy Dunn Travel Specialist Wilkes Chamber of Commerce

Hunter Jolly Travel Specialist Wilkes Chamber of Commerce

Bill Luck Travel Specialist Wilkes Chamber of Commerce

Kathy Luck Travel Specialist Wilkes Chamber of Commerce

Ella Rhodes Volunteer Coordinator Wilkes Chamber of Commerce

William Rhodes Volunteer Coordinator Wilkes Chamber of Commerce

Donna Wood Travel Specialist Wilkes Chamber of Commerce

Social media statsWilkes Chamber of

Commerce Facebook Page

Page L ikes ................. 1,883New L ikes ....................... 52Explore Wilkes

Facebook Page

Page L ikes .................... 926New L ikes ..........................9

Twitter

Tweets ........................7,773Followers ................... 1,261Following ...................... 891Pinterest

Following ...................... 235Followers ...................... 189

Craig LangstonFinancial Advisor

126 Executive DriveSuite 240Wilkesboro, NC 28697Bus. 336-818-1678Cell 336-466-9111 Fax 855-842-6223craig.langston@edwardjones.comwww.edwardjones.com

Make the right impression, right from the start, with elegant wedding invitations.

Pick from one of our books, or design your own.

Wedding Invitations • Response Cards Reception Cards • Place Cards

Thank You Notes • Ceremony Programs

INVITATIONS

❧❧

---Carter-Hubbard Publishing CompanyPublishers of Wilkes Journal-Patriot

711 Main Street, North Wilkesboro

336-838-4117

336-667-7129

Casual fi ne dining in a relaxed atmosphereReservations

(336) 903-1166Open Tuesday-Saturday

5 p.m.-9:30 p.m.North Wilkesboro, N.C.

Austin Balf—Allstate Agency1802 U.S. Hwy. 421Wilkesboro, N.C. 28697(336) 838-8382

Brushy Mountain Powersports4641 West Highway 421Wilkesboro, N.C. 28697(336) 973-3325

Key City Antique Mall & Shops502 Main StreetNorth Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659(336) 990-0711

Marvin’s Garage Doors8249 Hwy. 421 WestWilkesboro, N.C. 28697(336) 973-4001

Solace Behavioral Health1234 School StreetWilkesboro, N.C. 28697(336) 818-4411

Stardust Farm and Vineyards966 Cherry Grove RoadMoravian Falls, N.C. 28654(336) 469-8325

The Boro Bistro & Bakery532 Main StreetNorth Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659(336) 990-9532

Uncle Charlie’s Slot Car Racing, LLC1207 Central Street Unit 1AWilkesboro, N.C. 28697(336) 262-7391

Wilkes Living Magazine1226 School StreetWilkesboro, N.C. 28697(336) 990-0160

Wilkes Playmakers, Inc.300 D StreetNorth Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659(336) 838-7529

Wilkesboro Main, LLC15647 Donnington DriveCharlotte, N.C. 28277(336) 416-0729

Welcome to our new members

LEADERSHIP WILKES 2017 graduates are, front row, left to right, Mara Lynn Tugman, Wilkes County Pub-lic Library; Stacie Taylor, Wilkes Community College (WCC); Terrian Carter, Wilkes Chamber of Commerce; Caroline Whitson, Wilkes YMCA; Dawn Pennington, Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care; Phillip Williams, Avante of Wilkesboro; Rich Voisinet, InterFlex Group; and Jeremy Godfrey, InterFlex Group. On the second row are David Carson, Wilkes County Sheriff’s Offi ce; Laurie Brintle-Jarvis, WCC; Matthew Stamper, Carolina West Wireless; Blair Hancock, WCC; Michael Baldwin, Carolina West Wireless; Tiger Posey, CIS of Northwest North Carolina; Adam Foster, RiverStreet Productions; Jarrett Barker, WCC; Curt Miller, WCC; Morgan Mathis, Wilkes County Board of Education; Johnny O’Connell, WCC; Robin Keller, WCC; David Mc-Clure, McClure CPA-PA; April Payne, L-P of Roaring River; Landon House, Wilkes Chamber of Commerce vice president for leadership, Carolina West Wireless; Jessica Walsh, InterFlex Group; and Ronald Dollyhite, WCC.

