ChamberNewsletterVolume 69, Issue 5 December 8, 2014

717 Main StreetNorth Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659

(336) 838-8662www.wilkesnc.org

SEATED from left are Amber Garwood, Shelia Jones, Lee K. Cornett, Jane Corley and Greta Ferguson. Standing are Jared Belk, Wesley Stone, Randy Miller, Michael Rae, Jane Black-burn, Amber Herman, Pam White, April Marr, Janet Vannoy, Missy Mayberry, Kim Holland, Chad Threadway, Crissy Triplette and Dennis Huggins (VP of Leadership).

WORLDWIDE PROTECTIVE PRODUCTS uses automated production lines and operations.

By LINDA CHEEKWilkes Chamber of Commerce President

The reality is leadership will never be measured by what one person is able to accom-plish as a result of his or her

talents and abilities alone. It can’t be. The word itself implies the existence of others. After all, without followers there aren’t any leaders.

Leadercast 2014Wilkes Chamber’s Leadership

Wilkes, sponsored in 2014 by Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital and Blue

Skies Hypnosis Center, successfully graduated 18 participants Nov. 19.

Graduation ceremonies were held at Rose Glen Village in Wilkesboro. Leadership Wilkes is a chamber pro-gram focused on developing knowl-edgeable leaders to better serve their communities.

The program began in 2000 as a result of the strategic planning pro-cess, Wilkes Vision 2020. After a series of meetings and discussions, citizens involved in the visioning process came

Leadership Wilkes 2014 graduates 18 participants

See LEADERSHIP, Page 11

See MANUFACTURING, Page 9

By LINDA CHEEKWilkes Chamber of Commerce President

“T he ability to make things is funda-mental to the ability to innovate things over the long term,” says Willy Shih, a Harvard Business

School professor and co-author of Producing Prosperity: Why America Needs a Manufactur-ing Renaissance. “When you give up making products, you lose a lot of the added value.” In other words, what you make makes you.

As president of the chamber, I’ve had the opportunity over the last few months to tour several Wilkes County manufacturers.

These opportunities came about as I’ve been involved in the facilitation of Leadership Wilkes 2014, NC Works’ 1000 in 100 Initiative, and Manufacturer’s Day at Worldwide Protec-tive Products.

During each visit we heard about the chang-

ManufacturingWilkes County factories are not what they once were

2 • Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • December 8, 2014

Wilkes Chamber of Commerce, Inc.2014 Board of Directors

OfficersName Title CompanyJohann Louchez Chair 2014 BB&TJ. Gene Faile Chair Elect 2015 Wilkes Regional Medical CenterBrent West Chair Elect 2016 Tyson Foods Inc.Randy Brooks Past Chair Gardner Glass Products Inc.Shane Gebauer Treasurer Brushy Mountain Bee Farm Inc.Charles Johnson Assistant Treasurer United Country-Johnson RealtyCynthia Staley VP Ambassadors/MembershipDennis Huggins VP Leadership Wilkes Wilkes County Board of EducationEric Cramer VP Youth Leadership Wilkes Communications Inc.Bert Greene VP Legal Affairs Law Offices of Robert G.Greene, Jr. PLLCJeff Foster VP Small Business Assistance Wilkes Community CollegeTerrian Carter VP Tourism/Quality of Life Addison PropertiesGinger Shaffer VP Workforce Development NCWorks Career CenterJimmy Flythe Executive Committee at Large Duke EnergyTerrie Stackhouse Executive Committee at Large Carolina Realty Inc.DirectorsWilliam Clark 2014 Board Member Hardee's of WilkesboroVanessa Eller 2014 Board Member First Citizens Bank, WilkesboroShane Gebauer 2014 Board Member Brushy Mountain Bee Farm Inc.Darrell Groves 2014 Board Member Vulcan Materials CompanyArthur Lankford 2014 Board Member Tar Heel Oil Co.Karen Poteat-Bolin 2014 Board Member Carolina West WirelessKerry Dyer 2015 Board Member Worldwide Protective ProductsDon Easterling 2015 Board Member Lowe's CompaniesSteve Ellis 2015 Board Member Fleet Master Inc.Pat E. Hatley 2015 Board Member CenturyLinkJimmy Mason 2015 Board Member LP-Roaring RiverHaley Portante 2015 Board Member Portante Clan ConstructionShanna Bell 2016 Board Member Stroud Miller Insurance Co.Dr. Christy Brown 2016 Board Member The Hearing Center of WilkesSam Franklin 2016 Board Member Wilkes Family YMCAJon Gambill 2016 Board Member Qdoba Mexican Grill & Sweet Frog YogurtBill Hanlin 2016 Board Member Wilkes County Cooperative ExtensionCharlie Silva 2016 Board Member Blue Skies HypnosisEx-OfficioVictor Varela Mayor Town of RondaRobert Johnson Mayor Town of North WilkesboroMike Inscore Mayor Town of WilkesboroLarry South Town Manager Town of North WilkesboroKenneth Noland Town Manager Town of WilkesboroJohn Yates County Manager County of WilkesGary D. Blevins County Commissioner-Chair County of WilkesDan Little President Wilkes Economic DevelopmentDr. Marty Hemric Superintendent Wilkes County Board of EducationChamber StaffLinda Cheek President Wilkes Chamber of CommerceCrissy Triplette Membership Director Wilkes Chamber of CommerceLynn Dyer Office Manager Wilkes Chamber of CommerceWendy Scott Marketing & Communications Wilkes Chamber of CommerceNWNC Visitors CenterKathy Tomlinson Travel Specialist Wilkes Chamber of CommerceTreva Frazier Travel Specialist Wilkes Chamber of CommerceElla Rhodes Visitor Center Volunteer Coordinator Wilkes Chamber of CommerceWilliam Rhodes Visitor Center Volunteer Coordinator Wilkes Chamber of CommerceStacy McNeil Travel Specialist Wilkes Chamber of CommerceDonna Wood Travel Specialist Wilkes Chamber of Commerce

Chairman looks back at accomplishments of ’14

It is with very mixed emo-tions I write this article as this is my last article as chairman of the board for the Wilkes Chamber of Com-merce. During my time in Wilkes County, I have been involved in several great organizations, but I have to admit being the Chair-man of the Board for the Chamber of Commerce has been one of the most fulfill-ing things I have ever done. Having the ability to see the Chamber of Commerce at work and observing the many facets of Wilkes County has been very eye-opening. Whether it is meeting with local businesses, visiting various sites, or working through the board or our governmental leaders to make a difference in other areas, I have enjoyed every bit of it. We are so blessed to be able to be a part of Wilkes County.

