Business of the Day

We are promoting our member's on our Facebook pages. If you are a member, be on the lookout for your business to be the next Business of the Day! 

The Real Value of Joining a Chamber of Commerce

A Research Study by The Schapiro Group

* When consumers know that a small business is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 44% more likely to think favorably of it and 63% more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future.

* Most consumers (59%) think that being active in the local chamber of commerce is an effective business strategy overall. It is 29% more effective, however, for communicating to consumers that a company uses good business practices and 26% more effective for communicating that a business is reputable. 

* If a company shows that it is highly involved in its local chamber (e.g., sits on the chamber board), consumers are 12% more likely to think that its products stack up better against its competition. 

* When a consumer thinks that a company's products stack up better against the competition because

the company is highly involved in its local chamber of commerce, it is because he or she infers that

the company is trustworthy, involved in the community, and is an industry leader.

* When consumers know that a restaurant franchise is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are

40% more likely to eat at the franchise in the next few months.

* When consumers know that an insurance company is a member of the chamber of commerce, they

are 43% more likely to consider buying insurance from it. 

Brushy Mountain Apple Festival T-Shirts are Here - Taking pre-orders NOW!

For More Information Contact Bethany Swaim @ 336-838-8662

Hangin' with Jamie - Words of Wisdom about YOUR Chamber The purpose of a Chamber of Commerce is to assist the business community, individually and collectively, in achieving prosperity in business. Let us help you succeed! - Promotion throughout Wilkes County. - Networking events to increase your contacts. - Political advocacy to promote a healthy business environment. - Referrals straight to your business.

Hangin' with Jamie -

She is our Membership Director extraordinaire.

Here are her top 2 Reasons for joining your Chamber: 

1) Good Citizenship: Be known as a home-grown business that is there for those who want to buy local and keep their dollars spent in our community. 

2) Connections: Create strategic alliances and build lasting business relationships through networking, social media and events.

That's a Wrap! Wrap! Wrap! Wrap!

By Terri Parsons, Wilkes County Film Commission

Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Film Office has been steadily busy over the past couple of months with writers, producers, location scouts, music videos and short films being made for film festivals.

“VENISON EATERS, a short partially filmed in Purlear at what is known as the old Clarence Benton Farm now owned by Cam Finley, wrapped production on June 10th.  Once again we want to give a special thanks to the Wilkesboro Tourism Development Authority for providing a grant to the production company to entice them to film here,” said Terri Parsons Film Commissioner for Wilkes County. “VENISON EATERS film crew has plans on returning in the fall to shoot the film as a full length feature.”

Ms. Parsons states, “The Film Commission needs to come up with some kind of Grammy or Golden Globe for Brett Bortle of Weekend Warriors who kick started us two years ago with recording artist Matt Dylan (Red Dirt Rising), then a feature film that was premiered at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Brett also brought Curb Record recording artist Tim Dugger (Sunday Drive) a song which is used as the opening songs for NASCAR races on TV.  Later, Brett was here for Sony recording artist Jason Michael Carroll (MEET ME IN THE BARN) which aired nationally on CMT TV on Halloween night hosted by Jason Michael Carroll.  This video was shot at a farm located out in the county owned by Bert Hall and his wife and then completed at the Liberty Theatre in North Wilkesboro.  North Wilkesboro Town Commissioners Bert Hall and Bart Hayes along with Mayor of North Wilkeboro, Robert Johnson, really rolled out the red carpet for Jason Michael Carroll when they cooked dinner for the whole cast and crew.”

“Brett Bortle returned on June 23^rd and 24^th with a music video involving recording artist John Stone (MAMA AND BUDWEISER).  The shoot took place at Benton Hall in North Wilkesboro, a mobile home park located out by the Historic North Wilkesboro Speedway and a privately owned salvage on Speedway Road.  Brett will return yet again on July 24^th and 25^th with country recording artist Darrell Harwood and he is planning to be back for his sixth production in a few weeks with a band out of Nashville.  This shoot is scheduled to take place at Wilkes Regional Hospital,” reports Commissioner Parsons.

“Wilkes Film Office is currently scouting with a major studio for a feature film that is based on a novel. We have been asked to keep all details and names ‘under wraps’ until everything is finalized by the studio,” states Parsons.