Wilkes Women in Lead-ership, a Wilkes Chamber empowering women lead-ers program, meet for their quarterly event on Dec. 7. The evening was spon-sored by Jimmie Johnson Heating and Air (www.jim-miejohnsonair.com) and The Pink Pair Boutique (www.thepinkpair.com) and hosted at the Wilkes Art Gallery. Raffaldini Vineyard & Winery and Copper Barrel sponsored delicious beverages.

The theme focused on “Story of You” was in-troduced by Nancy Call, Lowe’s Companies and vice president of Wilkes Women in Leadership. Guest speaker Margaret Martine, who grew up in an art household, shared her exciting, adventurous, and colorful story.

Margaret, the daugh-ter of the late Edith Cart-er—who was a true his-torian and land preserva-

tion advocate—current-ly operates Whippoorwill Academy located in Fer-guson. Whippoorwill Vil-lage is a collection of old

North Carolina buildings that have been saved, and restored.

For more information visit their website atw-

ww.whippoorwillacade-my.com. Margaret states, “Come visit us. We grew up making memories here. It’s your turn now.”

‘The Story of You’ is focus of Wilkes Women in Leadership meeting

Ashley Barton has been named the new di-rector of marketing, com-munications and event planning for the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce.

Barton is a Wilkes County native who has returned after living away from Wilkes for a decade. She brings with her ex-perience in marketing, web design and graphic design.

Currently a student at Appalachian State Uni-versity, Barton is work-ing toward a Bachelor of Science degree in Com-munication Studies and will graduate in May 2018.

“I am excited to work with the Wilkes Cham-ber of Commerce to grow business in the place I

love and call home,” Bar-ton said. “Wilkes County has so much to offer to businesses and its resi-dents; I hope to spread the news of what makes Wilkes County such a spe-cial place to improve our community for years to come.”

Barton joins Chamber staff asmarketing director

ASHLEY BARTON

WILKES WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP’S quarterly meeting was held Dec. 7.

My name is Bradley Shu-mate and I am a Wilkes Community College gradu-ate who wishes to pursue a career in law.

I have three wonderful half-siblings, who motivate me to be a better man every day than the day before. I often fall short of that lofty

goal, but it pushes me for-ward in an increasingly complicated world. My ide-alistic dream is to one day write a novel that people will read versus put on their bookshelf to gather dust.

I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to aid and learn from the Cham-

ber of Commerce and of-fer any experience I have to the cause of providing to the citizenry of Wilkes County. I have spent my en-tire life in this county and I wish to see it fl ourish and show its remarkable char-acter and integrity to the surrounding counties.

Shumate is Chamber intern

BRADLEY SHUMATE

Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • December 19, 2017 • 3

Prearranged Funeral PlanningCemetery and MausoleumGrief Recovery Services

MonumentsFloral Arrangements Laminated Obituaries

www.reinssturdivant.com

Changing how you live, not where you live.

FREE TRIAL VISITYou choose the days and hours that best suit your needs!

Mondaythrough

Friday6:00 AM

to6:00 PM

North Wilkesboro 336-667-2541

Medicaidand VAApproved

Adult Day Care provides a safe environment for adults who can’t safely stay at home by themselves during the day while their family goes to work, runs errands, or simply takes a break.

An affordable alternative to in-home care, assisted living, or nursing home care.

Choose the days and hours that best suit your needs.

Shana Williams, Sharp Business Sys-tems; Chad Treadway, Cube Creative Inc.; Greta Ferguson, Wilkes Circles of Care Inc.;

Callie Walker, Callie Walker-Greene Re-

altor, Ward & Ward Properties; Andrew Holland, NCWorks Career Center Wilkes; and Chris Eckard, NCWorks Career Cen-ter Wilkes.

Chamber Ambassadors listed

The Northwest N.C. Visitor Center has been in operation since October 2009.

Since the Center opened, over 400,000 travelers have been served and visitor in-formation provided on the Northwest N.C. region. Located on Highway 421, this Visi-tor Center has increased the public’s aware-ness of accommodations, restaurants, re-tail stores, orchards, vineyards and dis-tillers, museums, festivals and events, and the many tourism attractions located in Wilkes and the surrounding counties.

