CYAN M

AGEN

TA YELLOW

BLACK

Bigger& Smarter

RadioNOW FM 107.1 WJNC 1240 AM

Why ShouldYou

Join?

• Networking• Visibility

• Credibility• Advertising Opportunities

• Community Advocacy• Community Involvement

• and much more!

OurMission:

To improve the economic climate of Carteret County.

OurVision:

Carteret County:The most desirable location

for business and leisurein North Carolina.

801 Arendell StreetSuite 1

Morehead City, NC 28557(252) 726-6350

(800) NCCOASTFax (252) 726-3505

cart.coc@nccoastchamber.comwww.nccoastchamber.com

ContactUs:

Chamber News Monthly Newsletter: July 2016

Carteret County Chamber of Commerce

Independence DayKevin Geraghty took this photograph of the July 4 fireworks over Emerald Isle in 2015 and applied a little Photoshop wizardry to gain special effects…to put everyone in the mood for Independence Day 2016. This is one of the images appearing in the new Business Directory & Visitors Guide. See page 8.

CYAN

MAG

ENTA

YEL

LOW

BLA

CKpage 2 - Chamber News, July 2016

‘Super Heroes for a Super Night’

Reverse Drawing is August 20:You could win $10,000 cash

The Carteret County Chamber of Commerce pres-ents the 2016 Reverse Drawing on Saturday evening, August 20, at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City.

Reverse Drawing tickets are now on sale at Chamber headquarters, 801 Arendell St., Morehead City. Open to the public. You do not have to be present to win the Grand Prize of $10,000.

Each ticket is $100. Only 325 will be sold. Your ticket admits two adults to the best party of

the summer season. Doors open at 6 p.m. Buffet dinner, open bar, silent auction, entertainment and fun. Free cab ride home to any location within Carteret County.

This year’s theme is: “Super Heroes for a Super Night.”

Dress is beach casual, but come dressed as your favorite Super Hero from any era to compete in the costume contest to win prizes.

Businesses and organizations are welcome to contribute items for the silent auction. Gain instant exposure, as more than 450 people typically attend this function.

For more information or to purchase a ticket, visit the chamber at www.nccoastchamber.com or call 252-726-6350. You can also email Lana Collmann at lana@nccoastchamber.com.

Congress is still trying to scrapfederal ‘Overtime Rule’ change

Earlier this month, 44 Republican members of the U.S. Senate joined together to file a motion of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act, an attempt to overturn the controversial overtime rule change handed down recently by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).

North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis was among those Senate members who say they want to block the overtime rule from going into effect December 1. It will require employers to pay employees earning less than $47,476 per year overtime pay if they work more than 40 hours a week.

The ruling raises the exempt employee sta-tus threshold from $23,660 to the $47,476 level. Essentially, about 4.2 million American workers will lose salaried employee status and be “reclassified” as hourly workers.

Under the Congressional Review Act, Republicans need a simple majority in both chambers to nullify the overtime rule and prohibit the Obama adminis-tration from issuing a similar ruling without congres-sional approval.

President Barack Obama can veto the legislation action, and Republicans do not have enough support on their own to override a veto.

Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, who is Chair of the Senate Labor Committee, said: “Workers who today are mid-management or pro-fessional employees are not going to like it one bit when their employer tells them that under this new rule, they’re going to be punching the time clock when they go in and out of work.”

In the House of Representatives, the Committee on Education and the Workforce conducted a hearing June 9 on the overtime rule and its consequences.

At the hearing, Representative Tim Walberg of Michigan said: “Many small businesses won’t be able to afford this mandate, even if they wanted to. Some will have no choice but to hold back on hiring, lay off workers or cut back hours. The bottom line is that this rule hurts the very individuals the adminis-tration claims it will help.”

Speaking for the National Retail Federation (NRF), David French commented June 9: “Retailers are happy to see that our allies in Congress aren’t taking their foot off the gas when it comes to trying to stop DOL’s reckless overtime rule from going into effect.”

