Rutherford County
Chamber of Commerce FROM THE CHAMBER DIRECTOR ................
Chamber Content From the Chamber Director...23 Isothermal Community College Improved Life Through Learning ...24 Ribbon Cutting - Main Street Ice Cream...24 Ribbon Cutting - Picture This Photography...24 Ribbon Cutting - Prim & Proper Children’s Boutique...25 Ribbon Cutting - The Gallery...25 Business After Hours: West Point Farms Event Center...25
This brief article from the Director’s desk may be the most important article I could write. As has been mentioned many times; the Chamber is committed to sharing information regarding developments in the County. We have made significant progress in keeping our community informed and providing services that enhance our economic health. Sometimes people will say; “The Chamber doesn’t really do anything for me”. Allow me to give you some statistics regarding Chamber office activity in the last twelve months. •
Walk-Ins: over 5,000
•
Phone Calls: over 6,500
•
Referrals: over 7,000
•
Web site visits: over 122,000
•
Relocation packages: over 200
•
Education packets: over 100 (students in N.C. wanting information about Rutherford County)
•
Vacation packages: over 150
Design & Layout: Reid Price
Staff Photographer: Everette Murray
Contributing Writers: Todd Ledford Clarke Poole Peter White
Rutherford Connect When? JUNE 28TH Where? LA STRADA AT LAKE LURE
As you can see, the Chamber gets to meet and communicate with a vast number of people every month. When someone asks us about real estate, restaurants, auto repair, gift shops, clothing stores, etc; we send them a list of our Chamber members. We are a clearing house for information about our county and all the things that people couldn’t find the answers for.
12 NOON COME SHARE YOUR BUSINESS. HAVE SOME GREAT FOOD AND A GREAT VIEW OVERLOOKING BEAUTIFUL LAKE LURE
It is probably the best investment you can make for your business in joining the Chamber. It is without apology that I invite you to join the Chamber and let’s work together to build a more prosperous tomorrow. Give us a call at 828287-3090 or e mail info@rutherfordcoc.com.
Spotlight: Staff Masters...26 Spotlight: Creative Cedar Homes, LLC...26 Chamber Board of Directors ...28
Clark Poole - Chamber Director
Rutherford County
MEET OUR NEW MEMBERS Carolina Tree Care Prim & Proper Children’s Boutique Chad Sisk 551 Groves Road Union Mills, NC 28167 828-289-7092 *Tree Trimming
Nissee Brown 106 East Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 828-542-7729 *Children’s Boutique
LeGrand Center Andrea Powers PO Box 1674 Shelby, NC 28152 704-669-4700 *Conference Center
Chamber of Commerce
Main Street Coffee & Ice Cream
Jane Bell 185 N. Main Street Rutherfordton, NC 28139 828-288-4950 *Coffee & Ice Cream Shop
162 N. Main Street Rutherfordton, NC 28139 Phone: 828.287.3090 Fax: 828-287-0799 info@rutherfordcoc.com www.rutherfordcoc.com
Rutherford Chamber• Volume I, Issue 6 • JUNE 2013 •
23
Rutherford Chamber
Former Student, Peter White, Shares His Success Story About How Isothermal Community College Improved Life Through Learning By Peter White
From Peter White: In 2007, at the age of 32, I was laid off from a company that I worked at for almost 8 years. I pictured my life as a blue collar working man and was not smart enough to have an education above high school. I believed that I was born to work with my hands, and an education would not benefit me. When I found out that I was losing my job, I started working on my GED. I thought that maybe I would get my GED and a welding certificate (or something along that line). I did not have my GED by the time I lost my job. Some instructors and the department Dean, convinced me to change my goals. They encouraged me to earn a high school diploma instead. I needed five classes for my high school diploma. After starting the diploma program I realized I was a lot smarter than I previous had thought. I gained confidence and earned all A’s. These classes were the ones that troubled me the most when I was younger. Afterwards, I attended a job fair the college was hosting and with my new confidence decided that I would attempt to earn a two year degree. With the outstanding instructors and advisors at Isothermal Community College, we mapped out a plan for my education. I had to carry a full load of credits every semester to insure that I could finish my degree in two years. I earned my degree and graduated with honors. Before I finished my degree, I started a job search.