The NWNC Visitor Center is open to the public 361 days of the year. It is managed by the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce and staffed by part-time employees and sev-eral Wilkes County volunteer citizens.

THE NORTHWEST N.C. VISITOR CENTER STAFF includes Bill Rhodes, Ella Rhodes, Stacy Dunn, Hunter Jolly, Donna Wood, Bill Luck and Kathy Luck.

Visitor Center provides info on Wilkes

As a business owner, it is a known fact that things do not come easy, nor are they handed to you. You must work for what you have—the Chamber of Commerce is the same way. You must work what the Chamber has to offer. You must be an involved member, ask questions, and voice your opinions on what you want out of your Chamber.

Pull ideas from other Chambers to make our Chamber of Commerce the most benefi cial to our community. The Chamber offers networking events,

ribbon-cutting, marketing opportunities and more for your business and your personnel. The Chamber is an outlet to get custom-ers, clients, tourists and business partners con-nected with your busi-ness. Tourists and poten-tial new businesses stop into Chambers across the nation to pick up informa-tion about the local com-munity businesses, local retail and more.

T he Ch a m ber h a s helped me personally become more involved with what is going on in the county. They have al-

lowed us at the Wilkes Art Gallery to market our-selves to other venues and get our name out there to the appropriate business-es and tourists. I have at-tended the tourism meet-ings that the Chamber has to offer, for free, and learned about the many local attractions Wilkes County has to offer.

If I was not involved, I would be unaware of the remarkable things the county has to offer.

Felisha DaemerGrant AdministratorWilkes Art Gallery

Nonprofi t sees involvement in membership benefi cial

13 Bones Ribs Steaks Seafood, A&J Rental, A-1 Self Storage, Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership, Store #C1298, Adagio Vineyards LLC, Advantage Restaurant Equip-ment & Supply, Albert Brown Electric Inc., American Cancer Society, AmeriSouth Mort-gage Company, Michael J. Andreski, DDS, Anytime Fitness, Appalachian Lumber Com-pany, Inc., Applefi eld Realtors, Arnold Lakey;

Atlantic Auction Service LLC, AV Mov-ing Solutions, B&R Service Inc., Ball & Ball Enterprises Inc., Basic Finance Inc., Baya-da Home Health Care, BB&T, BB&T Scott & Stringfellow LLC, Belk #0233, Best Images Signs, Beth Bond Interiors, Blair Properties LLC, Blue Ridge Housing of Wilkesboro LLC, Blue Ridge Mountain Club;

Bojangles #629, Brame Huie Pharmacy, Bridal Traditions, Bright Tree Service LLC, Brushy Mountain Bee Farm Inc., Brushy Mountain Ruritan Club, Brushy Mountain Smokehouse & Creamery, Brushy Mtn. Den-tal—Chris Roberts, DDS, Terry Bumgarner, Bumgarner Services Inc., Burger King—North Wilkesboro, Cagney’s Kitchen of Wilkes-boro, Call Family Distillers LLC, Conley Call;

Camp Harrison—Herring Ridge, Camp-bell Roofi ng, Canteen Vending, CAPT—Child Abuse Prevention Team, Cardinal Glass Industries Inc., Carla Cooksey Financial Services, Carolina Realty of Wilkes Inc., Carousel Café;

Cavu Printing Inc., Children’s Hope Al-liance, City Florist & Greenhouses, Copper Barrel Distillery, Cornerstone Creations, County of Wilkes, Covington Way Apart-ments, Craftmaster Furniture Inc., Creekside Communications Inc., Crossroads Harley-Da-

vidson, C.S. Forester Benefi ts Group-Chuck Forester, Cutting Edge Lawn & Landscape;

DAVHENCO Inc., Lynn Day, D’Moser Trav-el, Double Time Music Inc., Dreams and Kit-estrings Inc., Drew Poff Counseling, Duncan Insurance LLC, Dwight Phillips Auto Sales Inc., Ebenezer Christian Children’s Home;

