17 minute read
Holly Springs Celebrates Chamber of Commerce Names Award Winners
A VIRTUAL CELEBRATION
Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce Honors Natalie Babson, Welcomes New Board, Names Award Winners
Longtime Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce member, volunteer, Ambassador, and Board member Natalie Babson was honored during recent virtual Annual Meeting.
Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce also introduced a new Board of Directors, honored a number of members for their support in 2020, and gave tribute to a longtime board member and former board president at its recent virtual Annual Banquet.
Held in February, the event – presented by Go Prime Mortgage – included a virtual silent auction, a Holly Springs economic forecast, videos by Chamber Champions and the Town of Holly Springs, shoutouts to the Town of Holly Springs, the Holly Springs Co-Working Station, the Pop-Up Market Holly Springs, AngelFund Holly Springs and Launch Holly Springs.
As the Chamber thanked the 2020 board for its service, it paid special tribute to Natalie Babson – who is stepping down after seven years on the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Babson spent five of those years on the Executive Board, and also spent six years as a Chamber Ambassador. “Her contribution to the Holly Springs business community and community at-large were only surpassed by her enormous heart and generous spirit,” said Chante Pickard, the former Executive Director of the Chamber – who just returned in that capacity. “Even upon leaving the Holly Springs area for an employment opportunity in Greensboro, she continued her volunteer service for the Chamber remotely and was to many, their mentor and all-around think tank.”
Natalie Babson
CHANTE PICKARD Holly Springs Executive Director
Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors welcomed back Chante Pickard as the organization's Executive Director recently.
“In addition to her previous experience with the Chamber, Pickard is nearing the completion of her MBA – so she is uniquely positioned to continue our existing initiatives and carry us to the next level of engagement and innovation in the Holly Springs business community,” said Karen Shore, on behalf of the HSCC Board of Directors.
“Her creativity and personal brand of magic helped grow our Chamber's success to new and exciting levels during her previous tenure and we can't wait to see where we go from here,” Shore continued.
Pickard can be reached by visiting hollyspringschamber.org or calling 919-567-1796.
Babson also was presented with two special custom “bobbleheads” of herself – one to remain on display at the Chamber office – from Justin Sellers, Outgoing Chamber Chair.
Several awards were presented during the video meeting, including: n Chris Cook (Modern Woodmen of America): Ambassador of the Year n Tonya Palumbo (T&T Photography): Volunteer of the Year n Pace Yourself Run Company: Business of the Year n Chanel Wilkins (Agents of Clean): Parrish “Ham” Womble Distinguished Service Award n Justin Sellers (Coastal Plain League), Heart of Holly Springs Award
The 2021 Chamber Board of Directors includes: Beth Martinez de Andino (Chair); Sellers (Past Chair); Palumbo (Chair Elect); Chris Goins, Secretary; Ben Mathew, Treasurer; Amy Short; Anna Johnston; Chris Edwards; Diane Kinlaw; Karen Shore; Tom Cox; Ryan Monteleone; Rick Grant; and Nicole Meggerson de Martinez.
Among the 2021 Chamber Ambassadors are: Chanel Wilkins; Chris Cook; Cyndy Sanders; David Whittingham; Lisa Zilli; Nash Atkins; Rich Keck; Tonya Palumbo; and Trisha Schwartz For more information on the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce – or to see a current list of events and activities – visit hollyspringschamber.org or call 919-567-1796. Chamber offices are located at 344 Raleigh St #100 in Holly Springs.
Photo by Tatiana Rodriguez on Unsplash
FIRST DOG PARK
HOLLY SPRINGS OPENING NEW SUGG FARM FACILITY
Holly Springs’ first dog park was planned to open in early March, providing an amenity long-sought by pet owners in the community.
The Sugg Farm dog park is more than an acre, with two fenced-in, off-leash areas. One is for dogs at least 30 pounds, and the other is for smaller ones.
There is no fee to use the dog park, which has a mulch surface designed for drainage and for wheelchairs. Fences are 6 feet high. And new restrooms are next to the dog park.
$10K PARK DONATION Family Honors Son’s Memory At Womble Park Playground
The family of Owen Schroeder donated $10,000 for playground equipment at Womble Park in memory of their 4-year-old son.
Owen died in October 2020 after being struck by a truck in Holly Glen while playing with a group of children in the neighborhood. His parents, Laura and Josh Schroeder, were present at the March 2, 2021, Holly Springs Town Council meeting, and were recognized for the donation.
The donation will fund an expansion of the playground for a double bay swing set, the first set of swings in the Town’s parks system. A park bench with an engraved memorial plaque will be placed nearby. Completion of the playground addition is expected by May of this year.
Owen enjoyed playing in Town parks, particularly at Bass Lake, Sugg Farm, and the playground at Womble. The Schroeders wanted to honor his memory by contributing toward a safe play space for other children.