I was reminded of this just recently. On Wednesday, Nov. 19, I had the pleasure of being able to attend the “Reel Cutting” for the Two Rivers Cinema. The outpouring of support from the community was some-thing to behold. The theatre lobby had standing room only. Seeing so many great people assembled in one place made me proud to be of part this wonderful County. Also, seeing such a great addition to this community really warmed my heart and made me even more excited about what the future holds.

In addition, many other things stick out to me in 2014. These include the vari-ous announcements for jobs throughout the county and the great momentum we are building as a community. I have seen

many companies looking to grow and hire people and that is always great news. Additionally, I have seen the community come together on various occasions to sup-port one another and help others in need.

Having an EPA (Enthusi-astic Positive Attitude) has been crucial for 2014. We all have our fair share of chal-lenges, but I feel great that we were able to overcome and grow from them.

First and foremost, I would like to thank God for

everything he does for me. Also, special thanks to my wife and children for their support. It took a team to make sure I could fulfill my obligations this year and I appreciate and love them with all of my heart. I would also like to thank the chamber members of Wilkes County for allowing me the privilege of being able to serve them this year. It was a great honor and one I will cherish forever.

Additionally, I’d like to thank Linda, Lynn, Crissy, and Wendy for all they do for our Chamber. Their plate is so full, yet they handle everything seamlessly and successfully. I would also like to thank my fellow board and executive commit-tee members. We have a team full of dili-gent people who support the chamber and Wilkes County. This team would do everything they can to make sure we are successful as a county. Finally, I’d like to thank Gene Faile for agreeing to serve as chairman of the board for 2015. I know he will do a spectacular job for our chamber and I will be there to help and support him in any way I can.

Johann LouchezChamber Chairman

Social media stats • September-November 2014Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Facebook PagePage Likes ��������������������������������1,172New Likes ������������������������������������114Explore Wilkes Facebook PagePage Likes ���������������������������������� 548New Likes ������������������������������������141

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Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • December 8, 2014 • 3

Prearranged Funeral PlanningCemetery and MausoleumGrief Recovery Services

MonumentsFloral Arrangements Laminated Obituaries

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home838-3178

270 Armory Road • North Wilkesboro

Scenic Memorial Gardens667-6339

545 Moravian Falls Road • Wilkesboro

www.reinssturdivant.com

REINS-STURDIVANTScenic MeMorial GardenS

The following renewed their Wilkes Chamber memberships from Sept. 5-Nov. 21.

Addison Properties Inc., Advantage Restaurant Equipment & Supply, Annie’s Travel “Anywhere ….Any way,” Anytime Fitness, Aunt B’s Attic, Avante of Wilkes-boro, Benson, Blevins & Associates PPLC, Lee Bentley;

Big Tom’s Wings & Pizza, Blossom Salon Butterfly Bouquet LLC, Blue Ridge Housing of Wilkesboro LLC, BROC-Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission, Brushy Mountain Ruritan Club;

Carolina Farm Credit, Carolina Realty of Wilkes Inc., CommunityOne Bank-Wil-kesboro, CommunityOne Bank-Millers Creek, Teana Compeau, DHHS Vocational Rehabilitation Services;

Duncan Insurance Agency, Chuck Elledge, Farm Alarm Systems Inc., Farm Bureau-North Wilkesboro, Faw Insurance Agency, Ferrell Law Firm, Foothills Sani-tation & Recycling Inc., Freedom Auto LLC;

Golden Corral, Mary E. Griffin-Realtor, Hardee’s of Wilkesboro, Hemric & Yale,

Huffman Brothers Construction Inc., Interconnect Products & Services, Ivy Ridge Traditions, J. Martin Productions Inc.;

JAG Publishing, James R. Vannoy & Sons Construction Co. Inc., Joines & James PLLC Attorneys at Law, Keller Electric Co. Inc., Kestrel Management Corporation, Key City Condo Homeown-ers Association;

Arnold Lakey, Libby’s Boutique, Main Street Marketing, Martin Roofing Services Inc., Mary Kay Cosmetics/Melissa Hamby, MHS Technologies, Northwest General Insurance Agency, On Premise Solutions LLC, PaPa John’s Pizza;

The Panini LLC, Piedmont Federal, Piedmont Hematology Oncology & Asso-ciates, Pipedreams, Portante Clan Con-struction, Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery, LLC, Reins Co. Inc., Rid-A-Bug;

Roaring River Vineyards, Robert Handy Camping Center Inc., Steve Roe, Royall’s Custom Framing, RWM Construction Inc., SAFE-Sheltered Aid to Families in Emer-gencies, Sedgewick Homes LLC;

Shatley Springs Inc., Shepherd Masonry

Inc., Staples, State Farm Insurance-Dana Burns, Steam Systems Inc., Still-waters Salon & Day Spa LLC, Subway of Wilkesboro;

The Health Foundation Inc., The Reserves Network, Tim Harrold’s Empire Chrysler Dodge Jeep, Triplette Lumber Company, Tyson Wilkesboro Food Ser-vice, Vannoy, Colvard, Triplett, & Vannoy, PLLC;

Waggles Pet Supply & Dog Wash, LLC, WATCO Cleaning, Westwood Hills Nurse & Rehab, WF Baptist Health-Internal Med-icine-Wilkes, Wilkes Economic Develop-ment Corp, Wilkes Public Health Dental Clinic;

Wilkesboro Tourism Development, Wilkesboro United Methodist Church, Williams Farm & Event Planning, LLC and Yadkin Valley Gymnastic Academy LLC.