Eckerd Youth Alternatives Inc., Edward Jones-Sam Morrison, Financial Advisor, Empire Chevrolet Buick, EyeCare Center, Farm Bureau Insurance—Wilkesboro, Faw Insurance Agency Inc., Finley Properties LLC, First National Bank—North Wilkesboro, First National Bank—Wilkesboro, Fleet Mas-ter Inc., Foothills Auto Spa, Foothills Sanita-tion & Recycling Inc., Forbes Printing, Frog Holler Cabins;

Frontier Natural Gas, G&B Energy, Gard-ner Glass Products, Great State Bank, Green 2 Go LLC, Hardee’s of Wilkesboro, Vaughn Hayes, Haynes Insulation, Haynes Lawn Care Inc., Herbal Innovations LLC, Holistic Medical Clinic of the Carolinas, Home In-stead Senior Care, Homes of Wilkes—Debo Cornett, Huffman Brothers Construction, Dennis Huggins, Jan Huggins;

Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital, Im-pact Collision Center Inc., InfusionPoints LLC, Interconnect Products & Services, InterFlex Group, Isom Ham Design Group, PA, J. Martin Productions Inc., JAG Publish-ing Inc., James R. Vannoy & Sons Const. Co. Inc., James River Equipment, Jefferson Landing Club;

Jimmie Johnson Air & Heat, Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home, Robert John-son, Jones von Drehle Vineyards, Keller Electric Company Inc., Kestrel Management

Corporation, W.A. Lankford Company, Laurel Ridge Camp, Conference and Retreat Center;

Law Offi ce of Justin M. Dingee PLLC, Law Offices of Timothy D. Welborn, PA, Leading to Change Inc., Life Store Insur-ance & Mortgage, LifeSkillz Martial Arts, Dan Little, Lowe’s Motel, Lowe’s Technical Services, LP—Louisiana Pacifi c Corporation, Magicvaper, Main Street Marketing;

Mary Kay—Holly Tedder, Independent Sales Director, Mayhew, Scheffl er, Hard-away & Conn Orthodon, MBI Builders LLC, McClure, CPA PA, McDonald’s, McDonald’s (N.C. Hwy. 18), McLean Floorcoverings, Don-na McNeil, Mike McNeil, McNeill Nissan of Wilkesboro, Meadows Mills Inc., MECI & As-sociates Inc., MenaRick Vineyard & Winery LLC, MHS Technologies, Michael’s Jewelry, Mike’s Body Shop;

Miller Bee Supply Inc., Millers Creek Pharmacy, Moravian Falls Campground & Cabins, Mother Earth Foods & Spirits Inc., Mountain Health Solutions, Mountain Val-ley Hospice & Palliative Care, Mountain View Apartments, Myers Tire Inc., Dr. Gary C. Nash, OD, NCWorks Career Center, New River RHA Health Services;

Nichole’s Hair Salon and Day Spa, North Carolina Mountain Investments, Nor th Wilkesboro Dermatology, North Wilkes-boro Rotary Club, Northwest Automotive LLC, Northwest General Insurance Agency LLC, Northwestern Regional Housing Au-thority, Oakwoods Grocery, Offi ce Furni-ture Concepts Inc., On Premise Solutions LLC, Peek-A-Boo’s Pet Sitting LLC, Perry Lowe Orchards;

Piedmont Dental Associates, Piedmont

Federal Savings Bank, Piedmont Hema-tology Oncology & Associates, Piedmont Triad Computer Consulting Inc., Portante Clan Construction LLC, PPG Industries Inc., Precision Printing, Premier Restoration of N.C., Project Lazarus, Pruitt Health Hospice;

PSG Custom Fabrication LLC, PSI—Pen-care Specialty Interiors, Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery LLC, RCD Constructions Inc., Re/Max Impact Realty, Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home, Rid-A-Bug, RiverStreet Productions, Roaring River Vineyards LLC, Robert Handy Camping Center Inc., Rose Glen Village, S & J Septic Pumping & Rent-A-Jon;

SAFE—Sheltered Aide to Families in Emergencies, Salem Foot Care, PA, Sa-maritan’s Purse—North American Projects, Scenic Memorial Gardens, SCORE, Sedge-wick Homes LLC, Sharp Business Systems, Shephard’s Heating & Air Conditioning Inc., Sherwin-Williams Company, Chris Shew;