"Wilkes Film Commission receives no funding to attract this business to the county,” states Linda Cheek, President of Wilkes Chamber.  “Terri Parsons, Film Commissioner, has graciously given days and days of her time and has personally incurred the expense of travel and loads of other costs associated with productions to bring the industry to Wilkes.  It is through her expertise, contacts, and overall knowledge of the film industry that has made Wilkes County so successful in bringing in all of these productions.  When productions come to Wilkes they bring our county a tremendous amount of economic support as they create overnight stays in local hotels, food purchases at area restaurants, buy retail items, make equipment rentals, and purchase lots gasoline for the vehicles used.  Terri reports some of the production staff has purchased larger ticket items such as local property and automobiles while in Wilkes County.” 

Film Commissioner Terri Parsons states, “The Mayor of North Wilkesboro, Robert Johnson, has been gracious enough to help scout locations in North Wilkesboro, Wilkesboro, and throughout the county over the past two years.  Location scouting really ‘takes an eye’ to know what is being described to you, normally over the phone.  Someone locally born and raised in Wilkes knows where the little hidden treasures are tucked away.”

Terri Parsons explains, “Our Red Tape Cutting Committee has been the true draw to the Wilkes Film Commission.  Once a director or producer, the art director, camera crew, and location scout leave Wilkes and travel to another project, they ‘spread the word’ on how well organized Wilkes was for their film production.”  Terri explains, “We help them to receive needed permits within 24 hours and this allows them to get the production work done quicker and with less expense than they could elsewhere.  The best part is that even though we have over 100 people on the Wilkes Film Commission Red Tape Cutting Committee, we don’t tie them up with monthly meetings.  Our agreement with the committee in the beginning was if the production involves your business or your services, I will contact you.  Other than that, we only have one organized meeting per year.”

Parsons further states, “The local people have been so extremely hospitable to the cast and crews. That is all any of the production folks want to talk about. I love talking to the crews as they travel all over and are asked, ‘where was the easiest place you have ever filmed?’  It never fails - they all say Wilkes County.  The people are so friendly!”

Linda Cheek reports Wilkes Chamber of Commerce is currently developing a new “Film Wilkes” website.  Visit www.ExploreWilkes.com and click on Film Wilkes to view mulitple Wilkes County images, testimonies from production officials, etc.   The chamber will announce a photo contest later this year requesting local citizens to compete by submitting photos of the best and most unique images taken throughout Wilkes County.  The video and motion picture production is affiliated with the tourism industry and is recognized with incentives provided through the North Carolina Division of Tourism.  “We encourage Wilkes citizens to embrace this growing industry as it truly supports our local businesses,” Linda states. 

ENTREPRENEURISM - IT STARTS WITH OUR YOUTH

Written by Linda Cheek, President

The definition of an entrepreneur is an enterprising individual who builds capital through risk and/or initiative.  A further decription says entrepreneurs emerge from a population on demand, and become leaders because they perceive opportunities available and are well-positioned to take advantage of them.  Wilkes County for years has touted the “spirit of entrepreneurism” and this designation remains prevalent as we research the roots of the many locally owned businesses and industries.   The statistics from the 2010 US Census indicate over 5800 businesses and industries are located in Wilkes County.   From this number, we can safely say the majority began with an individual or group of individuals with an idea and from that idea, were willing to take a risk. 

Recent business reports indicate an increase in entrepreneurs and in small business development, especially in rural communities.   As a chamber, we recognize our membership growth is primarily generated by locally owned small businesses.   This same type of rural community entrepreneurial growth is being embraced by many and appears to be prevalent throughout the United States.  Don Macke, Co-founder and Director of Strategic Engagement with RUPRI Center for Rural Entrepreneurship, wrote the following in 2011 article, “This slower rate of job creation may be structural and permanent, not just part of the recession and recovery cycle. Coping with these changes will most likely require an expansion of small-scale entrepreneurship, enabling rural residents to enjoy the quality of life benefits of “rural living” and also to tap economic opportunities. Some of these opportunities are even created by the outsourcing of work by larger employers. Our work with the RUPRI Center for Rural Entrepreneurship over the past 10 years suggests that the rise in self-employment – small-scale entrepreneurship – and slow job creation are related and could present a development “silver lining” opportunity for many communities in the United States.  The potential behind this phenomenon can best be observed in the rise of necessity entrepreneurship. Necessity entrepreneurs are driven into business by the lack of jobs in their region – many clearly would prefer to take a job if those opportunities were available. But, once in business, these entrepreneurs could help create the foundation of a whole new generation of ventures that will help re-invent and renew the rural American economy.”

