The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce

THE CHAMBER CHATTER

Issue 3 April Volume 4

Calendar of Events

April 21, 2011 5:30-7:00pmBusiness After HoursChoice Physical Therapy andChiropractic

April 27, 2011 12 noonAdministrative ProfessionalsDay Luncheon

April 28, 2011 1:30pmRibbon CuttingSubway & Encore!Consignments & More

May 6, 2011 2:00pmRibbon CuttingAsian House

May 10, 2011 8:30-10:00amBusiness AcademyPeople Make the DifferenceLife: The Great Balancing Act

May 12, 2011 5:30- 7:00pmBusiness After HoursCross Creek Country Club

May 26, 20115:30-7:00pmBusiness After HoursSurry Arts Council

Spring Clean Your Business!

It is the time of year to get rid of the winter blues. Get

re-invigorated and inspired! It can be infectious in your

business. Here are some things you might you can do

to gain a renewed enthusiasm for the season of growth and

new beginnings.

Clean out the clutter - Get Organized and get rid of all

those papers!

Goal check review - Remember all those New Year’s plans?

Computer review - Check integrity of backed up data,

upgrade software, start social networking.

Freshen up your marketing. Does your website, business

cards, or marketing material need to be touched up?

Update your list of products and services.

Write, update and practice your elevator speech.

Commit to attend networking functions.

Review Client agreements.

Can you form collaborative efforts?

Stay fresh with a new project idea!

What do you plan to do this Spring

to get your business budding?

CHAMBER UPCOMING EVENTS

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

April 21, 2011 Choice Physical Therapy and5:30-7:00pm Chiropractic

639 Independence BoulevardMount Airy, NC 27030

May 12, 2011 Cross Creek Country Club5:30- 7:00pm 1129 Greenhill Road

Mount Airy, NC 27030

May 26, 2011 Surry Arts Council5:30-7:00pm Andy Griffith Museum

218 Rockford StreetMount Airy, NC 27030

June 23, 2011 First Citizens Bank5:30-7:00pm 502 North Main Street

Mount Airy, NC 27030

July 29, 2011 Round Peak Vineyards5:30-7:00pm 765 Round Peak Church Road

Mount Airy, NC 27030

October 27, 2011 Pine State Marketing, Inc.5:30-7:00pm 219 Frederick Street

Mount Airy, NC 27030

November 17, 2011 Hampton Inn of Mount Airy5:30-7:00pm 2029 Rockford Street

Mount Airy, NC 27030

SEMINARS

May 10, 2011 Business Academy8:30-10:00AM People Make the Difference

Life: The Great Balancing ActPresented by Rich SchlentzHoliday Inn Express & SuitesMount Airy, NC 27030

June 14, 2011 Retention Strategies for Employees8:30 – 10:00AM Presented by Graham Dali, M. Ed., CHCM

Business Academy dates thru 2011July 12, 2011

August 9, 2011September 13, 2011

October 11, 2011November 8, 2011

MEETINGS/LUNCHEONS/ PROGRAMS

April 27, 2011 Administrative Professionals12noon lunch Day LuncheonPresentation & program 1129 Greenhill Road

Mount Airy, NC 27030

RIBBON CUTTINGS

April 28, 2011 Subway &1:30pm Encore! Consignments & More

Mayberry Plaza1130 South Main StreetMount Airy, NC 27030

May 6, 2011 Asian House2:00pm 2021 Rockford Street

Mount Airy, NC 27030

June 3, 2011 Carolina Ziplines Canopy Tour2:00pm 1085 Nickel Farm Road

Westfield, NC 27053

Please help us welcome our

NEW Chamber Members!

Yadkin Valley Living Magazine – Located at 1038 Ridgewood Trail East Bend, NC 27018. Phone 336-961-3407. Or Visit www.yadkinvalleyliving.com. Yadkin Valley Living Magazine is a regional lifestylepublication that continues to focus on all the positive aspects of the Yadkin Valley as it has since its in-ception in 2000.

With high quality editorial standards and values contributed by regional writers, the Yadkin Valley Living

Magazine creates a homey, comfortable reading style filled with inspiration and up-to-date information

on current topics. Yadkin Valley Living motivates and inspires readers through articles on real places,

real food, books, pets, kids, collections, decorating ideas, the Yadkin Valley wineries, music, crafts, res-

taurants, artisans, local heritage, festivals, gardening, health, holidays and real people with cutting edge

photography. North Carolina's Yadkin Valley is home to President John Norman and Editor and wife,

Barbara who built their home on the Norman Farm over 30 years ago. John and Barbara have learned

that it does not get any better than right in their own back yard.