Compelling testimony before the committee was provided by Tina Sharby of Easter Seals NH, Inc., which serves four New England states. She noted that not-for-profit organizations rarely have the opportunity to cover additional overhead costs by “raising prices,” due to the very nature of these busi-nesses. Instead, they must reduce services and care provided to their clients, many of whom are needy.

Congress is also considering legislative action to block the overtime rule. The Protecting Workplace Advancement and Opportunity Act is H.R. 4773 in the House. Representative Walter Jones is a co-sponsor. The Senate bill is S. 2707. Sen. Tillis is a co-sponsor.

“The Board of Directors of the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce supports this legislation, and

we urge all members of North Carolina’s congressio-nal delegation to join as bill co-sponsors,” said Mary Carlyle Brown, who chairs the Chamber’s Public & Government Affairs Committee.

“Voters need to help us persuade our elected officials in Washington, D.C., that this effort both deserves and requires bipartisan support,” Brown said. “The overtime ruling is a job-killer and is det-rimental to the state’s economy.”

Access the Chamber Board’s Resolution at www.nccoastchamber.com.

We Feature Made in USA• US, State, “Open” and Custom Flags• Flag Poles & Hardware• Banners, Feathers & Windsocks

Atlantic Station • 247-7011

Plus Always the Best in:• Kites, Puzzles, Games, • Bird Feeding Supplies, Yard Decor

etc.

&KitesUnlimited

CYAN M

AGEN

TA YELLOW

BLACKpage 3 - Chamber News, July 2016

Chamber and MAC recognized for serviceKen Oppenheim of the Employer Support of the

Guard & Reserve (ESGR) attended the June 2 meet-ing of the Board of Directors of the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce to present the Chamber with the ESGR’s “Seven Seals Award,” recognizing mer-itorious leadership and initiative in support of the men and women who serve America in the National Guard and Reserve.

This is the “broadest and most inclusive award given by ESGR,” Oppenheim noted. “ESGR thanks the Chamber and its Military Affairs Committee for your constant support of the military units within the Chamber’s service area,” Oppenheim said. “By far, this is the most active Chamber and MAC in the area.”

The Chamber MAC received its own “Seven Seals Award” at its regular meeting June 3.

Chamber Chair Bucky Oliver said: “We are deep-ly honored to receive separate ‘Seven Seals Awards’ from the ESGR. “Our Chamber and the MAC are

Carteret County welcomes Coast Guard Capt. Hill

proud of the partnerships that exist between the business community and the military in Carteret County, and we strongly encourage our busi-nesses and organizations to seek out, recruit, hire and offer continuous employment opportunities to National Guard and Reserve person-nel, while being supportive of their family members during time of service to our nation.

“Furthermore, we commend the efforts of the ESGR and its dedicated volunteers. It is a priority for our Chamber to help connect our members with the ESGR.”

Chamber Military Affairs Committee Chair David

Heath, Coast Guard Capt. Patricia Hill and Cmdr. Javier

Delgado had an opportuni-ty to visit during the Open

House gathering. Capt. Hill commented that she reviewed Carteret County’s application

to become a “Coast Guard Community” while she was

stationed at Coast Guard Headquarters. Her words:

“That’s where I want to go.” And here she is!

Ken Oppenheim (left) of ESGR congratulates Chamber Chair Bucky Oliver (right), as MAC Chair David Heath displays the “Seven Seals Award.”

Capt. Patricia Hill has been assigned as Commander of Coast Guard Sector North Carolina. She was the guest of honor at an Open House host-ed May 18 by Coast Guard Sector Field Office Fort Macon. She is based at Sector Headquarters in Wilmington.

Capt. Hill most recently served at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C., as Chief, Office of General Law.

She is a graduate of the Coast Guard’s Officer Candidate School and the Naval Justice School. She earned a bachelor’s degree at California State University at Sonoma and completed her Juris Doctor at Santa Clara University School of Law.

