yadkin valley chamber newsletter -...

Yadkin ValleY Chamber

NewsletterVolume 8, Edition 3 • Fall 2011

116 East Market Street • P.O. Box 496 • Elkin, N.C. (336) 526-1111 • Fax: (336) 526-1879

Website: www.yadkinvalley.org • Email: [email protected]

And the Winners are.... see page 14

336-526-2665

119 Valley Drive

Call us for a free, no-obligation quote!

COOKINSURANCE AGENCY

im CookT

Agent

Matt ReinharAgent

A. Adrienne Monath

Agent

im CookT

Agent

Matt ReinharAgent

A. Adrienne Monath

Agent

Josh OakesAgent

CookInsurance Agency

336-526-2665

— Chamber Newsletter, Fall 2011

MeMbers of the MonthJune 2011 - AllStar Rentals/Joe Walker July 2011 - Duke Energy

Pictured are Chad Shore, Randy Bledsoe, Laurette Leagon, Jerry Stroud, Joe Walker, Jeannette Hendrick, Sherry Norman, Nathan Lewis, Angel Haynes and Holly Lamm.

IN THE

Tribunes 2011 Reader’s Choice Awards

Thanks for voting us your favorite insurance company

105 Winston Road,Hwy. 67 Jonesville

526-4600

Greg SiddenAgency Manager

Jim DollAgent

Mitchell HodgesAgent

Chamber Newsletter, Fall 2011 —

MeMbers of the Month

August 2011 - Bayada Nurses

OOPS! We Goofed!Even though we spent months gath-

ering material, photos and member information for the 2011-2012 Cham-ber Membership Directory and Re-source Guide, and another couple of months proofing that 72 page publica-tion, we made some mistakes. So we extend our sincere apologies for the following errors in the directory:

We omitted one of our charter members from the listings:

Tommy Haynes Nationwide Insurance1283 North Bridge StreetElkin, NC 28621Phone: 336-835-7918There was a glitch with the adver-

tisement for:Edward Jones InvestmentsFrank Beals, Financial Advisor965 North Bridge StreetElkin, NC 28621Phone: (336) 835-4411Fax: (888) 846-7355Email: frank.beals@edwardjones.

com or [email protected]

Website: http://EdwardJones.comThere were inaccuracies in the list-

ings for:Bayada NursesAllison Swisher1810 N. Bridge Street, Suite 102Elkin, NC 28621Phone: (336) 835-8500Fax: (336) 835-3510Email: [email protected]: http://Bayada.com

Slightly Askew WineryTim Gentry, Owner913 N. Bridge St. Elkin, NC 28621Phone: (336) 835-2700Fax: (336) 835-2600Email: [email protected]: http://www.slightlyaskewwines.com/We regret not giving credit to Bon-

nie Shropshire of Working Graphics for her design of the building blocks graphic used on the cover of the direc-tory.

Working GraphicsBonnie Shropshire123 Woody TrailDobson, NC 27017Phone: (336) 710-6701Email: [email protected]: http://www.working-graphics.comAnd giving credit to Kimberly Seipel-Parks of West Depot Creative for her layout

and design of the directory.West Depot CreativeKimberly Seipel-Parks, CPSMPO Box 809Elkin, NC 28621Phone: (336) 526-0038Cell: (843)263-2059Email: [email protected]: http://www.westdepotcreative.com

Stocks. Bonds. CDs. IRAs.Mutual funds.


WelcoMe New Chamber MembersA New Destiny Assessment &

Counseling CenterPastor Jeramie Dawson,

President/CEOGordon Johnson,

CSAC/Marketing Director 1024 Elk Spur St.