Chamber members renew memberships

GREENVILLE, S.C.—The Caro-linas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (CACCE) recognized the 2014 recipients of the Certified Chamber Executives of the Carolinas (CCEC) designa-tion at their Annual Management Conference in Greenville, S.C. on Oct. 30, 2014. Linda Cheek, the president of Wilkes Cham-ber of Commerce, was honored as a recipient of this prestigious

designation for 2014.The CACCE Certified Cham-

ber Executives of the Carolinas exemplifies excellence and pro-fessionalism of Carolinas cham-ber executives. This designation is based upon experience, ser-vice to CACCE, training/con-tinuing education and personal achievement. The designation strengthens career development, provides an opportunity for per-

sonal recognition, and measures individual progress of chamber professionals.

Linda and eight additional recip-ients of the CCEC certification join 13 other chamber professionals who were recognized last year, bringing the total number of Certi-fied Chamber Executives of North and South Carolina to 21.

CACCE is the professional development organization dedi-

cated to improving the educa-tional opportunities for chamber of commerce executives and staff members in North and South Carolina. CACCE equips cham-ber of commerce professionals with leadership skills and tools to build innovative chambers. The organization was formed in 1994 when the North and South Carolina state chamber associa-tions merged.

Cheek is Certified Chamber Executive

LINDA CHEEK

4 • Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • December 8, 2014

GREENVILLE, S.C.—The Caro-linas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (CACCE) recognized the 2014 recipients of the Carolinas Accredited Chamber designation at their Annual Man-agement Conference in Greenville, S.C. on Oct. 30, 2014. Wilkes Cham-ber of Commerce was honored as a recipient of this prestigious des-ignation for 2014.

The CACCE Carolinas Accredited

Chamber program sets standards of excellence for chambers in North and South Carolina. It recognizes chambers that have met those stan-dards while offering guidelines for others to improve their effective-ness. The program follows the U.S. Chamber model, and it shows that a chamber has gone through a detailed analysis of what and where they are as an organization.

CACCE is the professional devel-

opment organization dedicated to improving the educational oppor-tunities for chamber of commerce executives and staff members in North and South Carolina. CACCE equips chamber of commerce pro-fessionals with leadership skills and tools to build innovative cham-bers. The organization was formed in 1994 when the North and South Carolina state chamber associa-tions merged.

Wilkes chamber receives Carolina Accredited Chamber designation

WILKES CHAMBER STAFF are, from left, Lynn Dyer, Linda Cheek, Crissy Triplette and Wendy Scott.

ON SEPT. 18, 2014, Victory Toyota hosted a “Business After Hours” at their loca-tion on West D Street in North Wilkesboro. Chamber members enjoyed food from Glendale Springs Inn and met Victory Toyota staff. Victory Toyota of North Wilkes-boro is your leading Toyota dealer in North Wilkesboro, N.C. Your satisfaction is our goal! Call their friendly staff today to learn about our latest Toyota specials, demo a car or get details on any vehicle. Toyota makes a great car, but Victory Toyota makes the difference! Open seven days a week with extended hours for your convenience. Largest selection of new and used vehicles in the area. Aggressive financing rates. Award-winning service department and more! For more information call 336-667-1185 or visit www.VictoryToyotaNC.com.

ON OCT. 16, 2014, CrossRoads Harley-Davidson of Wilkesboro hosted a “Business After Hours” at their location on 1921 US Highway 421 in Wilkesboro. Chamber members enjoyed dinner and desserts along with a goody bag to take home. They also enjoyed drawing for door prizes. CrossRoads Harley-Davidson offers motorcycle sales and service. Also, offers a full line of Harley-Davidson Motor clothes and acces-sories. For more information visit www.Crossroads-HD.com or call 336-667-1003.

ON NOV. 20, 2014, Ruby Pardue Blackburn Adult Day Care hosted a “Business After Hours” at their location at 1915 West Park Drive, North Wilkesboro. Chamber members and guests enjoyed refreshments and a tour of their facility. Door prizes were provided as well. They provide a safe, homelike environment for adults who cannot safely stay at home alone. Medicaid and VA approved. Call 336-667-2541 for more information or visit www.wilkesadultdaycare.org.

WEST COAST WINGS AND PIZZA AND SUGAR DADDY’S celebrated their opening on Oct. 23 at their locations on Highway 16 North in Millers Creek. The ultimate wing restaurant and candy/ice cream shop! If you love wings and other great foods, then you are in the right spot! Come on in and…. Feel the flavor! Sugar Daddy’s has a wide array of candies, all yours in just a weigh on the scale! You can also satisfy that sweet tooth, with their amazing ice cream! For more information call 336-990-0550.

Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • December 8, 2014 • 5

B U S I N E S S t o B U S I N E S S S E R V I C E SCarla Souther Hauser CFP, ChFC

www.raymondjames.com/carlahauserFinancial Advisor

CFP•ChFC®Carla Souther Hauser

Financial Services, An Independent Firm

336-667-1500Securities offered through

Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.,member FINRA/SIPC

carla.hauser@raymondjames.com100 9th • Suite A, PO Box 1021 North Wilkesboro, NC 28659

(336) 667-1966Ex. 608Home: (336) 838-4060Mobile: (336) 984-8873email:tstackhouserealtor@gmail.com

www.stackhousehomes.com

Terrie Stackhouse, Broker Associate

Tammy R. Sidden

Call (336) 667-5125 For All Your Insurance Needs

Tammy.Sidden@ncfbins.com

AUTO • HOME • LIFE • HEALTH MOBILE (336) 957-1604FAX (336) 667-5129P.O.Box 486N. Wilkesboro, NC 28659

Blue Cross Blue ShieldBLUE ADVANTAGE

Skilled Nursing andRehabilitation

www.avantecenters.com

Justin shockley, MADirector of

community relations

Avante at Wilkesboro1000 College Street

Wilkesboro, NC 28697Ph: (336) 838-4141

Fax: (336) 838-4019Cell: (336) 467-1016

Email: jshockley@avantecenters.com

Town of Historic North Wilkesboro

336-667-7129North-Wilkesboro.com

tourism@northwilkesboro.com

IS&C INSURANCEINSURANCE SERVICE & CREDIT CORP.