Yadkin Valley Living Magazine1038 Ridgewood TrailEast Bend, NC 27018

336-961-3407www.yadkinvalleyliving.com

The Bluebird Dinner – Located at 244 North Main Street Mount Airy, NC 27030. Phone 336-783-0006.The Bluebird Diner was established in 1998 and is owned and operated by President, Scotty Newmanand Secretary Evelyn Newman. The Bluebird Diner is located next door to the Main Oak Emporium inthe 200 Block of historic downtown Mount Airy.The Bluebird Diner is open 11am – 5:30pm Monday -Tuesday, Thursday – Saturday and 12noon –4:00pm on Sunday…closed on Wednesday.Come hungry because the Blue Bird Diner specializes in homemade soups, sandwiches, dinner plates,salads, homemade desserts, and of course ice cream treats; a favorite stop for locals and tourists.

The Bluebird Dinner244 North Main StreetMount Airy, NC 27030

336-783-0006

The Tilley Group – Located at 432 Red Brush Road Mount Airy, NC 27030. Phone 336-789-1980. TheTilley Group was established in 2007 and is a marketing company that promotes businesses andevents. President of The Tilley Group is Kristin Tilley. Need some expertise and advice in promotingyour business or up coming event? Call The Tilley Group today and let them help you market you busi-ness or event!

The Tilley Group432 Red Brush RoadMount Airy, NC 27030

336-789-1980

NorthSide Group, LLC – Located at 401 South Main Street, Suite 200 Mount Airy, NC 27030.Phone336-783-9100 or visit www.northsidegroup.com.NorthSide Group (NSG), LLC, was formed in 2008 by the merger of two local financial firms owned andoperated by Carmen and Stan Smith. NorthSide Group was created to address and provide quality solu-tions to the financial challenges that face the citizens of Northwest North Carolina and Southern Virginia.Partner, Carmen S. Smith and Partner, Stan Smith have over twenty-five years of combined experiencein the area of Mortgage, Wealth Management, Investment, and Real Estate Services. Adopting a CLI-ENT FIRST attitude, Carmen, Stan, and their staff provide individuals, families and businesses genuineadvice and trustworthy services to achieve their goals. NorthSide Group staff includes Carmen and StanSmith, Sandi Tucker, Sandra Hankley, Edward Shockley, Kim Sumner and Lisa Jordan. NorthSideGroup, LLC……….for every stage of your life!

NorthSide Group, LLC401 South Main Street, Suite 200

Mount Airy, NC 27030336-783-9100

www.northsidegroup.com

Mid-Atlantic Lawn Service – Located at 430 North Main Street Dobson, NC 27017. Phone 336-386-4512 or cell 336-401-0481. President and Owner is Vance Vaughn. Mid-Atlantic Lawn Service was es-tablished in March 2000. Mid-Atlantic Lawn Service specializes in weekly Lawn and Grounds Mainte-nance, Lawn Sowing, Reseeding and Pesticide Application. Licensed and insured, Mid-Atlantic LawnService specializes in commercial and residential properties.Do the grounds surrounding your business lack the professional manicured look that other businesseshave? Does your neighbor’s yard look like soft green carpet and you wish yours did? Call Mid-AtlanticLawn Service and let Vance take a look and make some recommendations to give your business orhome some lush green curb appeal!

Mid-Atlantic Lawn Service430 North Main Street

Dobson, NC 27017336-386-4512336-401-0481

Simmons Insurance Agency, Inc. – Located at 534 South Key Street Pilot Mountain, NC 27041.Phone 336-368-5204 or fax 336-368-5869 or email Morganp@nationwide.com. President and PrincipalAgent is Pam Morgan. The business was originally established in 1973 and in 2001 became SimmonsInsurance Agency, Inc. Simmons Insurance Agency is a provider of auto, home, boat, RV, motorcycle,business, workers compensation and life insurance through Nationwide and other brokers. SimmonsInsurance Agency, Inc. is one of the most highly respected insurance companies in and around PilotMountain and has a wonderful working relationship with the local businesses and citizens. Call PamMorgan for advice on how insure everything that is important to you!

Simmons Insurance Agency, Inc.534 South Key Street

Pilot Mountain, NC 27041336-386-5204

Morganp2@nationwide.com

Diversified Auction Company, LLC – Located at 154 Rowe Lane Mount Airy, NC 27030. Phone 336-755-5000, fax 276-251-5128 or visitwww.diversifiedauctioncompany.com. Established in 2009 by owners; Dude Smith and Jimmy Munday,this duo has a strong background in business and passion to offer auctions that will interest everyoneincluding friends and family. Diversified Auction Company specializes in all types of auctions; fromheavy equipment and automobiles to complete estate and consignment auctions. Providing full conces-sions and an environment that everyone is sure to enjoy.Have something you need to sell or have something you are interested in buying? Diversified AuctionCompany maybe your answer….