PO Box 70Elkin, NC 28621

Phone: (336) 526-2100Email:

[email protected]: www.anewdestiny.net/

Alps Mtn Affordable Hearing Aid Center, Inc.Jeff Cline, Vice President

111 Winston Rd.Jonesville, NC 28642

Phone: (800) 326-9037Fax: (704) 749-8553

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.alpsmtnaffordablehearing.com/

BB&T- Dobson BranchTiffany Johnson

136 Twin Oaks RdDobson, NC 27017

Phone: (336)353-9481Fax: (336)353-9480

Email: [email protected]: http://BBT.com

Confections by ClaireClaire St. Cyr, Owner

PO Box 227Elkin, NC 28621

Phone: (336) 756-3600Email:

[email protected]:

www.confectionsbyclaire.com/

Jimmie Johnson Air & HeatJimmie Johnson, Owner

Robin Johnson, Administrative

Assistant691 White Plains Rd

Roaring River, NC 28669Phone: (336) 566-8240

Fax: (336) 303-8912Email:

[email protected]:

www.jimmiejohnsonair.com/

Lusk MediaEric Lusk,

Publisher/PhotographerPam Lusk, Business Manager

126 Valleybrook Dr.Elkin, NC 28621

Phone: (336) 835-4121Email: [email protected]: http://luskmedia.com/

SoyworxJimmy Thompson

1820 Hwy 67Jonesville, NC 28642Phone: 336-526-7443

Email: [email protected]: www.soyworx.com

Myers secures sole owner ship of Yadkin valley wine Company, Inc.

Benny E. Myers and Kimberly S. Myers owners of Lau-rel Gray Vineyards Inc., have taken over as sole owners of the Yadkin Valley Wine Company, Inc. located at 6324 Old US Hwy 421W in Hamptonville, NC. The winery is located within both the Yadkin Valley American Viticulture Area (AVA) and the Swan Creek AVA of North Carolina wine growing regions.

The Yadkin Valley Wine Company is a state-of-the-art winemaking facility with a capacity of 10,000 cases per year of production. This turnkey winemaking operation allows for customers to have their own vineyard’s wine produced by Dan Tallman, an award winning winemaker with 20 years of experience in Sonoma County, CA and 11 years of experi-ence in Virginia and North Carolina. The facility includes a full service crush pad for processing fresh grapes, 35 stain-less steel tanks ranging in size from 26 gallon to 3000 gallon, and an 8 head GIA bottling line complete with GAI labeler. All analytical testing for clients is done in-house in a fully equipped laboratory. Current client list includes Laurel Gray Vineyard, Divine Llama Vineyards, Dobbins Creek Vine-yards, Brandon Hills Vineyard, Misty Creek Vineyard, St. Paul Vineyard, Yount Wine Farm, and Ferguson Vineyards.

Benny and Kim Myers are very excited about the future of the Yadkin Valley Wine Company, stating “Quality wines are key to the continued growth of North Carolina’s wine industry. Our goal is to bring North Carolina recognition nationwide as being a premier wine producing state.”

For more information, contact Benny Myers at 336-467-0257 or [email protected] or visit our website www.yvwc.com

526-1155


Great Shots from Cedarbrook!The Chamber hosted a Business After Hours at Cedarbrook Country Club.

Chamber members and club members both enjoy wonderful food and fellowship in a fabulous setting.

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GettinG to Know Your Business Neighbors

Jimmie Johnson Air & Heat

Your Home Comfort SpecialistJimmie Johnson Air & Heat has served North Carolina since the year 2008. With

our greater focus on customer satisfaction, quality, and continuing education we continue to serve our customers with diligence.

Jimmie Johnson Air & Heat has the greatest success serving residential customers in-person. We offer you and your family a full range of services from preventative maintenance, emergency repairs, competitive system replacement prices, free sec-ond opinion on repairs, and free night and/or weekend system installations.

With our in-person experience you will feel like we are part of the family. By ask-ing the right questions, we can determine what needs or wants are present. Then design a custom solution that can increase your comfort and save you money.

Jimmie Johnson Air & Heat offers emergency service all year round. So no matter when your system fails we’ll be there. If in the rare event your system fails and you have a preventative maintenance agreement you will be put on top of our repair list in the busiest time; therefore, providing you with prompt and courteous service.

Not everyone works or is available through the daylight hours. Jimmie Johnson Air & Heat will provide all of our regular services at no extra charge for your con-venience. That means we provide free after hours installations, free second opinion on major repairs, and that’s all for no extra charge to you. Jimmie Johnson Air & Hear is a competitive and experience heating, cooling, dehumidifying, and air qual-ity specialists. Offering a wide array of service to the homes and small businesses of Yadkin Valley, Wilkes County and Surry County.