838-5161 FAX 838-7365218 9th Street • North Wilkesboro

THE MORE-THAN-ONE COMPANY INSURANCE AGENT

Paul • Bobbie • Gerry • Nancy

Getting completeinsurance protectionis now easy.

AUTO • HOMEOWNERS • RENTERS • BONDS • LIFE • COMMERCIAL • GROUP

• WORKER’S COMPENSATION

Express Computer Clinic, LLCSales and Repairs1619 Industrial DriveWilkesboro, NC 28697

stevejcr@gmail.comOffice Hours: Mon.-Fri 8 am to 5 pmSat. 8 am to 12 Noon

Steve JohnsonOwner

Phone: 336-973-0300www.eccllc.com

Best Wings &Pizza in Town!

Mon. - Thurs.11 am - 9 pm

Fri. - Sat.11 am - 10 pm

2867-D Hwy. 16 NMillers Creek, NC

Ice Cream Concoctions & Fine Hand Dipped Chocolate Candies • Old Timey Candy • Homemade Waffle Cone

2867-C Hwy. 16 N • Millers Creek, NC336-990-0550

Open Mondaythrough Friday

6 am-6 pm

1915 West Park Drive • Suite 200 North Wilkesboro 336-667-2541

Changing how you live, not where you live.Medicaid & VA approved www.wilkesadultdaycare.org

Northwest Comfort LLCwww.northwestcomfortnc.com

“Covering all your heating and cooling needs’’

Brandon VickersOffice: 336-984-2130Cell: 828-406-8173

E-Mail: Brandon@northwestnc.com

Wanda Ellis

336-921-0405405 Main Street

North Wilkesboro, NC 28659

Call for an appointment!

At Home Service with a “Personal Touch’’

Western Carolina’s #1 Supplier of Post-Mastectomy Forms & Bras

At-Home Consultations

43 Boone Trail Ste AN. Wilkeshoro, NC 28659

O: 336-818-1552F: 336-818-0404

secondtonaturenc.com

HAYNES INSULATIONNorth Wilkesboro, NC336.670.9325

www.haynesinsulation.com

Jim@haynesinsulation.com

iJim Haynes(C) 336.902.1750

✪ M & P DEPOT ✪MILITARY SURPLUS

•Personal Security Gear •Outdoor Gear•Tactical Gear and Accessories

•Emergency Food and Supplies •Night Vision • Weapons Accessories

336.546.9521308 10th Street • North Wilkesboro

MP_DEPOT@YAHOO.COM

6 • Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • December 8, 2014

WARD AND WARD celebrated their open-ing with a ribbon cutting on Sept. 12, 2014, at their location 106 S. Cherry Street, Wilkesboro. Under new leader-ship and with a seasoned full time sales team, their priority at Ward & Ward is serving you with core values and their team does just that. Give them a call today at 336-667-1719 or visit www.wardandwardproperties.com.

TONDA PHILLIPS Allstate Insurance cel-ebrated the opening of their new loca-tion at 1802 U.S. Highway 421 West in Wilkesboro with a ribbon cutting on Oct. 17, 2014. They are a full service insurance agency offering auto, home, life, business, boat, motorcycle, motor club, retirement planning and many other insurance products. For more information, call 336-838-8382.

WILKES REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER celebrated the grand opening of West Wilkes Family Medicine featuring Dr. Thomas McMahan and Amber Faherty, PA-C with a ribbon cutting on Oct. 21, 2014. Located at 171 West Wilkes Medi-cal Center in Ferguson, N.C., they are accepting new patients. For an appoint-ment, please call 336-973-9378. Walk-ins welcomed.

THE KEY CITY ANTIQUES and Shops cel-ebrated their ribbon cutting on Nov. 13, 2014, at their location 502 Main St. North Wilkesboro. Key City Antiques & Shops is open 7 days a week with some amazing finds. Come explore this historic building to find antiques galore, artisan shops, local wines & cheeses. For more information please call 336- 990-0711 or visit www.keycityantiques.com.

THE NEW WILKES COUNTY DETENTION CENTER celebrated their completion with a ribbon cutting on Oct. 22, 2014.The new facility is located at 500 Courthouse Dr. Wilkesboro. “We the members of the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office strive to facilitate justice through service and protection while providing a safe and secure environment for Wilkes County.” Inmate capacities will more than triple with the new county jail, with space for about 256 male and female prisoners.

THE BELLA ROSE COTTAGE celebrated their ribbon cutting on Sept. 19, 2014. It is located in downtown Wilkesboro at 106 East Main Street. A unique 1871 cottage that is a retail shop filled with antiques, cottage furniture & decor, vin-tage jewelry, and local artisan wares! For more information call 336-902-2276 or visit their website http://www.etsy.com/shop/heritageheirlooms.

THE TACKLE BARN celebrated their ribbon cutting on Sept. 26, 2014, at their loca-tion on 3766 Highway 16 South in Mora-vian Falls. They carry a variety of camping, fishing, hunting, marine and marine elec-tronics, also feeds for pets and livestock. Visit for great gifts like honey, molasses, jams, jellies and canned goods. A propane refill location, hay and straw available. For more information call 336-667-1644.

NCWORKS CAREER CENTER Wilkes cele-brated their grand opening and ribbon cut-ting on Sept. 30, 2014, at 103 Call Street Ext., Wilkesboro, N.C. Job applicant ser-vices includes career planning, training, and job placement assistance. Employers can access all NCWorks Career Center’s many business services with one phone call. For more information you can call 336-651-2540 or visit www.ncworks.gov.

THE YADKIN RIVER GREENWAY cele-brated their ribbon cutting on Sept. 26, 2014, for their new Wayside exhibit at the entrance of Smoot Park. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life by ensur-ing the creation of a riverside greenway that connects the major institutions and neighborhoods of our community. For more information visit www.yadkinriv-ergreenway.com or call 336-651-8967.

