Rutherford County
Chamber of Commerce FROM THE Chamber Director ................ A COMING ECONOMIC BOOM IN NORTH CAROLINA
Chamber Content From the Chamber Director...37 Rutherford County Enhanced Recycling...38 Ribbon Cutting: TAMS...40 Forest City Honda...41 Spotlight on: Henson Building Materials...42 Spotlight on: Spindale Tire...42 2013 Downtown Forest City December Holiday Activities...43 Chamber Board of Directors ...44
REVERSE RAFFLE Tickets Are Available Now! December 6th, 7:00 pm The Foundation Performing Arts Center Call the Chamber office at 828-287-3090
In a recent article of 2013 State of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Michael L. Walden, distinguished professor, North Carolina State University, made four major predictions regarding North Carolina’s economic growth. There will be a manufacturing revival, construction surge, education “Bumper Crop” and retiree influx. How will these factors fit with growth in Rutherford County?
Design & Layout: Reid Price
Staff Photographer: Everette Murray
Contributing Writers: Tina Crowder Ken Flack Clark Poole
Manufacturing revival: manufactured products are reduced during poor economic conditions and North Carolina is a manufacturer of goods. As we recover there will be an increase in demand for manufactured products and that equates for more demand on our existing manufacturers. Construction surge: the pullback in the housing market devastated the construction industry; with slow but steady recovery. Education “Bumper Crop”: economic growth will be strongest in “knowledge based” industries. Retiree influx: the retirement migration is gaining momentum once again, the mountains, beaches and historical towns are a draw for retirees. Rutherford County is already experiencing the beginning facets for economic growth. Manufacturing demands have increased during the last quarter and indications point to an even greater increase. We also have new manufacturing looking to relocate to our region. As you drive through the County, you can see glimpses of a Construction surge. It appears this trend will increase at a steady pace; both residential and commercial. The school systems and community college are designing courses that go beyond core curriculum to prepare our future work force with the credentials for the 21st century job market. These efforts will produce an Education “Bumper Crop”. These efforts will make our county even more attractive to manufacturing in the future. The Retiree influx is already evident and the prediction of its steady increase bodes well for economic prosperity for small businesses in our area. So, things are not as bad and we may think. It is very necessary to continue our strategic planning, develop an infrastructure that supports the anticipated growth and never give up on our importance in providing a quality of life that will make us all proud.
Clark Poole
Remember to vote! November 5th
Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce
162 N. Main Street Rutherfordton, NC 28139 Phone: 828.287.3090 Fax: 828-287-0799 info@rutherfordcoc.com www.rutherfordcoc.com
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Rutherford Chamber
Rutherford County Enhanced Recycling The convenience of “one-stop” recycling has arrived in Rutherford County. Now it’s easier than ever because, “We Sort For You.”
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Rutherford Chamber
Ribbon Cutting: TAMS
We had quite a treat at the Grand Opening of Tams Tack Antique & Merchandise Store. It was an adventure seeing the vast variety of merchandise available. It is truly more than just a tack shop. It was so enticing that several of us found items for our home and we don’t own a horse. One participant bought a saddle like she had been looking for and could not find anywhere else. Take the time to visit Tams; you will be pleasantly surprised at what you find. We thank Tammy and Chuck for hosting a great party.
Grand Opening Tam’s 661 Big Island Road Forest City, NC 28043 828.248.4463
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www.bedandbarnnc.com
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Rutherford Chamber
828-286-2614 828-286-2614 www.forestcityhondanc.com
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Rutherford Chamber
Spotlight on: Henson Building Materials Celebrates 75 Years! By Tina Crowder On September 20th, Henson Building Materials celebrated their Customer Appreciation Day for their loyal customers who have been coming to Henson’s for years…some have been customers for over 25 years. Hundreds of people, a lot of familiar faces, and some new faces too, came out and were treated to a free BBQ lunch provided by Cox Industries, Henson’s treated wood supplier. Door prizes were abundantly given from the raffle drawing that was held. It was another way of saying “thanks” to their customers for supporting their hometown building supply that’s been serving the surrounding area since 1938.
and windows, paints and stains, roofing and siding, and much more, along with knowledgeable specialists for each project that you have in mind. There’s also a building design and materials design specialist that can turn your set of plans into a 3-D model.
