2021 Talent Attraction Guide by Salisbury Post

2021 Membership Directory and Talent Attraction Guide

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Saturday, July 24, 2021 9AM - 3PM Rowan Shrine Club High Rock Lake 6480 Long Ferry Road Salisbury, NC You’re invited to join the community for a day of FUN featuring... COMPETITION, FOOD TRUCKS, VENDORS & ENTERTAINMENT Bring Your Lawn Chair or a Blanket! NO PETS OR COOLERS, PLEASE*

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

For More Information:

704-633-4221 • Info@RowanChamber.com • ##DragonBoatsRowan2021

www.RowanChamberDragonBoat.org

www.RowanChamber.com

Welcome Newcomers and Chamber Members: Bob Honeycutt Your Chamber enthusiastically encourages Rowan Chamber members to “Buy Local”. One of our best resources is the Rowan Chamber’s 2021 Membership Directory and Talent Attraction Guide.

who have worked with them over the last several months to ensure the timely production and distribution of this publication. We especially appreciate the Chamber Member firms who advertise in this publication.

The 2021 Directory is organized into three main sections:

By using this directory for business referrals, you can rest assured that you are doing business with companies that are the best in their industry and are good corporate citizens. Please contact the Chamber for any additional information, (704) 633-4221 or info@rowanchamber.com or www.rowanchamber.com

Talent Attraction Guide Alphabetical list of Members Business Category list of Members The Talent Attraction Guide is specifically designed to provide valuable information which will help you relocate successfully to our community. There are numerous opportunities for business attraction, expansion, and entrepreneurial development. If you are a new employee or job seeker, we welcome you to our community with open arms! The Chamber contracts with the Salisbury Post to produce this directory. We are grateful to our community partners

Sincerely,

Bob Honeycutt Bob Honeycutt F & M Bank 2021 Chair of the Board Rowan County Chamber of Commerce

CHAMBER POPULAR PROGRAMS ARE: Leadership Rowan Power In Partnership Breakfast Meetings Business After Hours Mixers 4

Rowan County Chamber of Commerce 2021 Talent Attraction Guide

Ambassadors Candidate Forums Washington, D.C. Trip Raleigh Trips

Women In Business Annual Gala Minority Business Council Dragon Boat Festival Total Resource Campaign Disney Institute

What's inside Hot New Places for Young Professionals Page 16

Smaller is better: why a move to Rowan County may be right for you! Page 18

Barnhardt Jewelers begins new adventure Page 39

Margaret Redmond helps stock one of Rowan-Salisbury Schools' Little Free Libraries. South Main Book Company owner Alissa Redmond plans to keep the Little Free Libraries stocked with new books. photo by Salisbury Post

Multi-building development on East Innes begins to take shape after years of delays Page 45 Auto Works. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Bean Realty Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Beaver Brothers, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Ben Mynatt Nissan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Cannon Pharmacy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Cloninger Auto Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Cozart Lumber. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Don Fortner DMD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 El Patron Mexican Grill & Cantina. . . . . . . . . . . 40 F & M Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Fisher Greene Insurance Agency. . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Fleming Candy Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

ADVERTISERS INDEX

Food Lion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Godley’s Garden Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Hood Theological Seminary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Julia Howard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Livingstone College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 North Carolina Transportation Museum. . . . . 37 Novant Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover Outdoor Power Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Piedmont Neurosurgery & Spine, PA. . . . . . . . 29 Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. . . . . . . 20 Rowan County. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 & 7 Rowan-Kannapolis ABC Board. . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Cover 1819 Utzman-Chambers house on South Jackson Street in Salisbury photo by Jon C. Lakey, Salisbury Post

Rowan EDC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 & 33 Salisbury Post . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Sé Bella Aesthetics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Sharp Transit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Snow Benefits Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Superior Walls of North Carolina. . . . . . . . . . . 10 Tarheel Safe & Lock Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 TMR Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Town of Spencer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Trinity Oaks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

704-633-8950 :: 131 West Innes Street, Salisbury, NC 28144 :: www.salisburypost.com The Rowan County Chamber of Commerce 2021 Membership Directory and Talent Attraction Guide is produced by the News Department, Creative Services and Advertising Departments of the Salisbury Post. Edited by Josh Bergeron and designed by Susan Baker and Lisa Jean Humphrey. www.RowanChamber.com

A message from the Rowan County Board of Commissioners

Back Row: Craig Pierce, Judy Klusman, Mike Caskey, Jr.

Front Row: Jim Greene, Greg Edds

The Rowan County Board of Commissioners is committed to serving and representing Rowan County through responsive and effective leadership. We are honored to serve our residents and guests and are working hard to provide a wonderful quality of life for all who live, work and play in our community. We believe in working together to promote a cooperative, unified spirit as we address the key issues that impact our families, our businesses and our quality of life. Providing competitive opportunities for industry is accomplished through the ready availability of land, buildings, infrastructure and a modern, highly-trained workforce. Whether you are looking for a place to raise a family, locate a business or enjoy your hard-earned retirement, opportunity abounds here. By working together we can show others how great it is to call Rowan County home.

WWW.ROWANCOUNTYNC.GOV 6â&#x20AC;&#x201A;

Rowan County Chamber of Commerce 2021 Talent Attraction Guide Rowan County 676252.indd 1

12/18/18 1:55 PM

www.RowanChamber.com

Leading During a Trifecta Crisis Communities across our country have been struggling this past year with leading during a trifecta crisis: 1. The public health crisis of COVID-19 2. Economic crisis and business recovery efforts 3. Social justice crisis Any one of these issues would have crimpled most communities; however, Rowan County is coming out of 8â&#x20AC;&#x201A;

Rowan County Chamber of Commerce 2021 Talent Attraction Guide

Elaine Spalding, President Rowan Chamber of Commerce

this trifecta crisis with a winning strategy for success. The health and safety of our citizens was always our top priority. Our elected officials showed great leadership and compassion. Our health care and emergency service professionals were well organized and communicated regularly. Our education sector did amazing things to keep students learning. The United Way and the Salisbury Post created a fundraising mechanism to help displaced work-

The Rowan Chamber, Rowan EDC and Rowan Tourism Development Authority came together and implemented a rapid recovery plan for the business community. Some of the highlights of the plan include: A community resource web page was launched with valuable information for employers and dis2019 Chair of the Board 2020 Chair of the Board placed workers. Nicole Holmes Matangira Gary Blabon “Be An Original” business recovery ers. All our not-for-profit organizations stepped kits with facial coverings, hand sanitizer and social distancing 6-foot. stickers were delivered to up their efforts. After the death of George Floyd, the City of small businesses. Numerous webinars about small business Salisbury moved a Civil War statue and began the process of healing years of social injustice issues. grant/loan opportunities were conducted. Virtual job fairs were held for major employers The Racial Equity Institute helped the communidesperately seeking new employees. ty with diversity, equity, and inclusion training. Support for minority owned businesses and Many community leaders provided calm voices a new Minority Business Directory is included in during troubling times.

this publication. One of my mentors in the chamber industry used to say, “Chambers do what most people think just happens.” Most people think chambers of commerce just do ribbon cuttings and networking events. However, during challenging times – the real value of “strength in numbers” and working together with our community partners really matters. The Rowan Chamber is the largest business advocacy organization in Rowan County. We advocate for our business community at the local, state, and federal levels. We lobbied hard for COVID-19 business relief packages with elected officials and government agencies. We have an active board of directors and wonderful committee volunteers. We represent 800 member businesses with over 20,000 employees. I am very proud of our Chamber staff and would like to express my sincere appreciation to Erica Church, Sharon Hughey and Tina Jamison-Cowan. We have received very positive feedback on our communication with members. If you have other ideas for us, please contact us at Rowan Chamber (704) 633-4221; email: info@ rowanchamber.com or web site: www.rowanchamber.com. 

www.RowanChamber.com

Rowan Chamber’s Minority Business Council The 2021 Action Plan for the Minority Business The Rowan Chamber’s Minority Business Counnary who are interested in starting businesses cil was organized in 2016 by a great group of local Council includes: • Host a meet and greet in fall 2021 • Monthly meetings on the third Tuesday of minority business leaders. Elia Gegorek (Gegorek • Assist interested persons with Minority Supplieach month at 9 a.m. & Associates Realty) is the chair of the council. er Development Certifications Two minutes to promote your business There are over 80 participants in the Minority Profile of a successful minority business • Promote city of Salisbury bid opportunities Business Council. Expert speakers: CPA, attorney, marketing for minority business contracts The goal of the council is to help minority busiexecutives • Encourage major employees to increase their nesses grow and prosper. The Rowan Chamber • Promote the RCCC Small Business Center’s minority business vendors coordinates meetings, webinars, and networking free counseling and seminars • Produce a Minority Business Directory in conevents. The city of Salisbury is a co-sponsor of the • Help the city of Salisbury promote the KIVA junction with the Chamber’s Annual Memberprogram. Rowan-Cabarrus Community College’s minority business loan program ship Directory (listing follows this article) Small Business Center, Livingstone College, Ca• Launch an angel investment fund for minority For more information on the Minority Business tawba College and Hood Theological Seminary businesses Council, please contact Elaine Spalding at also provide volunteer support. • Mentor minority students at RCCC, Livingstone, Catawba and Hood Theological Semi- 704.633.4221 or espalding@rowanchamber.com