Diversified Auction Company, LLC154 Rowe Lane

Mount Airy, NC 27030336-755-5000

www.diversifiedauctioncompany.com

Edwards & Associates, LLC – Located at 154 Renfro Street, Suite 210 Mount Airy, NC 27030. Phone336-786-1962 or mobile 336-401-6222. Visit www.edwardsandassociatesbackgroundcheck.com. Estab-lished in 1996 Edwards & Associates has helped thousands of businesses including non-profit and faith-based organizations meet their due diligence and regulatory requirements by providing trusted and ac-curate background checks. Edwards & Associates provides Criminal History reports including federaland state reports, Civil Legal History Reports, Credit History Reports, Federal & International InterestReports, Education Reports, Pre-Employment Screening, Employment Reports, Drug Testing HistoryReports and Motor Vehicle Reports. Edwards & Associates have over three thousand clients in forty-eight states, with proven track records that you and your organization can trust. Contact Edwards & As-sociates to set up a free telephone consultation with a representative that can help put together a back-ground check profile and plan that works for you.

Trusted…..AccurateEdwards & Associates, LLC

154 Renfro StreetSuite 210

Mount Airy, NC 27030336-786-1962

Mobile 336-401-6222www.edwardsandassociatesbackgroundchecks.com

Asian House ….Hibachi Buffet – Located at 2021 Rockford Street Mount Airy, NC 27030. Phone 336-789-9969. Owned and operated by Tony Chen, formerly China Buffett. The Asian House will feature aSushi Bar and eight individual Hibachi grill areas where the chefs will cook and prepare your order infront of you, plus a buffet area. The Asian House…Hibachi Buffett will feature a Brand New Menu, BrandNew Look and Brand New Atmosphere…..the Asian House hopes to be ready for a Ribbon Cutting bymid-April! We are looking forward to the Grand Opening of the Asian House…Hibachi Buffet!

Asian House….Hibachi Buffet2021 Rockford StreetMount Airy, NC 27030

336-789-9969

Honorary Associate Membership

Charles Dugger. Mr. Charles Dugger known by many because of dedication to this community and hisyears of service on boards of our local organizations, civic groups and business clubs. Mr. Dugger cur-rently serves and is an active member of the Mount Airy Rotary Club where he is the Sergeant of Arms.Mr. Dugger or called by many as Charlie was an active Chamber of Commerce Member for years andserved on the Board of Directors in some of the most formative years for our organization. Mr. Duggerwants to remain involved with the Chamber and we are delighted to have him back. Mr. Dugger is atreasure of knowledge, experience and wisdom that I hope he will share with all of us.

Charles Dugger744 Greenhill Road

Mount Airy, NC 27030

Welcome Renae!

We are excited to have RenaeFleming Andrews on board as ournew Accounting Manager for theGreater Mount Airy Chamber ofCommerce. Renae will assume allaccounting responsibilities for theChamber. Renae has twenty-sevenyears of accounting experience withRiverside Builders, ACME StoneCompany, Collins Chevrolet andformerly Bondurant & Rowe, CPAFirm.

Yvonne Nichols will continue her role at the Chamber asAutumn Leaves Festival Director.

Chamber Hosts “Academy Awards”

On Thursday March 24, 2011 The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce hosted the“Academy Awards” at Cross Creek Country Club. Duke Energy sponsored the AnnualAwards Luncheon that was attended by One hundred and five Chamber Members that gath-ered for a wonderful lunch, address from the special guest speaker; the seasoned and ac-complished television personality Rich Brenner, and the announcement and presentation ofthe Chamber’s Annual Awards.

The room was abuzz as Chamber Members made their way to their tables and seats; stop-ping to reminisce with local business colleagues, acknowledging friends and peers acrossthe room and making introductions with new contacts.

A total of eight winners had been selected from twenty five official categorical nominationsreceived earlier in the month. Various Chamber Committees were charged with the final se-lections that were announced at the luncheon. The committees had a very difficult task be-cause all nominees were considered winners by the committee members!

Chairman of the Board Gary Lawrence welcomed everyone to the “Academy Awards” andthe program began after lunch with special guest speaker Rich Brenner. Rich well known to all from his 21 years as ananchor for the 5, 6 and 10pm newscast at WGHP TV spoke of being a person of value and what it takes to become onewhether you are a sports figure or a leader in your community or company. A person of value is always positive and con-fident and those who chose to chase perfection will be able to catch excellence.With numerous quotes from business leaders and well renowned coaches Rich hammered home success is never easyor everyone would be successful. That you must do the little things that others aren’t willing to do. That you have to workhard and do what the opponent is not willing to do…work hard and stay focused and deserve victory! A theme that fitperfectly with the following announcements of the award winners.

LeeAnn Stokes, Vice President Surry County Economic Development Partnership announced the 2010 Small Businessof the Year award winner – WorkForce Carolina. The award was accepted by President, Teresa Lewis. This award wassponsored by the Surry County Economic Development Partnership, Inc.