Surviving past recessions in the housing market industry, Henson Building Materials still thrives in serving Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina with high quality building materials at competitive prices. For over 75 years, Henson Building Materials has built their name on service and quality you can trust. Stop by, you’ll be surprised…and glad you did. If you’re a professional builder, remodeler or even a do-it-yourselfer, you’ll find just about everything you need at Henson’s. They’re more than just a lumberyard. They have a showroom that offers a full line of building materials, tools, and hardware for anything house related. They have someone’s future home or future remodel in stock. Along with the showroom, Henson’s offers cabinetry and countertops, doors
Spotlight on: Spindale Tire By Ken Flack Spindale Tire’s beginnings go back to 1957 when Deviney Oil decided to branch out into the tire business to make better use of employees. It really did not take off until E. O. Deviney bought out his fellow investors and offered Jack Flack a chance to manage and buy into the company. Over the years it flourished. Later, Alan Freeman and Ken Flack came on board. Jack retired 30 years ago, but still comes in all day long, every day. In the early years there wasn’t even a roof over the bays. Employees removed tires in rain or snow. Retreads, which were practically the only tires sold, might last a whole year. Today’s tires might last 30,000
to 60,000 miles. Lots of people bought tires on credit the month before the textile mills shut down for the 4th of July vacation week. Many went to Myrtle Beach and started making payments when they got back. Young employees, over the years, went on to other professions. They became law enforcement, business owners, Doctors in Education, college graduates, accountants, and even one Corvette driving- boxerbodybuilder-Chippendale dancer. One long- time employee beat out contestants 20 years younger to be the fastest Truck Tire Changer in a NC competition. We specialize in tires, wheel alignment, suspension repair, brakes, batteries, and NC inspections. We are different in that we are privately owned. Salesmen have nothing but your best interest and ongoing loyalty to drive them. There are no spiffs, commissions, or bonuses to sell you a product that is not in your best interest. We can set up qualified applicants with GE Capital credit or our in-house credit. We not only have the standard pick- up and delivery, we have convenient loaner vehicles available.
Voted best in Rutherford County since 2004 445 West Main Street, Spindale NC 28160 ~ 828-286-3626
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Visit us at 445 West Main Street in Spindale across from McDonalds, or call us at 2863626. We are open 8 am until 5:30 pm weekdays, and 8 am until 1:00 pm on Saturday. We’ll be happy to see you!
Annual Christmas Lighting Ceremony…………..Thursday, Nov. 28 from 6:00-9:00PM A million lights, music, and 2013 Facebook Community Action Grant Award Presentation
See all of downtown Forest City light up with the 7:00 PM Countdown! 7:00 -9:00 PM - Open House at the Santa House, Ice skating, and many stores and restaurants open
Rutherford Chamber
2013 DOWNTOWN FOREST CITY DECEMBER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
Forest City Christmas Parade…..……….……………..Sunday, Dec. 1 from 3:00 – 5:00 PM Downtown. Over 300 entries. Sponsored by the Forest City Merchants Association
Hayrides..……………………………………….…..Fridays – Dec. 6, 13, 20 from 6:00 – 9:00 PM Load across from the fountain. Cost $2.00 each – child or adult. See the holiday lights from a hay wagon pulled by an antique tractor. Sponsored by Carson Farms.
Carriage Rides……………………….…….Saturdays - Dec. 7, 14, & 21 from 6:00 – 9:00 PM Load across from the fountain. Cost $7 Adults/$3 Children under 12. Sometimes a sell out. Last tickets usually sold between 8:00 – 8:30 PM.
Santa House……………………..…….………..Fridays – Dec 6, 13, & 20 from 6:00 - 9:00 PM Saturdays – Dec. 7, 14 & 21 from 4:00 – 9:00 PM No charge for the children to talk with Santa but a donation to Thomas Jefferson Classical AcademyCFA School is appreciated. $3 for a photo with Santa.
Ice Skating……………………………..…....Fridays Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13, & 20 – 6:00 PM until Saturdays, Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14, & 21 – 6:00 PM until Rink located at the Santa House on East Main St at BB&T parking lot. Sponsored by Kidz Play. $7. Also call 245-4543 to book skating parties through the week and Saturday and Sunday afternoons
Santa Paws– Photos with your Pets……….Sundays, Dec. 8, 15, & 22 - 2:00 - 6:00 PM Bring your pets for a photo with Santa at the Santa House. Sponsored by the Community Pet Center as a fundraiser for a $5 donation. No human children for photos on Sunday please!
TOYS FOR TOTS – Bring an unwrapped toy to any event and brighten a child’s Christmas in Rutherford County. Sponsored by the Marine Corps League Detachment #1221 FOR MORE INFORMATION FOREST CITY EVENTS LINE 828-247-4430 www.ForestCityEvents.com LIKE Forest City Events on Facebook
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Chamber of Commerce Officers
Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce Mission Statement
Jason Harrill
Helping to create and maintain a healthy business environment which will enhance prosperity and improve the quality of life in Rutherford County
President Barbara Keever First Vice President Jim Bishop
CHAMBER STAFF
Vice President Dan Thomas
Rutherford County
Clark Poole Director
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
Debbie Gettys Office Manager
Cooper Flack Immediate Past President
CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Laura Allen Thera-ssage
Dale Hamilton Cornerstone Realty
Dr. Janet Mason
Rutherford County Schools
Fran Anderson
Rutherford Regional Health System
Jim Bishop WCAB Radio
Walter Dalton
Nichole Dubs TD Bank
Isothermal Community College
Jason Harrill BB&T
Odean Keever & Assoc.
Blanton Miller & Moore
Debbie Martin
Deborah Mauney Staff Masters Inc.
Tim Mathis
Donna McCann
Sarah MerrisonMcEntire
Everette Murray Rutherford Everyday
Isothermal Planning & Development Commission
Barbara Keever
Northland Communications
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Carolina Chiropractic Plus
Cooper Flack
Main Street Financial Group
Joseph Maimone Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy
Dan Thomas
Jackson Hewitt Tax Services