With our 24 hours of service, repair and installations. You’ll find Jimmie Johnson Air & Heat to be not only the well-suited home comfort specialist for you and your family.

Call Jimmie Johnson Air & Heat today at:336-5668240 or Visit us on the web at: www.JimmieJohnsonAir.comJimmie Johnson Air & Heat 691 White Plains Rd., Roaring River, NC 28669 phone 336.566.8240 fax 336.303 8912

Now Open in Jonesville….

Soyworx is an environmentally responsible candle company. We strive to use earth friendly ingredients in all of our products. We make the best soy candles on earth for one reason only. To provide an earth friendly product to earth conscious people. Our candles are 100% premium soy wax. Our products have Zero dependence on petroleum.


Chamber Champions

Become a Chamber Champion!One payment covers your expenses for Chamber ac-tivities, tickets, booth rentals and sponsorships for the entire year. For full details contact Laurette Leagon 336-526-1111.

Elkin & Mount AiryNow Accepting New Students

Learn about us on the Web

RhythmOnMain.com246 East Main Street,

Elkin336-835-5272

218 Rockford St. at SAC336-786-7998

OfferingClasses in

Ages 2 & UpBallet, Tap,

Jazz, Hip-Hop,Lyrical,Pointe &

Gymnasticstoo!

Home of the 2011 Petite Super GrandNational Champions & Petite Miss Dance USA 2012 Molly Gibson.


GettinG to Know Your Business NeighborsDID YOU KNOW?

Heaven Scents Restaurant and Catering is wine friendly.

You are welcomed to bring your own wine into the restaurant to

enjoy with your meal. They provide wine glasses and chillers. The

corkage fee is just $3 UNLESS it’s a Yadkin Valley wine, then the

corkage fee is waived! It’s just their way of showing support for

the Yadkin Valley Wine Industry.

Heaven’s scent RestauRant and cateRing

Jeff Taylor, Owner/Chef

260 Standard St.

Elkin, NC 28621

Phone: (336) 526-1338

Fax: (336) 526-1339

tHinK PinK! tHinK K.M.a. saLOnContinuing its annual Pink Hair for Hope program to raise funds for breast cancer research. SHE by SO. CAP. USA Hair Extensions re-cently presented the National Breast Cancer Foundation and the American Cancer Society with $504,000 in donations raised by more than 375 salons nationwide. The campaign’s 6th year will take place this October. Enabling clients to donate $10 to the cause and receive a pink hair extension to show their support. For more information go to: www.pinkhairforhope.com or visit KMA SALON at 2171 N. Bridge St. in the Belk Shopping Center 336-527-4247


At Confections by Claire every dessert is baked fresh daily, from scratch and customized to fit our client’s vision and tastes. Whether it’s a dream wedding cake serving hundreds of guests, birthday cupcakes at the office or dessert for your family dinner we will make it beautiful and delicious. Although we specialize in custom cakes and cupcakes, orders are always accepted for fresh seasonal pies, muffins, cookies and more. Please visit www.confectionsbyclaire.com or call (336) 756-3600 for more information, to place an order or to schedule a consultation and tasting.”