Rowan County Chamber of Commerce 2021 Talent Attraction Guide

Minority Business Directory Women Owned & Minority Businesses A Perfect Dress Brenda Neely aperfectdress01@gmail.com Abigail’s - a cake affair Abigail Young abigailsaca@gmail.com Accelerate Therapy and Performance Dr. Delaine Fowler delaine@accelerate-pt.com Across the Pond Bed & Breakfast Mary Walker visit@AcrossthePondBandB.com ADP Chas Guy chas.guy@adp.com Alchemy Bodywork & Massage Michele B. Smith michelebiggerssmith@gmail.com Alexander’s Ham Co., Inc. Kathy Teague kathrynateague72@yahoo.com Alpha Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Dr. Isioma A. Okonmah drokonmah@alphafamilyandcosmeticdentistry.com Ambitiouz Minds Academy Michelle Bailey ambitiouzminds@gmail.com Anderson Dental Group Dr. Jimmie & Luanne Anderson salisbury@andersondentalgroup.com Andrea B. Davis, Attorney At Law Andrea B. Davis agraybryant@gmail.com Arey Realty Mary Arey mary.areyrealty@gmail.com B & R Realty, Inc. Karen Rufty kruftyc21@aol.com BA Environmental Inc. Rony Euceda rony@baenviro.com Barn at Cedar Hill, The Lisa Hill lisahill@gmail.com Barnhardt Jewelers Debbie Barnhardt debbiebasinger@gmail.com Bradshaw Financial Planning, Inc. Crystal Bradshaw trent@bradshawfp.com Butler Group/Custom Design, Hydraulic Depot, Tool Rental Depot, The Lynn Butler frank@hydraulicdepotnc.com CAC Plumbing, LLC Cedric Cuthbertson cac_plumbing@yahoo.com Candlelight Consultants LLC Esther Atkins-Smith estheratkins@gmail.com Candy Shoppe on Main, The Rohan Banton rohan@candyshoppeonmain.com Caniche Missie Alcorn and Lesleigh Drye malcorn@shopcaniche.com

Care Transport Group Angie Misenheimer angie@caretransportgroup.com CBL Services Cendi B. Lopez cblservices@outlook.com Central Carolina Gymnastics Portia Propst ccgsalisbury@gmail.com Century 21 - Towne & Country Dianne Greene dianne.greene@century21.com Christo’s Family Restaurant # 1 Sophia Talarantas christosfamilyrestaurant.com Coffey, Tim Photography Tim Coffey tim@timcoffey.com Comfort Keepers Brooke Reynolds BrookeReynolds@comfortkeepers.com Corriher Sand and Stone, Inc. Darvia Corriher Hodge darvia@corcoinc.com Cross Roads Charters & Tours Lana C. McCoy crossroadscharte@bellsouth.net Custom Home Improvement Oscar Pineda CustomHomeImpr@gmail.com Dari Caldwell Consulting Dr. Dari Caldwell dcaldwell3@gmail.com DH Professionals LLC Milla Martinez sales@dhprofessionals.com El Patron Mexican Grill & Cantina Angel Ruiz www.elpatronsalisburync.com El Patron Mexican Grill & Cantina Jorge Morales jorge_morales82@hotmail.com Fine Frame Gallery Jackie Wilson fineframegallery@gmail.com Gegorek & Associates Realty LLC Elia Gegorek elia02@carolina.rr.com Gemstones and COMPASS Leadership Academy Alisha Byrd- Clark lishbyrd@yahoo.com Gentle Dental Dr. Ernest Garner info@gentledentalnc.com Gloria M’s Cleaning Service Rohan Banton rohan@gloriamscleaning.com Go Burrito #1 LLC Lily Wetzel mikey@goburrito.com Great American Publishing Co. Cindy Hart cindy@gapub.com Greystone Salon & Spa Sheila Igo sheilawigo@yahoo.com Hearing Solutions of North Carolina, PLLC Dr. Lorin Oden Loden@hearingsolutionsofnc.com

Heart of Yoga Salisbury Wivianny DeHaas heartofsalisbury@gmail.com Holmes Iron & Metal, Inc. Nicole Holmes Matangira nicole@holmesiron.com AVITA Pharmacy Veleria Levy vlevy2@gmail.com Jayne Helms Group -RE/MAX Leading Edge Jayne Helms jaynehelms@gmail.com Jennifer S. Weaver, CPA, PA Jennifer S. Weaver jweaver@jsweavercpa.com JLT Fieldhouse Antwaun Thompson coacht@jltfieldhouse.com Johnson Concrete Company Frances Johnson sjohnson@johnsoncmu.com Jones Property Management & Realty Inc. Rebecca Jones rebecca@jonesmgtrealty.com Juice Life Ashley Honeycutt juicelifeusa@gmail.com Kathryn C Setzer, Partner with Shelby, Pethel and Hudson, P.A. Kathryn Setzer ksetzer@leestreetlawyers.com Koco~Java Coffee Arturo & Berta Therecka kocojavacoffee@yahoo.com L. A. Loeblein Design, PLLC Leigh Ann Loeblein leighannloeblein@gmail.com L.A. Murph’s Fine Cooking Laura Murph lmurph@lamurphs.com La Alcancia Inc. Rene Mercado la_alcancia365@yahoo.com Lady Bird Farms Weddings & Events Lindsey Barnhardt LadyBirdFarmNC@yahoo.com Latino Express Melvin Bonilla latinoexpress_@hotmail.com Law Offices of Carrie Johnson Walters, PLLC Carrie Johnson Walters carriewalterslaw@outlook.com Lazy 5 Ranch Veterinary Services, Inc Dr. Rebekah Julian msj1012@gmail.com Lettered Lily Design Studio Megan Ferden and Taylor Sexton Durham, Co-Owners taylor@theletteredlily.com Jesse’s Girl/Chasity Byrd Co Chasity Byrd byrd_chastity@yahoo.com LLRP Consulting, LLC d.b.a. Tastey Creations II Chris Kelly chris@LLRPConsulting.com Mambo Grill and Tapas Ariella Sanchez mambogrillandtapas@gmail.com Marie Leonard-Hampton, Real Estate Services Marie Leonard-Hampton marie@leonardhamptonhomes.com Marshall, Dr. Melanie K. Jamie Beaver mkmarshallddsmd@yahoo.com www.RowanChamber.com

Matangira Business Recycling and Garbage Disposal Services Daniel Matangira dmatangira@hotmail.com Mavensoul Paula Bohland Paula@Mavensoul.com Mean Mug Coffee Company Evelyn & Rigo Medina medina.rigo@yahoo.com Medicine Shoppe, The Teresa Casmus medicineshoppe445@gmail.com Monterrey Mexican Restaurant Jorge Diaz monterreysalisbury@hotmail.com Morgan Ridge Vineyards, LLC Amie Morgan Baudoin morgan.ridge@gmail.com Morrison’s Garbage Service Tammy Morrison tammymorrison1@aol.com One Love Community Programs, Inc Jackie Harris jharris2551@gmail.com Not Your Average, Inc Angela Alford alfordar@hotmail.com New Pointe Realty LLC Karla Foster karlacfoster@gmail.com NSC Behavioral Concepts, LLC Dr. Nicole Sherrill-Corry, Ph.D. drnicole@nscbehavioralconcepts.org Osterhus Outdoors, LLC Cyndi Osterhus cyndiball50@gmail.com Oxi Fresh of the Piedmont Mandral Blackmon oxifresh.pnc@gmail.com Palmers’ Promotions Palm’s Cafe Marjel Tania Marjeltani83@gmail.com Pancho Villa’s Mexican Grill & Bar Juan Santiago nino_usa@hotmail.com Peeples Bark, Stone & Trucking, Inc. Lori Peeples peeples28147@yahoo.com Pelican’s SnoBalls Eric Harris pelicanssnoballsofsalisbury@gmail.com Performance Produce, LLC (Vicky’s Gift Baskets) Virginia Roach voroach@performanceproduce.com Pinocchio’s of Spencer Amy Ray littlepinocchiosofspencer@gmail.com Residential Garbage Service, Inc. Renee McDaniel renee@residentialgarbage.com Ria’s Beauty Collection, LLC Marie Davis mariedavis@riasbeautycollection.com Rods Concrete & Masonry Sara Pereira concreteneedsd@gmail.com Romanos Restaurants & Catering Margaret Georgiou mng_l@yahoo.com Rowan Realty, Ltd. Debbie Miller debbiemiller@rowanrealty.net 12

Salisbury Auto Spa John-Thomas Branch ncautospa@gmail.com Salisbury Eyecare and Eyewear, OD, PLLC Dr. Melanie Denton Dombrowski melaniedenton@gmail.com Salisbury Flower Shop Janae R. Reese janaereese@aol.com Salisbury Salon & Spa Leslie Stopper leslie@salisburysalonspa.com San Jose/Mario’s Family Restaurant Mario Beltran maroskybeltra86@yahoo.com Salisbury Salt Spa Tricia Cole relaxation@salisburysaltspa.com Sidekick Karate, LLC Edie Smith skkarate@aol.com South Main Book Company Alissa M. Redmond yahoomailnomore@gmail.com Spice & Tea Exchange, The Dionna Milem d.milem@spiceandtea.com State Farm Insurance - Cindy Morgan Cindy Morgan cindy@cindymorganagency.com Stitchin’ Post Gifts Pam Hylton Coffield pam@spgifts.com Stowe Law Firm, PLLC Ryan Stowe ryan@stowelawfirmnc.com Superior Home Care Sherry Hargrave lorettahargrave54@gmail.com Sweet Country Style Boutique Shelly Lowder Sweetcountrystyle@gmail.com Sweet Meadow Cafe Heather Teeter sweetmeadowcafe@yahoo.com The Resource Co., Inc. Lori Lail LLail@theresource.com Thomas, Cynthia A., CPA Cynthia A. Thomas catcpa@yahoo.com Thompson Screen Prints, Inc. Alec Thompson alec@thompsonscreenprints.com Timeless Wigs Dileika Wilson-Ballard timelesswmt@gmail.com Pynk Moon Sugar Williams www.pynkmoon.com Velazquez Produce Pablo Velazquez pablov@velazquezproduce.com Wideman’s Family Catering Stevie Wideman (704) 870-8689 Vibes Sabrina Harris sabrina@vibesalisbury.com Windsor Gallery Fine Jewelers Carol Rabon rabon_carol@yahoo.com

