.

August 16: Lunch Break to Educate featuring presentation entitled “Chiropractic for Health & Wellness in the Small Business” by Dr. Brandon Taylor of Henderson Wellness Center. Event begins at 12:00 noon in the board room of the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce. For information or to RSVP, call the Chamber at 252-438-8414 or email info@hendersonvance.org.

August 25: Third “Meet Me in the Street” concert featuring “Steve Owens & Summertime”. Event will begin at 5:30 p.m. in Downtown Henderson along Breckenridge Street.

September 5: Chamber closed for Labor Day Holiday.

October 6: Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament at Henderson Country Club beginning with lunch at noon and shotgun start at 1 p.m. Sponsorships are available by calling the Chamber at 252-438-8414 or emailing info@hendersonvance.org.

October 14, 15 & 16: 15th Annual Show, Shine, Shag & Dine in Downtown Henderson. Sponsored by the Vance County Department of Tourism. Go to www.kerrlake-nc.com for more information.

November 5: Chamber and HPD Reverse Rafflle at Henderson Country Club beginning at 5:30 p.m.

November 24-25: Chamber offices closed for Thanksgiving Holiday.

December 9: Christmas With The Embers Concert in the Civic Center of VGCC. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and vendor booths as well as sponsorships are available. Tickets will be available in late October. Contact the Chamber for more information at 252-438-8414.

Upcoming Events

July/August 2016

2-3 4-5 6-7 Board Member Spotlight, Safety Awards, Lunch Break to Educate is August 16

Inside This Issue: Networking Lunch, Business After Hours & Ribbon Cuttings

School of Excellence, Leadership Program Graduates 13, FinalConcert is August 25

focusReverse Raffle Event Set

The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce along with the Henderson Police Department (HPD) are partnering to host a reverse raffle. The event will benefit a program serving local underprivileged children called “Shop With a Cop” along with the Chamber of Commerce and its efforts to help local business.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, November 5 and will be held at Henderson Country Club beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and include dinner for two and a chance at the $5,000 grand prize. Throughout the evening, guests will be given opportunities to bid on various silent auction items as well as two reserved tickets which will be auctioned toward the end of the ticket drawing. Three reserved tickets will also be raffled during the course of evening.

The “Shop With a Cop” activity will take place in December at which time members of the HPD will take local underprivileged children shopping with local retailers for Christmas. A certain dollar amount of the proceeds raised will be set aside for each participating child. “I’m so excited about this event and the good that we can do for the local community with the proceeds. The HPD is always anxious to do what we can to help children”, said Police Chief Marcus Barrow.

There are opportunities for local businesses to donate silent auction items, sponsor the event or help in other ways. Members of the HPD and Chamber staff and board of directors will be making community contacts in the very near future.

If you or your business would like to purchase tickets, dontate items or get more information, contact the HPD, Chamber board members or the Chamber office at 252-438-8414.

HPD/Chamber Partner to BenefitLocal Children & Business

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focus business briefs news to use

Twenty-nine rising sophomores in local high schools completed the Vance County School of Excellence program the week of June 6-10.

The School of Excellence is a summer enrichment leadership program designed to challenge participants to improve their communication skills, leadership abilities and to learn more about the Vance County business and educational communities.

The students who completed this summer’s program are shown at right. They include, front row from left, Kaniyia Holden, Breanna Harris, Miracle Chin, Nancy Duran, Tomesha Jefferson and Tashiana Davis. On the second row, from left, are Diamonds Marrow, Xavier Wilson, Dayon Thornton, Tim Jiang, Samantha Jackson, Kaitlyn Harris and Robert Susewell. Students on the third row, from left, include Deana Hawkins, Zach Williamson, Joi Dunston, Tar’Naja Thorpe, Laura Care, Gabriella Ventura, Jenny Boyd and Kendall Royster. On the back row, from left, are Jesse Sawyer, Thomas Whittacre, Holton Roberson, Jack Cheever, Antavious Mitchell, Matthew Munn and Ryan Stainback. Annie Wiggins is not pictured.