Confections by Claire


look Who’s ReinvestedRobert G. Peterson, MD

Gina Peterson, Office Manager

680 Parkwood Drive

Elkin, NC 28621

Phone: (336) 835-7208

Royall’s Soda Shoppe

Suzanne Puckett. Owner

128 Main St.

Elkin, NC 28621

Phone: (336) 835-3412

Sarah Martin Byrd

Phone: (336) 835 7217

Shadow Springs Vineyards

Jamey and Chuck Johnson

5543 Crater Road

Hamptonville, NC 27020

Phone: (336) 468-5000

Shiki of Elkin

1455 North Bridge Street

Elkin, NC 28621

Phone: (336) 835-2493

Snow Realty and Construction

Aldean & Penny Snow

2047 U.S. Hwy. 21 PO Box 369

State Road, NC 28676

Phone: (336) 874-8282

Surry Community College

Dr. Jim Reeves, President

630 South Main Street

Dobson, NC 27017

Phone: 336-386-8121

Terminix

George Ligon - Manager

3015 View Crest Drive PO Box 205

Jonesville , NC 28642

Phone: (336) 527-1680

West Depot Architecture

Joe Seipel-Parks, Architect

PO Box 809

Elkin, NC 28621

Phone: (336) 526-0038

Yadkin Valley Tourism Authority

PO Box 496

Elkin, NC 28621

Laurel Gray Vineyards

Kim Myers

5726 Old Hwy 421W

Hamptonville, NC 27020

Phone: (336) 468-9463

McRitchie Winery and Ciderworks

Patricia McRitchie, Owner/ Manager

315 Thurmond PO Road

Thurmond, NC 28683

Phone: (336) 874-3003

Olde Beau Golf and Country Club

Tommy Maines

P. O. Box 32

Roaring Gap, NC 28668-0032

Phone: (336) 363-3333

Our Elkin Blue Ridge

Medical Group

Pam Vybiral, Recruiter/ Marketing

380 Parkwood Medical Park

Elkin, NC 28621

Phone: (336) 835-9355

Pepsi Bottling Ventures

Randy Walker

237 Winston Road

Jonesville, NC 28642

Phone: (336) 835-3434

Perkins and Associates

Greg Perkins

110 South Main St. PO Box 883

Mount Airy, NC 27030

Phone: (336) 783-0177

Pilot Knob Inn, LLC

Jennifer Allen

361 New Pilot Lane PO Box 1280

Pinnacle, NC 27043

Phone: (336) 325-2502

Pirates Landing Steak and Seafood

Theo Kakouras, Owner

161 Interstate Way

Elkin, NC 28621

Phone: (336) 366-4150

Eagle Storage, Inc.

Terry Snow, President

240 Creekside Dr.

Dobson, NC 27017

Phone: (336) 356-9636

Elkin ABC Store

Eddie Wilmoth

150 Brandywine Circle

Elkin, NC 28621

Phone: (336) 835-3450

Evans Heating and Cooling, Inc.

Mark Evans

2297 Rich Hill Rd.

Glade Valley, NC 28627

Phone: (336) 874-3000

Garanco, Inc.

Ricky G. White, Estimator/Project Manager

615 W. Main St. PO Box 100

Pilot Mountain, NC 27041

Phone: (336) 368-2788

Greenhill Environmental

Will Gwyn

186 Masonic Drive

Elkin, NC 28621

Phone: (336) 244-2085

H and R Block

Jerry Kirkham

1532 North Bridge Street

Elkin, NC 28621

Phone: (336) 835-4386

Johnson Funeral Home

615 W. Main St.

Elkin, NC 28621

Phone: (336) 835-3211

Fax: (336) 835-7386

Infusion Points, LLC

Gary Daemer, President

124 W. Kapp St. Suite A

Dobson, NC 27017

Phone: (704) 464-3161

Lam S. Chu, D.D.S, P.A

129 N. Bridge Street PO Box 187


Phone: (336) 835-7500

ACM Agency, Inc.

Chris Mahon

115 West Market Street P.O. Box 567

Elkin, NC 28621

Phone: (336) 526-4316

Animal Ark Elkin PC

Richard Brinegar, DVM

188 Claremont Dr.

Elkin, NC 28621

Phone: (336) 835-1082

Bridges Charter School

Shannon Caudill

2587 Pleasant Ridge Rd

State Road, NC 28676

Phone: 336-874-2721

Carolina Finance Co.

J. Gary Foster

1534 N. Bridge St.

Elkin, NC 28621

Phone: (336) 526-6009

Carolina Heritage Vineyard

and Winery

Clyde Colwell

170 Heritage Vines Way

Elkin, NC 28621

Phone: (336) 366-3301

Carolina West Wireless

Jesse Miles

1307 Curtis Bridge Road

Wilkesboro, NC 28697

Phone: (336) 973-5000

Cook Insurance Agency

Tim Cook, Owner

119 Valley Drive PO Box 157


Phone: (336) 526-2665

Domino’s Pizza

835 N. Bridge St.

Elkin, NC 28621

Phone: (336) 526-5525

Dorsett’s, Inc.