Rowan County Chamber of Commerce 2021 Talent Attraction Guide

Yang Family Dentistry Dr. Steve W Yang dsteveyang@carolina.rr.com Yaya’s Kitchen Oralia Carbajal yayaskitchenmx@gmail.com Kolor Me Kreative By Monica Monica Young www.facebook.com/kolormekreative2020/ Goode’s Creations Sylvia Goodes www.facebook.com/goodescreations/ Harpers Marksmanship Inc Carlos Harper carlosharper48@gmail.com Lux’d Nail Bar Brooke Corry bcorry10@gmail.com The Joseph Effect, Inc. Valeria Levy/Joseph Levy III thejosepheffectinc@gmail.com Women Embracing Excellence Dr. Nicole Sherrill-Corry drnicolescorry@gmail.com Premier Choice Marketing Shawn Blackwell shawn@premierchoicemagazine.com Flagstar Bank Dawn White dwhite@flagstarretail.com P & H Carpentry Pablo Martinez martinez7942@yahoo.com TMR Realty, Inc. Teresa Rufty tsrufty@aol.com Latin Mix Lilliana Spears llatinamix11@aol.com Carniceria La Raza Supermarket 980-330-3103 Lupita’s Variedades Orlando Rodriguez 704-855-3319 JAB Construction Victor Alonso victor@jabconcreteconstruction.com McLaughlin’s Grocery Mr. McLaughlin 704-633-9914 Kennedy Family Services Walillian Kennedy White walillian@kennedyservices.com

NOURISHING —— — our —— — SALISBURY NEIGHBORS Welcome to the neighborhood! We’ve been serving The City of Salisbury with fresh food at low prices and an easy shopping experience for over 60 years. Come see us soon or order online at shop.foodlion.com!

This is our That’s

www.RowanChamber.com

FAQ’s The most frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) about our community. For more information contact the Rowan Chamber at

What are the cultural amenities in the community? Three community theaters, a local symphony, a historic homes tour, numerous 704.633.4221 or info@rowanchamber.com or www.rowanchamber.com or 204 live music events/festivals, first-class art galleries and museums, excellent locally owned restaurants, unique shops/boutiques and more. East Innes Street, Salisbury, NC 28144 What’s the population of Rowan County?........................................................142,088 What’s the population of Salisbury?....................................................................33,988 How many businesses are in the county?............................................................ 2,645

What’s the unemployment rate?........ Rowan County’s unemployment rate was 7.3% at the end of September. How many people are employed in the county?.............................................45,137 What’s the per capita income?..............................................................................$25,117 What’s the average price of a home?............................................................... $168,500 Who are the largest employers? 1. Ahold Delhaize Food Lion 2. Rowan-Salisbury Schools 3. W.G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center 4. Daimler Trucks North America – Freightliner 5. Novant Health Rowan Medical Center

How diverse is Rowan County? White...................................................................................................................................79.4% Black....................................................................................................................................16.9% Hispanic................................................................................................................................9.7% Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander...............................................................0.1% Multi-race.............................................................................................................................1.8% Asian......................................................................................................................................1.2% What is the median household income?...........................................................$48,667 How much is the median rent for housing in Rowan County?...................... $758 How much is the median rent for housing in Salisbury?................................. $768 How many minority-owned businesses are located in Rowan County?. 1,546 How many veteran owned businesses are located in Rowan County?.... 1,090

Representative

Julia Craven Howard

Thank you for your support! I AM PROUD TO BE YOUR NORTH CAROLINA DISTRICT 77 REPRESENTATIVE! 14

Rowan County Chamber of Commerce 2021 Talent Attraction Guide

Population: 4,213 Incorporated: 1889 Mayor: Charles Seaford China Grove's downtown farmers market is held on the grounds of what may be the town’s best-known landmark, the historic China Grove Roller Mill which draws visitors from around the area. Now operated by the Historical Society of South Rowan as a museum, the mill used to grind corn and wheat into meal and flour. 333 North Main Street China Grove, NC 28023 (704) 857-2466 www.chinagrovenc.gov

Population: 827 Incorporated: 1903 Mayor: C.J. Moody, Jr. The annual July 4 parade and fireworks cap a celebration that stretches over several days. It’s the largest Independence Day celebration in North Carolina and always draws crowds. 100 North Main Street Faith, NC 28041 (704) 279-7500

Population: 3,093 Incorporated: 1901 Mayor: Bill Feather Population: 872 Incorporated: 1883 Granite Quarry’s best-known Mayor: Pat Phifer landmark the Old Stone House, The town turns out for annual cel- built in 1766 was restored in the ebrations in autumn (Heritage Day 20th century and now maintained in October) and winter (the Cleve- as a museum, it’s the oldest structure in Rowan County. land Christmas Parade). 143 North Salisbury Avenue 302 East Main Street Granite Quarry, NC 28072 Cleveland, NC 27013 (704) 279-5596 (704) 278-4777 www.granitequarrync.gov www.clevelandnc.org

Population: 1, 534 Incorporated: 1901 Mayor: Barbara Mallet The Town of East Spencer is a family oriented community that is filled with a history of the Southern Railway. Its original name was “Southern City” because of the significance of railway in the creation and development of the town. 105 South Long Street East Spencer, NC 28039 (704) 636-7111 www.townofeastspencer.org

Population: 50,000 Incorporated: 1984 Mayor: Darrell Hinnant A community that welcomes new people, new ideas and new businesses. A place where there is a balance between work, family, and social living. 401 Laureate Way Kannapolis, NC 28081 (704) 920-4300 www.kannapolisnc.gov

Population: 3,300 Incorporated: 1901 Mayor: Meredith Smith Landis is also unique in the 21st century energy economy: it has owned and operated its own electrical system since 1917. The town supplies power to residents and businesses in town and around southern Rowan County. 312 South Main Street Landis, NC 28088 (704) 857-2411 www.townoflandis.com

Population: 2,142 Incorporated: 1911 Mayor: Beau Taylor Rockwell’s featured attractions include the Historic Rockwell Museum, now in its 16th year. Housed in the town’s historic Post Office building, the museum collection was donated and is curated by local citizens. 202 East Main Street Rockwell, NC 28138 (704) 279-2180 www.rockwellnc.gov

Population: 33,834 Incorporated: 1753 Mayor: Karen Alexander Salisbury boasts a growing arts community, four colleges and a diverse group of business professionals. Visitors enjoy touring historic destinations, beautiful homes and a wide range of businesses in a flourishing downtown. 217 South Main Street, Salisbury, NC 28144 (704) 638-5270 www.salisburync.gov

Population: 3,278 Incorporated: 1905 Mayor: Jonathan D. Williams Today, Spencer still has a nearby connection to the nation’s transportation infrastructure. Just outside of Spencer are a number of trucking companies, traveling all over the southeastern United States. 600 South Salisbury Avenue Spencer, NC 28159 (704) 633-2231 www.ci.spencer.nc.us

Tall on Service & Short on Price

Rogue

Titan

Sentra

704.633.7270 • 1.800.264.6823 629 Jake Alexander Blvd., South Salisbury, NC Home of the Bear Minimum Price

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Hot New Places for Young Professionals

Rowan County Chamber of Commerce 2021 Talent Attraction Guide

Heart of Salisbury 120 E Innes St., Salisbury heartofsalisbury.com

Much of 2020 has been marked by social isolation and working from home. Stretch your legs and relieve stress by achieving zen at the Heart of Salisbury with affordable yoga classes, wellness services and mindfulness. Celebrate Salisbury’s rich arts community and shop for ethically-made clothes that have yoga-level comfort. And now is as good a time as ever to spice up your cooking by booking a hands-on or demonstration cooking session. Namaste.

Carpe Vinum 121 121 S Main Street, Salisbury carpevinum121.com

Elevate a date night with an intimate wine and dine experience at Salisbury’s newest wine bar and fine dining restaurant. Carpe Vinum 121 celebrates the love of music, art, food and good company with classic French and Mediterranean-inspired cuisines like charcuteries, seafood and dryaged beef. Enjoy one of the dozens wines, beers and cocktails served in the French Bistro-inspired setting, or take the date outside on a private courtyard inspired by Charleston. Booking a reservation is highly recommended.

Lucy Lu’s Hobbit House

Row Co River Adventures

rowcoriveradventures.com

Enjoy one of Rowan County’s many outdoor attractions by kayaking on the Yadkin River. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler with your own equipment or just wanting a fun day on the lake with friends and family, Row Co supplies and provides shuttle service to the river. Enjoy customized self-guided tours and fishing excursions, or practice your photography skills along one of North Carolina’s longest rivers. Or spice up a date night on the water with Row Co’s monthly moonlit paddles. Can you feel it coming in the air tonight?