Bradford C. Shinaman, DDS PA, Shumate Appraiser Service, Sky Retreat, Southeast-ern Cars & Parts, Specialty Car Company Inc., Spectrum Hospitality Management, Ter-rie Stackhouse—Realtor, State Employees Credit Union, State Farm Insurance—Burns, Larry & Diane Stone, Stroud-Miller Insurance Service Inc., Subway of Wilkesboro, Susan Whittington, CLU ChFC, Dr. Sandra Swarin-gen, Talentforce;

Ted’s Famous Kickin’ Chicken, The Health Foundation Inc., The Pink Pair Boutique, The Reserves Network Inc., The Tribune, Tilley’s Auto Sales LLC, Toby Outdoor LLC, Tony Huff-man Insurance Inc., Town of Ronda, Town of Wilkesboro, Triplette Lumber Co., Two Riv-ers Cinemas Stadium 6, Tyson Foods Inc.,

United Country—Johnson Realty LLC, United Healthcare-Baynes Insurance, US Cellular, Valley Radiology Associates, PA, Vannoy & Lankford Plumbing Inc.;

Vannoy, Colvard, Triplett & Vannoy PLLC, VFW Post 1142 Campground, Villages of Wilkes Skilled Care, Villages of Wilkes Tra-ditional Living, Wake Forest Baptist Health—Internal Medicine, Wake Forest Baptist Hos-pice Care at Home, Wake Forest Baptist Health Wilkes Medical Center, Wake Forest Baptist Health Wilkes Medical Center Auxil-iary, The Walker Center;

Ward & Ward Properties LLC, Bill War-den, Waterhouse Studios, Westwood Hills Nursing and Rehab Center, Whippoorwill Vil-lage, Charles & Mary White, Wilcox Market-

ing Inc., Wilkes Art Gallery, Wilkes Circles of Care, Wilkes Communications Inc., Wilkes County Board of Education, Wilkes County CrimeStoppers Inc.;

Wilkes County Hardware Inc., Wilkes Express YMCA, Wilkes Family YMCA, Wilkes Farm & Garden Center, Wilkes Literacy, Wilkes Security, Wilkes Transportation Au-thority, Wilkes Vocational Services Inc., Wilkesboro Fire Department, Willardson Law Frim, William F. Lipscomb, Attorney at Law;

Window World of the Foothills, Window World Inc., Woodfi eld Oaks Apartments LLC, Worldwide Protective Products, Yadkin River Greenway Council, Yadkin Valley Gymnastic Academy and Yadtel Publishing.

110% membership investors are listed

The following renewed their Chamber memberships as of Sept. 19, 2017.

Document Imaging Solutions, Annie’s Travel, Anytime… Anyway, Anytime Fitness, Arnold Lakey, Applefield Realtors, B&R Service Inc., Barnes & Barnes, CPA, BB&T, Benson, Blevins & Associates, PLLC, Best Image Signs, Beth Bond Interiors, Blue Ridge Housing of Wilkesboro LLC, Bright Tree Service LLC, Browse About Book Ex-change, Burger King—North Wilkesboro, Carolina Farm Credit;

Children’s Hope Alliance, Teana Com-peau, County of Wilkes, C.S. Forester Ben-efits Group—Chuck Forester, DHHS Vo-cational Rehabilitation Services, Edward Jones—Sam Morrison, Financial Advisor, First National Bank—North Wilkesboro, First National Bank—Wilkesboro, Frontier Natural Gas, Gardner Glass Products, Great State Bank, Hampton Inn Wilkesboro;

Hardee’s of Wilkesboro, Hospitality House, Ivy Ridge Traditions LLC, J Martin Productions Inc., James River Equipment, Robert Johnson, Jones von Drehle Vineyards LLC, Kestrel Management Corporation, Key City Condo Homeowners Association, Law Offi ce of Justin M. Dingee, PLLC;

Lowe’s Technical Services, MHS Technol-ogies, Dr. Gary C. Nash, OD, North Wilkes-boro Dermatology, Northwest General Insur-ance Agency, Offi ce Furniture Concepts Inc., On Premise Solutions LLC, Peek-A-Boo’s Pet Sitting LLC, Phillips Tire Service Inc., Pied-mont Federal, Piedmont Hematology Oncol-ogy & Associates, Project Lazarus;

