Catching Up with the Wilkes Chamber

2012-01-24T08:32:00.000-08:00

Stay connected with the events happening at the Wilkes Chamber, with a look at our January Monthly Mailer. This is a great resource for new businesses in Wilkes County as well as community events. Find our more about our BUY Local campaign and see the benefits in action of being a Wilkes Chamber Member. And while you're there take a look at the deals and specials our Chamber Members are offering!

Click Here for January Mailer

If interested in being a Chamber Member, contact Jamie Lakey at 336-838-8662 or by email to, jlakey@wilkesnc.org. If interested in advertising in "Your Chamber Connection" contact Tonia Perkins at 336-838-8662 or by email to tperkins@wilkesnc.org.

The Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Welcomes New Members for the months of November & December 2011

2012-01-20T06:31:00.000-08:00

The Wilkes Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome our new members for the months of November & December. Please visit our website directory to find out more information on these and other businesses in Wilkes County. Business Directory Link

AFLAC-Nicholas Wehrmann

A Greener World Recycling, Inc.

C & M Precision Guns, LLC

Cadrenet, Inc.

Domino’s Pizza New/Deletion renewed

Pirate Race Productions, LLC

Playful Paws Pet Resort and Daycare

Security Financial Services

Sedgewick Homes. LLC

Smithey, Chuck H.

Stablemates Pet Care

Thompson Gas-Smokies, LLC

Thank you new members for supporting the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce! If you are interested in becoming a member or have a general membership question, please email Jamie Lakey at jlakey@wilkesnc.org.

The Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Welcomes New Members for the month of October 2011

2011-12-02T12:43:00.000-08:00

The Wilkes Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome our new members for the month of October. Please visit our website directory to find out more information on these and other businesses in Wilkes County. Business Directory Link

Addison Properties, Inc

Annie's Travel, "Anywhere...Any Way"

Bank of America

MX Aircraft, LLC

Big Tom's

Byrd, Dr. Fay C.

Family Chiropractic & Wellness Center
Gardner Glass Products

H & R Block

Joines & James, PLLC

Lakey, Arnold N.

Law Offices of Greene & Burke, PLLC

MHS Technologies

Papa John's Pizza

Rid-A-Bug

Salem Foot Care, PA

Sherrill Faw Reality, LLC

Southern Candles, Inc.

Tim Harrold's Empire Chrysler Dodge Jeep

Waggles Pet Supply & Dog Wash, LLC

WATCO, Inc.

Westwood Hills Nursing and Rehab Center

Whittington Auction & Appraisal, LLC

Wilkes Economic Development Corporation

Wilkes JobLink Career Center

Wilkes Public Health Dental Clinic

Thank you new members for supporting the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce! If you are interested in becoming a member or have a general membership question, please email Jamie Lakey at jlakey@wilkesnc.org.

Your Chamber Connection - November

2011-12-02T08:59:00.000-08:00

Stay connected with the events happening at the Wilkes Chamber, with a look at our November Monthly Mailer. This is a great resource for new businesses in Wilkes County as well as community events. Find our more about our BUY Local campaign and see the benefits in action of being a Wilkes Chamber Member. And while you're there take a look at the deals and specials our Chamber Members are offering!

Click Here for November Mailer

2011 Holiday Discount Cards

2011-11-21T09:32:00.000-08:00

In an effort to further support local buying, the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce, the 2011 Chamber Christmas Parade Committee and The Town of North Wilkesboro have created and are distributing FREE Holiday discount cards to Wilkes County citizens during the holiday season.

We feel the discounts offered by local merchants will encourage Wilkes residents to "shop local first." The Wilkes Chamber of Commerce staff will distribute cards to the public at the Chamber office and the Parade committee will distribute cards to citizens attending the annual Christmas Parade, which is scheduled for Saturday, December 3 at 1:00 pm. The cards will also be available at the business locations of each participating merchant.

The Wilkes Chamber will have the cards available for distribution by November 18, just in time for "Black Friday" shopping. In general the discounts will run from Nov. 18 until Dec. 31, unless otherwise noted on the cards.

For more information visit online at 2011 Holiday Discount Cards, or call the Chamber office at 336-838-8662.

To receive the discount, you must have the 2011 Holiday Discount Card. They can be picked up at participating merchants or at the Chamber Office.

The Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Welcomes New Members for the month of September 2011

2011-11-14T09:18:00.000-08:00

The Wilkes Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome our new members for the month of September. Please visit our website directory to find out more information on these and other businesses in Wilkes County. Business Directory Link

Aflac-Bradley P. Luty

Aunt B's Attic

Blossom Salon & Butterfly Boutique

Carolina Carpet Care & Restoration

Cottage House Restaurant

Harolds Restaurant

Jimmie Johnson Air & Heat

Keller Electric Co., Inc.

LuRay Textiles, Inc.

Mama Zoe's Seafood Shack

Oakwoods Grocery

Ultimate Car Wash

Watkins Metal Roofing

Williams Motel

Yadkin Valley Weather.com

Thank you new members for supporting the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce! If you are interested in becoming a member or have a general membership question, please email Jamie Lakey at membership@wilkesnc.org.

Your Chamber Connection - October

2011-10-13T10:17:00.000-07:00

Stay connected with the events happening at the Wilkes Chamber, with a look at our October Monthly Mailer. This is a great resource for new businesses in Wilkes County as well as community events. Find our more about our BUY Local campaign and see the benefits in action of being a Wilkes Chamber Member. And while you're there take a look at the deals and specials our Chamber Members are offering!

Click Here for October Mailer

If interested in being a Chamber Member, contact Jamie Lakey at 336-838-8662 or by email to, membership@wilkesnc.org. If interested in advertising in "Your Chamber Connection" contact Tonia Perkins at 336-838-8662 or by email to tperkins@wilkesnc.org.

Jon Swaim - SuperFly Outdoor Sports Owner - Pitt Auditorium

2011-10-06T06:43:00.000-07:00

Please join the Wilkes Reads Together for speaker, Jon Swaim on Thursday, October 6, 12 Noon, in the Pit Auditorium at Wilkes Community College. Swaim, Fly Fishing Teacher, Guide and Kayak/Canoe Rental Owner will discuss running an environmentally dependent business on the Yadkin River. This is a FREE event to the public!

SuperFly Outdoor Sports is YOUR outdoor connection for rentals, equip shuttle service, Guides and more! Kayaks, canoes, tubes, paddle boats, and mountain bikes available with transport to W. Kerr Scott Reservoir, the Yadkin River and the Greenway.

SuperFly Outdoors Sports is located at 2618 West NC Hwy 268, Wilkesboro, NC 28697. For more information or to make a reservation, please call (336) 990-0780.

Hours of Operation: Wednesday - Saturday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm, Sunday 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Closed Monday & Tuesday.