Water’s Edge Dock and Grill

2675 Providence Church Rd., Salisbury watersedgehighrock.com

All that rowing is sure to work up an appetite. Replenish with coconut shrimp, pizza, burgers and ribeyes at Water’s Edge Dock and Grill. Like the name implies, the restaurant provides views of High Rock Lake. And for the night owls, Water’s Edge is open until 11 p.m. Sunday and Wednesday nights, and until midnight from Thursday to Saturday, offering live music and late-night bar foods. And Water’s Edge knows weekends are for brunch, hence its self-serve Bloody Mary bar and brunch specialties like mimosas, hash brown skillet and eggs Benedict. 

1920 Flat Rock Rd., China Grove • 704-467-5496

Ever reached a point where you just wanted to get away from the real world and live like a true hobbit? Check out Lucy Lu’s Hobbit House in China Grove. With only the front wall and door exposed to the outer world, locals get the full hobbit experience in a 400-square-foot house that includes heat and AC, a queen bed, a foyer room with a table for games and eating, a living room with a queen sofa bed and a full bathroom. Enjoy the cool, crisp air and become one with nature. After all, “moonlight drowns out all but the brightest stars,” as Lord of the Rings author J.R.R. Tolkien said. Lucy Lu's Hobbit House is part of Cherry Treesort.

By Natalie Anderson natalie.anderson@salisburypost.com

FLEMING CANDY CO. 3680 S. MAIN ST.

SINCE 1935

SALISBURY • 633-4251 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Move your business forward in the Town of Spencer

Find out more at townofspencer.com or call 704-633-2231.

600 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer, NC 28159

Open to the public.

COLLECTIBLES WHOLESALE Sport & DISTRIBUTORS

Candies — Fishing Tackle Knives — Rods & Reels

Non-Sport Cards

www.RowanChamber.com

Smaller is better: why a move to Rowan County may be right for you! Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, several national studies have shown a trend in people moving from urban areas to smaller, more rural communities. Using USPS data, a recent study conducted by MyMove indicated that over 15.9 million people have moved during the Coronavirus pandemic, many of whom relocated to less-densely populated areas. Rowan County has been a beneficiary of the migratory current and a recent statistics from Welcome Wagon shows that there are over 100 people every month moving into the county. Those new residents are likely discovering what some people, like Salisbury-resident Greg Shields, realized years ago.

Greg Shields

without having to use a desktop computer was radical at the time. “I came home one day with this Wi-Fi router and I said to Kristin, ‘Look what I bought.’ She goes ‘What’s that?’ I said ‘Well, you can be on the internet on your laptop no matter where you are in the room.’ She goes ‘That’s the dumbest thing I’ve heard of in my entire life. Why would anybody need that?’” Despite her initial skepticism, Kristin adapted to the new technology almost immediately. “She quickly figured out that if I was watching football, on TV or doing something she had no interest in, she could get on her laptop and start surfing the web looking at big old houses,” Shields said. Entranced by the idea of owning a home with “lots of nooks and crannies,” Kristin was checking out old houses on the Internet when she stumbled upon the Historic Salisbury Foundation’s website. “We ended up coming down and poking around and looking,” Shields said. It was during one of those trips that Shields and his wife visited La Cava, a fine-dining Italian restaurant housed in a historic church building in downtown Salisbury. After Shields finished his entree, he was interested in having an after dinner drink. On a whim, he asked the waitress if they happened to carry a rare wine he’d grown fond of years before. “We had such an amazing meal that I decided to take a risk on something. There’s an Italian dessert wine made in Tuscany called Vin Santo that I’ve always loved, but few people had heard of,” Shields said. As soon as Shields asked for the wine, the owner of the restaurant, Gianni Moscardini, approached the table. “He said, ‘Hold on. I've got a bottle I've been waiting for someone to order.’ He went, grabbed the bottle and came back with three

Shields likes to joke that a wireless router brought his family to Salisbury about 15 years ago, but it was really a bottle of wine that sealed the deal. In the early 2000s, Shields, a self-described “gadget guy,” bought a wireless (or WiFi) router for his home in Loudoun County, Virginia, a suburb of Washington, D.C. While WiFi routers are common in almost every household now, the idea of being connected to the Internet 18 Rowan County Chamber of Commerce 2021 Talent Attraction Guide

By Ben Stansell ben.stansell@salisburypost.com

glasses and sat down with us and enjoyed a bottle of Vin Santo with my wife and me. That was really the tipping point for me where I said, ‘This is where we've got to live.’” Since moving to Salisbury, Shields has reaped the benefits of living in a small, connected community. “Not only have we really enjoyed the benefits of the slower pace of life, the cooler house than we could have afforded in Virginia, the country club we can afford to be members of that we couldn’t in northern Virginia,” Shields said. “It's also an opportunity to be more involved in your community because the community has all of the infrastructure of a big city, but it’s a city of 33,000 as opposed to a city of millions.” Shields and his wife wasted no time ingraining themselves into the Salisbury community. The owner of one of Salisbury’s historic homes, Shields has served on the Historic Salisbury Foundation board, was chairman of Downtown Salisbury Inc. and is currently on the Salisbury Academy Board of Trustees, among other positions. “There’s a lot of ways you can get involved and have an impact on the community, Shields said. Shields also said that Salisbury, only about a 40-minute drive down Interstate 85 to Charlotte and only a 50-minute drive to Greensboro, is positioned well to take advantage of more people working from home. Before Shields and Kristin moved to Salisbury, they checked with their respective employers to see if they could work remotely. Both of their bosses obliged, making the life-changing move possible.

Mikey Wetzel Mikey Wetzel remembers bargaining with his bosses at Microsoft to let him work remotely when he wanted to make the move from the Pacific Northwest to Rowan County. Wetzel, who was living near Seattle at the time, was attracted to Rowan County because he dreamed of having a lake house. Due to the high cost of living in Washington, only the uber wealthy were able to afford a lake house. “I made a decent west coast salary, but the prospect of living on the lake is something over there that’s reserved for the rich and famous, of which I was neither,” Wetzel said. After conducting a few preliminary internet searches in hopes of finding a more affordable lake life, Wetzel came across High Rock Lake, the second largest lake in North Carolina located just a couple of miles outside of Salisbury. As he began researching the area around the lake, Wetzel said that it became clear where his next destination was. “You have the great climate that North Carolina offers. You have all four seasons. You’re near the mountains. You’re near the beach,” Wetzel said. “You’re not an hour from one major city, you’re an hour from three. We thought as far as restaurants, art, some place to go on an anniversary or to culture the kids, all of these things Salisbury and High Rock Lake ticked every box imaginable.” After visiting Rowan County once to check out the vacant lot where he eventually built his lake house, Wetzel was sold. Having grown up in San Jose, Wetzel said that he never imagined living in a small town. And while he was timid about moving to a town the size of Salisbury, he quickly found that there were some advantages to less people and more space.

“I have a theory that when you spend an hour every morning in traffic, by the time you get to work, everybody around you is part of the problem,” Wetzel said. “Then you have to deal with an hour coming home.” Several years after Wetzel moved to Rowan County, he was given a chance to move back to Seattle. Microsoft decided that they no longer wanted employees working remotely and called him back. Not wanting to leave the life he’d built in Rowan County, Wetzel refused and walked away from his job with the company. The lack of tech jobs in the area forced him to completely alter career paths. Instead of writing codes for a living, he decided to get into the food business and open up a fast-casual Mexican food restaurant. “All my eggs went into Go Burrito and I needed it to succeed,” Wetzel said. “At any point in time, I could’ve tucked my tail, moved to the West Coast and found a tech job that paid a handsome salary, but I didn’t want it. I’d rather be living here than make West Coast money but have to live in Seattle.” Go Burrito, boasting a vibrant rooftop lounge, has since become one of the most popular eateries in downtown Salisbury. But Wetzel didn’t stop there. With a business partner, Wetzel recently opened Water’s Edge, a sprawling restaurant and entertainment venue that sits just feet away from High Rock Lake. Wetzel has been impressed with the opportunities he’s had while living in Rowan County. “I never thought I was the type of guy to own a restaurant and a bar or put on a music festival,” Wetzel said. “When I came out here, one thing I saw everywhere around me was crazy amounts of opportunity.”