The Schroeders’ donation was from a GoFundMe community contribution. The total cost of the equipment, bench and playground surfacing is estimated at $17,600, with park maintenance funds supplementing the donation.
Information and artwork courtesy of Town of Holly Springs.
Holly Springs Short Takes
Holly Springs Events & Activities
n Holly Springs High Assistant
Principal Eric Daughherty is now Assistant Principal at
Willow Springs High. n Devils Ridge Golf Club recently donated 315.5 pounds of food to the Holly
Springs Food Cupboard. n Fera'wyn's Artisan Chocolates of Holly Springs was among 219 companies named Good Food Awards
Winners. Located at 652
Holly Springs Road, they were honored for their
Bourbon Truffle, which won in the Confection category.
For more information, call 919-285-2780. n Skrimp Shack Holly Springs celebrated its 2-year anniversary at 7224 GB Alford
Highway, offering coupons, discounts and giveaway.
For more information, call 919-285-4677. n Holly Springs Town Council recently approved a $5,000 grant to the Together on
Center Stage program for its anti-bullying efforts.
The funding comes from a $50,000 state grant that the
Town received in late 2018 for anti-bullying initiatives, school safety and supplies, and the Mayor’s Anti-Bullying
Campaign. The funding will help ind a new location for its youth theater program and related efforts to serve teens with disabilities. n Plans for Woods Creek
Elementary — scheduled to open in 2024 adjacent to the 400-acre Carolina Springs development in northwestern Holly Springs – were recently approved by the Town of Holly Springs. In 2023, the school will be used as
Baucom Elementary, while that school is renovated.
4/20 2021 HSCC Virtual Women's Empowerment Luncheon, 12-2 pm; check hollyspringschamber.org or call 919-567-1796 for additional details.
Mar-Apr Holly Springs Farmers Market, 9:30 am-12 pm, first and third Saturdays (through April). West Ballentine Street (outside Cultural Center).
CAREGIVERS SUMMIT
FREE The 2021Virtual Caregivers Summit is 2 p.m. to 3 VIRTUAL EVENT p.m. on four consecutive Thursdays in April. Caregivers are invited to learn from experts on matters related to “The Business of Caregiving.”” GIVES EXPERTS’ n n Essential Legal Planning for Healthcare (April 8) How to Pay for Long-Term Care (April 15) INSIGHT, n Understanding Medicaid Benefits for Nursing
ADVICE Home Care and What Medicaid Managed Care Means to You (April 22) n Understanding Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage Plans – What
You Need to Know to Make the Right Decision for You (April 29)
The webinar series begins on Thursday, April 8, and continues weekly to Thursday, April 29, via Zoom. The webinars are free to caregivers, thanks to the generosity of the sponsors.
For more information or to register, visit caregiverssummit.org or email summit@transitionslifecare.org.
Apex Short Takes
n After a review of traffic patterns and accidents at Olive
Chapel Road and Richardson Road in Apex, a traffic control signal is scheduled for installation. n Lidl – a German grocer – opened a new location at 670 Grand Central Station in Apex in February. The store at the corner of Apex
Peakway and Laura Duncan
Road is the company’s sixth in the 919. Operating hours at the 29,000 sq. ft. facility are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. n Town of Apex Manager
Drew Havens recently left after more than six years to become Town Manager of Duck, NC. Ralph Clark will serve as interim Town
Manager until a permanent replacement is named.
Apex Events & Activities
3/18 Virtual Chamber 101, 8:30-9:30 am, free; learn all about Apex Chamber of Commerce benefits, how the Chamber operates, how to market a business, and more. Info: apexchamber.com, , 919362-6456.
4/29 Apex Chamber of Commerce Meet & Greet (virtual), 5-6 pm; hosted by Chamber Ambassador Tina Owen; opportunity to welcome new members to the local business organization. For information, or to register, visit business. apexchamber.com. 5/13 Apex Chamber of Commerce Peak of Hope Golf Tournament, 11 am-5 pm; MacGregor Downs Country Club, 430 St. Andrews Lane, Cary. Info: apexchamber.com, 919-362-6456.
$200 MILLION FACILITY
NEW BIOGEN GENE THERAPY FACILITY TO ADD UP TO 90 JOBS
Biogen plans a new $200 million, 175,000 sq. ft. facility in Research Triangle Park to support clinical production for the company’s gene therapy pipeline – and possibly adding as many as 90 workers.
“North Carolina’s diverse and highly-skilled workforce continues to make NC a destination for investments from global leaders in the life sciences industry,” said N.C. Department of Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. “Biogen represents the caliber of high-impact, innovative companies our state must continue to attract and support to secure good jobs for a strong economy. Not only are they focused on improving people’s lives with breakthrough, best in-class therapies, but as a former Biogen executive, I can attest to their commitment to serve our communities and contribute to a sustainable, equitable economy.”