DEAL INSURANCE celebrated their new location opening with a Ribbon Cut-ting on Sept. 10, 2014, at 810 North Moravian Street, Wilkesboro. Founded in 2001 by Randy and Sherry Deal, they specialize in a variety of insurance prod-ucts. They are family-owned/operated serving Wilkes, the Yadkin Valley, the High Country and beyond. Call them any time at 336-838-3838 for personalized service on all of your insurance needs.

ECKERD ALTERNATIVE YOUTH celebrated their open house and ribbon cutting on Oct. 16, 2014, at 4654 High Rock Road Boomer, N.C., serving troubled youth in a wilderness setting. Clients reside within camp 10-12 months learning problem solving skills. This facility also has a ropes course available for corporate/group use. For more information call 336-921-3314 or visit www.eckerd.org.

TWO RIVERS CINEMA Stadium 6 cel-ebrated their open house and “Reel” Cut-ting on Nov. 19, 2014. Guests toured the cinema, watched fabulous fireworks and viewed a movie. They are located at 132 Two Rivers Drive in Wilkesboro. This facility has 6 cinemas, high back rockers and exclusive TRX large format screen that is awesome and a must see. For more information please go www.tworiv-erscinema.com or call 336-990-0330.

Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • December 8, 2014 • 7

The Wilkes Chamber of Commerce recently unveiled Livability: Wilkes County, N.C., 2015, a print and digital program that promotes the area to new-comers, visitors and relo-cating businesses.

The magazine and website highlight Wilkes County’s quality of life, business climate, attrac-tions, restaurants and must-do activities. Arti-cles focus on the positive community and economic impact from the local YMCA Camp Harrison at Herring Ridge; the coun-ty’s booming agriculture economy; as well as the worldwide success of local business Carolina Heritage Cabinetry, including the pres-ervation effort behind the company’s building.

Other articles highlight the quality-of-place amenities that attract people to Wilkes County, including technologically

advanced area schools; convenient access to quality hospitals and health-care spe-cialists; and a vibrant business climate made up of a variety of industries.

Find more great content about Wilkes County on Livability.com, a national website with information about more than 15,000 of America’s best places to live and visit. The web-site includes articles and photo galleries, maps, videos and demographic information.

For a free digital version of the magazine optimized for iPads, tablets and other mobile devices, visit liva-bility.com/nc/wilkesboro/digital-magazine.

Journal Communications Inc. publishes Livability: Wilkes County, N.C., a print and digital content marketing program, which has support from and targeted dis-tribution through the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce.

GREG PLEMMONS of Worldwide Protective Prod-ucts provides a tour of their manufacturing facility as part of the recognition ceremonies.

In recognition of National Manufacturing Day, the Town of Wilkesboro and Wilkes Cham-ber of Commerce sponsored a Wilkes County Manufactur-ing Day Celebration hosted by Worldwide Protective Products in Wilkesboro. Guests viewed the movie, “American Made Movie,” which showed the posi-tive impact of domestic manu-facturing jobs on national and local economies in the face of great challenges.

It is the ability of average Americans to adapt and inno-vate that has allowed the U.S. to thrive. This is also true for Wilkes County manufacturing. Everyone has the power to trans-form our future and be a part of the solution through the choices you make everyday to purchase made in the USA products.

Chamber releases ‘Livability: Wilkes County, N.C., 2015’

Chamber and Wilkesboro sponsor Manufacturing Day

8 • Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • December 8, 2014

Thank you to our 110 percent member-ship investors.

4 Seasons Vacation Rentals & Sales, A & J Rental Inc., A-1 Self Storage, Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership, Addison Prop-erties Inc., Advantage Restaurant Supply, AlarmSouth, Albert Brown Electric, All-state Insurance-Tonda Phillips, American Cancer Society, American Red Cross-Blue Ridge Chapter;

Ameriprise Financial Services Inc., AmeriSouth Mortgage Company, Any-time Fitness, Appalachian Lumber Com-pany Inc., B & R Service, Ball & Ball Inc., Barium Springs Home for Children, Basic Finance Inc., Bayada Home Health Care, BB&T Scott & Stringfellow LLC, BB&T-Wilkesboro;

Belk No. 233, Best Image Signs, Better Homes Furniture, Blair and Ward Proper-ties LLC, Blevins Building Supply, Blos-som Salon Butterfly Boutique LLC, Blue Ridge Cardiology & Internal Medicine, Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corp.;

Blue Ridge Environmental Consultants PA, Blue Ridge Housing of Wilkesboro LLC, Blue Ridge Learning Center Inc., Blue Ridge Mountain Club, Blue Ridge Tractor Co. Inc., Blue Skies Hypnosis Center LLC, Bojangles #6291, Botanics Trading LLC, Brame Huie Pharmacy; Brewer, Brewer & Sorel, PLLC, Brock & Scott PLLC, Browse About Book Exchange, Brushy Mountain Bee Farm Inc., Brushy Moun-tain Ruritan Club, Brushy Mtn. Dental Clinic, Brushy Mountain Smokehouse & Creamery, Bumgarner Services Inc., Terry Bumgarner;

Bureau of Security Specialists Inc., Burger King-North Wilkesboro, Conley Call, Camp Harrison-Herrings Ridge, Canteen Vending Services, CAPT-Child Abuse Prevention Team, Captain Video & Tanning Salon, Cardinal FG Group Inc., Carla Souther Houser Financial Services;

Carolina Mobility Specialists, Carolina West Wireless Corp. Office, Carolina West Wireless-Retail Store, Carousel Cafe, Charter Business, City Florist, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, CommunityOne Bank (Wilkesboro), CommunityOne Bank (Mill-ers Creek), Community Blood Center of the Carolinas;

Communities In Schools of Wilkes Inc., Cook’s Inc., County of Wilkes, CrossRoads Harley-Davidson, CS Forester Benefits Group, Cube Creative, Cultural Arts Coun-cil of Wilkes Inc., Curtis Walker Heating & Air Conditioning, Dan Huffman & Associ-ates Construction Co.;