Small Business Impacts Local Economy

2011-09-15T07:08:00.000-07:00

By Linda Cheek, President of Wilkes Chamber of Commerce

Over the past three months, Wilkes Chamber of Commerce held 16 ribbon cuttings celebrating the opening or expansion of small businesses throughout the County. Ribbon cuttings are an excellent indication of business growth and job creation. This is evident as you observe the remodeling of supermarkets, opening of new and expanded retail stores, renovated and new dental and doctor offices and urgent care centers. Many of these business owners are entrepreneurs, venturing into a personally owned business for the first time. Jobs are being created during this new development, the money flow increases and the sales tax revenue to the county and towns rises. Supporting small business development and job creation places an even greater emphasis on the Chamber’s “buy local first” campaign. We encourage all citizens to consider making their purchases, utilizing services, and supporting local business first.

Small business development is gaining attention across the State of North Carolina. In the recent North Carolina publication, 2011 State of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Governor Beverly Perdue states the report clearly demonstrates the importance of small businesses in our economy. Small businesses account for a very large part of our gross state product and provide a substantial number of jobs. Governor Perdue appointed the state’s first Small Business Commissioner in 2011 reflecting the State’s recognition of the importance and the dynamic role small business plays in job creation. Perdue has encouraged important tools and resources available to help “small businesses” grow and create jobs. A leading example is the BIZ BOOST initiative providing direct support and resources of existing to medium-sized businesses, helping them to sustain existing jobs and identify growth opportunities. Another supportive opportunity is the State’s expanded small business CAPITAL ACCESS PROGRAM, creating $46million available in federal funding. North Carolina is the first state to launch this program to take advantage of recent federal funding, an initiative to lower the risk of small business lending. Over the next months the State is expected to deploy allocated federal funds to leverage nearly $800 million in bank lending to small firms.

In 2007 there were an estimated 821,189 small businesses in North Carolina in 2007, indicating 47.9% of North Carolina’s 3,686,552 employees. The rural workers equaling nearly 95% go to work each day at a small business. The NC economy and the rural economy are dependent on these small businesses to create jobs and provide stability for rural people, their families and communities. In fact, small businesses were responsible for creating 70% of new jobs in the state from 1990 to 2000. The North Carolina Rural Center reports that small business is BIG in rural North Carolina as 95% of all establishments in rural NC employ fewer than 50 people, 80% of these employ fewer than 10 people. These rural businesses, with fewer than 50 employees, generated $14.5 billion in wages and provided jobs for 614,000 people in 2007. Small business out performs large businesses in job growth. While the largest establishments of 100 employers and more were losing jobs, many small businesses were creating and adding to payrolls.

Small businesses are critical to the survival of rural communities and owners of small businesses are more like to live in the community in which their business is located. Owners of small businesses bring money and wealth into the community. Money that is recycled through the community, boasting other local businesses and contributing to the local tax base.

The North Carolina District Small Business Administration (SBA) office processed 1,221 small business loans totaling almost $312 million in FY 2010 (33% higher than in previous years). Also in 2010, venture capital investment increased for the first time since 2007. In North Carolina, venture capitalists invested $456.3 million in 57 deals in 2010.

Wilkes County, with over 2500 established small businesses is known for its “spirit of entrepreneurialism,” is in need of jobs and an improved economy. Be supportive, buy local, keep your dollars in the county, help retain local sales tax revenue, and most importantly, support local business. This support can and will lead toward job creation and economic growth for Wilkes County.

Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Welcomes New Members for August 2011

2011-09-13T09:55:00.000-07:00

The Wilkes Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome our new members for the month of August. Please visit our website directory to find out more information on these and other businesses in Wilkes County. Business Directory Link

2nd Street Barber Shop

Accessory's On the Go

Action Specialties, LLC

Airgas National Welders

Canter Construction

Customized Storage

Express Computer Clinic

Farm Bureau Insurance - Wilkesboro

FastMed Urgent Care

Green Mountain Outdoors, LLC

Living Waters Home Care, LLC

Mike's Bait & Tackle

North Wilkesboro Lion's Club

Second to Nature

Shape Up

Showcase Your Home

Sloop, Lisa - Cabi Independent Consultant

Sloop Properties

Spectrum Painting, Co.

Steppin Out Studio, Inc.

The Candy Company

Press Release - US Cellular Calling All Communities

2011-09-08T11:55:00.000-07:00

U.S. CELLULAR REVEALS MORE CALLING ALL COMMUNITIES ENHANCEMENTS

2011 Campaign to Feature Bigger Cash Prize and Potential Rewards for School Supporters

CHICAGO (August 15, 2011) –U.S. Cellular (NYSE: USM) today announced exciting enhancements to its third annual $1 million Calling All Communities campaign. In May, the company revealed that it was increasing the number of winners from 10 to 18 schools in the community-driven campaign that awards thousands of dollars to schools to enhance learning opportunities for students across the country. Today, U.S. Cellular announced that the school garnering the most votes will receive $150,000. The next 17 runners up will receive $50,000 each. Schools won’t be the only winners in this year’s campaign. Supporters will have more opportunities to vote and enjoy some cool rewards.

Between Sept. 9 and Oct. 6, anyone 18 years or older can visit any U.S. Cellular store and ask an associate for a code to vote for their favorite school at uscellular.com. Each online voting code gives people the opportunity to vote once daily until the campaign ends. The voting cards will feature a peel-off that gives thousands of lucky supporters a chance to cast two votes a day or be one of 18 people to win one year of free
U.S. Cellular wireless service. In addition, 2,000 randomly-selected voters will be awarded a $25 U.S. Cellular debit card simply for supporting their schools.

"We wanted to reward more schools with much-needed funds and the people who work so hard to support them," said Carter Elenz, executive vice president of sales and customer service for U.S. Cellular. "Each year, we’re amazed at the power of a few determined individuals who get the ball rolling in their community and the creativity of large and small schools across the country as they rally to win."

Public and private schools, kindergarten through high school, are eligible to win a share of $1 million that can be used any way the schools see fit. Past champions have said that while the money was an educational boon for the schools, the campaign to win stimulated an equally rewarding and lasting sense of community.

"Winning the money was great, but the way our community came together and got involved was priceless," said Greg Clark, principal of Seymour High School in Seymour, Tenn. The 2010 champion shared its winnings with other schools in the Seymour School District. Seymour High School used $40,000 for technology upgrades and gave $20,000 to the middle, intermediate and primary schools that channeled their support to the high school to help it win.

No purchase is necessary and you don’t have to be a U.S. Cellular customer to vote. The winning schools will be announced in October and November. For more information about U.S. Cellular, its cutting-edge phone lineup, high-speed nationwide network and Calling All Communities, visit uscellular.com or U.S. Cellular’s Facebook page.

About Calling All Communities
Since Calling All Communities began in 2008, U.S. Cellular has awarded $2 million to 20 schools throughout the nation. Voter participation in the 2010 Calling All Communities campaign reached 430,000 votes cast for 6,800–plus schools. Last year's champions included six public and four private schools from small rural and large urban communities in Iowa, Illinois, Oregon, Washington, Missouri, Tennessee and North Carolina. Past Calling All Communities champions have used their winnings in a variety of ways from outfitting their classrooms with new computers, Promethean boards or other technological advancements to renovating gymnasiums, school kitchens and science labs. Others have used the donation to make building infrastructure improvements, such as replacing outdated electrical systems. A few even paid portions of their proceeds forward, giving college scholarships to graduating students and donating to non-profits around the world.