MAC has 2 events plannedto recognize military personnel

The Military Affairs Committee of the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce will present the John C. Beitz Service Person of the Quarter Luncheon at 12 noon, Friday, August 12, hosted and sponsored by the Morehead City-Beaufort Elks Lodge #1710, 400 Miller Farm Road, Morehead City.

The cost to attend the luncheon is $10. Advance registration is required. Call the Chamber at 252-726-6350 or sign up and pay online at www.nccoast-chamber.com.

During the luncheon, the MAC will honor service members from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry

Point, the Coast Guard and the Army Reserve. Businesses and organizations are invited to donate gifts to be presented to the honorees. Three identi-cal items or items of equal value are requested. To participate, contact Lana Collmann at lana@nccoast-chamber.com.

Also, the MAC’s annual Down East Military Fun Day event is being planned for Friday, September 30. The location is Harkers Island, and partners include Cape Lookout National Seashore, Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center and Island Express Ferry Service.

MAC Chair David Heath said that typically up to 150 military members and their adult guests are treated to an excursion over to Cape Lookout to climb the Lighthouse and visit the seashore. Lunch will be provided at the museum afterward.

The MAC is seeking contributions from area mer-chants and individuals to be used as door prizes for the military attendees and their guests.

“This is always a special time for rest and relax-ation,” Heath said. “For many of our service mem-bers, this will be their first opportunity to go Down East and travel on the Outer Banks National Scenic Byway.”

CYAN

MAG

ENTA

YEL

LOW

BLA

CKpage 4 - Chamber News, July 2016

Here are scenes from the June 14 Retirement Reception when several hundred Chamber members and community officials came to the Morehead City Train Depot to offer best wishes to Mike and Sandy Wagoner on Mike’s last “official day” as President of the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce. (See related article on page 8.)

Special thanks go out to Amos Mosquito’s Restaurant & Bar, Captain Horatio Sinbad, Class Act Catering, Crystal Coast Civic Center, Downtown Morehead City Revitalization Association, Morgan Printers, Rosemary Markham, Taylor’s Creek Grocery and The Boathouse at Front Street Village.

Chamber members gather for huge send-off

Assistant District Attorney Bob Cherry and Sandi Malone of the Arts Council of Carteret County

Gus Tulloss of Gus H. Tulloss Insurance and member of the North Carolina

Board of Transportation

Mike Wagoner receives farewell retirement wish-

es from former Chamber Board

members Martha Barnes of Cousins Bed and Breakfast (left) and Marlene

Anderson, who was the Chamber

Board Chair in 2004 and respon-

sible for hiring Mike as Chamber

President.

Bob Upchurch of Bob Upchurch Appraisals, Desha Hollowell of Hollowell Group Resources and Ken Woodlin, an individu-al member of the Chamber Lucci McCullough of “Sea of Gread” book; Jennifer Gould

and Amanda Lyle, both of the Carteret Community College Foundation.

Phyllis Manning of

Class Act Catering

Past Chamber Chair Kerry Youngblood sports his new Connor Cook MSU football jersey and later gave Mike Wagoner the shirt off his back

CYAN M

AGEN

TA YELLOW

BLACKpage 5 - Chamber News, July 2016

Capt. Horatio Sinbad makes his grand entrance, oblite-rating the “Black Spot.” One of the retirement celebra-tion highlights was Sinbad’s kind and gracious gesture to remove the pirate’s curse that he had placed on Mike Wagoner as “punishment” to the Chamber for supporting the Gallants Channel Bridge project

Chamber staff members Lana Collmann, Julie Naegelen and Susan McNamara planned and staged one whale of a retire-ment party.