There were 12 students from Northern Vance and 11 students from Southern Vance in the program. Early College High School had three students to participate, while Crossroads Christian School had two students and Kerr-Vance Academy had one student.

Other photos are of students at Keats Point Farm on N.C./Va. state line on their team building day, visiting Duke Energy on Raleigh Road and observing a K-9 demonstration at Henderson Police Department.

Walmart Distribution Center #6091 again sponsored this year’s program. The program is presented through a partnership by Vance-Granville Community College, the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce and Vance County Schools.

We would like to thank the many local businesses who supported and made possible this year’s program. They include: Rebuilding Hope Inc., Chick-fil-A of Henderson, Keats Point Farm, Duke Energy, Ardagh, Inc., Walmart DC #6091, Carolina Country Snacks, Greystone Quarry, Satterwhite Point Marina, the Vance County 911 Center, the Henderson Police Department and McGregor Hall.

School of Excellence Has 29 Participants

13 Complete Leadership ProgramThe Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce announced it will have thirteen graduates from its annual Leadership Vance program. Leadership Vance is designed to create a group of informed and dedicated leaders who will contribute to the community. The

program is organized into twelve sessions which began on February 16 with an orientation breakfast at Vance-Granville Community College and will conclude on August 2 with a graduation ceremony and dinner at Henderson Country Club. 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, media, criminal justice and law. Their final session was held on June 28 with the Judiciary, Criminal Justice and Law session.

As their community service project, this year’s class has decided to “Pay it Forward” by sponsoring two individuals that want to participant but don’t have the funding to do so. “They wanted to afford someone else the opportunity to gain the knowledge and education that they had experienced through this program,” said Director of Membership Services Annette Roberson. Individuals will apply for the scholarship and the application will then be voted on by the Class of 2016 which provided the scholarship funding.

The class will celebrate with a graducation dinner at Henderson Country Club on Tuesday, August 2. Each participant will receive a certificate for completing the five-month course and will view a pictorial presentation of the highlights and memories made during their five months together. Please see Leadership, page 3

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focuschamber events happenings

WELCOMENew Members

Carolina CarpetJohn Faucette

1603 Parham StreetHenderson, NC 27536Phone: 252-431-2013FAX: 252-438-7708

www.carolinacarpet.net

Family Medicine and RehabDr. Maqsood Ahmed, Owner

1302 Dabney DriveHenderson, NC 27536

Phone: 919-679-2600 EXT 5502Fax: 252-572-2736

Website: www.fmrcclinics.com

Gang Free Inc.Melissa Elliott

940 County Home RoadHenderson, NC 27536Phone: 252-598-0067

Email: melissaelliott@gangfreeinc.orgwww.gangfreeinc.org

Harris Beverages, LLCJoe Lidowski

3505 Hillsborough RoadDurham, NC 27705

Phone: 919-383-8555Email jlidowski@harrisbud.com

www.harrisbud.com

Rose Safe Community TransitRosetta Taylor

697 Beck AvenueHenderson, NC 27536Phone: 252-572-2949

Taqueria PonceAlejandra Ponce

219 S. Garnett StreetHenderson, NC 27536Phone: 252-430-3130

www.taqueriaponce.com

Last Concert is August 25thThe Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce will host the last concert of the 2016 “Meet Me in the Street” series on

Thursday, August 25th.Charles Boyd Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, GMC, Inc., Prim Residential & Rentals and Toyota Scion of Henderson are our Presenting

Sponsors for the three concert series of 2016 marking the sixteenth season for these popular events.The third and final concert of the season will feature “Steve Owens & Summertime”. A band with a beach music focus and chart-

topping songs since their start in 2011, Summertime presents a mix of Carolina Beach Music, soul and rock-n-roll.Sponsors for this years concert series are: Charles Boyd Chevrolet,

Cadillac, Buick, GMC, Inc., Prim Residential & Rentals and Toyota Scion of Henderson - Presenting Sponsors; Duke Energy, Maria Parham Medical Center and Waste Industries - Gold Sponsors; BB&T, CenturyLink, Mars Petcare, Wake Electric Membership Corporation and Walmart DC #6091 - Silver Sponsors; and Express Employment Professionals, AA Self Storage, Document Systems, Inc. and Satterwhite Point Marina - Bronze Sponsors.