About U.S. Cellular
U.S. Cellular rewards its customers with unmatched benefits and industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier has a strong line-up of cutting-edge devices that are all backed by its high-speed nationwide network that has the highest call quality of any national carrier. U.S. Cellular was named a J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Customer Service Champion and received PC Magazine's 2011 Readers' Choice Award. To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of its retail stores or uscellular.com. To get the latest news, promos and videos, connect with U.S. Cellular on Facebook.com/uscellular, Twitter.com/uscellular and YouTube.com/uscellularcorp.

For more information:

US Cellular Website

Campaign Rules

Questions

Previous Winners (videos/stories)

LaTrina Blair Shepherd
U.S. Cellular
(773) 355 - 3364
latrina.shepherd@uscellular.com

Your Chamber Connection - September

2011-09-07T13:37:00.000-07:00

Stay connected with the events happening at the Wilkes Chamber, with a look at our September Monthly Mailer. This is a great resource for new businesses in Wilkes County as well as community events. Find out more about our BUY LOCAL campaign and see the benefits in action of being a Wilkes Chamber Member. And while you're there take a look at the deals and specials are Chamber Members are offering!

Click Here for September Mailer

If interested in being a Chamber Member, contact Jamie Lakey at 336-838-8662 or by email to, membership@wilkesnc.org. If interested in advertising in "Your Chamber Connection" contact Tonia Perkins at 336-838-8662 or by email to tperkins@wilkesnc.org.

2010 Visitor Impact for Wilkes County

2011-08-26T07:51:00.000-07:00

County Spending by Domestic Visitors Increased by 6.1% Percent in Expenditures.

The North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development announced today that domestic visitors to and within Wilkes County spent $57.79M in 2010, an increase 6.1% from 2009.

This continued growth of the tourism industry in Wilkes County is primarly attributed to the promotion and marketing completed by theWilkes Chamber of Commerce. The marketing efforts of the Chamber of Commerce highlight the festivals, events, attractions, parks, recreational opportunities, and natural beauty of Wilkes County that brings travelers to the area. The addition of the Northwest NC Visitor Center which opened October 2009 and managed by the Chamber, have given travelers a “welcoming place” to pick up printed information and gain a greater knowledge of Wilkes County. The chamber’s cooperative marketing and affiliation with such organizations as; Cascade Highlands (a NC/VA marketing collaborative), High Country Host, Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, and Yadkin Valley Heritage Corridor provide Wilkes County Tourism enhanced promotion as well as national and international tourist exposure.

Wilkes Chamber works with the NC Division of Tourism and their Extranet Database in maintaining a current listing of local accommodations, campgrounds, events, atrractions, and recreational facilities kep in the statewide online database. The chamber is reimbused in the amount of approximately $8,000 for advertising and marketing annually through the Wilkesboro TDA. These funds enable the chamber to have marketing partnerships with High Country Host Marketing Group and with the Blue Ridge Parkway Association. Tourism marketing funds normally acquired through accommodation occupancy tax does not exist throughout Wilkes County, only in the Town of Wilkesboro and therefore, funds for tourism marketing is limited. However, the chamber markets tourism by sending visitor information and packets to individuals interested in visiting the area. Many of these individuals are directed to Wilkes through leads derived from the High Country and Blue Ridge Parkway affiliation and partnerships. The Chamber’s website HYPERLINK "http://www.ExploreWilkes.com" www.ExploreWilkes.com provides worldwide tourism exposure as it tells the story of Wilkes through print and beautiful images of the county.

Tourism impact highlights for 2010:

The travel and tourism industry directly employees more than 480 in Wilkes.

Total payroll generated by the tourism industry in Wilkes was $8.4M.

State tax revenue generated in Wilkes totaled $3.07M through state sales and excise taxes, and taxes on personal and corporate income. Approximately $1.36M in local taxes were generated from sales and property tax revenue from travel-generated and travel-supported businesses.

Gov. Beverly Perdue announced in March that visitors to North Carolina spent a record $17.0 billion in 2010, an increase of 9.0 percent from 2009.

These statistics are from the “2010 Economic Impact Of Travel On North Carolina Counties.” The study was prepared for the North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development by the U.S. Travel Association.

Statewide highlights include:

2010 total visitor spending saw an increase of 9.0 percent to $17.0 billion, up from $15.6 billion in 2009.

The travel and tourism industry directly employees more than 183,000 North Carolinians.

The tourism industry generated nearly $1.5 billion in tax revenues. State tax revenue totaled $946 million through state sales and excise taxes, and taxes on personal and corporate income. Some $544 million in local taxes were generated from sales and property tax revenue from travel-generated and travel-supported businesses.

###

MEDIA CONTACTS: Linda Cheek, Wilkes Chamber of Commerce 336.838.8662

Margo Metzger, North Carolina Division of Tourism
919-733-7420; mmetzger@nccommerce.com

Educating the Public on the use of Hypnosis

2011-08-19T07:56:00.000-07:00

If you didn't attend the Wilkes Chamber Small Business meeting for August you really missed out. Charlie Silva, Board Certified Hypnotist, of Blue Skies Hypnosis Center in Wilkesboro educated attendees on the inner workings of their subconscious as well dispelling some of the myths associated with hypnosis.

The mission statement for Blue Skies Hypnosis Center states they are: committed to helping you grow personally, professionally, emotionally, and spiritually. We will accomplish this by using hypnosis as a means to help you believe in yourself, your inherent goodness, your integrity, and your enormous potential. Charlie explained that we have three very distinct minds that do different things and they have a hard time communicating with each other. The three different minds are our conscious, subconscious and our unconscious mind. We spend the most time in our conscious mind. It keeps us awake and makes 100s of decisions a day. Our subconscious mind is where our programming resides, this defines who we are. And our unconscious mind controls our automatic functions, such as breathing.

Charlie went on to point out that whatever our programming says we are that is what we are. Our subconscious mind holds our total memory, it is like a video camera holding all of our memories since we were born. He went on to say this is where our habits and emotions live. These could be good, bad, positive or negative. The key to remember: positive suggestions from ourselves or others are difficult to enter the subconscious mind, while negative suggestions easily enter. We are more ready to believe the negative things we hear and believe about ourselves.

Charlie suggests in order to change our bad habits we need to reprogram our subconscious mind and this is where Hypnosis comes into the picture. During hypnosis our bodies are more relaxed, all of our senses are much better and you are completely in control of yourself. One myth about hypnosis is that you are asleep, you are not asleep during hypnosis. Once positive suggestions are made the conscious mind decides whether or not to allow the suggestion. If the suggestion is allowed to enter our subconscious mind this is when reprogramming begins.