Here are Chamber Board members Russell Overman, Carteret County Manager, and Janie Jones

Chamber Chair Elect

Tina Purifoy of Carteret

County Parks and

Recreation and the

Crystal Coast Civic Center

Ruth Roberts and Mary Ellen Barker, both of BB&T

Leslie Marshall of Basin Design snapped pho-tos of the June 14 retirement celebration

Steve Hellersperk of ACS Computer Services and Toastmasters-Morehead City and Tracey Brinson of Brinson Custom Carpentry

Special thanks to our event photographers: Dan Williams, Robert Williams and Lana Collmann.

CYAN

MAG

ENTA

YEL

LOW

BLA

CKpage 6 - Chamber News, July 2016

Membership RenewalsThe following Chamber members renewed their membership 5/18/16 to 6/15/16:

70 West MarinaAdvantaClean of the Crystal CoastBasin DesignBig Rock SportsBlue Ocean Spa & NailsBluewater Real Estate of Atlantic BeachBroad Creek Financial ServicesCagent, Inc.Carolina Coastal Paper & Janitorial SupplyCarteret County News-TimesCarteret OB-GYN Associates, PACarteret Vision CenterCommunity Yellow PagesCountry-Aire RentalCrystal Coast ConciergeCulligan Water ConditioningEastern Carolina Properties, Inc.Eye Care CenterFreeman’s Bait & TackleGeodynamics, LLCHamad RealtyHope Mission Christian MinistriesHot Wax Surf ShopJame’s Clothing, Accessories & Art

Look who’s joined the ChamberPlease welcome and patronize these new Chamber members who have recently joined the Chamber (through 06/18/16).

Jake’sMelissa Lutz1101 Arendell St. Morehead City, NC 28557252-646-2011Men’s Clothing and Accessories

Mike & Sandy Wagoner419 Hillcrest DriveMorehead City, NC 28557252-622-1930 or 252-723-7787Friends

Project SuperheroRodney Leary2827 Easy St. Newport, NC 28570252-725-4094Organizations & Agencies, Entertainment

Queen Anne’s RevengeBetty Sue Stroud510 Front St., Unit 1Beaufort, NC 28516252-504-7272Restaurants

ServiceMaster Janitorial SolutionsNancy Johnson1200 N. 23rd St., Suite 109Wilmington, NC 28405910-343-0990Cleaning Services

Southern Touch Painting & Maintenance Inc.Roger Carroll142 Fairview Drive, Suite DEmerald Isle, NC 28546-2859

910-346-1885Painting Contractors

The Kitchen at Beaufort Olive Oil CompanyClarke Merrell300 Front St. Beaufort, NC 28516252-504-2474Retail

The MirIAMTami Thomas4050-I Arendell St. Morehead City, NC 28557252-725-3030Drug Detox and Rehabilitation for Women

Tight Lines Pub & Brewing Co.Betty Sue Stroud709 Arendell St. Morehead City, NC 28557252-773-0641Restaurants

Vista GraphicsJeff Walston101 B Freeman Lane Atlantic Beach, NC 28512252-240-9592Publishing/Advertising

Woodforest National BankClint Hatcher300 Highway 24 Morehead City, NC 28557252-726-3851Banks

Janie JonesKen A. Hudson Plumbing, Inc.Kittrell Auto PartsLinda Rike Real EstateLowe’s of Cape CarteretMedical Park Pharmacy WestMills & Thomas FurnitureMorehead City Dairy Queen/Orange JuliusN.C. Cooperative Extension - Carteret CountyNorth Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll ShoresNorth River Golf ClubOcean Breeze Cleaning Services, LLCPet Docks Veterinary HospitalPlaza Mexico RestaurantRE/MAX Ocean PropertiesRotary Club of Morehead City NoonSpinnaker’s Reach RealtySuburban PropaneTerminixTransportation ImpactU.S. CellularUnited Way of Coastal CarolinaWilliam Griffith

The place to go to buy or sell a business

Call SunbeltMorehead City, NC

(252) 222-0001Visit us on the web

www.sunbeltnc.com

Chamber Business After Hoursoccurs twice in July

The Carteret County Chamber of Commerce pres-ents two Business After Hours networking events in July. Each is from 5:30-7 p.m.