Desiree Dunston Desiree Dunston hasn’t been in the Rowan County community long, but she’s already learned how easy it can be to find opportunities. Dunston, a native of Long Island, New York, has lived in different parts of North Carolina for the past 30 years before moving to the Rowan County area to take the position of senior director of professional and support services at the Novant Health Rowan Medical Center. Even though Dunston has been busy with her new role, she also joined the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce’s 2020-21 Leadership Rowan class. Being a part of the class has helped her form quick connections with local leaders. “The Leadership Rowan experience has been valuable to someone like me who is new to the area. We’ve been able to get to know each other and build relationships that I hope will last a long time. It’s been a great opportunity for me to gain exposure and learn a lot about Rowan County”. Dunston plans on strengthening those connections over time. She also plans on enjoying her new community and home. While she has enjoyed learning about Salisbury’s history and has taken advantage of living in close proximity to Charlotte and Greensboro, Dunston said that her favorite part about the area so far is the diversity of people and the peace. “It’s a great place for anyone who wants to get out of that busy lifestyle,” Dunston said. “They can come to this area and live peacefully but then be able to go out to these areas, these cities and towns whenever they want to.” 

www.RowanChamber.com

704-216-RCCC (7222)

20â&#x20AC;&#x201A;

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Rowan County Chamber of Commerce 2021 Talent Attraction Guide

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Adaptive transformation in local schools Summer 2009 was one of the most significant moments of my life. I had just been offered my first teaching position at a local elementary school in Durham. I had many unknown expectations. The emotions I had during this time was nervousness, excitement, and trepidation. Quite simply, these are all common themes that every new teacher in the field of education experiences. Riding this wave of emotion was the least of my worries as it pertained to the challenges

ahead. Once I slowly began to acclimate to the many tasks that teachers are required to do, I immediately began to see that teaching was a much harder profession than displayed on television. Having to build a learning environment that is dynamic and conducive to learning is one of the most difficult tasks known to mankind. Nevertheless, as I prepared for my first year of teaching, I remember my principal walking me down to my first classroom. I am quite confident

Nick Anderson, Principal Isenberg Elementary School

www.RowanChamber.comâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;

â&#x20AC;&#x2021;21

that this room had gone unused for several years. It appeared as if every item in the classroom had at least a half-inch of dust resting on the surface. I spent hours wiping and cleaning my instructional resources. I had my textbooks, worksheets, pencils, and mismatched computers ready to go. But, there was one big problem. None of my technology worked. I remember saying to myself, “How am I supposed to effectively teach and none of my stuff works?” Eventually, I figured out that I could take a monitor from one computer and match with a tower from another computer to make a complete set. This would give my students some hands-on activities to use with technology. Believe it or not, I was elated! I had convinced myself that I had found a way to incorporate technology 22

as an instructional resource for my students. Needless to say, the one computer I thought I had it served more as a visual representation of technology than anything else. I went my first year of teaching without functional technology. I did not know it then, but I know it now. My students missed out on so many tremendous opportunities that year. I was determined to press my principal for more technology. I had big dreams, but those never came to fruition. Unexpectantly, my position became a casualty to the market crash in 2010. I was one of the many teachers in Durham County without a job. Immediately, I began my new quest to get hired. At the time, this was a painful process to go through, because teaching jobs were so scarce.

Rowan County Chamber of Commerce 2021 Talent Attraction Guide

Nevertheless, in the summer of 2010, I was offered a second-grade teaching position at Koontz Elementary. While going through the hiring process, my new school district did something that completely caught me off guard. Rowan Salisbury Schools (RSS) was giving every teacher a brandnew MacBook. This was mind-boggling. I was overjoyed that they had given me a brandnew laptop, but I hated that it was a Mac. However, it was far better than what I was coming from. As I toured my new school (Koontz), I also noticed that we had a really nice computer lab full of iMac desktops. I was like, “what?” It was at that moment; I knew something was different about RSS. From there, I began diving deep into how to use the technology for instructional purposes at a

higher level. The technological resources had me intrigued. After meeting with my new principal and other district leaders, I knew that RSS had a plan and a vision much different than others. It was obvious from the very beginning. RSS had a strategic plan that focused specifically on engaging students in meaningful ways through technology. At the time, every classroom had a Promethean Board and at least three high-quality iMacs. Coming from where I had just left, this was cutting-edge. These resources were game-changers for how teachers could interact and engage students in learning. I learned how

to collect data on students in real time and make instructional adjustments on the fly. I could not believe how drastically different my new district (RSS) was from my previous. Having access to the instructional resources provided, it allowed me to pour more into my students through various learning modalities. I found, if used correctly, the opportunities were enormous! Fast forward to four years later: RSS makes an announcement that it would become a one-toone district. This was a surprise that no one saw coming. At the school level, there was a lot of resistance. Many stakeholders did not understand

the necessity as to why such drastic changes were being made to the fabric of our educational landscape. After all, we had been using the same approach to teaching and learning for decades. For many, there were not enough issues to justify the change. Of course, this did not stop RSS from moving forward. We accomplished what many doubted could ever work in a district like ours. For the last five years or so, our students have been engaging in a blended approach to education. There are traditional pieces and 21st-century opportunities for students to fuse together to build a global approach to tackling tasks. Students are seeing the importance of thinking critically and problem solving during a challenging time. Partnerships like Happy Roots and Muddy Sneakers have adapted their business models to teach our students the value of gardening and science. “Adaptive Transformation” is what it has been and is what it will always be. One thing that Covid-19 (global pandemic) has taught us is that you have to have a plan. Whether you are a teacher or a mill worker, certain life events will either force you to adapt or suffer. Since I’ve been a teacher, a technology facilitator, an assistant principal and, now, the principal, it has always been about pushing the envelope forward for RSS. Being proactive rather than being reactive has served our district well. There are always things that could be done better. Even with the present challenges, we are still finding ways to adapt and transform. Somewhere nearby, there is a teacher wiping the dust off of his/her unused textbooks and searching for worksheets to send home with parents for remote learning. Those challenges are astronomical in comparison. We have ways to track the progress of our students. Whether the data is good or bad, I feel extremely grateful and blessed! At the rate that RSS is going, we will be even more prepared for the next obstacle that life presents. Adapt! Transform! Repeat! Nick Anderson is principal of Isenberg Elementary School. 

www.RowanChamber.com

Directory of Public Education Kannapolis City Schools 100 Denver St. Kannapolis, NC 28083 704-938-1131 www.kannapolis.k12.nc.us

Rowan-Salisbury School System 500 North Main St. Salisbury, NC 28144 704-630-6102 www.rss.k12.nc.us

Elementary Schools Bostian Elementary School 4245 Old Beatty Ford Rd. China Grove, NC 28023 704-857-2322

Knollwood Elementary School 3075 Shue Rd. Salisbury, NC 28147 704-857-3400

China Grove Elementary School 514 S. Franklin St. China Grove, NC 28023 704-857-7708

Elizabeth Duncan-Koontz Elementary 685 E. Ritchie Rd. Salisbury, NC 28146 704-216-0273

Enochville Elementary School 925 N. Enochville Ave China Grove, NC 28023 704-933-2534 Faith Elementary School PO Box 160 Faith, NC 28041 704-279-3195

Landis Elementary School 801 W. Ryder Ave. Landis, NC 28088 704-857-3111 Millbridge Elementary School 155 Ed Deal Rd. China Grove, NC 28023 704-855-5591

Granite Quarry Elementary School 118 South Walnut GQ Street Salisbury, NC 28146 704-279-2154

Morgan Elementary School 3860 Liberty Rd. Gold Hill NC 28071 704-636-0169

Hanford-Dole Elementary School 465 Choate Rd. Salisbury, NC 28146 704-639-3046

Mount Ulla Elementary School 13155 NC Hwy 801 Mount Ulla, NC 28125 704-278-2750

Hurley Elementary School 625 Hurley School Rd. Salisbury, NC 28147 704-639-3038

North Rowan Elementary School 600 Charles St. Spencer, NC 28159 704-639-3042

H.D. Isenberg Elementary School C.T. Overton Elementary School 2800 Jake Alexander Blvd. 1825 Park Rd. W. Salisbury, NC 28147 Salisbury, NC 28144 704-639-3009 704-639-3000

Specializing In: Solar Energy Installations, Geo-Thermal Heat Pumps & Radiant Floor Heating Systems

704-727-7145 www.BeaverBrothersInc.com 24

Rowan County Chamber of Commerce 2021 Talent Attraction Guide

Rockwell Elementary School 114 Link St. Rockwell, NC 28138 704-279-3145 Shive Elementary School 655 Holshouser Rd. Rockwell, NC 28138 704-279-2899 West Rowan Elementary School 480 Mimosa St. Cleveland, NC 27013 704-278-2131

Middle Schools China Grove Middle School 1013 N. Main St. China Grove, NC 28023 704-857-7038 Corriher-Lipe Middle School 214 W. Rice St. Landis, NC 28088 704-857-7946 Erwin Middle School 170 St. Luke’s Church Rd. Salisbury, NC 28146 704-279-7256 Henderson Independent Middle School 1215 N. Main St. Salisbury, NC 28144 704-639-3134 Knox Center for Accelerated Studies 1625 Park Rd. W. Salisbury, NC 28144 704-633-2922 North Rowan Middle School 512 Charles St. Spencer, NC 28159 704-639-3018

Henderson Independent High School 1215 N. Main St. Salisbury, NC 28144 704-639-3134 North Rowan High School 300 N. Whitehead Ave. Spencer, NC 28159 704-636-4420 Rowan County Early College PO Box 1595 Salisbury, NC 28145 on the campus of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College 704-216-3873 Salisbury High School 500 Lincolnton Rd. Salisbury, NC 28144 704-636-1221 South Rowan High School 1655 Patterson St. China Grove, NC 28023 704-857-1161 West Rowan High School 8050 NC 801 Hwy Mount Ulla, NC 28125 704-278-9233

Internship Opportunities Rowan-Salisbury High Schools 704-636-7500 Catawba College 704-637-4384 Livingstone College 704-216-6222 Rowan-Cabarrus Community College 704-216-3648

Southeast Middle School 1570 Peeler Rd. Salisbury, NC 28146 704-638-5561

High School Student Career Development Coordinators:

West Rowan Middle School 5925 Statesville Blvd. Salisbury, NC 28144 704-633-4775

East Rowan High 704-279-5232

High Schools

South Rowan High 704-857-1161

Jesse C. Carson High School 290 Kress Venture Dr. China Grove, NC 28023 704-855-7297

West Rowan High 704-278-9233

East Rowan High School 175 St. Luke’s Church Rd. Salisbury, NC 28146 704-279-5232

North Rowan High 704-636-4420

Salisbury High 704-636-1221 Carson High 704-855-7297

Directory of Early Education/Child Care Cornerstone Child Development Center 315 Webb Rd. Salisbury, NC 28147 704-855-1218 Ext. 109 www.cornerstonecdc.com

Partners in Learning Child Development Center 519 Best St. Salisbury, NC 28144 704-216-1502 www.epartnersinlearning.org

First Presbyterian Church Daycare 308 West Fisher St. Salisbury, NC 28144 704-636-1321 www.salisburyfirstpres.org

Smart Start Child Care Connections Resource & Referral 1329 Jake Alexander Blvd., S. Salisbury, NC 28147 704-630-9085 www.rowan-smartstart.org

• At least 7% revenue goes back into our community for education

First United Methodist Church Daycare 217 South Church St. Salisbury, NC 28144 704-633-7209 www.fumcsalisbury.org

St. John’s Child Development Center 300 West Innes St. Salisbury, NC 28144 704-636-6756 www.stjohns-salisbury.org

• Our board is top in the state for proactive community outreach

Noah’s Playloft Preschool, Inc. 305 South Link Ave. Salisbury, NC 28144 704-636-8118

YMCA/Rowan County Before/After School Care 950 Kimball Rd. China Grove, NC 28023 704-857-7011

Partners in Learning Child Development Center 2386 Robin Rd. Salisbury, NC 28144 704-638-9020 www.epartnersinlearning.org

828 Jake Alexander Blvd, W. Salisbury, NC 28147 704-216-9622

• Our initiative reaches more youth than any other in the state • 200,000 students reached so far

• Recognized by State Legislators: Governor, Lt. Governor, Senators, former & current local community, city & county leaders

Supporting Our Community Through Educational Programs.

790 Crescent Rd. Rockwell, NC 704-279-1742 www.rowanymca.com

Directory of Private Education North Hills Christian School 2970 West Innes St. Salisbury, NC 28144 704-636-3005 www.northhillschristian.com

Salisbury Academy 2210 Jake Alexander Blvd., N. Salisbury, NC 28147 704-636-3002 www.salisburyacademy.org

Rockwell Christian School 401 Depot St. Rockwell, NC 28138 704-279-8854 www.rockwellchristianschool.com

Salisbury Adventist School 305 Rudolph Rd. Salisbury NC 28146 704-633-1282

Sacred Heart Catholic School 385 Lumen Christi Ln. Salisbury, NC 28147-6799 704-633-2841 www.salisburycatholic.org

Directory of Colleges & Universities Catawba College 704-637-4414 www.catawba.edu

Livingstone College 704-216-6151 www.livingstone.edu

Hood Theological Seminary 704-636-7611 www.hoodseminary.edu

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College 704-637-0760 www.rccc.edu

DECISIONS = DESTINY WHAT CHOICES ARE YOU MAKING TODAY THAT WILL AFFECT YOUR TOMORROW?

Questions? Nanette Dillon 313-610-7705

Proactively together we do programs to teach our community that: “The preparation for the game of the life does not include the practice of underage drinking” ~ Terry Osborne www.RowanChamber.com

Small How to Start a

Business

If you are planning to open a small business in Rowan County, we are here to help! The Rowan Chamber and our community partners have valuable resources to assist you in the launch of your successful enterprise. First, contact the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (RCCC) Small Business Center. It offers free one-on-one business consultants to help with your business plan. The 26â&#x20AC;&#x201A;

Rowan County Chamber of Commerce 2021 Talent Attraction Guide

By Nicole Holmes Matangira

meetings are held in our Chamber offices and will provide you with permitting and license information. You just need to schedule an appointment via www.rccc.edu/sbc or call (704) 216-3534. Second, join the Rowan Chamber. The Chamber is a private not-for-profit business advocacy organization. The Chamber has an active board of directors, volunteers and

staff to assist the business community. During the pandemic, the Rowan Chamber provided numerous webinars and valuable resources for small businesses on the various federal and state loan / grant programs. The Rowan Chamber was incorporated in 1925 and has accomplished a great deal in its nearly 95-year history. Significant accomplishments include: Yadkin River Bridge; Salisbury One-Stop Shop; I-85 improvements and utility connections; Rowan Airport expansion; and, the development of the Gateway Building. The Chamber has over 800 members, representing nearly 20,000 employees in Rowan County and the surrounding area. Benefits include: business advocacy, workforce development / talent attraction, commu-

nity development, professional development, membership directory, relocation packets, brochure racks, ribbon cuttings, networking programs, business referrals, exposure for member firms and much more. Some of the more popular programs are: Leadership Rowan, Power in Partnership breakfast meetings, Business After Hours mixers, ambassadors, candidate forums, Washington, D.C. trip; Raleigh trips; Minority Business Council, Young Professionals, Women in Business, Total Resource Campaign, Disney Institute and annual meeting. For more information contact the Chamber at (704) 6334221 or info@rowanchamber. com or www.rowanchamber. com or 204 E. Innes St., Suite 110, Salisbury, NC 28144 

South Main Book Company owner Alissa Redmond has gotten very involved in the community since she purchased the bookstore and moved to Salisbury in 2019. photo Jon C. Lakey

Teresa

Mechelle Kuld

Jonah Marsh

Monica Roane

Shellie Stubbs

Jill Dickson

Janet Edwards

For Rowan County senior adults, Trinity means living the next chapter of your life to the fullest. Whether you’re looking for an active, maintenance-free lifestyle; healthcare and rehabilitation on the beautiful Trinity Oaks campus; or personal assistance in the comfort of your own home with Trinity at Home, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED! At Trinity Oaks, there’s something for everyone, regardless of how you wish to spend your time.

www.TrinityOaks.net 704-603-9202

728 Klumac Road Salisbury, NC 28144

Owner, Broker In Charge

704.245.6184 • Mobile: 704.433.2582

131 E. Innes St., Suite 305, Salisbury, NC 28144 www.tmrrealtyinc.com www.RowanChamber.com

Wallace Cancer Institute, a 34,000 square-foot facility that was completed in the summer of 2020 and allows four cancer centers to be combined into one building. photo provided by Novant Health

Novant Health Rowan Medical Center

612 Mocksville Avenue, Salisbury, NC 28144 | 704-210-5000 | www.novanthealth.org/rowan-medical-center Novant Health Rowan Medical Center provides remarkable care for the entire family right in your backyard. As a leader in the health care community since 1936, we are a not-for-profit offering advanced treatments and comprehensive medical care for citizens of Rowan County and surrounding communities. As our community has grown, so have we. Ten years ago, we joined Novant Health, a collaboration which has enabled us to provide even more advanced and critical care to our community. In late 2017, Novant Health Med Flight launched their helicopter air transport service, which is based at Rowan Medical Center. This service connects patients to the critical care they need when every second counts. Rowan Medical Center offers a variety of healthcare services — from primary care providers and specialty care clinics to imaging, wellness, and urgent care clinics with extended hours so that you can enjoy more of your life. Rowan Medical Center is nationally accredited by the Joint Commission, the gold standard in healthcare accreditation. The hospital is nationally recognized for safety, quality and leading edge healthcare; which means world-class care for your family. Supporting our community is about more than just providing high-quality medical care. It’s reaching out, partnering and working together with schools, businesses, and civic groups to create a healthier community — together. The newest addition to the Rowan Medical Center system is the Wallace Cancer Institute, a 34,000 square-foot facility was completed in the summer of 2020 and allows four cancer centers to be in one building. To learn more about the physicians, team members, services, and facilities schedule a tour with one of the hospital’s leaders and see for yourself what truly remarkable care looks like. To arrange a tour, call 704-210-5630. 28

Rowan County Chamber of Commerce 2021 Talent Attraction Guide

W.G. “Bill” Hefner VA Medical Center

1601 Brenner Avenue, Salisbury, NC 28144 | 704-638-9000 | www.salisbury.va.gov The W.G. “Bill” Hefner VA Medical Center has 438 authorized beds, including an Extended Care Community Living Center. Hefner VA is a teaching hospital providing a full range of patient care services, with state-of-the-art technology and programs in education and research. With over 2,300 staff members, the VA Medical Center is one of Rowan County’s top employers. Hefner VA also oversees outpatient clinics in Charlotte, Winston-Salem and Hickory.

The Medical Center provides comprehensive healthcare through the spectrum of primary care, tertiary care, and longterm care, in the areas of medicine, surgery, psychiatry, physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurology, oncology, gastroenterology, cardiology, women’s health, dentistry, geriatrics, medical home primary care, substance abuse treatment and residential post-traumatic stress disorder treatment.

The Extended Care Community Living Center services include extended care rehabilitation, short stay skilled care, respite care, and a 12-bed hospice center. Hefner VA has an ongoing affiliation with Wake Forest University School of Medicine, the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine and other area schools and is dedicated to providing innovative and compassionate patient care.