DAVHENCO Inc., David’s Car Care,

Dazzle Dog Pet Grooming LLC, Deal Insurance Group Inc., DHHS Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Document Imag-ing Solutions Inc., Domino’s Pizza, Double D Security, Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnersip, Dr. Robert Taylor, OD;

Dreams and Kitestrings, Duncan Insurance Agency, Dwight Phillips Auto Sales Inc., Ebenezer Christian Children’s Home, Eckerd Youth Alternatives Inc., Edward Jones Investments-Tenth Street, Edward Jones Investments-Wilkesboro, Embroider America, Empire Chevrolet/Buick; Employment Staffing/Employment Control, Everett Chevrolet Fleet & Com-mercial, FastMed Urgent Care P.C., Farm Alarm Systems Inc., Farm Bureau Insur-ance-North Wilkesboro, Farm Bureau Insurance-Wilkesboro, Faw Insurance Agency Inc.;

Ferrell Propane Gas Inc., First Citizens Bank, First United Methodist Church, Fleet Master Inc., Foothills Auto Spa, Foothills Christian College & Seminary, Foothills Sanitation & Recycling Inc., Forbes Printing-Holly Harmon, Freedom Auto LLC, Frog Holler Cabins;

Frontier Natural Gas, Gardner Glass Products, G & B Energy, Glenn Hill Apart-ments, Goodwill Career Connections Center, Great State Bank, Green2Go LLC, Edward F. Greene, H&R Block, Hardee’s of Wilkesboro, Vaughn Hayes, The Health Foundation, The Hearing Center of Wilkes, Hemric & Yale, HIT Solutions LLC;

Holiday Inn Express, Holistic Medical Clinic of the Carolinas, Holly Mountain Enterprises, Holly Mountain IGA, Home Instead Senior Care, Huffman Brothers Construction Inc., Dennis Huggins, Jan Huggins, “I Can” Pediatric Therapies, iMe-dia, Impact Collision Center Inc.;

InfusionPoints LLC, Insurance Service & Credit Corp., Interconnect Products & Services, Interflex Group, Isom Ham Design Group, Ivy Ridge Traditions, J. Martin Productions Inc., JAG Publishing Inc., James R. Vannoy & Sons Construc-tion Co. Inc., James River Equipment Company;

Jefferson Landing Club, jh DesignWorks, Jimmie Johnson Air and Heat, The Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home, Johnny Huffman Plumbing Co. Inc, Flossie John-son, Robert Johnson, Jones von Drehle Vineyards LLC, Keller Electric Co. Inc., Kestrel Management Corporation, Petro Kulynych;

La-Z-Boy Casegoods Distribution Cen-ter, Arnold Lakey, Laurel Ridge Camp, Conterence & Retreat, Law Offices of

Timothy D. Welborn PA, Laws Rental Prop-erties, Leading to Change Inc., Learning Pathway of NWNC, Leatherwood Moun-tains, Libby’s Boutique;

LifeStore Insurance & Mortgage, Dan Little, Kirby Lowe-Realtor, Lowe’s Techni-cal Services, Lowes Motel, LP-Louisiana Pacific Corporation, Mary Kay Cosmetic/Melissa Hamby, Marvin’s Garage Doors Inc., Mayhew, Scheffler, Hardaway, & Conn Orthodontics;

MBI Builders LLC, Dr. Sloan McCarter OD, McDonald’s (Hwy. 18N), McDonald’s (U.S. Hwy. 421), Stephen L. McNeil, MD, Connie McNeill, David McNeill, McRitchie Winery & Ciderworks, MECI & Associates Inc, Medcost LLC, MenaRick Vineyard & Winery;

Merrill Lynch-Norman Young Group, MHS Technologies, Michael’s Jewelry, Mike’s Body Shop Inc., Barbara Miller-Realtor, Miller Bee Supply Inc., Miller Funeral Service Inc., Millers Creek Baptist Church, Millers Creek Pawn & Jewelry;

Millers Creek Pharmacy, Millers Creek Subway, Moravian Falls Family Camp-ground, Mother Earth Foods & Spirits Inc., Mountain Valley Hospice & Palliative Care, Mountlawn Memorial Park, Myers Park Apartments-MPNW LLC, Myers Tire Service Inc.;

NCWorks Career Center Wilkes, North Carolina Mountain Investments, North-west Carolina Women’s Center, Northwest General Insurance Agency LLC, North-western Fire Protection Inc.;

Northwestern Regional Housing, Oak-woods Country Club Inc, Oakwoods Grocery, Office Furniture Concepts Inc., On Premise Solutions LLC, Papa John’s Pizza, Charles B. Parker, Peek-A-Boo’s Pet Sitting, Perry Lowe Orchards, Piedmont Federal Savings & Loan;

Piedmont Triad Computer Consulting Inc., Pinnacle Architecture PA, Portante Clan Construction, Project Lazarus, Qdoba Mexican Grill, Quality Business Services, Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery LLC, Rainbow Child Care Center;

Red Carpet Inn, Reins Company Inc., Reins-Sturdivant Inc., R.H. Barringer Dis-tributing Co, Rid-A-Bug, Riverview Animal Hospital PLLC, Roaring River Vineyards, Rose Glen Village, Run In Foods #809, S & J Septic Pumping & Rent-A-Jon;

SAFE-Sheltered Aid to Families in Emergencies, Salem Foot Care, PA, Samar-itan’s Purse-North American Projects, Scenic Memorial Gardens Inc., Second to Nature, Sherwin-Williams Company, Bradford C. Shinaman DDS PA;

Shumate Appraiser Service, Charlie Sink-Real Estate Appraiser, Chuck H. Smithey, Jim Smoak, SouthEast Commer-cial Real Estate Group, Southeastern Cars & Parts Inc., Specialty Car Company Inc., Sports Construction Management Inc., Terrie Stackhouse-Realtor;