According to Charlie anyone can be hypnotized and your mental attitude determines either success or failure. With hypnosis, Blue Skies Hypnosis Center can help you reduce stress, stop smoking, lose weight, improve sports performance, relieve test anxiety, increase self-confidence as well as teach you self-hypnosis.

Contact Charlie Silva today to set up an appointment!

Office Location: 102 East Main Street, Wilkesboro (Across from the Wilkes Heritage Museum) Phone: 336-990-0901 Email: blueskieshypnosiscenter@gmail.com

Visit Blue Skies Hypnosis Center Website
WilkesNC.org

Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Welcomes New Members for July 2011

2011-08-15T13:04:00.000-07:00

The Wilkes Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome our new members for the month of July. Please visit our website directory to find out more information on these and other businesses in Wilkes County. Business Directory Link

Accessories on the Go
Just Save-Lowe's Foods #137

Lowe's Foods #5

Lowe's Foods #250

MBI Builders, Inc.

Real McCoy Golf Services

Thank you new members for supporting the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce! If you are interested in becoming a member or have a general membership question, please email Jamie Lakey at membership@wilkesnc.org.

Belk Chamber Membership Sales Discount for August 9th

2011-08-08T10:32:00.000-07:00

Belk of Wilkesboro would like to extend a special sales discount for Tuesday, August 9th, 2011 to all current Wilkes Chamber Members! Read below to see the comments from your local Belk store.

Hello Chamber Members,

We'd like to say a great big THANK YOU to the Chamber of Commerce for its pivotal role in the economic vibrancy of our community. In appreciation of the Chamber's many efforts, Belk would like to present an all day savings pass for all Chamber members.

This savings discount is only available to current Chamber Members. Come by the Chamber Office at 717 Main Street, North Wilkesboro to receive the 20% sales coupon.

Take Advantage of the Tax Free Weekend

2011-08-05T13:41:00.000-07:00

Wilkes Chamber encourages Wilkes County citizens to take advantage of the “tax free” weekend by buying locally. Support your local economy, make your tax free purchases in Wilkes!

Visit our Online Business Directory to find local businesses for all your shopping needs.

Click Here for Directory

11 & 12 Year Old Wilkes County All-Star Softball Team

2011-08-05T06:51:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the 11 & 12 year old Wilkes County All-Stars softball team! Monday night, representing North Carolina, they won the Little League Southeastern Regional Tournament against Florida, 7-2. This win placed them in the Little League World Series in Oregon next week.

In a effort to help with the cost of the trip for the team and their families, two fundraisers will be held this weekend on Saturday. Beginning at 9:00 am Saturday morning, a car wash will be held in front of Crossroads Harley-Davidson on 421. Then from 6:00-8:00 pm Saturday evening, 10% of the sales at Chick-fil-A during these hours will go to the team, or they will accept cash donations.

Let's help support these girls on their great accomplishment!

Wilkes Chamber Members Continue Growth

2011-07-28T13:05:00.000-07:00

Three outstanding, innovative, and visionary businesses continue to grow during these economically challenging circumstances, CenturyLink, Duke Energy, and Wilkes Telecommunications. These companies, two of which have a huge presence in Wilkes County; CenturyLink and Duke Energy, and one homegrown, Wilkes Telecommunications, continue to experience acquisitions and introduce new product lines and services. These companies, while growing, also remember the importance of giving back to people within their communities.

CenturyLink began in the 1930s as a minuscule company with 75 customers operating in the owner’s home open every day except Sunday from 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. while the owners went to church. Today, CenturyLink is the third largest telecommunications company in the United States and operates in 37 states and select international markets. CenturyLink is a premier provider of broadband, phone, and entertainment services for business and consumers and in May began offering wireless service. The company has over 15 million access lines, in excess of 45,000 employees, and provides service to some 95% of the nation’s Fortune 500 companies. CenturyLink is an S&P 500 company and is included among the Fortune 500 list of America’s largest corporations.

On April 1, 2011, CenturyLink closed the largest acquisition in the history of the company with the acquisition of Qwest, not two years after it acquired Embarq.

On April 27 this year, CenturyLink announced its intent to acquire Savvis, a global leader in cloud infrastructure and hosted IT solutions for enterprises. With the addition of Savvis, CenturyLink will achieve global scale as a managed hosting and collocation provider and will accelerate its ability to deliver quality managed hosting and cloud capabilities to its business customers. The combined company will operate 48 data centers located in North America, Europe, and Asia with more than 1.9 million square feet of gross floor space; a robust, national 207,000 route mile fiber network; and a 190,000 mile global access network. At up to 100 gbs, the network will enable businesses to run bandwidth-intense applications without decreases in quality, security and performance. The acquisition is expected to close third quarter 2011.

“Yet, a region business model allows the company to maintain its focus on local markets, operating locally much like a small business—big business resources with small business resourcefulness,” said Lottie Ryans, CenturyLink Vice President for the Western NC/TN Division. CenturyLink’s local manager, Keith Brown, is based in North Wilkesboro, and leads a dedicated, highly trained, team of employees who collectively have over 290 years of service. This team makes decisions about the local market, maintains service and community support. “CenturyLink is committed to strengthening and improving the communities it serves, not only through its products and services, but through philanthropic support of local community agencies, events and initiatives. CenturyLink has a strong philanthropic culture through targeted financial and volunteer involvement," said local manager Keith Brown. The company's key focus areas are K-12 education, and community development. Their goal is to partner with communities to help create economic sustainability by leveraging all our resources, including technology-focused initiatives and locally-driven efforts that strengthen communities and make them better places to live. Employees share this commitment and are active volunteers in both individual and company-led efforts.

Duke Energy announced in 2010 the plan to a merger agreement to combine with Progress Energy creating the nation’s largest utility company. This merger is subject to shareholder and regulatory approval. This merger of Duke Energy and Progress Energy will create an enterprise value of $65 Billion and have more than 7 million customers in six regulated service territories that include North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio. The combined company will be called Duke Energy and will be headquartered in Charlotte, NC.

In a recent press release from Duke Energy the following statements were made. “Our industry is entering a building phase where we must invest in an array of new technologies to reduce our environmental footprints and become more efficient,” said Jim Rogers, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Duke Energy. “By merging our companies, we can do that more economically for our customers, improve shareholder value and continue to grow. Combining Duke Energy and Progress Energy creates a utility with greater financial strength and enhanced ability to meet our challenges head-on.” Rogers continued. “This combination of two outstanding companies is a natural fit,” said Bill Johnson, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Progress Energy. “It makes clear strategic sense and creates exceptional value for our shareholders. Together, we can leverage our best practices to achieve even higher levels of safety, operational excellence and customer satisfaction, and save money for customers by combining our fuel purchasing power and the dispatch of our generating plants. “This merger also provides predictable earnings and cash flows to support our dividend payments to shareholders,” Johnson added.