The global pharmaceutical company currently employs about 1,900 people in RTP.
“This additional investment underscores our commitment to RTP and our mission to deliver a reliable supply of high-quality medicines to the patients we serve,” said Nicole Murphy, senior vice president, global manufacturing and technical operations at Biogen. "We are poised with a diverse workforce that is passionate about making a difference in the lives of patients and we look forward to welcoming new colleagues from the community to join us in that mission.”
GOLDEN MUMMIES New NCMA Exhibition Continues Until July 11
The Golden Mummies of Egypt exhibit at NCMA opened in early March – and continues through July 11.
This exhibition presents eight extraordinary, gilded mummies and more than 100 related objects, including papyri, jewelry, ceramics, and deity works that connect the daily lives of these Greco-Roman Egyptians to the religious world of the gods.
In a series of lavishly illustrated thematic sections, the exhibition uses the outstanding collections of the Manchester Museum to showcase multicultural Roman Egypt (circa 300 B.C.E.–200 C.E.), where diverse Egyptian, Roman, and Greek communities and cultural influences were blended.
The exhibition journey traces expectations for the afterlife and introduces cultural constructions of identity, strikingly demonstrated by haunting, painted panel portraits. Visitors will learn more about three of the mummies in the exhibition using digital interactives to see underneath the wrappings, thanks to data gathered through digital radiography paired with multidirectional CT scanning.
The exhibition is accompanied by related events, lectures, and workshops. Tickets are on sale now, free for members’ first visit and $22 for nonmembers.
The Museum is open with updated hours, Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information about the exhibit and tickets, visit ncartmuseum.org. Museum from Home programming continues, including the NCMA Virtual Exhibitions Subscription and virtual events.
A NEW RTP LAB PROJECT
“Discovery continues to benefit from strong leasing activity due to the increase in life science activity since the start of the panLONGFELLOW Longfellow Real Estate Partners has demic. We are excited to welcome leading biotechnology firms
ACQUIRES 20-ACRE acquired a 20-acre development site with plans to construct four mid-rise Class A life science buildings – each Icagen, LifeEdit, and Enzerna to the property totaling upwards of 28,000 square fee,” Longfellow Director of Leasing, Greg Capps said. In addition, the campus has additional lab suites available SITE FOR 120,000 sq. ft. – located on Watkins ranging from 7,800 to 14,000 sq. ft. with more delivering this
LIFE SCIENCE BUILDINGS Road in Morrisville. The development will be Longfellow’s first ground-up lab project in the Summer, as well as a 60,000-square-foot full-building opportunity currently available. “Both the major capital upgrades to Discovery at Perimeter Research Triangle Park region. Upon completion, the new campus Park, as well as the new state-of-the-art facility on Watkins Road, will more than double Longfellow’s footprint in Wake County and will complement our existing office and lab campuses and grow its North Carolina portfolio to nearly 3 million square feet. provide a solution for the growing demand for purpose-built lab
The Watkins Road development will be adjacent to Longfellow’s space,” said Longfellow Managing Partner Adam Sichol. existing Discovery at Perimeter Park campus. Purchased in January The campuses will combine research and lab spaces with ex2020, Longfellow is repositioning the five-building, 401,000 sq. tensive amenities provided by Elevate™, Longfellow’s proprietary ft. traditional office and flex space campus to life science labs. tenant experience platform, including a 5,500 sq. ft. amenity cenExtensive façade enhancements and construction of indoor and ter at Discovery at Perimeter Park, a coffee/bar lounge, community outdoor amenity areas are slated for completion in May 2021. room, modern conferencing space and outdoor gathering areas.
V FOUNDATION GRANTS
DONATIONS NOW TOTAL $260 MILLION The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, awarded $10.3 million in grant funding for 2020. It was a year unlike any other, and that FOR CANCER was reflected in the composition of the
RESEARCH 42 grants awarded. Of significance, three Abeloff V Scholars tied for the highest grant score, and the Foundation expanded the V Clinical Scholar program, after a successful pilot program was initiated at MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Total grant funding by the V Foundation has now surpassed $260 million.
“This year’s collection of V Foundation grants tackles the most vexing cancer problems confronting both adults and children, using technologies that push the state-of-the-art in order to change the game for these life-threatening diseases,” said William Nelson, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the V Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Committee. “In addition, support is directed at innovations in cancer ‘Thrivership’ and at promoting equity in cancer treatment. Even in the midst of a coronavirus pandemic, a new generation of V Scholars, the best and brightest of young cancer researchers, This year’s collection of V Foundation grants tackles the most vexing cancer problems confronting both adults and children, using technologies that push the state-of-the-art in order to change the game for these life-threatening diseases.