Kevin Kimrey, Director Business & Industry Services for Surry Community College announced the 2010 OutstandingPublic Service Award winner – Chris Knopf, Assistant County Manager for Economic Development and Tourism SurryCounty Government. This award was sponsored by WorkForce Carolina. Chris accepted the award and was surprisedbecause he had no idea he had been nominated.

Jessica Icenhour, Mount Airy Tourism Director announced the 2010 Excellence in Travel & Tourism Award winner- Kenand Kari Gulaian, Round Peak Vineyards. This award was sponsored by the Mount Airy Tourism Development Authority.Ken was called out of town suddenly and his award will be presented to him soon.

Traci Hamilton, Director of Sales & Marketing for WorkForce Carolina announced the 2010 Ambassador of the YearAward winner – Tracy Webster, SouthData, Inc. This award was sponsored by Burke Robertson & Associates, Inc. Tracywas shocked and was without words.

Dennis Lowe, Chamber Chair-Elect and President of Lowe Consulting announced the 2010 Business Longevity Awardwinner – The North Carolina Granite Corporation. This award was accepted by President, William Swift. This award wassponsored by Barney’s Café.

Dennis Lowe, Chamber Chair-Elect, President of Lowe Consulting also announced the 2010 Green Business Award win-ner – Nester Hosiery, Inc. This award was accepted by Kelly Nester. This award was sponsored by Greene Finance/Specialty Gifts, LLC.

Doug Norman, General Director, International Division The North Carolina Granite Quarry announced the 2010 GreenBusiness Small Division Award winner – H & M Motors. This award was sponsored by the Business Development Com-mittee of the Chamber. Mike Hege, Owner of H & M Motors had called earlier and was unable to attend due to sickness.Mike’s award will be presented to him soon.

Jimmy Flythe - Director–East Region Government and Community Relations Duke Energy Carolinas announced the2010 Duke Energy Citizenship & Service Award winner - The Greater Mount Airy Ministry of Hospitality. Reverend PhilGoble accepted the award. This award was sponsored by Duke Energy.

Honoring our local leaders, businesses and organizations is a time for celebration! Receiving an awardcomes with a sense of accomplishment and pride, giving the winner credibility. The ultimate reward ishaving someone recognize your hard work and celebrating your success with you!

Congratulations to all the winners!

The following business and organizations were nominatedfor the above awards and are considered winners too!

Surrey Bank & TrustF. Rees Company

Creative Designs Flowers & GiftsRenfro Corporation

SouthData, Inc.Carolina Environmental Contracting, Inc.

CK TechnologiesSouthern Community Bank and Trust

(Dobson Branch)Pike Electric, Inc.

Century 21Homestead RealtyCrossroads Behavioral Healthcare

Leonard’s JewelersSurry Community College

Greater Mount Airy Habitat for HumanityMount Airy Junior Woman’s ClubNorthern Hospital of Surry County

Modern GardenersSurry County Parks & Recreation Special Olympics

ProgramSurry County Schools

Ken Gulaian, Round Peak Vineyards2010 Excellence in Travel & Tourism Award

SponsoredMount Airy Tourism Development Authority

Chris Knopf, Surry County Government2010 Outstanding Public Service Award

Sponsored byWorkForce Carolina

Tracy S. Webster, SouthData, Inc.2010 Ambassador of the Year Award

Sponsored byBurke Robertson & Associates

The Greater Mount Airy Ministry of Hospitality2010 Duke Energy Citizenship & Service Award

Sponsored byDuke Energy

WorkForce Carolina2010 Small Business of the Year Award

Sponsored bySurry County Economic Development Partnership

The North Carolina Granite Corporation2010 Business Longevity Award

Sponsored byBarney’s Café

Nester Hosiery, Inc.2010 Green Business Award

Sponsored byGreene Finance/Specialty Gifts, LLC

H&M Motors, Inc.2010 Green Business Small Division Award

Sponsored byBusiness Development Committee

Ribbon Cutting Held at the Greater Mount AiryArea Habitat for Humanity ReStore

On Friday March 5,2011 Mayor DeborahCochran, the GreaterMount Airy Area Habi-tat for Humanity Ex-ecutive Director LauraWharton along with theHabitat Staff and Habi-tat Board Members cutthe ribbon to the new22,000 square footReStore located at 813Merita Street in MountAiry.Mayor Cochran congratulated and thanked Habitat for making a difference in so many families’ livesby helping them to own a home. Mount Airy City Commissioner Steve Yokeley and County Commis-sioner Eddie Harris Chairman congratulated the Greater Mount Airy Area Habitat for Humanity Board,Staff and Volunteers on this awesome accomplishment and the difference Habitat has made in ourcommunity. Statements were made by Chairman of the Board Tonda Hall and other Habitat BoardMembers. Thirty One homes have been built for families in and around Surry County since the localHabitat was established some 18 years ago. The Greater Mount Airy Area Habitat for Humanity is nota hand out, they are a hand UP empowering families grow into all that God intends.