Duke Energy is one of the largest electric power holding companies in the US, regulating utility operations serve approximately 4 million customers. Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, Duke Energy is a Fortune 500 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Giving back to community is important to Duke Energy. They recognize the needs of community and technical college systems as budgetary constraints have presented challenges. The Duke Energy’s Community and Technical College Grant Program have designed grants that provide a financial boost to enable college systems to extend their expertise, to provide rewarding opportunities for students and revitalize manufacturing in the Carolinas.

Wilkes Telecommunications, as your neighbors, customers can count on support in area schools as well as many community programs and organizations. Last year, Wilkes Telecommunications contributed more than $60,000 to dozens of local charities in Wilkes County. “With Wilkes Telecommunications, your money stays in Wilkes County,” states Eric Cramer CEO and General Manager. The company presented 28 graduating high school senior with scholarships for $1,000 each. The scholarship program is in its tenth year. Eric further states, “Wilkes Telecommunications believes the scholarship program is an excellent way for us to contribute to the future of this community.”

Wilkes Telecommunications believes in giving back by supporting local organizations and events such as Relay for Life for Wilkes County, Communities In Schools, March of Dimes, UTA (Wilkes Youth Leadership Program), Wilkes Chamber, Ruby Blackburn Pardue Adult Day Care, Singing in the Foothills and Ebenezer Children’s Home, United Way of Wilkes, Rainbow Center Div. –Barium Springs Home for Children, and others throughout the county. Wilkes Telecommunication’s dedication to the Wilkes Community was recognized in January 2011 at the Wilkes Chamber annual meeting with the “Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award” and later in the year by the United Way of Wilkes with the “Above and Beyond Award.” CEO and General Manager Eric Cramer states, “When company representatives work together on a volunteer project outside of the office, they forge stronger relationships with each other and feel good about doing something meaningful. Likewise, they will pay more attention to a company’s message if they find that the company is committed to a cause which in turn increases morale and growth for the company and the employee. We want to foster a culture of giving back to the community.”

As to growth for Wilkes Telecommunications, there are major projects planned for the company and many are already underway. Recently the company entered into an agreement with Verizon Wireless as part owner of Clear Stream Communications, LLC to participate in Verizon’s LTE (Long Term Evolution) in Rural America Program. Through this program Clear Stream customers will have access to a 4G LTE network, a state-of-the-art global standard for high-speed wireless data services.

Wilkes Telecommunications is also placing Fiber to the Home (FTTH) throughout the existing exchanges through previous Rural Utility Service (RUS) and Federal Stimulus funding. The company was awarded a $21.6 million federal stimulus loan/grant to make high speed broadband internet available in a large portion of the non-profit cooperative’s service area. After all construction is finished, the cutover process can begin; this is where the customer is removed from the copper network and placed on the fiber optic network. Wilkes Telecommunications and contractors are currently doing some form of work related to the fiber network throughout our entire service area. Eight hundred miles of fiber optic cable will be buried when the project is complete. There are Wilkes customers that are already using the fiber network in four of the company’s exchanges – Boomer, Champion, Clingman, and Lomax. With the new fiber optic network, residential and business customers will have virtually unlimited amount of available bandwith to meet growing technological needs. By the end of 2011, the company hopes to be near 40% complete with the over-build, with completion of the work scheduled in 2015.

Wilkes Telecommunications, 60 years in existence, is expanding service throughout the county. Based in Wilkes County, the company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wilkes Telephone Membership Corporation and provides a variety of residential and business telecommunications and entertainment services. Services range from unlimited voices services and enhanced calling features like Caller ID and Voice Mail to High Speed Internet, Digital TV (including HD and DVR service), Business Phone Systems and Support, Residential and Business Directory advertising, and security (burglar alarm), and fire and personal emergency response systems monitoring.

Wilkes Chamber of Commerce appreciates the support of CenturyLink, Duke Energy, and Wilkes Telecommunications. The chamber applauds their employee involvement as chamber leaders, active committee members, and support of chamber programs as well as many others in the Wilkes community.

Wilkes Chamber Networking Event for August

2011-07-25T13:33:00.000-07:00

Remember the Small Business Networking Event on August 3rd, 2011. This month will be hosted by Charlie Silva of Blue Skies Hypnosis Center and will be held in the Chamber Boardroom.

The topic will be "Educating the Public on the use of Hypnosis."

Their Mission: Blue Skies Hypnosis Center is committed to helping you grow personally, professionally, emotionally, and spiritually. We will accomplish this by using hypnosis as a means to help you believe in yourself, your inherent goodness, your integrity, and your enormous potential.

For more information on this and other events, visit: Chamber Calendar.

This is a Chamber Member only event. To learn more about becoming a member contact, Jamie Lakey at 336-838-8662 or by email to membership@wilkesnc.org.

Visit the Chamber Website

Wilkes County in Pictures | Wilkes, NC

2011-07-25T07:37:00.000-07:00

Take a look at this video provided by Journal Communications about Wilkes County.

Wilkes County in Pictures | Wilkes, NC

The Travel Channel Visits Wilkes County

2011-07-22T09:44:00.000-07:00

Terri Parsons, Wilkes Film Commission reports, “The Travel Channel paid a visit to Wilkes County on July 17-19 filming an episode of "Most Adventurous Roads In America."The show featured Dean Combs as the drive around host in a legendary 1960 Chrysler New Yorker owned by Clay Call. The episode includes West Virginia, Wilkes and Dawsonville, Georgia. It will air sometime in November. We will keep you posted on air date once it is scheduled."

Visit Travel Channel Website

Stay Connected with The Wilkes Chamber

2011-07-22T08:26:00.000-07:00

Stay connected with the events happening at the Wilkes Chamber, with a look at our July Monthly Mailer. This is a great resource for new businesses in Wilkes County as well community events. Find out more about our BUY LOCAL campaign and see the benefits in action of being a Wilkes Chamber Member. And while you're there take a look at the deals and specials are Chamber Members are offering!

Click Here for July Mailer

If interested in being a Chamber Member, contact Jamie Lakey at 336-838-8662 or by email to, membership@wilkesnc.org.

"Take a Moonshine run....." by Peter Cheney

2011-07-21T13:56:00.000-07:00

"Take a Moonshine run in North Carolina's bootleg country" is a newspaper article written by Peter Cheney of The Globe and Mail, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is an interview with Junior Johnson as he describes his moonshine and driving history.

Click Here to Read Article

U.S Cellular Hosting Free Workshop!

2011-07-21T09:48:00.000-07:00

U.S. Cellular (NYSE: USM) is hosting a free workshop on Tuesday, July 26th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 1714 Winkler Street in Wilkesboro to guide attendees through all of the features and functions of the company’s Android™-powered, Windows® Phone and BlackBerry® devices that can enhance their lives.

For more information contact:
   U.S. Cellular
   1714 Winkler Street
   Wilkesboro, NC 28697
   336.838.2355

The Job With 90% Placement Rate - Video - WXII The Triad

2011-07-20T08:10:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for a new job? Then check out this video posted by WXII12 to find out about this 2 year program offered by Wilkes Community College.