PSG Custom Fabrication LLC, RCD Con-struction Inc., Re/Max Impact Realty, Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home, Robert F. Ricketts, DDS, Rid-A Bug, Roaring River Vineyards LLC, S&J Septic Pumping and Rent-A-Jon, SAFE—Sheltered Aide to Families in Emer-

gencies, Salem Foot Care, PA;Scott Church Land Surveying PLLC,

Sedgewick Homes LLC, Shepherd Mason-ry Inc., Sherrill Faw Realty LLC, Bradford C. Shinaman, DDS PA, Stroud-Miller Insurance Service Inc., Ted’s Famous Kickin’ Chicken, The Health Foundation Inc., The Reserves Network, Tim Harrold’s Empire Chrysler Jeep Dodge;

Town of Nor th Wilkesboro, Town of Wilkesboro, Two Rivers Cinemas Stadium 6, Vannoy & Lankford Plumbing Inc., Van-noy, Colvard, Triplett & Vannoy PLLC, Wag-gles Pet Supply and Dog Wash LLC, Wake Forest Baptist Health—Internal Medicine;

Western Carolina Electrical Supply Co., Westwood Hills Nursing and Rehab, Wilkes Communications Inc., Wilkes County Board of Education, Wilkes County Hardware Inc., Wilkes Economic Development Corporation, Wilkes Public Health Dental Clinic;

Wilkes Vocational Services Inc., Wilkes-boro Tourism Development Authority, Wil-lardson Law Firm, Window World Inc. and Yadkin Valley Heritage Corridor.

Chamber of Commerce members renew their memberships

4 • Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • December 19, 2017

Chairmancontinued from Page 1

UTAcontinued from Page 1

BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAIN CLUB welcomed Blowing Rock, Boone, Caldwell, Ashe, Avery and Wilkes Chambers of Commerce to a “sneak peek” of their new amenity center at the October Business after Hours on Oct. 17. The after hours was held at the “Event Terrace” of the new Village Center. For the fi rst time, more than 300 Chamber members came together for a wonderful night of networking. An amazing spread of delicious foods and beverages was provided along with prize drawings donated by individual Chambers participating. Guests enjoyed the outdoor location featuring fi re pits, amazing views and live music. Blue Ridge Mountain Club has over 6,212 acres of river valley, creek beds, waterfalls, swimming holes and carriage trails, more stunning natural terrain. For more information about membership, real estate or amenities, please call 828-394-4146. Thank you to all of the members who came out to join in on the fun!

CAROLINA WEST WIRELESS sponsored the Chamber’s November Business after Hours on Oct. 16 at Oakwoods Country Club. Chamber attendees enjoyed a Mexican Fiesta themed night, catered by 6th & Main Restaurant. Mem-bers participating made multiple connections and were able to get plugged in with their local business community. Carolina West Wireless states they are proud to offer many of the same products and services as a national carrier, but with a local service and commitment level na-tional carriers rarely deliver. Commitment to customers and to the communities they serve are foundational cores for Carolina West Wire-less. The values they hold are refl ected in the way they do business, support the local com-munities, and serve their customers. For more information visit www.carolinawest.com. Go Stay Connected. Pictured from left are Shawna Mitchell, Jessica Walker and Jackie Mallory.

September’s Business After Hour with a… “Twist” was hosted by G&B Energy located at 2011 N.C. Highway 16 North, Wilkesboro. The Twist, two organizations—the Wilkes Cham-ber of Commerce and the Home Builders As-sociation of Wilkes & Yadkin County—came together on Sept. 21 from 5:30-7p.m. The eve-ning began with grilling demonstrations, fol-lowed by great food and beverages prepared on site. Members participated in business to business networking and relationship building while mingling inside & outside in a relaxed fun atmosphere. Numerous door prizes were given away during the event. “Get In Touch” with Anthony Sebastian and staff at 336-973-2411 for your premier energy supplier for fuel, heating, health’s, water heating, outdoor living and home upgrades.