Contributing sponsors are Franklin Brothers Nursery & Greenhouse,

Kerr Lake Cornhole & Vinyl Graphics, Sam’s Club, Servpro, Sheetz and Woodforest Bank. Media Sponsors are WIZS 1450 AM , The Daily Dispatch and WLUS 98.3 FM.

All concerts are free to the public and are held at the corner of North Garnett and Breckenridge Streets from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m. For more information, contact the Chamber at 438-8414 or annette@hendersonvance.org.

Pictured at the Henderson Police Department, participants in this year’s class include: Jon Anderson, Market President, BB&T; William Clements, Criminal Justice Program Head, VGCC; David Cooper, Jr., Assistant Principal, Vance County Schools; Yolanda Cunningham, Assistant General Manager, Walmart DC; Anthony Henderson, Deacon-Elect/Youth Counselor, Spring Street Missionary Baptist Church; Floyd Johnson, CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central NC; Paige Pernell, Assistant Finance Director, Vance County; Ashley Parrish, Transportation Coordinator, KARTS; David Pitman, Jr., Community Services Sergeant, City of Henderson Police Department; Javier Plummer, Director, Vance County EMS; Keith Reed, Director Facilities Services, Maria Parham Medical Center; Kristen Smiley, Manager, AA Self Storage – Henderson; Margier White, Owner/Agent, State Farm.

LEADERSHIPFrom Page 2

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ribbon cuttings grand openingsfocus

Thank You to our Chamber Champions

The Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce is again offering sponsorship opportunities through the 2016 Chamber Pinnacle Program. It offers member businesses the opportunity to make a one-time annual investment that will allow them maximum publicity and exposure throughout the year at Chamber events and programs. If your company is interested in

taking advantage of this opportunity, please contact President John Barnes and see what this program can do for you.

Chamber Partners

Chamber Patron and Chamber Advocate

Membership Networking Lunch PlannedThe Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce Membership Committee is planning a member/potential member networking lunch

for Thursday, October 13.This new event has been created to offer members and potential new members the opportunity to network and make new contacts

for their businesses. The lunch will be held at Henderson Country Club beginning at noon and ending promptly at 1 p.m. A brief informative session will be given on a pertinent topic for the time period (i.e. changes in employment laws, taxes, property ordinances, etc.). One main sponsor will be secured for each of these lunches and the sponsorship will entitle the business to a 5 minute “infomercial” about their business and what it has to offer. They will also be allowed to place business materials at each place setting on the tables and to have a promotions table set up at the event. Main sponsor for the October event is Henderson Wellness Center and Dr. Brandon Taylor.

Two additional smaller sponsorships will also be offered allowing for a 2 minute “infomercial” of their business and marketing materials to be placed at each place setting. Attendees should bring business cards to put into our drawing from which 3 cards will be drawn. Those drawn will be the Business of the Month for November, December or January. There will also be a feature story done on each of the three businesses in our Focus Newsletter and the Business Outlook Tabloid.

Cost for lunch will be $20 per person for members and $25 per person for non-members.These events will be held quarterly for now but if well attended and received by local businesses, the committee will consider

expanding them to monthly. If you have interest in the October event, please contact the Chamber at 252-438-8414 or by email at Annette@hendersonvance.org.

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ribbon cuttings grand openings focus

On Wednesday, May 25, Benchmark Community Bank held a grand opening and ribbon cutting celebration at its new office on Graham Avenue across from Ribeyes Steakhouse. With the help of the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce and representatives from Benchmark’s headquarters, Vice President and Business Banker, Kim Jordan, officially cut the ribbon and welcomed chamber members, Henderson officials, and area businesses.

The Henderson location is Benchmark’s second in North Carolina. In 2014, an office specializing in real estate loans was opened in Wake Forest. After a very successful first year, both the staff and the focus at that office were expanded. The decision to add a separate location in Henderson to serve the business community here quickly followed.