The Job With 90% Placement Rate - Video - WXII The Triad

Don't Miss the 2011 Shining Soles 5 k Twilight Run

2011-07-19T07:18:00.000-07:00

Saturday, October 8, 2011 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Don't miss the Wilkes Chamber 2011 Shining Soles 5k Twilight Run. The 5k will start at Wilkes YMCA Express location of the Yadkin River Greenway and travel through the town of Wilkesboro, down Cub Creek Park and back through Main Street, Wilkesboro, ending back at the Greenway. Registration is only $25, and the 1st 100 will receive a FREE T-shirt!
Registration form located on our website at wilkesnc.org.

Award Categories:
Top 3 Males & Females Overall
Top 3 Males & Females over 40
Top 3 Males & Females in ages:
14-under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-69, 70+

We also have opportunities for RACE SPONSORS available!!! Sponsors will be featured on T-shirts, receive national web exposure, and other media coverage.

Platinum $ 1,000
Gold: $ 500
Bronze: $250
Friends: $100

For more information, or to become a sponsor, contact Jamie Lakey at 336-838-8662 or by email to membership@wilkesnc.org.

Join us on Facebook!

Wilkes Chamber Welcomes New Members for June 2011

2011-07-18T07:36:00.000-07:00

The Wilkes Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome our new members for the month of June. Please visit our website directory to find out more information on these and other businesses in Wilkes County. Business Directory Link

Advantage Mini Storage
AFLAC Regional Office - C. Harvey King, DBA
Blue Skies Hypnosis Center
Desi's Floral & Design Studio
Goodman Landscaping Plus
High Country Lumber & Mulch, LLC
Innovative Occasions
Learning Pathway
New 2 U Consignment & Boutique
United Hospice of Wilkes
Wilkes Garage Doors

Thank you new members for supporting the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce! If you are interested in becoming a member or have a general membership question, please email Jamie Lakey at membership@wilkesnc.org.

33rd Annual Brushy Mountain Apple Festival

2010-10-22T08:56:00.000-07:00

As the leaves begin to change colors and the weather gets a little cooler, many people from Wilkes County and surround counties know of one festival that brings in a lot of people to the area. The first Saturday in October is dedicated to the Brushy Mountain Apple Festival which brings in over 100,000 people in the 9 hour span of the festival. In attendance are over 350 arts and crafts vendors, and 100 food vendors that provides crafts from goat milk soap, silverware chimes, chairs, and other handmade crafts. There is also four stages set throughout downtown Several non-profit, and civi organizations, as well as church groups were in attendance with a booth.

A lot of visitors enjoying the beautiful weather!

The famous weekend is started off with an "Apple Jam" on Friday night, October 1st, located on the corner of 10th and Main Street. For those who attend, they get to listen and enjoy bluegrass, country, folk, gospel, and even Appalachian Heritage music that is reflective of the area. While that was going on, several of the vendors got a head start on setting up their space pretty late on Friday.

Musicians deciding on a song

Saturday morning came with perfect weather for this event that seemed to draw in crowds from everywhere in North Carolina and surrounding states. Since the festival is named the Brushy Mountain Apple Festival, it is common to see different varieties and takes on the fruit. There were apple trucks with apples being sold out of the back of them, there were fried apple pie vendors on every corner, and there were some vendors who made apple butter infront of their customers. Throughout the festival there was demonstrations of beekeeping, wood carving, chair making, soap making, quilting, spinning & rug making, and even homemade ice cream made by a hit & miss engine.

A potter demonstrating his craft.

There was music everywhere throughout the festival, some booths supported racing that was coming back to the speedway, there was jewelry being sold, raffles being held, almost everything you can imagine at local small town festival. A petting zoo, a train ride, activities for the children, and even a horse & carriage ride was offered for those who wanted something a little different than walking around, looking at vendor booths.

Local apple growers selling a large variety of apples.

Every year the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce sell the Brushy Mountain Apple Festival T-Shirts, and this year the design for the shirts was so popular that we sold out of them just after noon. What a great weekend for anyone and everyone to attend a tradition festival put on by North Wilkesboro and the Brushy Mountain Ruitan Club.

Ramblin' Rockers Reception & Auction

2010-10-21T13:25:00.000-07:00

On Friday, October 1, 2010, months of hard work on the Rocking Chair Fundraiser came to an end at the Ramblin' Rockers Reception and Auction. The evening was filled with people talking and laughing enjoying the night with friends, food, and painted rocking chairs. Several artists, sponsors, Chamber members, and others filled the building in hopes to support this fundraiser. Wilkes Art Gallery was gracious enough to allow us to host the event there, as well as the food and beverages being provided.

A few of the painted chairs

The night started off with a continuation of the silent auction for each of the chairs, up until auctioneer Eddie Barnes took to the microphone to start the live auction. Overall, at the end of the night, we raised enough money to support the materials we need to promote tourism to the area.

We would like to say Thank You to all of those who helped sell, purchase, paint, transport, and even organize the event! We cannot say Thank You enough!
Watch a brief video on the event: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2--zdOjt3HI

Great food and beverage

Live auction in progress

And the bidding continues!

Wilkes Family Health Center-Ribbon Cutting

2010-10-21T10:12:00.000-07:00

The Wilkes Chamber of Commerce would like to Welcome the Wilkes Family Health Center as a new member and a new medical office available. They have three board certified family practitioners, Dr. Joseph C. Fesperman, Jr., Dr. Glendon Rougeou, and Dr. Mira Boone, who can take care of patients of all ages, from newborn to 100+. There was many people in attendance who had the opportunity to venture throughout the building. After the ribbon was cut, there was a special performance by Jean Graf. Again, we would like to Welcome the Wilkes Family Health Center for join the Chamber family!

Visitors walking through the building

Everyone is excited for the opening!

Jean Graf singing

Kotohira's Japanese Restaurant-Ribbon Cutting

2010-10-21T08:04:00.000-07:00

The Wilkes Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome Kotohira's Japanese Restaurant to Wilkesboro and the only way to kick it off right is to have a ribbon cutting! There were a lot of people there to help them open the new restaurant, including several governmental officials like Mayor Inscore and Mayor Johnson, the towns' managers, Ken Noland and Hank Perkins, and County Commissioner Luther Parks. Also in attendance was several people associated with the Chamber, including Ambassadors, the current board president B Townes, his predecessor Terri Parsons, Chamber President Linda Cheek, and Membership Director Ronda Latterell. Kotohira's serves freshly prepared sushi, seafood and authentic Japanese entrees daily. Enjoy Japanese beers or saki in their unique dining area. We would like to Thank Kotohira's for becoming a member of the Chamber and allowing us to eat their delicious food. We wish them the best of luck!

Welcome to Wilkesboro, Kotohira Japanese Restaurant!

Ambassador conversing about the decor!

More Ambassadors with the Membership Director

Excited for the food!

Government Officals talking "Politics!"