WILLIAM NELSON, MD, Ph.D Chair, V Foundation Scientific Advisory Committee
are prepared to ‘never give up’ in pursuit of new ways to improve cancer outcomes.”
The V Foundation’s highly competitive grant-making process is overseen by the V Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Committee, made up of world-class researchers from leading cancer centers. This rigorous process ensures proposals meet the highest standards of scientific merit. The V Foundation holds 10 consecutive 4-star (highest) ratings from Charity Navigator, America’s largest evaluator of charities, making the Foundation among the top 2% of all charities evaluated. The V Foundation is also a GuideStar platinum-rated charity.
For more information about the V Foundation, its grants program, the Scientific Advisory Committee or to donate, visit v.org. A complete list of the 2020 grant recipients can be found here.
WAKE TECH SPORTS
WCTC ATHLETICS REFRESHES Wake Tech Athletics has a refreshed brand identity that includes a new logo, uniforms, merchandise, and a makeover of its website. The new Eagle logo and corresponding
BRAND refresh of colors are bold and modern and
IDENTITY, WEBSITE more closely follow the college’s overall look. In addition, each Wake Tech sports team will get its own special design.
“I’m just thrilled with the logos and website,” said Wake Tech Athletic Director Brian Anweiler. “I think they will help elevate the recognition of our programs in the community and energize fans, supporters, and alumni.”
The new brand was created by Wake Tech’s Creative Services team, led by Stephen Coppedge. “We thought it was time for an update," said Coppedge. “Simplifying and modernizing the Wake Tech Athletics brand will align well with the college’s overall brand. This new brand is sharp and intimidating. We look forward to displaying the brand on apparel for students, staff, and the community.”
The redesigned website is hosted by PrestoSports through a partnership with the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).
Wake Tech’s Athletics program includes men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, baseball, softball, volleyball, and, new this spring sand volleyball and esports.
For more information about Wake Tech’s Athletics program and to view the updated website, visit waketechsports.com.
11th RDU AIRLINE
SUN COUNTRY PLANNING TO BEGIN SERVICE IN MAY
Sun Country Airlines is launching nonstop service from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on May 14, becoming the eleventh commercial service airline operating at RDU.
“Sun Country is an established airline known for providing excellent customer service and a comfortable travel experience at an affordable price,” said Michael Landguth, president and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. “We believe Sun Country will be a great option for leisure travelers looking to book budget-friendly fares between the Research Triangle and the Twin Cities.”
Sun Country will operate twice weekly service on Mondays and Fridays using a 737-800 aircraft.
Region Short Takes
n Tentative dates for the 2021
North Carolina State Fair at the North Carolina State
Fairgrounds in Raleigh are
Oct. 14-24, according to
Agriculture Commission
Steve Troxler. n Professional tennis star
Naomi Osaka is a new investor in the North Carolina
Courage, the Raleigh-based women’s professional soccer franchise. n David Favre as the Dean of
Transportation Technologies at Wake Tech. n Wake County Technical College students Jordan Hale and Brittany Wilson were selected as NASA Commu-
nity College Aerospace
Scholars – a program that seeks to build a diverse future workforce in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields by opening doors for two-year community college students.
Hale and Wilson in early
January began a five-week online course about NASA missions and research, with guidance and support from
NASA educators and experts. The students will also attend lectures and interact with other aerospace scholars. Those who complete the online course successfully may be invited to join a more comprehensive NASA experience in March. n JetBlue is adding seven new destinations from
Raleigh-Durham Inter-
national Airport this year.
Daily service to Austin, TX;
Newark, NJ; and Orlando,
Jacksonville and Tampa in
Florida begins Feb. 11. Daily service to San Francisco, CA, and Las Vegas, NV, start Mar. 4. Other recent additions in recent months include
Cancun, Mexico; Montego
Bay, Jamaica; San Juan, PR;
Los Angeles, CA; and Ft.
Meyers, FL. n North Carolina Court of
Appeals ruled that the
Raleigh-Durham Airport
Authority legally executed a land-lease agreement with
Wake Stone to generate revenue for the airport. The three-judge panel unanimously upheld a lower court ruling that dismissed the lawsuit filed by activists who oppose the land-lease agreement. n Kacy McAdoo as the new
Director of Admissions Wake
County Technical College. In this role, McAdoo will provide support and supervision of admissions and outreach services to facilitate the recruitment, acceptance and registration of Wake Tech students. She has 21 years of combined experience in admissions, recruitment and enrollment management at four-year institutions, most recently serving as the Senior Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions at UNC
Greensboro.
Region Events & Activities
3/6-25 Mutual Aid Benefit
Art Auction (replacing 41st Anniversary Gala); artists received 100% of commission on sales. Info: vaeraleigh.org.
3/20 Early Hire Teacher
Job Fair, 9 am-1 pm; Wake County Public School System. Info: wcpss.net.