Thomas Dorsett, President

100 Woodlyn Drive P. O. Box 1339

Yadkinville, NC 27055-1339 • Phone: (336) 679-2126


Best Bank inTown Since 1872.

www.bbt.comMember FDIC

Personal • Small Business & Commercial • Mortgage

Main Office - 1661 North Bridge Street, Elkin, NC 526-2916Drive-Thru location - 202 W. Main Street, Elkin, NC 835-4555

Announcing the newest memberCentury 21 Hudspeth Properties is proud to announce the newest member to their team, Agent/Broker David Shepherd. David brings years of marketing experience to the agency.David, a lifelong North Carolinian, came to Elkin from Greensboro more than 30 years ago and married Dana Hudspeth. They have three children; Andrew, William and Alice. David is a graduate of Appala-chian State University.If you are looking for someone to work hard to help you sell your home or buy a home, or even if all you just need is information on the current Real Estate market, please call David.

Office: 336.526.1155Cell: 336.971.0551Agent/Broker David Shepherd

“Our Elkin” Blue Ridge Medical GroupAnnounces New Physician!

Dennis Bauman, MD grew up in New York state. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa at Williams College where he received his un-dergraduate degree and graduated MD from Harvard Medical School. He was a Captain and Major in the US Army and served as a US Army Flight Surgeon and was awarded the Bronze Star while serving in Vietnam.

Dr. Bauman’s career includes years of clinical practice, as well as academic medicine, where he authored over 40 scientific publi-cations. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and will be offering Internal Medicine care to his patients. Dr. Bauman resides in Elkin and is an avid golfer, biker and a fan of movies and good fiction.

Did you know “Our Elkin” Blue Ridge Medical Group is:• Welcoming New Patients!• Accepting most insurances including Medicare and Medicaid.• Same Day Appointments. Walk-ins Welcome!• Offering 24 hr/7 day a week answering service for emergencies!“Our Elkin” Blue Ridge Medical Group, 640 Parkwood Medical Park, Elkin, NC, (336) 526-7997. Visit our website www.blu-

eridgemd.com.

• Offering Years of Experience for your Health Care Needs

Dennis Bauman, MD

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Propane, Fuel Oil, Fireplaces & Tankless Water Heaters667 North Bridge St. • Elkin • 835-3607

"NC Based, Family Owned Since 1930"


Dancer wins National TitleOn Saturday June 18th, 2011 Molly Gib-

son of Hamptonville, NC was crowned Petite Miss Dance USA 2012 at The USA National Dance Championships held June 17th-19th. Molly is a dance student at Rhythm On Main Dance Academy in Elkin, NC. Rhythm On Main also oper-ates the Dance Program at The Surry Arts Council in Mount Airy, both under the direction of Will Shover. Molly began tak-ing dance in 2005 and takes weekly dance classes in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Lyrical and is a member of the Rhythm Company Competition Team, that recently won the 2011 Petite Super Grand National Cham-pionship. Molly won Preliminary Awards in Photogenic, Interview, and Class to cap-ture the national title. For her solo routine she performed a lyrical routine to “Small Enough” choreographed by Erin Bledsoe, for which she also placed 3rd Overall Petite Competitive Solo at the national champi-onships. Molly is the daughter of Dale & Sherry Gibson, the granddaughter of Floyd & Betty Milholand all of Hamptonville, NC and Don & Phyllis Gibson of King, NC and the late Gurtha Lindley Gibson. Molly is a member of Harmony United Meth-odist Church, Harmony NC where she is active in her youth group and serves as an acolyte. Molly is a rising 4th grader at West Yadkin Elementary School where she is an Honor Student, staying on the “A” Honor Roll for the entire school year.

The Miss Dance USA National Titles Scholarship Program was founded in 2008 and has grown to become a well-known and nationally recognized titles compe-tition for young dancers in the follow-ing age groups: Petite Miss Dance 8-10 years, Junior Miss Dance 11-12 years, Teen

Miss Dance 13-15 years, and Miss Dance USA 16-21 years. The finalist that com-pete at the national finals participate in four categories: Photogenic, Interview, an Audition class (focused on Ballet & Jazz Technique), and their Solo Routine. The program prides it’s self on the search for well-rounded dancers and leaders to serve as role models. The national winners get to go on a mountain retreat at a Yogi Bear Campground, travel to conventions and competitions throughout the year, re-ceive dancewear and gifts from Sansha, a cash prize, and the Miss Dance USA (16-21) Age Division winner receives a $1,000 scholarship to the college of her choice. In the 2011-2012 program had thirty-nine finalist that were selected from over one-hundred and fifty regional soloist.