THE WILKES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE held a grand opening/ribbon cutting Nov. 9 at 11 a.m. for The Boro Bistro & Bakery restaurant, owned & operated by Jimmy and Heather Forester and located at 532 Main Street in the heart of downtown North Wilkesboro. Hours of operation are Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and Satur-day 11 a.m.-3 p.m. They are closed Sunday and Monday. They serve lunch and fresh, made from scratch pas-tries, breads and other treats. Call 336-990-9532 or visit their Facebook page at The Boro Bistro & Bakery.

SOLACE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH was welcomed to the community and as a new investor with the Wilkes Cham-ber of Commerce at a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting on Dec. 8. Solace Behavioral Health is a compre-hensive psychiatric practice providing psychiatric medication management and counseling services for adults and children from 3-21 years old. Offi ce hours are Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m.-12 noon. Solace is accepting new patients. To schedule an initial evaluation or to gain more information on Solace Behavioral Health, visit their website at www.solacebehavioralhealth.com or call 336-818-4411.

friends to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who is the Greatest Gift of All. As we celebrate

our past traditions and create new ones along the way, it’s wonderful knowing that Jesus was “God with us” that fi rst Christmas Day and He is our Christmas Future, forever. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and blessings in the New Year.

ers that have created a legacy of service in Wilkes County.

“It has been an honor to serve as an originating partner with the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce, Wilkes County Schools, and Wilkes Communications,” said Eric Rowles, president of Leading to Change. We look forward to the next decade of youth leadership and service learning, while supporting a movement of transformative change with the young people of Wilkes County.

Over the 10 years, UTA has completed multiple service projects. In 2007-2008, 16 juniors participated in the fi rst year of UTA. Each year UTA creates a code which they agree to. The fi rst one in-cluded live for change, be cooperative, accept other opinions, respect and honor each other and yourself when talking/listening, be open to different and new ideas, smile, have fun, be mature, lead, have an opinion, do more than take up space, step up and step back, remember, we are all about changing our Wilkes (COW). These students come together as a group, putting aside any type of high school rivalry. They begin the pro-gram by fi rst building relations, learning about their community and discussing the needs and changes as they see them for their county.

While engaged the students are de-veloping interactive and personal lead-ership skills. As a part of the program, UTA students are challenged to partici-pate in community service projects. The projects are selected, planned, facilitat-ed and completed by the UTA students.

Some of the projects included “Big Read” which UTA students read to all the students in the elementary school and provided each student a book of their own to take home. They demonstrated as role models that reading is fun.

In spring of 2011, another project in-cluded volunteering to clean up Ronda Memorial Park by weeding, mulching, and planting fl owers, painting picnic area and tables. After the service projects,

UTA went to East Wilkes High School where they met Coach Harold Jones and James “Radio” Kennedy. ESPN did a special program and a movie has been made about the special relations between Coach and Radio.

In 2012, UTA had the “Not Forgotten” project in which they visited a nursing home and spent time with seniors who normally do not have visitors. Other proj-ects, “Field Day of Champions,” included transition from an elementary school to a middle school and what they can expect. “We Care” was a similar project where UTA students talked with at risk students about staying in school and high school was an opportunity to explore career paths, participate in intermural sports, band, art, chorus and other clubs.

On March 8, 2013, UTA, in conjunction with the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce, held an offi cial ribbon-cutting at North Wilkesboro Elementary school to kick off “Code Read.” Grant funds were also raised to provide exercise bikes where students could read and ride bikes at the same time, thus increasing reading fl uen-cy and comprehension while promoting exercise to reduce obesity. This project addressed two major problems in Wilkes County youth—literacy and obesity.

In 2014, “Create Your Own Charter” project allowed UTA to help elementary students feel comfortable in acting out skits and a fashion show. Students were allowed to pick out clothes donated by UTA students and community partners. The students picked out clothes and were allowed to keep them. The remainder of the clothes were given to schools to help students less fortunate.

In March, UTA’s project included “Spread the Luck” (held on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17) in which students visit-ed the new Rose Glen Manor’s Assisted Living and Memory Facility. Students spent some time with the residents played games, took pictures and had refreshments.

UTA is a partnered initiative of the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce and Wilkes County Schools, with training support provided by Eric Rowles with Leading To Change.