Staley Insulation Inc., Staples, State Farm Insurance-Burns, Steam Systems Inc., Stewart Group, Larry and Diane Stone, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Stroud-Miller Insurance Service Inc., Subway of Wilkesboro;

Suncrest Farms Country Hams Inc., Sundry Works Group Inc., SunTrust Bank, Susan Whittington CLU CHFC, Sweet Frog Frozen Yogurt, Tar Heel Oil Inc., Dr. Rob-ert Taylor OD, Ted’s Kickin Chicken, Ter-minx, The 50s, The Mill at Traphill, The Reserves Network;

The Salvation Army, The Tribune, Thompson Gas-Smokies LLC, Tilley’s Auto Sales LLC, Tim Harrold’s Empire Chrysler Dodge Jeep, Town of Wilkesboro, Tractor Supply Co., Treated Hardwood Lumber LLC, Trucks Mart Insurance, Tyson Foods Inc.;

Tyson Wilkesboro Food Service, Ulti-mate Carwash Hwy. 421, United Hospice, Universe of Science Inc., Valley Radiology Associates, PA, Vannoy, Colvard, Triplett, & Vannoy PLLC, VFW Post 1142 Camp-ground, Villages of Wilkes Skilled Care;

Villages of Wilkes Traditional Living, W.A Lankford Company Inc., Waggles Pet Supply & Dog Wash LLC, Walmart Store #01-1290, The Walker Center, Wake Forest Baptist Health-Internal Medicine;

Bill Warden, Linda Wehrmann-Realtor, Stephen J. Wessels DMD PLLC, Westwood Hills Nursing & Rehab Center, Whippoor-will Village, Charles and Mary White, White Oak Stable, WIFM Radio (100.9 FM), Window World Inc., Window World Foothills;

Wilcox Marketing Inc., Wilkes Art Gallery, Wilkes Circles of Care, Wilkes Communications, Wilkes Community Foundation, Wilkes County 4-H, Wilkes County Board of Education, Wilkes County Crime Stoppers;

Wilkes Family YMCA, Wilkes Flying Club Inc., Wilkes Farm & Garden Center, Wilkes Garage Doors, Wilkes Hardware Co., Wilkes iTalk, Wilkes Income Tax Ser-vice Inc., Wilkes Literacy, Wilkes Opto-metric Eye Care Center, Wilkes Pediatric Clinic;

Wilkes Regional Medical Center,

110% membership investors are listed

See 110%, Page 11

Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • December 8, 2014 • 9

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Manufacturingcontinued from Page 1

ing workforce and the difficulties in hiring skilled labor. The visits also included a tour of the manufacturing facility enabling us to see the production lines in operation at which time I quickly noticed the lack of employees working around the equipment and machinery.

The machinery was being operated by technology that was observed by a limited number of employees.

In a recent article featured in TIME magazine, writer Rana Foroohar stated, “Today’s U.S. factories aren’t the noisy places where your grandfather knocked in four bolts a minute for eight hours a day. Dungarees and lunch pails are out; computer skills and specialized training are in, since the new made-in-America economics is centered largely on cutting-edge technologies.”

This statement holds true in Wilkes County’s manufacturing. In years past when I’ve toured textile mills there would be rows of employed sewers sitting at machines sewing fabric pieces as rapidly as possible as they worked diligently to reach their production goal.

Today, the sewing is completed by massive automated sewing machines with large spools of thread attached. There’s one employee located at the end of each line that’s responsible for the machines operation checking the automation and observing the spools of thread making sure they feed the machines or need replacing. At times in other automated manufacturing pro-cesses, we saw employees stationed at computers watching the machines manufacture the products.

We read that throughout the United States there are industries developing new manufacturing techniques way ahead of global competitors and are using these to produce goods more efficiently on super automated factory floors.

These factories have more machines and fewer workers—and those workers must be able to master the machines. We learned that many new manufacturing jobs require at least a two-year tech degree to complement artisan skills such as weld-ing or milling.

As new technology is engaged, the bar will only get higher. We read that some experts believe it won’t be too long before employers will expect a four-year

degree—a job qualification that will even-tually be required in many other places around the world too.

To prepare our youth for these super automated manufacturers, Wilkes County Schools and Wilkes Community College have implemented numerous technical programs that offer the edu-cation and training to meet the skills needs.

They include programs such as STEM in the Wilkes County middle schools, a project based curriculum designed to challenge and engage the natural curiosity of students. The program is a three-tiered framework encompassing integration of STEM concepts, use of individual and collaborative classroom technology and project-based learning that promotes criti-cal thinking skills.

Wilkes Community College’s Indus-tr ial and Workforce Development Division includes departments of Architectural & Building Construction Technology, Engineering Technology, Transportation Technology, Advanced Manufacturing & Materials, and Horti-culture & Bio-Agriculture Technology. A few of the many areas of study provided by the division include architectural technology, automotive systems tech-

nology, collision repair and refinishing technology, building construction tech-nology, computer engineering, electron-ics engineering, heavy equipment and transportation technology, horticulture technology, industrial systems technol-ogy and welding technology.

Wilkes County has committed to become an NC Works Certified Work Ready Community (CWRC). This provides counties with a framework to validate that they have a skilled workforce ready to fill current and future jobs.

Partners in the CWRC initiative include the N.C. Community Colleges System, N.C. Department of Public Instruction, N.C. Department of Commerce, the North Caro-lina Chamber and numerous economic/workforce development entities through-out the state.

To obtain the certification, coun-ties must achieve established goals of individuals earning a National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) along with business recognition and recom-mendation of qualified NCRC applicants in their hiring process. To learn more about the CWRC for your business or industry, contact Dan Little with the Wilkes Economic Development Corpo-ration 838-1501.