Although its physical presence in North Carolina is new, Benchmark has been helping North Carolina residents and businesses with their borrowing needs for many years. Established in 1971 in Lunenburg County, Virginia, the bank expanded into southernmost central Virginia starting in the late 1980’s with South Hill. Folks from across the border were among the early customers there. The Clarksville loan office opened in 1998 and saw an influx of North Carolinians seeking loans to buy or build on lake property. Then, in 2004 when a loan office was opened in South Boston, a number of Roxboro area residents were added to the client mix. With the establishment of full-service branches in each place, and the advent of Internet Banking, many North Carolina customers chose to open deposit accounts as well. Jordan is an experienced business banker who has been deeply involved with the Henderson community for a number of years. Her expertise is in developing financial strategies that give businesses an edge in a highly competitive commercial world. She invites potential new clients to come talk with her. To learn more about Kim and Benchmark, visit www.bcbonline.com/nc or call 252-436-0051.

Benchmark Hosts Grand Opening

YMCA Highlights RenovationsThe Henderson Family YMCA held a Business After Hours including a ribbon cutting and open house on Tuesday, June 21

to showcase their newly renovated pool area. YMCA Board members, friends, Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington, Vance County Commissioner Terry Garrison, other local dignitaries, business leaders, and chamber staff were there to join in the celebration.

After being closed for nearly eight months, the Henderson Family YMCA celebrated the much anticipated re-opening of its swimming pool, spa, sauna, steam room, locker rooms and nursery facility. “After having over 10,000 square feet of our facility opened to the heavens, it is wonderful to see blue water in the pool rather than scaffolding, construction debris, rain and snow” said Paul Ross, the YMCA’s CEO.

Since its opening in February of 1990, the YMCA has been a cornerstone of community life in Henderson and surrounding areas. As one of the smallest communities in the United States to offer a full service YMCA, the Henderson area benefits from it’s services and programs which promote youth development, healthy living and social responsibility for all.

Emilee Johnson, Board Chair of the Henderson Family YMCA, told the crowd in attendance, “The Y is awesome! We are thrilled to have the entire pool area and locker rooms open again. This renovation was necessary to ensure the facility would be available to our community for years to come. It has been exciting to see the pool filled with energetic kids, swimming lessons, lap swimmers, and water aerobics. This project was a success because of the dedication of the Y staff, the understanding and patience of the Y members, and the generous support of the community, Thank you to everyone who

Please see YMCA, page 6

Phil Hight is the founder and CEO of Engine Masters Outdoor Power Equipment and MyEngineMasters.com. Hight, 46, oversees the strategic direction of the Henderson, North Carolina based company. Engine Masters Outdoor Power Equipment is one of the fastest growing power equipment companies in the country. EngineMasters’openeditsfirstretailfacilityinHenderson,NorthCarolinainJulyof2013featuringHusqvarnaproducts exclusively. This market had been dominated by major power equipment companies representing industry leading brands for decades. However, due to the combination of partnering with the Husqvarna Group and Engine Masters’ focus on providing superior customer service, all that changed. As a result, Husqvarna is now one of the leading brands represented not only in the Henderson market but in surrounding counties as well. In March of 2016,EngineMastersopeneditssecondretaillocationinWakeForest,NorthCarolinaagainfeaturingHusqvarnaproducts exclusively. This state-of-the-art facility features the latest Husqvarna displays and products and brings the feeling of the outdoors inside with AstroTurf and a life-like tree sculpture. This store is following in the footsteps of itspredecessorwithrapidgrowth,satisfiedcustomers,andcontrolofmarketshare.InAprilof2016,EngineMastersacquired a new facility that will support the growing internet division, MyEngineMasters.com. This distribution center willassistinthefurthergrowthofthisdivisionandwentonlineinJuneof2016. Before Engine Masters, Phil Hight was a member of law enforcement. Throughout his distinguished career, he served as a Patrol Division Supervisor and in various other areas including Criminal Investigations Division, Career CriminalApprehensionTeam,BurglaryTaskForce,andSelectiveEnforcement. He is married to Kim Hight and has two daughters, Haley and Madison. He enjoys travelling and spending time withhisfamily.HebecameamemberoftheHenderson-VanceCountyChamberBoardofDirectorsinJanuaryandis active in his community in other ways. He believes it’s important to support local community needs including food drives, Toys for Tots, and drug addiction and abuse centers. He also received the Human Relations Service Award for outstanding service to the community.