Atrium Health Cabarrus

920 Church Street North, Concord, NC 28025 | 704-403-3000 | www.atriumhealth.org Atrium Health Cabarrus is a regional 457bed, not-for-profit hospital in Concord and serving Cabarrus, Rowan and Stanly counties. More than 4,200 hospital employees provide services through an extensive inpatient and outpatient network include a Level III trauma center, including advanced pediatric care at Jeff Gordon Children's Center, Hayes Family Center and Batte Cancer Center, part of Carolinas HealthCare System’s Levine Cancer Institute. Providing a range of specialized services

including high-quality heart, cancer and neurological, care, Atrium Health is recognized nationally by Healthgrades as one of America’s 100 best hospitals for stroke care, and by the Joint Commission for excellence in multiple specialties, including diabetes, surgical care and childbirth. Atrium Health, one of the nation’s leading and most innovative healthcare organizations, provides a full spectrum of healthcare and wellness programs throughout North and South Carolina. Its diverse network of

care locations includes academic medical centers, hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, physicians practices, surgical and rehabilitation centers, as well as hospice and palliative care services. Atrium Health works to enhance the overall health and well-being of its communities through high quality patient care, education and research programs, and numerous collaborative partnerships and initiatives.

Neck Surgery... Back Surgery... Brain Surgery... Treats disorders of the spine, neck, brain & peripheral nerves including carpel tunnel Ranjan S. Roy, M.D., Ph.D

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME

Most major medical insurance accepted.

Rhonda Elliott, P.A.-C

Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8-5

New Patients Welcome!

Piedmont Neurosurgery & Spine, PA

It is an honor to be your choice 5 years in a row

330 Jake Alexander Blvd. W, Salisbury, NC

704.645.0901

1834 Jake Alexander Blvd West, Suite 504, Salisbury 704-636-1848 www.FortnerDentalGroup.com www.RowanChamber.com

Gearing up for Strawberry season!

COVID-19 forces shift to new business model A famous quote from H.Jackson Brown, Jr. says, “When you can’t change the direction of the wind, adjust your sails.” And boy, have we been constantly adjusting our sails! As an agritourism business, we have been continuously adjusting our business model and practices as a result of implementing health and safety guidance during COVID-19. 30

Some of the measures we have put in place include installing plexiglass at registers to protect our staff, adding scheduled sanitizing times, and taking the temperature of all employees when they clock in. We currently are also requiring staff and customers to wear masks when within 6 feet of people outside of their family and when in enclosed

Rowan County Chamber of Commerce 2021 Talent Attraction Guide

By Michelle Patterson Patterson Farm

areas such as our market and barnyard. During our initial COVID response, we were gearing up for strawberry season. We offered online ordering, curbside produce pickup, a strawberry drive-thru and a drive-thru experience around the farm. Toward the end of the season, we decided to open our pick your own fields by scheduled appointments only. Our business model has continued to shift due to COVID-19 response. We typically rely heavily on field trips for revenue and have had to be creative to try to offset those losses. We are currently offering field trips for small groups, but also are doing virtual tours. During our weekend fall activities, we are requiring that visitors purchase tickets in advance so we can stagger visitors and keep an accurate headcount of how many people are at our farm.

This year, we are also doing a drive-in MOOvie Series which has been a fun, safe activity for families. It has been challenging to constantly re-evaluate and adapt, but we are doing all we can to keep our visitors and staff safe. We are grateful for a marvelous team who has been willing to adapt. While challenging, COVID-19 has also forced us to be more imaginative. While challenging,

COVID-19 has also forced us to be more imaginative.

Michelle Patterson is director of fun for Patterson Farm Inc. Market and Tours. 

429 S. Main St.| Salisbury, NC 704-310-5718

www.RowanChamber.com

ACCELERATING OUR COMMITMENT TO ECONOMIC GROWTH IN ROWAN COUNTY.

There’s never been a more urgent need for Rowan County to come together to improve our economic prospects. And through the newly launched Forward Rowan campaign, individuals, businesses and communities have come together to forge a bold new path forward. It’s a path that builds upon recent successes and positive momentum. It imagines an economy that offers opportunity and an improved lifestyle for all. It promises better jobs, more capital investment and a more resilient economy that can sustain us through economic challenges.

INCREASING PROSPERITY IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE REDUCING POVERTY

We’re working side-by-side and with others, to build a better community in which we live and work. Together, we will move Rowan forward.

www.rowanedc.com | 704.637.5526 32

Rowan County Chamber of Commerce 2021 Talent Attraction Guide

www.RowanChamber.com

Tips for

FirstHomebuyers Time Buying a first home can be one of the most empowering and

By Karla Foster New Point Realty

Most real estate transactions follow a similar flow. The first thing

exciting steps that you take in your adult life. Often times, not you want to do is get pre-approved by a reputable lender. Knowknowing the process can be paralyzing, which can lead to inac- ing your numbers and understanding the loan you are qualified tion. Having a Realtor guide you through the process and be your for is important, but the approval amount isn’t the whole story. advocate is the best way to go from “renter” to “home owner.” 34

Rowan County Chamber of Commerce 2021 Talent Attraction Guide

Your loan can dictate so many things about your home purchase.

Share with your Realtor your pre-approval amount and your loan type. This way your Realtor can guide you in your home search by making sure that the homes you view are not only in your budget but also meet the condition requirements of the loan. Once you have found the home you want and have negotiated the contract, the real work begins. You are officially in your due diligence period that is the time to handle all the inspections and property investigations as well as secure your loan. Your Realtor can help you order inspections while the lender handles ordering the appraisal. Sometimes, issues come up on the inspection or the appraisal and you may need to go

The goal is for closing day to be as anticlimactic as possible. Loan packages

back to the seller and renegotiate the terms

are sent to the closing attorney and will need to be signed. Once wire transfers

of the contract or ask the seller for repairs. Al-

have taken place and all documents have been properly executed the attorney

though the seller is not required to do anything

will record the deed therefore transferring the property into your name!

beyond satisfy the terms of the original con-

Simply put, home buying is a process; every home and every contract will

tract, oftentimes sellers are open to reasonable

have its own nuances. Lean on your Realtor for their experience and knowledge

request by the buyer, especially if it is an issue

as they guide you through what can be an overwhelming process. They are

that will continue to impact their ability to sell

there to welcome you HOME! 

the property. Once you are through due diligence, there isn’t much left to do. This is a good time to start reaching out to utility companies and set up transfers for power, water and cable. Prior to closing, you will also want to do a final walk through to make sure the property is in the same condition it was in when you viewed it

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Rowan County Chamber of Commerce 2021 Talent Attraction Guide

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www.RowanChamber.com

Dragon Boat teams power toward the finish line in the finals during last year’s 6th annual Dragon Boat Festival on High Rock Lake.. photo by Jon C. Lakey, Salisbury Post

Rowan County, NC County Stats

2020 Total Population 2018 Total Households 2018 Median Age 2023 Projected Population Educational Attainment, 2019 High School Diploma GED/Alternative Credential Some College, No Degree Associate’s Degree Bachelor’s Degree Graduate/Professional Degree Income, 2018 Median Household Income Mean Household Income Per Capita Income Median Home Value

142,088 52,301 40.2 144,576 24,382 5,586 24,149 12,682 11,231 6,032 $48,667 $64,271 $25,117 $130,700

Employed Population By Industry, 2019 Total All Industries 48,824 Total Government 8,899 Total Private Industry 39,925 Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting 305 Mining 219 Utilities 142 Construction 2,818 Manufacturing 7,234 Wholesale Trade 2,417 Transportation and Warehousing 3,780 Information 154 Finance and Insurance 688 Real Estate and Rental and Leasing 232 Professional and Technical Services 965 Mgt of Companies, Enterprises 1,079 Administrative and Waste Services 2,193 Educational Services 4,296 Health Care and Social Assistance 8,493 Arts, Entertainment and Recreation 721 Accommodation and Food Services 4,231 Other Services Ex. Public Admin 952 Public Administration 2,723 38

Rowan County Chamber of Commerce 2021 Talent Attraction Guide

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Debbie Barnhardt and Kim Hardiman look around the former downtown Salisbury jewelry store Dee's Jewelers on East Innes Street. Barnhardt has purchased the building with the plans of moving her jewelry business from Spencer to occupy the bottom floors. The upstairs will be turned into to two apartments. photo by Jon C. Lakey, Salisbury Post

Barnhardt Jewelers begins new adventure When Josh Barnhardt took on the project of has faced while rehabilitating and renovating overseeing the renovation of the building at the building before his family's jewelry compa112-114 E. Innes St., he inherited a structure ny reopened in November. The jewelry store with 140-year-old problems.

relocated to downtown Salisbury from its previ-

“We had tons of rot, termite damage. We had ous home at 314 Salisbury Ave. in Spencer. The to put in new beams the entire length of the up- upstairs of the building at 112-114 E. Innes St. is stairs floor,” Barnhardt said. “The whole floor being transformed into the Lofts On Innes, two

By Ben Stansell ben.stansell@salisburypost.com

upstairs was sagging down six inches.”

new apartments overlooking downtown.

Those are just a few of the issues Barnhardt

www.RowanChamber.com

Managing the project has felt like a full-

Barnhardt agreed to manage the reno-

time job, but for Barnhardt, it’s only a side

vation project for his mother, Debbie Barn-

project.

hardt, who specializes in crafting and selling

Barnhardt’s day job is working for a bank

the jewelry that the store is known for. Al-

in Charlotte, but during the renovation, he

though Barnhardt had completed construc-

established a satellite office in what will

tion projects on several homes and a beach

soon become the bathroom for a two-bed-

house, none of that prepared him for gutting

room apartment above the jewelry store. For

a historic structure built in the 19th century.

at least two days a week, Barnhardt took up

“The construction side I kind of know, but

residence in his makeshift Salisbury office,

not to this level. I’ve never had to hire some-

working from two laptops propped up on an

body for a project before,” Barnhardt said. “At

old card table as the construction crew ham-

least having a background in it has helped.”

mered, drilled and sawed below and around him.