Over 100 Chamber Members and guests were in attendance to celebrate the official ribbon cutting andto tour the new ReStore. The large ReStore was filled with some wonderful new merchandise donatedfrom Andrew Pearson Designs, Ligna Furniture, Johnson Granite Inc. and from Lowe’s Troutman dis-tribution center. The new space is so expansive that it allows for a large warehouse where one canfind garden tubs, cabinets, sinks, toilets, screen and storm doors and room for the “build out” materialsto be stored on site.

Guests shopped the main sales floor where there was bedroom, dining room and living room furniture,new rugs and carpets, tables and lamps, art work, books and even decorative pots for landscaping. Asguests wandered through the store you could hear everyone chatting about the great selections. Manyhad their arms full as they made their way to the cash register with some deals where they weregreeted by the friendly ReStore Staff, who were equally excited about the new location and the addedsquare footage. The Greater Mount Airy Area Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a shopper’s paradiseand all proceeds go toward helping build more homes for deserving families in Surry County. OpenMonday – Friday 10am-6pm and Saturday 9am- 2pm.

For more information on getting involved, contact 336-789-4663 or email info@mountairyhabitat.org

Greater Mount Airy Area Habitatfor Humanity

ReStore813 Merita Street

Mount Airy, NC 27030

CHAMBER SURPRISE PATROL VISITS FARM BUREAU

The Chamber Surprise Patrol paid an un-announced visit to Farm Bureau Insur-ance on 942 West Pine Street Mount Airy,NC 27030 on Tuesday March 29th. TheSurprise Patrol arrived with severalChamber Ambassadors carrying Balloons,Cookies, and Fudge to say “Thank You”to Tim Hamlin and his staff for their con-tinued support of the Chamber. We weregreeted at the front desk by Janet Fulkand Betty Jackson, customer service rep-resentatives for the agency, who ex-plained that the entire staff was just finish-

ing up with a morning meeting. Agency Manager Tim Hamlin and Agents Kenneth Snow, MarkBender, Tim Lowe, Jo Lynn Johnson, and Associate Agent Susan Roberts greeted the Surprise Pa-trol and shared with us their individual backgrounds from law enforcement to experience with otherinsurance agencies. We were excited to be able to celebrate with the entire staff! The Chamber Sur-prise Patrol went out on the front porch of their beautiful office location on West Pine Street/highway89 to capture a few pictures.

The agencies original office opened in March of 1994 and moved to their current location on WestPine Street in December of 2006. There are 46 years of combined experience in the Hamlin Agencyto serve you with all your insurance needs. Farm Bureau works hard every day to maintain the finan-cial stability and strength to provide the security you need, when you need it most. Dedicated to pro-tecting what matters most, Farm Bureau - Tim Hamlin Agency puts the needs of each customer firstwith superior service. They are local people serving our local community!

Farm Bureau started in 1953 when Farm Bureau leaders were concerned by a lack of insurance cov-erage for farmers and rural communities in N.C. Today they have continued with the mission to pro-vide affordable insurance to members in all 100 counties in North Carolina. Farm Bureau has assetsof over $1 billion, and is an A.M. Best Company, Inc. with an A rating of excellence. In addition toHome, Life, Auto and Health insurance, Farm Bureau offers a wide array of other commercial, farm,crop, and personal liability policies as well as a variety of banking products.

Thank you to Tim Hamlin and his staff for sharing a few minutes of their morning with us! Stop in andlet Tim and his staff evaluate your insurance needs.

“Helping You is what we do best”

Farm Bureau942 West Pine StreetMount Airy, N.C. 27030336-789-5091 phone336-789-0344 faxEmail tim.hamlin@ncfbins.com

Chamber Surprise Patrol Visits Interstate Sign Co. Inc.

On Tuesday, April 5, 2011 The Chamber Surprise Patrol paid an unan-nounced visit to Interstate Sign Co. Inc. located at 1990 Rockford Street Mount Airy, NC. The ChamberSurprise Patrol met in the parking lot and went in as a group carrying balloons, a box of cookies and abox of fudge for the staff at Interstate Sign Co. The Chamber Surprise Patrol was greeted by President,Rick Shelton and Secretary & Treasurer, Steve Barnard. The Chamber Surprise Patrol explained thereason for the visit was to simply say, “Thank You” to Interstate Sign Co. for being a Chamber Member.