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member news chamber briefsfocusBoard Member Spotlight

Phillip A. HightFounder & CEO

had a part in making this happen.”After opening remarks from HVCC president, John Barnes, Henderson Mayor Ellington, Vance County Commissioner Terry Garrison,

YMCA Board Chair, Emilee Johnson and CEO, Paul Ross, the ribbon was cut and the festivities began. This Business After Hours Networking event was well attended and was a wonderful opportunity to make new business connections and learn more about the impact of the YMCA on the Henderson and Vance County region. Attendees enjoyed plenty of good food, good fun and great friends!

The Chamber’s Business After Hours receptions are designed to provide the organization’s members and other business attendees with the chance to network with area business leaders and to develop new potential client contacts. The receptions provide members with a means to gain exposure for their business or organization.

If you are interested in hosting a BAH or having a ribbon cutting, please contact Annette Roberson at the Chamber office at 252-438-8414.

YMCAFrom Page 5

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Locals Receive Safety AwardsOn Thursday, June 2, the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce and the Granville County Chamber of Commerce in co-

operation with the North Carolina Department of Labor hosted the 2016 Safety Banquet for businesses in Vance and Granville Counties. The banquet was held at Henderson Country Club.

North Carolina Commissioner of Labor, Cherie Berry addressed the crowd of approx-imately 50 industrial business owners and employees before handing out the awards. In her address, Commissioner Berry discussed legislation concerning various aspects of workplace safety.

Local employers and their employees were recognized with awards for maintaining exceptionally safe working conditions for an extended period of time during 2015.

Criteria for Silver Awards are rate of days away from work must be at least 50% below the industry average. Winners for first year were Altec Industries, Creedmor Manufactur-ing Division and Clayton Homes of Oxford. Winner for second consecutive year was Gate Precast Company.

Criteria for Gold Awards include rate of days away from work and job transfer or restriction at least 50% below the industry average. Winners in this category were: First year - Carefusion; Carolina Sunrock LLC, Butner Equipment Shop and Maintenance; Carolina Sunrock LLC, Butner Quarry; Carolina Sun-rock LLC, Contracting Division; Granville Vance Public Health - Vance County Health Department; Greystone concrete products, Inc.; and Product Recovery Management, Inc.

Second consecutive year Gold winners were Carolina Sunrock, LLC, Corporate Headquarters; Carolina Sunrock, LLC, Muirhead Dis-tribution Center (MDC); County of Vance, Maintenance & Courthouse Security; EW Gladden Plumbing & Piping, LLC; Granville Vance Public Health - Granville County Health Department. Third consecutive year winners were Carolina Sunrock, LLC, Interhaul Transporta-tion; Carolina Sunrock, LLC, Operations and Development Center; County of Vance, Administrative Services.

Other winners were: Fourth consecutive year - Certain Teed, Saint Gobain, and Kennametal, Inc.; Fifth consecutive year - Carolina Sunrock, LLC, Woodsdale Quarry, County of Vance, Public Safety Administration, County of Vance Social Services Field Employees; Sixth consecutive year - BFS Industries, Inc., Carolina Sunrock, LLC, Kittrell Quarry; Ninth consecutive year - Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions, Vulcan Construction Materials LP, Mideast Division - Greystone Quarry; Thirteenth consecutive year - Glen Raven, Inc., Cus-tom Fabrics, LLC - Norlina Division; Eighteenth consecutive year - International Paper Company, Ridgeway Chip Mill.