Molly will get to travel to dance conven-tions, where she will get to assist Master In-structors and Choreographers from across the country, and she will travel to regional dance competitions to perform, MC, and help with awards presentations. This will be a very exciting year for Molly Gibson as Petite Miss Dance USA 2012. P .O. Box 183 Elkin, NC 28621.

Molly Gibson as Petite Miss Dance USA 2012.

Join The

Chamber Today!

Call 526-1111 or visit www.YadkinValley.org


UPPER YADKIN VALLEY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY TO COMPLETE FIRST REHAB

This fall, Upper Yadkin Valley Habitat for Hu-manity will complete its second house of the year as we dedicate our first ever rehab house in Elkin. This 1945 two bedroom home, while structurally sound, needed replacements for its outmoded bathroom and kitchen.

Our first step was to demolish the existing bath and kitchen down to the floor boards and wall joists. Then we installed a more energy efficient heat pump to replace the oil furnace. Next we de-signed and put in a new layout for the bath with new walls, floors, plumbing, and fixtures. The kitchen followed, with new cabinets, plumbing, ap-pliances, floors, and lighting. Some of those new fixtures came from our resale store, the Habitat Home Shoppe. Now, after many hours of work from the future homeowner, volunteers, and con-tractors, the revamped, landscaped, insulated, and painted house is nearly ready for its new owners.

In October when everything is completed, Up-per Yadkin Valley Habitat for Humanity will host a service of dedication to thank all the donors and volunteers who have made the house a dream come true. Now comes the final step for a Habitat home: the sale. Habitat will sell the house to the homeowner with a zero-interest, zero-profit mort-gage. And then what happens? We take that mort-gage money and start on our next Habitat house on Pineland Avenue in Jonesville. Look for news of our raising the walls in November!

If you are interested in joining Habitat or learn-ing more about us and our program to build de-cent, affordable housing in our area, please call our office at 526-2277 or see our website www.UYVhabitat.org.

Join The

Chamber Today!

Call 526-1111 or visit www.YadkinValley.org


And the Winners are………..The Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce

Education Excellence Award is given to indi-viduals who have served the educational sys-tem of our community in superior fashion.

Jonesville Elementary School Counselor Beth Payne and Elkin Elementary School Counselor/Student Services Director Ginger Isenhoward won the awards for the backpack programs at Elkin Elementary and Jonesville Elementary schools which send nutritious, kid-friendly, easy-to-prepare food home with students who otherwise may go without eat-ing over the weekends and school holidays.

The Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce Community Beautification Award recog-nizes excellence in beautification of property, buildings or the community.

G&B Energy in Elkin won the award for the renovation of their building on N. Bridge Street. The size of the showroom was tripled; the conference room upgraded; a new cus-tomer service area was added; and walls and floors received new treatments. Outside there is a new façade; a beautiful outdoor patio; a repaved parking lot; first-class landscap-ing; and new signage that includes a digital display board the company generously uses to promote the chamber and fund-raising events for other organizations in our com-munity.

The Shelton-Badgett North Carolina Center for Viticulture and Enology in Dobson was also honored. The $5 mil-lion, 16,000-square-foot building includes a bonded commercial winery, a microbiol-ogy lab, a research library, classrooms, and a 3,800-square-foot assembly hall designed to host industry events. It is named after the

Shelton-Badgett family, which founded Shel-ton Vineyards in 1999 and played an integral role in starting the college’s Viticulture & Enology program that same year.

The Rebel Good Award for Advancement in Tourism went to the Senior Vice President and Branch Manager for the Elkin Life Store Insurance Agency, Ann Ashman.

She has been the Chair of the Elkin Main-street Program, Chair of Visit the Yadkin Valley, Chair of the Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce and was one of the founding members of the Tourism Partnership of Surry County. She works closely with local wineries and vineyards and is considered a valued re-source by many in that profession. She is cur-rently the Chair of the Foothills Arts Council, a member of the Yadkin Valley Rotary Club and you will find her and her husband Ron volunteering each year for the Yadkin Valley Wine Festival and Pumpkin Festival.