Rick and Steve allowed the Chamber Surprise Patrol to ask questions. They were asked about the com-mercial side of the sign business, who some of their customers were, what type industries did they spe-cialize in, what territory they cover, and what unusual sign regulations and experiences they have en-countered? Rick took the Chamber Surprise Patrol on a tour of the shop where the making of the actualsign is done. The group was able to see some of the steps involved in producing a sign and got to meetthe employees that actually make the signs. It was an informative and interesting visit that allowed theChamber Surprise Patrol to leave with a better understanding and appreciation of the sign manufactur-ing and installation industry.

Thank you Rick and Steve for taking time away from your busy morning and spending it with the Cham-ber Surprise Patrol. The tour of the warehouse and watching a sign being made was fascinating and wereally enjoyed meeting your employees!

Interstate Sign Co. Inc is the Total Image Solution when it comes to your image. The benefits of usingInterstate Sign Company for your project are the use of quality materials, complete site surveys, con-ceptual renderings, permit procurement and project management with a turn-key installation. We inviteyou to experience what we can do for you. We utilize state of the art equipment and experienced crafts-men to design, fabricate and install a wide array of signs. By emphasizing quality in our materials andthroughout the manufacturing process, Interstate Sign Company gets it customers noticed by providingtop quality signs that are as durable as they are beautiful.

Interstate Sign Co. Inc. President, Rick Shelton and Steve Barnard, Secretary/

More from InterstateSign Company!

Total Image Solution

Interstate Sign Co. Inc.1990 Rockford StreetMount Airy, NC 27030

336-789-3069

Video Works of North Carolina Hosts Chamber Business After Hours Event

Video Works of North Carolina Inc. , a full service videoproduction studio company located at 140 Franklin StreetMount Airy, NC. hosted a Chamber Business After Hoursevent on March 31, 2011 to a crowd of 75 Chamber mem-bers and guests. Stefanie Easter, Owner and Producer wel-comed guests and thanked everyone for attending. Theevent was catered by Little Richard’s Smokehouse BBQlocated at 455 Frederick Street in Mount Airy and VocalistMadame Weez entertained the crowd throughout the eve-ning. The production company was filled with fun and ex-citement as Chamber Members made new business con-nections and reestablished existing business relationships.The crowd thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful food, fellow-ship and entertainment.

Into the evening, Stefanie Easter introduced a NEW Venture between Video Works of North CarolinaInc. and Winding Creek Productions, CAT TV-NC (Community Access Television TV-NC). With sponsor-ships from local businesses and partnerships with investors large blocks of air time will be purchasedfrom Time Warner Cable, Piedmont Communications and Surry Television. The purpose of CAT TV-NC is to provide an affordable venue for local businesses to advertise with a community television spot-light where the public can share videos of local events, school plays, sporting events and more on a ca-ble TV station. The combined talents of Stefanie Easter, a creative video production professional and themarketing genius of Glenn Springthorpe, Winding Creek Designs is sure to produce unique and innova-tive marketing opportunities for local businesses while creating additional employment positions withinthe organization!

The launch of CAT TV- NC is very exciting for our community! CAT TV- NC is a local access televisionstation that will be carried on Time Warner (Channel 75), Piedmont Communications (Channel 17) andon Surry Television (Channel 14). The concept for the station is simple – to allow local residents theability to have their footage shown on television. If Johnny’s grandmother couldn’t make it to his tee-ballgame, his parents can record it (adhering to certain standards) and submit it to CAT TV-NC where it willair the video in several airtime blocks over the course of the week. The programming is to include; BeHealthy Segments, Business Spotlights, Local Plays, Local Government Meetings, High School Sports,Festivals and more! CAT TV-NC is proud to spotlight local businesses. Every evening during the week,a different local business will be spotlighted and given a half-hour segment. CAT TV-NC an affordablevenue for local businesses to advertise and a forum to share local events and news.For additional information contact Stefanie Easter or Glenn Springthorpe at 336-719-6957 or visitinfo@cattvnc.com.

Video Works of North Carolina, Inc.140 Franklin StreetMount Airy, NC 27030336-719-6957www.videoworksofnc.com

CAT TV-NC140 Franklin StreetMount Airy, NC 27030336-719-6957www.cattvnc.com

A Thank you from Johnson Granite, Inc.

Tanya,

We wanted to thank the Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce and its members forvisiting Johnson Granite, Inc. last month. We were delighted with the number ofbusiness owners and Chamber members who came to see our facility. We hopethat the showroom and fabrication tours were not only entertaining, but educa-tional. Please do not hesitate to let us know if we here at Johnson Granite,Inc. can be of any assistance. Also, make sure to keep us apprised of futurechamber events, so that we can continue to show our support for the localbusinesses in Mount Airy. We look forward to seeing you all again soon.