Reynolds Blue Ridge Business After Hours (9/23/10)

2010-09-24T13:18:00.000-07:00

For this month's Business After Hours, Chamber Members and Staff ventured up to the Blue Ridge Parkway to visit Reynolds Blue Ridge, which is a developer that is located, as best as we could put it, on a mountain top. The venture was driving up towards Boone, then turning on to the Blue Ridge Parkway for quite a drive, then turning on a road when seemed like was taking us back down the mountain. Up close views of the mountains, the sunset and the beautiful houses that are definitely atleast a million dollars for the land, sure made the trip enjoyable. When we did arrive, we were amazed at the view the gazebo, which was our shelter, gave to us as we enjoyed a delicious catered meal with fresh fruit, artichoke dip, and even seasoned pork tenderloin. Throughout the time, two blues musicians by the name of "Pops" and Clyde Ferguson who are from Wilkes County. We all wined, dined, and had fun spending time together. Our host, Jim Pitts, also had door prizes for those lucky business cards that were selected won plaid picnic blankets. Again, we would like to thank Reynolds Blue Ridge for hosting this month's Business After Hours and showing us a great time!

Delicious Food

Enjoying the food and time together

Relaxing on a mountain

Musicians "Pops" and Clyde Ferguson

Dancing the Night Away

Blue Ridge Parkway's 75th Anniversary Celebration Festival (Sept. 10-12, 2010)

2010-09-24T12:26:00.000-07:00

On September 11, 2010, we celebrated the Blue Ridge Parkway's 75th Anniversary since the official start of work began 1935 by having storytelling, craft demonstrators, art exhibits, a jamming tent for musicians, "meadow walks," family activities for children of all ages, a community showcase, and more. This three day event was filled will many sights, sounds, and smells for the visitors to enjoy while being apart of History. Originally started by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1930s using private contractors, less than a year later Congress authorized the project, renaming it the Blue Ridge Parkway and putting it in the hands of the National Park Service. Many of the New Deal public works agencies helped with building the 469 mile piece of the Appalachian Mountains, and it took 52 years to complete.

The festival started with a formal ceremony at Cumberland Knob around 11am with the opening of the festival also at the Blue Ridge Music Center at 1pm. People were arriving early to get apart of the festival actions. The Cumberland Knob Recreation Area Stage offered storytelling the entire day after the formal ceremony that welcomed visitors, sponsors, neighbors, speakers, and honored guests. The Blue Ridge Music Center Stage offered the visitors music from Park Ranger Tim Francis & Great Big Howdy and Sierra Hull & Highway 111. BRMC's small auditorium offered the film's "America's Favorite Journey" and "The Blue Ridge Parkway: 75," as well as The Parkway Idea & Construction panel.

As a part of the "Parkway Village," the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce was given a booth to showcase what we have to offer, which included a moonshine still, a painting, some pottery, a information board, and more.

Wilkes County Booth

There were booths from Yancey, Watauga, Alleghany, Haywood, McDowell, Ashe, Surry, and Transylvania Counties (NC), as well as Patrick, Botetourt, Bedford, Roanoke, Carroll, Galax, Floyd, Lynchburg, and Franklin Counties (VA). Also there were booths for Waste Management, Department of Transportation, NC Tourism, VA Tourism, and several representing many divisions from the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Food offered ranged from hot dogs to hamburgers, funnel cakes to apple cobbler, and even fresh bar-ba-que with sweet tea, blueberry smoothies, and other beverages. The jamming tent roared with bluegrass and folk music with songs telling of the love, nature, and family. Activites for the children ranged from determining wild animal prints to types of soil and even a junior ranger program for them to earn a badge when they completed their mission. Two local artist even had art exhibits inside the music center with beautiful paints that reflected snow covered farms, and house renderings.

Jamming Tent

On Saturday, it was an all day event running from 10am to 10pm! The Blue Ridge Music Center stage kicked off the day of celebration with a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony with music to follow throughout the day. The entire festival was a great enjoyment not only to the members of the Chamber Staff who manned the booth but also the people who visited the locations to take part in this momentus celebration.

Blue Ridge Music Center Stage

Food Options

Family/Kids Activities Tents

North Carolina Tourism Booth

Virginia Tourism Booth

Wilkes Rambling Rockers

2010-09-16T12:04:00.000-07:00

Chamber’s “Rocking Chair Art” Fundraiser

“Rocking Chair Art” can be seen throughout Wilkes County. A tour map highlighting the location of the chairs and each artist is available online at http://www.explorewilkes.com/ and can be picked up at the chamber office on Main Street in North Wilkesboro and at each of the sponsoring locations. All rocking chairs will be available for purchase at the Wilkes Art Gallery during a silent auction process. Bidding for the chairs will begin on Thursday, September 9th in chair sponsor locations and final bids will be received on Friday evening, October 1st at a reception to recognize each of the sponsors and participating artists. Bidders are encouraged to attend this reception.

Wilkes Chamber of Commerce’s “Wilkes Rambling Rockers,” a fundraiser for the implementation of the new county tourism brand, Exhale…you’re in wilkes, features the work of local artist completing scenes and themes of Wilkes County on rocking chairs. This fundraiser has three leading sponsors, Tim Harrold’s Empire Chrysler Dodge Jeep, Tar Heel Oil Company and Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse, who are receiving assistance with artists and the silent auction from the Wilkes Art Gallery. Each chair has a contributing business or organization sponsor. These sponsors are: Addison Properties, Inc.; BB&T Wilkesboro; Betty’s Breads and Pastries; Brushy Mountain Bee Farm, Inc.; Brushy Mountain Ruritan Club; Cassie Stone Photography/Black Tie Affair; David’s Car Care; DonLin Counseling Services; Edward Jones Investments/Sydney Collins: Hampton Inn – Wilkesboro; Hardee’s of Wilkesboro; Holiday Inn Express; J. Martin Productions/Frog Hollar Cabin; KEY Training and Technology; Leatherwood Mountains; SouthEast Commercial Real Estate Group; Talia’s Espresso; The Walker Center/MerleFest; Town of North Wilkesboro; Town of Ronda; Town of Wilkesboro; Wilkes County Board of Education; Wilkes Family YMCA; Wilkes Hardware Co.; Wilkes Heritage Museum; Wilkes Telecommunications; Window World of the Foothills; and Yadkin Valley Motor Company.

Featured artists volunteering their talent, time and imagination include: Donna Absher; Brian Barker and the WCC Graphic Arts Class; John Brame; Cindy Breden; Edith Carter; Lily and Emily Church; Kaila Minton Church; Steven Church; Carolina Finley; Beth Horrell; Linda Joines, Cheryl Kilby; Lea and Renee; Jane Maddocks; Pam McLean, North Wilkes High School Arts 3 Class; Michelle Parsons; Hannah Raines; Randy Reeves; Mary Frances Richardson; Martha Simmons; Lindsey Sutphin; Seth Tharpe; Stoney Triplett; Laura Whitley; Wilkes Art Gallery Art Instructors; and Norma Jean Wood.