In this article, Wilkes Chamber features two very young entrepreneurs, Joseph and Dodi Kamperman of Moravian Falls.  Joseph, age 13 and Dodi, almost 12, became certified Master Gardeners through Wilkes County Cooperative Extension in May 2012. With an interest in seed catalogues and encouragement from their father, they began collecting heirloom seeds nearly seven years ago.  In developing their inventory, they were fortunate to receive unique heirloom seeds from friends, neighbors, and people who heard of their interest.  In 2010 Joseph and Dodi began their own business, J & D’s Heirloom Seeds.  Much of the inventory is created by heirloom seed purchased.  These young gardeners plant the seeds, grow the produce, and then save the seeds.   Joseph and Dodi are continuing to learn more about the seed business and agribusiness overall through their participation in propagation classes at Wilkes Community College and such as grafting that are offered through Wilkes County Cooperative Extension.  

Today in their heirloom seed 2012 catalogue, you will find “Big Boy Pumpkin,” a 40 year old seed acquired from an elderly lady friend from down the road and “Aunt Maude,” a dark pink colored tomato plant from seeds passed on by family members of friends from southwestern Virginia for over 100 years.   These young men have over 14 varieties of tomato heirloom seeds available for purchase.    Their catalog includes a variety of seeds such as herbs, beans, melons, collards, flowers, and even loofah.  Joseph and Dodi created their packaging and designed and printed the labels.  Joseph stated, “We receive help from our 9 year old sister occasionally.  She helps with the counting of the seeds included in the packets.  Some seeds such as the loofah seeds are sold by weight because of their size.  Dodi stated, “We’re working on time saving methods to package seeds, using measurement rather than count for smaller seeds.”  When asked how they determine prices, Joseph stated, “We determine by the seed age and by the demand, the greater the demand the lower the price, the less the demand, the higher the price.  The older the heirloom seed, the higher the price.  We also compare packet prices with other seed catalogs.”  Joseph and Dodi have particpated in the Wilkesboro Open Air Market on Friday nights to sell J & D’s Heirloom Seeds.  

In our interview with Joseph and Dodi Kamperman, we found these young entrepreneurs have a very interesting family.  Their parents, mother born in Italy and father in Holland, met and married in Australia.  While living in Australia the oldest daughter was born. The family later moved to the US and Joseph was born.  A few years after that, they moved to Italy and Dodi was born.  They later returned to the US and the Kampermans settled in Wilkes County in 2003. Joseph and Dodi aren’t the only young entrepreneurs in the family, their 16 year old sister who is a member of the Wilkes Quilters Guild, started a sewing business producing handmade aprons, pot holders, fabric wrap bowls and known as “Sew B’s.”   We asked Joseph and Dodi about the challenges they faced.   They indicated finding the heirloom seed varieties was their greatest challenge.  What are Joseph and Dodi’s future plans?  Joseph wants to own another business when he grows up.  Dodi, he wants to keep the seed business and continue to build on it.  To receive a 2012 J & D’s Heirloom Seeds Catalogue, contact Joseph and Dodi at jdheirloomseeds@gmail.com.

LEADERSHIP 2012

We are Starting Leadership 2012! Make sure to be a part this excellent program!

The Yadkin Valley on the map for Wine

For years, when Winston-Salem was mentioned, the only thing that would come to mind is a pack of cigarettes. The iconic brand created by R. J. Reynolds in 1875 has all but disappeared and the new players in town include a bevy of wineries that are taking the area by storm.
Winston-Salem's wine region is the Yadkin Valley, which is less than an hour away. Currently, there are around 35 wineries/vineyards in the Valley. For over a hundred years, the area was a key tobacco-growing region. However, as tobacco farming and cigarette manufacturing started suffocating, some entrepreneurs, including tobacco farmers, turned to wine making. The irony is that up until a few years ago, the Yadkin Valley was a Dry County, so there were a few locals who were less than happy when the crushing parties came to town.
The native grapes of this region of the southeastern United States are the Muscadine and the Scuppernong. Say that ten times fast. Early attempts to grow the European wine grape, Vitis vinifera, in the southeastern United States, including 18th century efforts by Thomas Jefferson at Monticello, Virginia, didn't go so well. But in the past few decades, viticultural research has helped adapt these grapes to the climate, soil, and pests of the region. Now the area boasts an impressive lists of varietals.