Transportation Impact hosts and sponsors Business After Hours Monday, July 18, for the unveiling of the firm’s new headquarters building, 8920 Crew Drive, Emerald Isle. CaribSea will be doing the food.

Select Bank & Trust, 168 NC 24, Morehead City, sponsors and hosts Business After Hours Thursday, July 21. Aladdin Travel is co-sponsoring.

Admission to each Business After Hours event is $5 and a business card. Pay in advance and your name badge will be waiting for you at the registra-tion station. For information, call 252-726-6350 or contact Julie Naegelen at julie@nccoastchamber.com.

Members can also sign up and pay online at www.nccoastchamber.com.

Adults only. Please, no children at Business After Hours.

CYAN M

AGEN

TA YELLOW

BLACKpage 7 - Chamber News, July 2016

Ribbon Cuttings

Crystal Coast Interiors. 1401 Sensation Weigh, Beaufort (Jarrett Bay Marine Industrial Park). Contact Cathy DiMauro at 252-241-7571. Open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Evenings and weekends by appointment. Specializing in: “Marine design/interior, exterior, upholstery and project management.”

Palm Suites/Bluewater and Palm Suites Home Owners Association.602 W. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach. Contact Walter Hancock at 252-247-6400. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Specializing in: “Hotel servic-es.”

Broad Creek Financial Services.Contact Alyce Meserve at 252-347-1076. Open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Specializing in: “Life insurance and employee benefits.”

Dawn Hoffmann is ChamberAmbassador of the MonthDawn Hoffmann of döTERRA International (Essential Oils) and World Class Flooring is the Ambassador of the Month for May at the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce.

“This is Dawn’s first time to be select-ed as the Chamber’s Ambassador of the Month,” said Julie Naegelen, staff liaison to the Ambassadors Club.

“Dawn and her husband, Al, recently relocated to the Crystal Coast from New Jersey, and they have become extremely involved in the Chamber. This is helping them gain exposure and visibility for their business enterprises.

“As an Ambassador, Dawn is able to assist the Chamber and promote her own businesses at the same time.”

“Dawn is currently volunteering as one of the par-ticipants in ‘Operation Thank You.’”

Ambassadors earn points each month by making contacts with Chamber members and by attending the various functions and events.

To inquire about becoming a Chamber Ambassador, contact Julie Naegelen at 252-726-6350 or julie@nccoastchamber.com.

Contact Dawn Hoffmann at 732-309-3585, Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. She can advise you how to achieve health and wellness with essen-tial oils.

Dawn Hoffmann

Avis/Budget Cars & Budget Trucks.5380-L US 70 West, Morehead City (Brandywine Crossing). Contact Pat Brennan at 252-247-5577. Open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m.-12 noon and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. Specializing in: “Vehicle rental.”

Crystal Coast Boatworks.1401 Sensation Weigh, Beaufort (Jarrett Bay Marine Industrial Park). Contact George Hasebe or Patrick Kirkbride at 252-723-9370. Open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m.-12 noon. Specializing in: “Boat storage, both long-term and short-term, wet or dry. Haul out with 75-ton lift, pressure wash, bottom paint, compound, wax, wood work and more.”

döTERRA International (Essential Oils).Contact Dawn Hoffmann at 732-309-3585. Open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Specializing in: “Health and wellness with essential oils.”

CYAN

MAG

ENTA

YEL

LOW

BLA

CKpage 8 - Chamber News, July 2016

Message from Chair Bucky Oliver:

Times are changing…as Chamber welcomes new leader

This is my first opportunity to use this space in the Chamber News, so I want to choose my words carefully and not wob-ble.

The Board of Directors of the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce has bid a fond farewell to the gentleman who has been at the helm of our organization for the past 12 years

– Mike Wagoner. Mike retired earlier this month as our President, after an illustrious 46-year career in the journalism and public relations arena and Chamber work.