Thank you,

Jennifer Swanson

Johnson Granite, Inc.Phone: 336-719-2729 or 800-719-2729Fax: 336-719-0474www.johnsongraniteinc.com

Frank D. Smith, Jr., Executive Vice President of John S. Clark Company, LLC,announced today that Andrew Isenhour, PE, LEED AP and Shawn Godwin, LEED AP

have been hired to work in the Wilmington, North Carolina Division. As AssistantProject Manager, Andrew will be working Andrew Isenhour, PE, LEED AP on the

University of North Carolina at WilmingtonTeaching Laboratory project. As Estimator,Shawn will oversee all projects being bid out of the Wilmington division.

News Release

Federal Communications Commission Approves CenturyLink-Qwest MergerCompanies Expect to Complete the Transaction and Combine Operations on April 1

MONROE, La. and DENVER – The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today approved the pendingmerger between CenturyLink, Inc. (NYSE: CTL) and Qwest Communications (NYSE: Q).

During the review process by the FCC, the companies made several voluntary commitments that will signifi-cantly advance the commission’s goals of promoting infrastructure investment and expanding broadband avail-ability, while protecting consumers and fostering competition. CenturyLink committed to increase broadbandservice availability, encourage the adoption of broadband service in the combined service territory, preserve cer-tain competitive rates, and transition wholesale operations systems in a timely and orderly manner.

“We are pleased to receive the Commission’s approval and appreciate their hard work during the review of ourproposed transaction,” said Glen F. Post, III, chief executive officer and president of CenturyLink. “The mergerof CenturyLink and Qwest will bring greater broadband availability to customers and serves the public interestby allowing us to offer a wider variety of services than either company could offer alone.”

“The FCC’s approval solidifies our plan to complete the transaction on April 1,” said Edward A. Mueller, chair-man and chief executive officer of Qwest. “The combination of CenturyLink and Qwest will create a new forcein the telecommunications industry that will provide its customers with innovative solutions to meet the chal-lenges of tomorrow.”

The companies expect to close the merger and combine operations on April 1, 2011, subject to receipt of theremaining necessary regulatory approval. As previously announced, the combined company will use the nameCenturyLink and its stock will continue to trade on the New York Stock Exchange under CenturyLink’s currentsymbol, CTL. Qwest shares outstanding at the end of the business day immediately prior to the close date willconvert to CenturyLink shares on the close date at an exchange rate of 0.1664 share of CenturyLink for eachshare of Qwest.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

March 18, 2011 CenturyLink: Debra Peterson, 913-323-4881debra.d.peterson@centurylink.com

Qwest: Tom McMahon, 202-429-3106tom.mcmahon@qwest.com

Surry Telephone Joins with Verizon Wireless to Deliver4G LTE Mobile Broadband to Rural Areas

Dobson, N.C. – Piedmont Communications Services, Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of Surry Telephone MembershipCorporation, announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Verizon Wireless as part of Clear StreamCommunications, LLC. to participate in Verizon’s LTE (Long Term Evolution) in Rural America Program. Through thisprogram, Clear Stream customers will have access to a 4G LTE network, the state-of-the-art global standard for high-speed wireless data services.

Clear Stream Communications, LLC., composed of Piedmont Communications, SkyBest, Wilkes Telecommunications,and Carolina West Wireless, will lease Verizon Wireless’ 700 MHz upper C block wireless spectrum in the companies’service areas where Verizon Wireless has not already constructed wireless network facilities. Verizon Wireless andClear Stream will collaboratively build and operate a 4G LTE network using Clear Stream tower and backhaul assets andVerizon Wireless’ core 4G LTE equipment..

The consortium currently serves customers in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Watauga, Wilkes, Surry, Caldwell, Catawba,Burke and Alexander counties.

In addition to 4G LTE coverage in their local service area, Clear Stream customers will have access to Verizon Wireless’4G LTE network nationwide and those of other rural carriers in the program. Verizon Wireless customers also will beable to roam on 4G LTE networks built by program participants.

“Surry Telephone strives to bring the latest in telecommunications technology to our customers and this partnershipfor access to 4G technology is another step towards that goal,” said Surry’s Chief Executive Officer Curtis Taylor. “Thisconsortium represents the latest in a series of productive endeavors we have forged with Wilkes and Skyline to deliverstate-of-the-art services to the region. By working with Verizon, we can accelerate the deployment of 4G and bepoised to address the future needs of our customers.”

Construction of the 4G LTE network in Northwestern North Carolina will begin in 2012. Service will be widely availablethroughout the consortium’s footprint by the end of 2013.

The regional consortium is one of a handful of rural carriers who have announced their participation in the LTE in RuralAmerica Program. Other carriers--Bluegrass Cellular, Cellcom, Cross Wireless, Pioneer Cellular, Strata Networks andThumb Wireless--have leased spectrum covering, in total, more than 1.8 million people and nearly 58,000 square milesin Kentucky, Oklahoma, Michigan, Wisconsin and Utah."We are extremely pleased to have Clear Stream join the LTE in Rural America program. Together our companies willbe the first to offer a 4G LTE high- speed mobile data network in rural Northwestern North Carolina," said MollyFeldman, VP of Business Development for Verizon Wireless.Verizon Wireless launched its 4G LTE network last December in 38 markets, covering one-third of all Americans, and inmore than 60 commercial airports. The company will expand its 4G LTE network to an additional 140 markets by theend of 2011, and plans to cover its entire 3G footprint with 4G LTE by the end of 2013.