10 • Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • December 8, 2014

Charter MediaGwen Gibson719 G� Greenway RoadBoone, N�C� 28607(828) 264-6939

Cregger Company Inc.Lee Price1402 A River St�Wilkesboro, N�C� 28697(336) 667-3366

Express Computer ClinicSteve Johnson1619 Industrial DriveWilkesboro, N�C� 28697(336) 973-0300

Glendale Springs Inn and RestaurantLarry and Amanda Smith7414 Hwy� 16Glendale Springs, N�C�28629(336) 982-3103

Haynes InsulationJim Haynes4879 Sparta Rd�North Wilkesboro, N�C�28659(336) 670-9325

Northwest Comfort LLCBrandon Vickers126 Bear Hollow LaneNorth Wilkesboro, N�C�28659(336) 984-2130

RCD Construction Inc.Corey Strombeck437 Hollywood Rd�Moravian Falls, N�C� 28654(336) 838-6701

Salon 405Wanda Ellis405 Main St�North Wilkesboro, N�C�28659(336) 921-0405

Second To NatureElizabeth Nieland43 Boone TrailNorth Wilkesboro, N�C�28659(336) 818-1552

Sugar Daddy’sMisty Jones2867C Hwy� 16 NorthMillers Creek, N�C� 28651(336) 990-0550

The M & P DepotStuart Wells308 10th StreetNorth Wilkesboro, N�C�28659(336) 546-9521

Two Rivers CinemasStadium 6Nick JohnsonP�O� Box 1326Wilkesboro, N�C� 28697(336) 990-0330

West Coast Wings and PizzaJody Jones2867 D Hwy� 16Millers Creek, N�C� 28651(336) 990-0500

Welcome to our new Chamber members

WILKES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE hosted the Annual Business Appreciation Breakfast in October at the Wilkesboro Civic Center. Chamber members enjoyed pancakes, waffles, bacon, and sausage provided by Arnold Lakey and cooked by Chamber board members. Many thanks to Arnold Lakey for the food and Sonny Church with Brushy Mountain Water for the coffee!

Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • December 8, 2014 • 11

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Leadershipcontinued from Page 1

to a realization that the county had a need for well informed, knowledgeable, educated leaders to guide the commu-nity into a successful future. So far, Leadership Wilkes has had 229 men and women gain a greater understanding of what is involved in leading a community and the challenges each person serving in a lead-ership capacity has to face to be successful.

As president of the cham-ber, I have the opportunity to facilitate this leadership pro-gram. As I plan and schedule each session, my goal is to make sure Leadership Wilkes participants receive a good overview of county and town management, planning, map-ping, law enforcement, emer-gency needs, social and health services.

We include sessions that cover communication, utilities,

and infrastructure, healthcare, education, and nonprofit orga-nizations while making them aware of the number of ser-vices provided.

Leadership Wilkes partici-pants are introduced to local business and industry man-agement and given the oppor-tunity to tour manufacturing facilities that allow class par-ticipants to learn more about the local economy, human resource/workforce needs, and the work life of our county citizens. Upon completion of the nine sessions, Leader-ship Wilkes participants have experienced visually much of the county while gaining a knowledge and understanding far exceeding anything they could have read about.

Leadership Wilkes 2014 par-ticipants included Jared Belk, Wilkes County Health Depart-ment; Jane Blackburn, Appa-lachian Regional Library; Lee K. Cornett, Wilkes Community College; Jane Corley, Wilkes Regional Medical Center; Greta

Ferguson, Wilkes Circles of Care/North Wilkesboro Hous-ing; Amber Garwood, US Cel-lular; Amber Herman, Wilkes Community College; Kim Hol-land, Hugh Chatham Memo-rial Hospital; Shelia Jones, Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care; April Marr, Wilkes County Schools; Missy Mayberry, Lowe’s Companies; Randy Miller, Wilkes Commu-nity College; Michael Rhea, LP Corporation; Wesley Stone, LP Corporation; Chad Treadway, Cube Design; Crissy Triplette, Wilkes Chamber of Commerce; Janet Vannoy, Allstate Insur-ance-Tonda Phillips and Pam White, Pruitt Healthcare.

The Wilkes Chamber of Commerce encourages non-profit and government agen-cies to consider a Leadership Wilkes graduate as they make selections for future advisory council and board members. Call on them because they’re a group of informative people willing to share their leader-ship abilities with others.

2014 Chamber Ambassadors are Terrian Carter, Addison Proper-ties Inc.; April Nichols, Barium Springs Home for Children; Laura Hubbard, Gentiva Home Health Care; Carla Souther Hauser, Carla Souther Hauser Financial Ser-vices; Cynthia Staley; Shana Wil-liams, Sharp Business Systems; Charlie Silva, Blue Skies Hyp-nosis Center; Austin Balf, Farm

Bureau Insurance-Wilkesboro; Brett Yates, Wilkes Communica-tions Inc.; Jean Clayborn, Villages of Wilkes Skilled Care; Barbara Faw, Colonial Life; Justin Shock-ley, Avante at Wilkesboro Inc.; Pam White, United Hospice; Ruth Warden, CommunityOne Bank-Wilkesboro; Chad Martin, Char-ter Business; and Cindy Kerley, SunTrust Bank.

Chamber of Commerce ambassadors are listed

Wilkes Steel Inc., Wilkes Trans-portation Authority, Wilkes Veter-inary Hospital, Wilkes Vocational Services, Wilkes YMCA Express, Wilkes Security, Wilkesboro ABC Store #2, Wilkesboro Fire Department;

Willardson & Lipscomb LLP,

William F. Brooks, ATTY, Wil-liams Farms & Event Planning LLC, Williams Motel, Window World Foothills, Window World Inc., Woodfield Oaks Apartments LLC, Woodhaven Family Restau-rant & Catering;

Worldwide Protective Products, WWWC Radio (1240 AM), Yadkin River Greenway Council, Yadkin Valley Gymnastics Academy and Yadtel Publishing.

110%continued from Page 8

12 • Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • December 8, 2014

Top 10 Reasons to Becomea Chamber Member

1) Make new business contacts.2) Market your products and services.3) Increase the value of communication

technology.4) Invest in a healthy economy—Promote

Wilkes County.5) Heighten your company’s visibility.

6) Support education in Wilkes.

7) Gain a voice in government.8) Save your company money.9) GET INVOLVED!

10) Enhance your professional skills.