Proceeds from the fundraising campaign will be directed to the chamber in support of the brand campaign which includes programs of awareness, education and advocacy. As part of the awareness initiative, a new brand website has been created http://www.explorewilkes.com/, the new print collerateral is in progress, and a marketing/advertising plan in place.

New Members of August 2010!

2010-09-03T09:47:00.000-07:00

For the month of August, the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce would like to introduce ten businesses that have joined:

Amalfi's Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria
1919-G Hwy 421
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
336.838.3188
Tony Costagliola

Brushy Mountain Cafe
9858 N. Hwy 16
Millers Creek, NC 28651
336.667.4870
Todd Swofford

Elks Events, LLC
North Wilkesboro Elks Club
100 Finley Avenue
North Wilkesboro, NC 28659
336.838.8591
Todd Swofford

Go Fitness
5301 Boone Trail
Millers Creek, NC 28659
336.667.4444
James Sparks

J.R. Priester's Clothiers
903 Main Street
North Wilkesboro, NC 28659
336.838.2531
Jim Priester

Kotohira Japanese Restaurant
1206 River Street
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
336.667.0150
Vinh Nguyen

Liberty Tax Service
1717 Winkler Street
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
336.838.2722
Shawn Jenkins

North Wilkesboro Presbyterian Church
804 E Street
North Wilkesboro, NC 28659
336.667.1288

Patton Insurance Agency, Inc.
600 West Main Street
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
336.667.2836
Andy Patton

Red Rider Media, LLC
159 Cactus Lane
Wilkesboro, NC 28697
336.262.7302
Shaun Cardwell

We would like to "Welcome" these businesses for joining the Chamber. If you have a business that would like to join, please call 336.838.8662 for more information.

Hampton Inn Business After Hours (8/19/10)

2010-08-30T11:52:00.000-07:00

It's time for some FUN in the SUN!

As the summer of 2010 rolls in to a close, the August Business After Hours was themed to be a dedication to the heat by having a Summer Block Party! Hampton Inn was gracious enough to host the event both inside and outside since the weather was indecisive. There was hours of entertainment from games, delicious food from the "cook-out," and lots of fun.

The Hampton Inn provided games of all sorts to keep attendees busy with a wind tunnel full of prizes, a super-sized Wii, and several other games that required skill to win. Those who won or accomplished the goal won a raffle ticket for prizes like Starbucks, iTunes, and gas gift cards. A real treat for everyone was a dunking booth set up outside with the general manager as the "volunteer." She was gracious to be dunked about a dozen times.

For the food, the hotel provided almost everything that is at a normal "cook-out" to feed all of the people including hot dogs, hamburgers, corndogs, chips, drinks, cookies, and even cake for those who stuck around long enough. Just imagine it as an picnic indoors with air conditioning!

Also at the event was the launch of the new tourism website Explorewilkes.com by the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce. This is the result of a new brand put in place to help promote tourism to the area and business to local companies.

Everyone who attended had a great time! The food was great, the games were fun and entertaining, as well as many familiar faces that brought the laughs. As the summer ends, the Business After Hours will continue throughout the rest of the year, so keep you eye out for when the next one is!

Silver Spur Saloon Business After Hours (7/22/10)

2010-08-30T10:03:00.000-07:00

Ride 'Em Cowboy!
For the July Business After Hours, Silver Spur Saloon hosted the event in Love Valley, NC! The town is known for being the Cowboy Capital of the area, but on this day the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce invaded to bring a little bit of city to the country. Bob and Judy Adams, owners of Silver Spur, were gracious to open their little "saloon" to us, providing the visitors with food and drinks.

The "Chamber Chicks" started getting into the western mood as soon as they started their journey towards the little town. You won't know you are getting closer until you turn onto a dirt road and you see more horses than people. Mind you that the Business After Hours events always happens on a Thursday of each month, it felt like a ghost town. As soon as we stepped out of the car, we were immediately thrown into an Old Westen movies, with our Membership Director pretending to walk like she has been riding a horse for hours. The town was modelled after the Old West towns in the Hollywood classics everyone has come to love, including town rules and ordinances that apply to keeping the small main street untouched by the 21st century. We admired the Miss Kitty's Hotel (idolized after the Miss Kitty of Gunsmoke), browsed the General Store stocked with unique local crafts, and walked down the street filled with dirt and dust. Walking into the Silver Spur Saloon highlighted the start of the event when we pushed our way through the old western swinging saloon doors. The saloon was divided into three sections: the restaurant with dance floor, a smaller NASCAR room with a pool table, and then finally the outdoor bar with chicken wire. We made sure we explored almost every inch of the place, taking in the sights and sounds.

A cowboy and Bob talking about horses!

As we listened, laughed, and enjoyed great time together, a "posse" of cowboy hat and chap-wearing Cowpoke came walking into the Saloon ready to "wet their whistle." It didn't really hit those who came to the event that the only way these people arrived was either by cars or by...HORSES! And there they were lined up, tied to the hitching posts that lined the street, nine beautifully, big horses just waiting for a rider to get on. The few of us who went outside to see these remarkable animals that we rarely see in the city and asked questions to the riders/owners. We then went inside and settled down for a little food as Judy brought the founder's wife, Ellenora Barker for storytelling and advise. This is the woman who backed her man on his dreams of becoming a cowboy and creating a christian town. She reminded us to never stop dreaming because one day they will come true. Soon afterwards, Judy and Bob's son walked in and offered if anyone of us would like to ride a horse. When you are offered a chance to ride, you hardly turn it down. So we all were assisted onto a horse, a few that had more experience were sent on their way to explore the area while others were assisted to ride up and down main street. It is amazing how riding several trips up the small main street could be so entertaining!

Judy and Ellenora

As the day was winding down but the humidity wasn't, we had to say our thank yous and goodbyes to the people of Love Valley and to Bob & Judy for their hospitality and allowing us to come enjoy the Old West brought to life. The great news is that they have asked to host again next year! And the only way to end this post is to sing...

"Happy trails to you, until we meet again.

Happy trails to you, keep smilin' until then.

Who cares about the clouds when we're together?
Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather.
Happy trails to you, 'till we meet again."

The Chamber Chicks Ride Again!

The Wilkes Chamber of Commerce

2010-08-27T08:07:00.000-07:00

“PROMOTING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND STRIVING TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL WILKES COUNTY CITIZENS.”

“Your business connection to profit and growth”

Wilkes Chamber of Commerce, established in July 1946, is a non-profit membership organization. The Chamber celebrates sixty-three years of encouraging and promoting business opportunity and growth within Wilkes County. Wilkes Chamber of Commerce has over 30 years of US Chamber of Commerce affiliation as well as the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce, the CACCE and the ACCE and the Wilkes Chamber was awarded a 3-Star rating in 2006. This prestigious honor was earned through the Chamber’s program development, membership recruitment and retention, and governance.
www.wilkesnc.org