The 4G LTE network provides speeds up to 10 times faster than current 3G networks, making it the fastest mobile net-work in America for downloading songs and movies, video conferencing, multiplayer gaming and more.

Based in Dobson, Piedmont Communications Services, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Surry Telephone Member-ship Corporation, and provides a variety of telecommunications services. These range from basic dial tone services andenhanced calling features like Caller ID and Voice Mail to long-distance, broadband Internet, business systems, securitysystems and digital TV.

Release: Immediate Contacts: Dolores Quesenberry, (919) 733-0348Date: April 6, 2011 Neal O’Briant, (919) 715-3233

N.C. Department of Labor Warns Businesses About Poster Scams

The N.C. Department of Labor provides labor law posters free of charge to the public, but that has neverstopped private poster companies from trying to make a buck off businesses by threatening them withhuge fines. Be aware that poster companies have recently added email messages and phone calls to theirtoolbox of tricks.

“This is my annual reminder to ignore the ridiculous solicitations,” Labor Commissioner Cherie Berrysaid. “Your tax dollars have already purchased your business a poster, so save your money and callNCDOL for your free set.”

Private poster companies make money selling expensive posters by threatening businesses into buyingthe latest poster or risk incurring substantial fines from the N.C. Department of Labor. The poster com-panies have been known to charge as much as $190 per poster. The Labor Department has seen an in-crease in complaints about the emails and phone calls.

The Labor Department will not fine businesses that have the old posters displayed. NCDOL inspectorscarry the newest posters in their vehicles and will offer them free to employers who have out-of-dateposters.

“We would never fine an employer unless the employer just blatantly refused to put the posters up,”Commissioner Berry said. “I don’t know of any employer who has refused to take a free set of postersfrom one of our inspectors.”

The labor law posters are required under North Carolina law. The posters carry information on thestate’s Wage and Hour Act and what are commonly referred to as “OSHA” regulations, or the Occupa-tional Safety and Health Act.

Businesses may not have to order new posters. The Labor Department printed updated posters after Con-gress passed the changes to the minimum wage in 2007. Any business that received posters with infor-mation about the three-step change to the minimum wage does not need a new set.

Businesses that need to order new posters can visit the Department of Labor website atwww.nclabor.com/posters/posters.htm or call 1-800-625-2267.

When Visitors were asked how they found us Top responses included: AARPMagazine Article, AAA, Word of Mouth, The Andy Griffith Show, Blue RidgeParkway Travel Planner, www.visitmayberry.com

From March 2010 to March 2011 the Top 10 Cities with the highest numberof hits viewing the www.visitmayberry.com website-

Top 10 cities with highest number of hitsCharlotteGreensboroRaleighAtlantaWinston-SalemDurhamGreenvilleSeattleHigh PointFayetteville

Other Interesting Website Data From March 2010 to March 2011Total of 785,894 Visits to the site. A monthly average of 60,453 visitors.Total of 8,418,378 pages viewed. A monthly average of 647,567 pageviews.

The top 5 referring sites are: All Search Engines!Google –Yahoo! –AOL –Microsoft –Ask Jeeves –

In the month of March 2011 the staff greeted 4,238 Visitors into theMount Airy Visitors Center. A Welcome Booth was set up on March5, 2011 for the AAU Tournament down at Reeves Community Centerwere the staff assisted with over 600 people and gave out informationincluding-Restaurants, directions and anything they needed assistancewith.

Year to date the staff has tracked 7, 617 Visitors. The staff also tracked285 Phone calls that were tourism related.

The Top 5 States Represented include: NC, VA, PA, OH and NY.International Visitors from Canada, Italy, Nova Scotia, France and Ja-pan. Just from Canada we had 35 Visitors that were tracked andcounted.

SupportingLOCAL businesses

and Chamber MembersF1R$T, keeps 58%more of your dollars

and jobs in ourcommunity

strengthening our localeconomy!

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The Mission of the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce is to

advance, promote and encourage successful business growth for our members.

Betty Ann Collins - PresidentEmail: president1@mtairyncchamber.org

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Renae Andrews - Accounting ManagerEmail: admin@mtairyncchamber.org

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Yvonne Nichols - Autumn Leaves Festival DirectorEmail: info@autumnleavesfestival.com

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Jessica Icenhour - Tourism DirectorEmail: tourism@visitmayberry.com

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Tanya Taylor- Membership and Communication DirectorEmail: membership@mtairyncchamber.org

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