Million-Hour Awards representing 1 million hours or multiples thereof, with no lost time accidents went to Altec Industries, Creed-moor Manufacturing Division with one million hours from March 12, 2015 to December 17, 2015, Glen Raven, Inc. with one million hours from January 19, 2012 through May 28, 2015, and Gate Precast Company with two million hours from May 19, 2009 through July 29, 2015

The Chamber would like to congratulate each of these businesses on their outstanding accomplishments.

Lunch Break to Educate Is August 16The Henderson Vance Chamber’s Busines Growth & Development Committee has scheduled the next Lunch & Learn event for

Tuesday, August 16.This educational session will feature speaker Dr. Brandon Taylor of Henderson Wellness Center who will present “Chiropractic 101:

Secrets to Staying Young for the Small Business”. Learn how to define and apply staying young through practical every-day routines. See how the chiropractic lifestyle can improve

your employees’ qulity of life and equip them to achieve their goals through prevention and early intervention, maintaining mobility and function, reducing absenteeism and improving productivity in your small business.

To RSVP for this event, please contact the Chamber at 252-438-8414 or email info@hendersonvance.org.

Henderson-Vance county cHamber of commerce, Inc.414 S. Garnett Street, PO Box 1302, Henderson, NC 27536

PHONE: 252.438.8414 FAX: 252.492.8989 www.hendersonvance.org chamber@hendersonvance.org

2016 CHAMBER OFFICERSLarry Mathiot ChairSusan Rogers First Vice-ChairTBA Second Vice-ChairMel Manning TreasurerTanya Evans Immediate Past Chair

The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce rep-resents the interests of the business community in those matters that affect the ability of local businesses to prosper and grow,

and the ability of Henderson and Vance County to attract new businesses.

mIssIon statement

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2016-2018Jon Anderson BB&TBrian Boyd Charles Boyd Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, GMC, Inc. Tammy Care Maria Parham Medical CenterPhil Hart DataforgePhillip Hight Engine MastersLarry Mathiot CenturyLinkHal Muetzel Express Employment ProfessionalsChip Watkins Rose Oil Company

CHAMBER STAFF John Barnes PresidentAnnette Roberson Director of Membership Services Melanie Mann Office ManagerVanessa Jones Work First CoordinatorSheri Jones Director of Communications

2016 CHAMBER AMBASSADORSMichael Bobbitt IndividualKevin Bullock WIZS 1450AMGina DeMent Cardinal Innovations Healthcare SolutionsCheryl Elman Dave Elman Hypnosis InstituteShannon Gwynn West Hills Veterinary CenterFreda Hawley Walmart Distribution Center #6091Julia Langston Henderson Family YMCATonya Moore KARTSCourtney Morgan Henderson Wellness CenterClareese Moss ShortcakesPam Norwood Magnolia Management, LLCJoan Robinson Kittrell Job Corps CenterKimberly Robinson Rosemyr Corporation/AA Self StorageVal Short Triangle North Healthcare FoundationSandra Wilkerson Charles Boyd Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, GMC, Inc.

EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS Gordon Wilder Chair, Vance County Board of CommissionerssStuart Litvin Director, Vance County Economic Development CommissionPhil Hart Chair, Henderson-Vance Downtown Development CommissionDr. Stelfanie Williams President, Vance-Granville Community CollegeEddie Ellington Mayor, City of HendersonDr. Anthony Jackson Superintendent, Vance County SchoolsMarcus Barrow Chief, Henderson Police DepartmentBrian Sinotte President/CEO, Maria Parham Medical CenterPaul Ross Executive Director, Henderson Family YMCA

2014-2016Gina Dement Cardinal Innovations Healthcare SolutionsDwight Frazier Carolina Country SnacksKim Jordan Benchmark Community Bank

QUICK PRINTOF HENDERSON, INC.416DabneyDriveHenderson,NC27536

Phone:252-492-8905Fax:252-492-4443

www.QuickPrint.biz

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2015-2017Dr. Angela Ballentine Vance-Granville Community College Joe Hannah Walmart Distribution Center #6091Fred Keller Wake Electric Membership CorporationSusan Rogers Chick-fil-AThomas Shaw Vance County Farm BureauPaco Tello Mars PetcareNancy Wykle The Daily Dispatch