Today, the Board welcomes Tom Kies as our new President. Tom is a familiar face, having served most recently as Executive Director of Downtown Morehead City Revitalization Association. Prior to that, Tom was Publisher and General Manager of NCCOAST Communications in Morehead City.

Tom has a solid background with expertise in business development, marketing, advertising and public relations. I think you get a sense of the high value our organization places on communications skills and creativity.

Tom knows the Carteret County communities, its culture and the key players. He has served contin-uously as a member of the Chamber Board since 2007. (He was recruited to join the Board shortly after completing Leadership Carteret 2007.) Tom served as Board Chair in 2011, so he knows first-hand what makes the Chamber tick.

We are absolutely thrilled that Tom accepted our offer, and we expect great leadership and unparalleled accomplish-ments. He is confident, competent, capable and captivating. He is amiable, affable and approachable.

I want to sidetrack just a moment to thank the Chamber volunteers who par-ticipated with Mike and myself on the search committee. They were Millie Chalk, John Hagle, Mary Duane Hale, Tina Purifoy and Kerry Youngblood. They took their responsibility seriously and made wise choices along the way. We had an extensive pool of highly cre-dentialed and qualified individuals.

A key question to each applicant we interviewed was this: “In this position, there are four fundamental areas of focus – the ability to provide value to the mem-bership, to monitor and act upon govern-mental issues that affect Carteret County, to collaborate and develop partnerships and to grow our financial resources. Given these four elements, what are your strengths and weaknesses in each area? Give past experiences for each.”

Tom Kies hit the ball out of the park, especially when describing the multitude of ways he has been working to build relationships, form partnerships and engage in collaboration – to get positive results to benefit all parties. In short, Tom has a track record for success. He will, ladies and gentlemen, hit the ground running. Correction: Already has.

Reflecting on Mike’s contributions from 2004-16, I wasn’t here for the early years, but Marlene Anderson was the Board Chair when Mike was hired. She is insistent that he was the right person for the

Tom Kies

job at the right time, the guy who was able to build bridges of trust and to gain the support and buy-in from all corners and quarters of the county and beyond…and through some innovative programming techniques, he was able to energize the Chamber to become the go-to organization.

Mike’s commitment to our Chamber, dedication, professionalism and passion to make Carteret County North Carolina’s premier location for business and leisure have been remarkable to observe. As a gov-ernment watchdog, he’s been our bulldog.

Years from now, we will still marvel about what was accomplished under Mike’s leadership and what he has meant to the Chamber and all people of the Crystal Coast. His common sense approach to bal-ancing progress with preservation proved to be a brilliant posture for the Chamber.

He had – and still has, of course – a reserved lead-ership style that can be summed up as the “guide from the side.” That is a supreme compliment to allow the volunteer leaders to be in the limelight. But he was there to ensure that none of us stumbled or fumbled.

We wish Mike and his wife, Sandy, a wonderful “staycation” on the beach this summer, and we take comfort than in retirement, he has agreed to serve as a “Consultant Emeritus.”

Bucky Oliver

‘Operation Thank You’ is in full swingThanks to the Carteret County Chamber of

Commerce members who are participating in “Operation Thank You.”

They have volunteered to help deliver copies of the new Business Directory & Visitors Guide to fellow Chamber members.

The new publication is available free of charge. Pick up as many as you need at Chamber headquar-ters, 801 Arendell St., Morehead City.

The Business Directory & Visitors Guide contains 88 full-color photographs that support the theme of “Naturally Yours, The Crystal Coast” and show real

Chamber members in action. Photos submitted by local photographers are cred-

ited. We appreciate their generosity in allowing the Chamber to showcase their creative work.

Listings sections are organized three ways – cate-gorically, alphabetically and by key contact.

You can also access the editorial and pictorial sec-tions online at the Chamber website, www.nccoast-chamber.com.

Design and printing services were provided by Morgan Printers, a Chamber member business.