Chamber Member of the Year- This new award was created to honor one of our Cham-ber Members of the Month who go above and beyond to serve their chamber it a superior fashion. The first -ever winner, Workforce Carolina has been an integral part of the Yad-kin Valley Chamber of Commerce since its inspection. Whether it was providing volun-teers for a festival, monetarily sponsoring an event or serving in a leadership capacity, this business was always the first to step forward.

Employees are members of our Ambas-sadors Club; they attend practically all of our ribbon cuttings and are a true chamber champion.

Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award pays tribute to individuals or groups who give so much to our community and to

also encourage a culture of citizenship and service.

Working Graphics owner, Bonnie Shrop-shire’s commitment to helping the chamber achieve its mission is absolute. She is involved in the Chamber’s tourism projects, is a part of the Pumpkin Festival Committee, serves on Chamber Board and was the catalyst that made the Yadkin Valley Chamber-Dobson Division a reality. She was the first chair of the Board for the Dobson Division, volun-teers at the Dobson Chamber office and cur-rently serves the Executive Committee as Vice Chair of Public Affairs.

Teresa Howell was honored for her 15 years of service as the Town of Elkin’s Main Street Manager and Assistant Planning Director. She is passionate about downtown, commu-nity betterment and historic preservation. She was instrumental in having Elkin named as a historic downtown, in Elkin receiving the National Park Service’s Service Award, and the placement of the Wayside exhibit for the Over Mountain Victory Trail. She was the creator and implementer of the first Pumpkin Festi-val, was very active in the Tri-County Citizens Foundations attempt to restore the Reeves Theater and was a member of the North Caro-lina Downtown Development Association.

The Johnsie Hudspeth Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes a member who has donated his or her time and energy to the betterment of our community.

Dan Whelan, owner of the web-based businesses Yadkin Valley Wine Country and Design Biz.com may still be considered a “newcomer” to our community, but in the short amount of time he has been here he has had a significant impact on our area. The Celebrate Elkin series was his brain child. He

used his professional expertise to create free websites for non profits including the Yad-kin Valley Rotary Club and Echo Ministry Ark. And again, at no charge, he created the Town Of Elkin’s Best Small Town in America website. His is actively involved in the Reeves Theater Restoration Project including donat-ing some of his own personal property for a community garden project that raises money for the Theater and is used for education by the High School.

The Web Smalling Corporate Citizen Award recognizes an individual or business that makes a difference in the community by using their time, talents and compassion to positively impact the lives of others.

The Employees of Duke Energy certainly meet these criteria. The Chamber benefits greatly from their team of volunteers: The Wine Festival, Pumpkin Festival, Adopt a Highway Program and Ambassadors Club all receive much needed assistance from this businesses’ employees. Visit Elkin Recreation and Parks and you will see benches and ten-nis courts bearing their name. They are also active in Relay for Life, the Foothills Arts Council, March of Dimes, and Habitat for Humanity. Their retired employees volunteer for several organizations in our area includ-ing the Hugh Chatham Nursing Center. They are a major driving force for economic devel-opment in our county. Many of our industry recruitment efforts come to fruition, because they are a part of our community. And just recently Duke Energy provided $250,000 to Surry Community College for construction of advanced manufacturing training labs at satellite campuses in Elkin and Pilot Moun-tain.


Celebrating Business & Innovation in Surry County

Exhibitor Registration is Now OPEN!

Reserve your booth today for BizFest, sponsored by Surry Telephone Membership Corporation on October 6 & 7, 2011. BizFest is brought to you by the Surry Economic Development Partnership in conjunction with The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Com-merce and Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce. Take advantage of this opportunity to increase your network of contacts and your company’s visibility across Surry County. This event will promote and encourage local business first while celebrating the variety of services and products available. We look forward to bringing our business leaders and the public together to create more opportuni-ties to grow our local economy. Registration is now open for Exhibitor’s to take advantage of Early Bird Rates.

For more information please contact:Surry County Economic Development [email protected]

Where:Mount Airy High School

Common Area & Gymnasium

1011 North South StreetMount Airy, NC 27030

When:Thursday October 6, 2011 at 3:00 PM

-to-Friday October 7, 2011 at 3:00 PM

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