Ribbon Cutting Main Street Ice Cream Super coffee, delicious ice cream and an abundance of smiles, those are the things you get at Main Street Coffee & Ice Cream. Jane, staff and friends celebrated three years of operation. Located at 185 North Main Street in Rutherfordton. Hours of operation: Monday – Thursday 8 am to 8 pm, Friday 8 am – 9 pm, Saturday 9 am – 9 pm, Sunday 1 – 7 pm. 828-288-4950
L to R Front Row: Greg Turner, Hannah McDowell, Erin Wilkins, Jane Bell, Owner, Clair O’Neil, Julius Owens, Jimmy Dancy
Ribbon Cutting Picture This Photography We came together to cut a ribbon and celebrate the fulfillment of a dream. At Picture This Photography, you will be amazed at what they will do for you. The theme is truly; “A picture is worth a thousand words. Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday: 10:00a.m-6:oop.m, Saturday: 9:00a.m6:30p.m, Sunday by appointment only. Give them a call at 828-247-4477; located at 2270 US Hwy 74 A, Ste 110, Forest City.
To find a job in Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering in 2009 was hard. I applied for many different types of jobs. Finally, I got a chance on third shift as a maintenance technician which required a two year degree. I worked on third for over 3 years. In 2012, I bought my first house, and in 2013, I landed a first shift job as a Supply Quality Technician. I am now making arrangements to start on my Bachelors of Science Engineering Technology degree from Western Carolina University. I owe thanks to Isothermal Community College’s faculty members who helped to change my life. For once, feel like I am living the American dream. Re
24 •Rutherford Everyday • Volume I, Issue 6 • JUNE 2013
L to R: Ginger Luckadoo, Clark Poole, Rick Murray, Sheri McClain, Owner, Brandy Putnam, Shelby McClain, Joyce Jones, Charles Raines
Business After Hours: West Point Farms Event Center
Nissie Brown, staff and friends celebrate her Grand Opening. A beautiful children’s shop, with an array of color and great selections for that special child. Located on main street, Forest City. Give Nissie a call at 828-542-7729.
Ribbon Cutting THE GALLERY Judy celebrated her 20th year of operation at The Gallery with a ribbon cutting, refreshments and lots of reminiscing of the 20 years with many friendships formed. Whether you need framing or that special gift; visit The Gallery on Main Street, Rutherfordton. Give her a call at 828-287-5647. Hours of operation are 10 – 6 pm Monday thru Friday
Rutherford Chamber
Ribbon Cutting PRIM & PROPER CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE
What a great evening! West Point Farms Event Center held a Business after Hours that was quite the experience. Over 18 local artists, marvelous food, historic log cabins and great fellowship set the tone for folks to consider. If you are planning an event; give Richard or Lori Loftus a call at 828-7796627. The Event center is located at 1887 Union Road, Rutherfordton, N.C.
L to R: Dot Abrams, Linda, Bedow, Clark Poole, Judy Padgett, Steve Padgett, Walt Tenay Second row: Lynn Hegeman, Chelsey Ferguson, Tracy Houser, Karen Andrews, Magi King, Alice Harrill, Jane Bell, Jim Bishop, Joyce Tenay.
RUTHERFORDCOC.ORG | RUTHERFORDEVERYDAY.COM •
25
Rutherford Chamber
Spotlight: Staff Masters Everyone has a story. Everyone has a claim. With StaffMasters it is simple. We work tirelessly to be the best at the basics of Staffing. Founded in 1982, branded StaffMasters in 1993, StaffMasters is a privately held owner engaged company headquartered in Charlotte NC. StaffMasters is led by industry veterans with 22 offices in the Carolinas and growing. At StaffMasters we believe TRUST is essential, SAFETY is paramount, COMMUNICATION must be dynamic, and all parties must WIN to have a sustainable partnership. We do what we promise to earn your trust and loyalty. We strive to be knowledgeable, professional, helpful and FRIENDLY! Service customers since 1982 through our 24/7/365 staffing team availability, we have developed creative staffing solutions designed to save our customers time and money. Our award winning safety team is skilled at bringing our “best practices” forward to the benefit of all of our partners. By making your workplace safer, everyone benefits!