In 2003, the United States' Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (love that combination) approved the new appellation for the region with the name Yadkin Valley AVA, allowing winemakers to bottle wines with labels indicating that the wine came from the Yadkin Valley. Now it's an official wine making region, the local teetotalers can't say much.

Wilkes County - Blue Ridge Parkway

Check out our ad on Blue Ridge Parkway Association website!!
Wilkes County - Blue Ridge Parkway

Images of Wilkes

The Wilkes Chamber of Commerce presents the 2012 Business IMAGES of Wilkes,an annual publication that showcases Wilkes County lifestyle,business, industry, and people. IMAGES magazine is used as a county marketing tool and is distributed to individuals visiting and considering relocation to our area. The magazine articles are selected by the chamber and written by professional writers.Each page features amazing photography taken by an awarding winning Journal Communications staff, the photographer. Journal Communications, publisher of IMAGES, also publishes the North Carolina Travel Guide, which is distributed through the N.C. Division of Tourism.The Wilkes Economic Development Corporation partnered with Wilkes Chamber in the production of the 2012 Business IMAGES to feature a special advertising section placing an even greater emphasis on business and industry expansion, training opportunities offered through Wilkes Community College, community and town beauty and charm, and business/government collaborative efforts.Wilkes EDC received 2,500 copies of this professionally “special advertising section” to use as marketing material distribution. EDC President Jeff Garstka said, “Business IMAGES of Wilkes magazine and in particular the Special Advertising Section, provides EDC with a marketing piece that our offi ce can distribute to clients and during our participation with regional, state, and national conventions and conferences. The professionally published IMAGESmagazine is a great way to showcase a unique and business-friendly community with many opportunities.” The 2012 Business IMAGES is alsoa digital magazine, visit. BusinessClimate.com/Wilkes-NC-Economic-Development the chamber’s website, http://www.wilkesnc.org/  to view the publication, and also to link to a virtual tour of unique spaces, places and faces in Wilkes. Wilkes Chamber of Commerce is the marketing arm of Wilkes County.Our overall goal is to promote chamber member products and services as well as the many amenities Wilkes has to offer to individuals considering to visit and/or relocate to our area.We continuously place Wilkes in front of visitors, marketing the numerous events, attractions, and natural beauty through printed publications such as IMAGES North Carolina Travel Guide, High Country Vacation Guide, and the Blue Ridge Parkway Guide. To pick up a copy of the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Business IMAGES or for information on advertising in the publication, contact the chamber office.

 

There is alot going on here at the Chamber. We are preparing for our business
showcase. Please support your chamber and come out to the Business
Showcase.

         If your interested in being a part of the showcase the time is right.

Call us today!

Renewing Members May 2012

Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership

Allstate Insurance-Tonda Phillips

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.

Basic Finance, Inc.

Blue Ridge Engineering, PLLC

Bojangles #6291

Briarwood Homebuilders, LLC

Brushy Mountain Water Company

Creekside Communications, Inc.

Dwight Phillips Auto Sales, Inc.

Ebenezer Christian Children’s Home

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Faw Insurance Agency

Foothills Auto Spa

Gentiva Home Health

Goodman Landscaping Plus

High Country Lumber & Mulch, LLC

Home Instead Senior Care

House of Vacuums NW

Impact Collision Center, Inc.

Integrity Design and Displays, Inc.

James River Equipment Company

Jodi Province Counseling Services, PLLC

Journal Communications 

Libby’s Boutique

McRitchie Winery & Ciderworks

Miller Funeral Service, Inc.

Mountain Valley Hospice & Palliative Care

Nathan’s Batteries

Parsons, Terri

Pipedreams

Premier Restoration of NC, Inc.

Rainbow Center-Children & Family Services

Red Carpet Inn-Wilkesboro

Scott & Stringfellow, LLC

Shadow Springs Vineyard

Stillwaters Salon & Day Spa, LLC

The Sterling Group

Universe of Science, Inc.

Valley Radiology Associates, PA

Wilkes Garage Doors

Wilkes Senior Resources, Inc.

Yadkin River Greenway Council

New Members –May 2012

Java Hills Coffee & Ice Cream Shop

Stone, Larry and Diane

The Islands Massage

Please help us welcome all our New and Renewing Members to the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce!

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

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.