Creative Cedar Homes, LLC is an independent distributor of Mod-U-Kraf Homes www.mod-u-kraf.com, Nationwide Homes www.nationwide-homes.com, Hand Crafted Homes www.handcraftehomes.com, Log Homes Of America www. loghomesofamerica.com, Ameri-Log Northern White Cedar Homes www.allamericanhomes.com and Pan Abode Western Red Cedar Homes www.panabodehomes.com. Mod-U-Kraf, Nationwide Custom Homes and Hand Crafted Homes offer a wide range of Custom Systems Built Homes including Ranch’s, Cape Cod’s, Colonials and Craftsman Style Homes. Log Homes Of America, Inc. offers whole log home packages ranging from 1,000 SQ. FT. to 4,500+ SQ. FT. Ameri-Log Homes offers Northern White Cedar Systems Built Homes ranging from 700 SQ. FT. Cabins to 4,000+ SQ. FT. Homes Pan Abode Western Red Cedar Homes is recognized world wide as a leader in craftsmanship, ease of construction and quality materials.
Call our team and ask to check out references. We are confident you will hear “they do what they say they do!” That endorsement makes us proud and confident that we are doing the right things to take care of our relationships.
In addition to our Home Lines, Creative Cedar Homes, LLC is an authorized distributor of Sikkens and Perma Chink Stain Products, as well as the Solatube Day Lighting System. These products are designed to enhance and protect your investment giving you a beautiful, functional home.
In Rutherford County your StaffMasters team members are:
Creative Cedar Homes, LLC offers Home Construction and Products in Western North Carolina and North Western South Carolina.
Deborah Mauney - Area Manager
Re
Spotlight: Creative Cedar Homes, LLC
Andrea Bennett
-
Staffing Specialist
Creative Cedar Homes, LLC Is Located at:
Rachel Mazur
-
Staffing Specialist
1795 NC 108 HWY E Columbus, NC 28722 Phone: (828) 894-8148
StaffMasters offers Temp, Temp to hire and Direct Hire Placements. At Staffmasters employees have access to benefits including insurance from Day 1, and can earn vacation and holiday pay. Screening services include references, background, drug, and employment eligibility. We invite you to stop by our office anytime – we’d love to meet you!
Hours: Monday Through Friday 9:00-4:00 Saturday 11:00-4:00
StaffMasters, Inc. 727 South BroadwayForest City, NC 28043 828.248.5641
For more information, please visit our website at www.creativecedarhomes.com.
26 •Rutherford Everyday • Volume I, Issue 6 • JUNE 2013
Rutherford County
Chamber of Commerce Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce Mission Statement
Helping to create and maintain a healthy business environment which will enhance prosperity and improve the quality of life in Rutherford County
Dan Thomas Vice President
Rutherford County
Debbie Gettys Office Manager
Jason Harrill First Vice President Barbara Keever Vice President
CHAMBER STAFF
Clark Poole Director
Officers Cooper Flack President
Dolores Mayo Secretary/Treasurer
Chamber of Commerce 162 N. Main Street Rutherfordton, NC 28139 Phone: 828.287.3090 Fax: 828-287-0799 info@rutherfordcoc.com www.rutherfordcoc.com
Donna McCann Immediate Past President
CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Re
Laura Allen Thera-ssage
Jim Bishop WCAB Radio
Gene Booth Booth Realty Inc.
Kimagery Graphic Design
Main Street Financial Group
Dale Hamilton Cornerstone Realty
Jason Harrill BB&T
Barbara Keever Odean Keever & Assoc.
Debbie Martin Blanton Miller & Moore
Deborah Mauney Staff Masters Inc.
Dolores Mayo H&R Block
Northland Communications
Donna McCann
Sarah Merrison-McEntire
Everette Murray Rutherford Everyday
Jackson Hewitt Tax Services
28 •Rutherford Everyday • Volume I, Issue 6 • JUNE 2013
Carolina Chiropractic Plus
Kim Corbett
Cooper Flack
Dan Thomas