Debbie Barnhardt and Cathie Dietz shake hands at the former location of K-Dee's Jewelers and future location of Barnhardt Jewelers.

Central Piedmont Builders was the primary contractor for the project.

“The good thing is that we’ve all been re-

While working to restore the building,

mote, so it’s been a good time because I’ve

Barnhardt has learned more about its histo-

been able to work upstairs,” Barnhardt said.

ry, tapping into the passion for architectur-

“I can come and work here and take calls

al history that he cultivated while living in

here, but I can still be around it.”

Charleston.

Rowan County Chamber of Commerce 2021 Talent Attraction Guide

Barnhardt said that most of the Innes

The building’s upstairs likely contained tem-

torch to a fellow jeweler. The Barnhardts

Street building was constructed in 1885 and

porary housing that may have been used by

agreed to purchase the property after receiv-

was a home for a saloon and billiards hall.

tenants during the Great Depression, Barn-

ing a $106,744 downtown incentive grant

Eventually, W. A. Brown took residence in the

hardt said.

from the city of Salisbury. That grant, Barn-

building, where he tinkered with refrigerator

In January 2020, the Barnhardts bought

technology while operating a meat market.

the historic property from Kathy Dietz, the

Brown eventually started a refrigerator com-

longtime owner of K-Dee’s jewelry store.

pany that has since become Imperial-Brown.

Barnhardt said Dietz wanted to pass the

hardt said, has been “critical” to their ability to rehabilitate the building. At first, the plan only called for the jewelry store on the first floor, but Barnhardt saw an www.RowanChamber.com

opportunity for more upstairs.

The Barnhardts are also relying on histor-

fore the project even began, concerns about

“We realized really fast that these old

ic tax credits to fund the renovation, which

the virus delayed demolition for several

buildings are really expensive and really

puts specific constraints on how they can

weeks.

tough because as soon as you start to touch

build. Barnhardt said that they’ve tried to

“We didn’t foresee a global pandemic.

one thing, you might as well do another,”

preserve as much of the building as possible

March and April were really tough,” Barn-

Barnhardt said. “What made it possible as

by reusing the original tin roofing and repur-

hardt said. “I’d say we lost probably six

we were looking at it and the cost had sky-

posing wood from the floorboards, among

weeks due to that just because everything

rocketed, how we were going to do it? We

other measures.

was going nuts. We were hoping to start con-

started seeing that people are paying for apartments to live in downtown.” 42

COVID-19 has created even more constraints for Barnhardt to work through. Be-

Rowan County Chamber of Commerce 2021 Talent Attraction Guide

struction in March, but we started at the end of April.”

The facade of the building was renovated, but some of the original aspects have been preserved. photo provided by Rowan County Chamber of commerce

Once work started, Barnhardt and Cen-

Despite those challenges, Barnhardt

tral Piedmont Builders had to constantly

Jewelers opened in November 2020 and

adjust their plans to adapt to restrictions

the apartments were planned to be ready

on building materials.

by December 2020. He launched a website

“We couldn’t get some of the doors we wanted, so we lowered the doorways a few feet,” Barnhardt said. “Tile that I wanted was 12 weeks out, so I found tile that was four weeks out instead and ordered that.”

to market the Lofts On Innes and is seeking tenants for both units.  Josh Barnhardt has managed the complex renovation project to prepare the building for Barnhardt Jewelers, the company run by his mother, Debbie, that is relocating to downtown Salisbury from Spencer. photo by Ben Stansell, Salisbury Post www.RowanChamber.com

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Rowan County Chamber of Commerce 2021 Talent Attraction Guide

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A pink granite service station known as Bankett Station that was built on the property in the 1930s had to be disassembled prior to construction of the new office complex. photo by Salisbury Post

Multi-building development on East Innes begins to take shape after years of delays

By Ben Stansell ben.stansell@salisburypost.com

The sights and sounds of construction can be seen and heard on East Innes Street near downtown as a long-planned project finally takes shape. The sight of a soaring crane moving steel beams on the property is exciting for Pete Bogle, the lead architect of the project. “This one is my baby,” Bogle said. “I’ve been working on this project since 2016.” That project is a two-story building at 201 E. Innes St. set to house office space and apartments. The building will be erected on the site where the old Bankett Station used to be

and contain new offices for Healthcare Management Consultants on the first floor and five apartments on the second. The building is one of several projects Downtown Properties is undertaking that will transform the 200 block of East Innes, said Todd Dagenhart, a partner in Downtown Properties and the vice president and COO of Healthcare Management Consultants. “I think it’s a great addition to that side of town,” Dagenhart said. “That whole block has been an eyesore. There have been really no tenants and very few businesses over the past 10-15 years. What we’re doing is going www.RowanChamber.com

The building will house Health Management Consultants on the first floor and five apartments on the second. The project is expected to be completed by August of 2021, if current weather and construction conditions persist. photo by Ben Stansell, Salisbury Post

to be a great mesh between a new building and some old structures and historic structures that are really cool.” Along with the two-story building, Downtown Properties is renovating the warehouse next door and has ambitions to build a near replica of the Bankett service station in a lot nearby.

201 E. Innes St.

From almost the very beginning, the project to construct a building at 201 E. Innes St. faced several challenges. 46

When Bogle discovered that soil on the site was unsuitable for a three-story building, he and Downtown Properties were forced to pivot and plan for a building with only two floors. High material costs then sidelined the project for a short time in 2019. Despite those challenges, the project persisted and construction on the building began in 2020. “This one is moving forward,” Bogle said. “Construction timeline on this is right at a year. ” Dagenhart said that he anticipates the building being finished by August of 2021. Once the building is complete, Healthcare

Rowan County Chamber of Commerce 2021 Talent Attraction Guide

Management Consultants will move its offices from Statesville Boulevard to the first floor. Two single bedroom and three two bedroom apartments will be installed on the second floor. Dagenhart said that he hopes to begin marketing the apartments and securing tenants once more construction is done on the building.

211 E. Innes St.

Downtown Properties also has big plans for the old warehouse next door. With the help of Bogle, Downtown Properties hopes to transform the vacant space into

After being delayed by various obstacles, construction on the two-story building at 201 E. Innes St. is finally underway. photo provided by Rowan County Chamber of Commerce

three separate office parcels. Dagenhart said they have already secured two tenants for the warehouse, including a physical therapy clinic operated by Lane Fowler, who is also a partner in Downtown Properties, and a spa-type business that will occupy the middle parcel. Dagenhart is still working to find a tenant for the remaining 1,450 square-foot space at the front of the building. “We’re hoping that maybe somebody with a small shop or I guess it could be an attorney or anyone who could use that space up front,” Dagenhart said. “You even have road frontage on Innes Street that maybe even a retail place would appreciate.” Plans are still being finalized for the ware-

house, but Dagenhart said that he anticipates contractors beginning work on the project as early as November.

219 E. Innes St.

In order to construct the new building at 201 E. Innes St., Downtown Properties had to disassemble the pink granite service station known as Bankett Station that was built on the property in the 1930s. Dagenhart said that his development group wants to pay homage to that historic structure by recreating it on the empty parking lot at 219 E. Innes St. Dagenhart said that the new building will feature the same facade as the old one, including the icon-

ic garage doors, and will even be the same width. However, the interior of the building will be constructed to fit the needs of the future tenant who moves in. Dagenhart and his team are currently working on securing a tenant for that space. 

www.RowanChamber.com

RELOCATING TO

ROWAN COUNTY

Rowan County has it all

— spacious farms, historic homes with plenty of charm, new neighborhoods with all the amenities. Your Chamber Business Directory lists local real estate agencies who will be happy to assist you in finding your dream home. For now, here are a few simple trips you can make by car or on foot to start learning about Rowan’s communities.

Farms and fields abound in and around Rockwell and Cleveland as well as to the north near the Woodleaf community. Try this excursion: from Salisbury, take Statesville Boulevard (U.S. 70) west toward Cleveland. Turn left onto NC 801 South and go south to Sherrill’s Ford Road. Turn left there to head back toward Salisbury. This loop takes you through some of Rowan’s prime farm country. High Rock Lake is a reservoir lake located

in Davidson and Rowan counties of North Car-

olina, serving as a boundary between them. It is a reservoir for hydroelectric power generation. It is the northernmost of the Uwharrie Lakes and the second largest lake in North Carolina behind Lake Norman. Its water surface covers 15,180 acres (61 km2) and there are 365 miles (587 km) of shoreline. It begins at the confluence of the Yadkin River and the South Yadkin River. The lake’s name is derived from neighboring “High Rock Mountain”, the tallest mountain in the Uwharrie Mountains. High Rock Lake is currently managed and operated by the Cube-Hydro.

History is alive in Salisbury’s downtown

historic district. Homes from the 19th and early 20th centuries, many with a story to tell, line the streets within a block or two of the city center. From the intersection of Main and Innes, take West Innes Street past the Rowan County offices. Go three blocks, then turn left onto South Ellis Street. Make your way down this Yadkin River. photo by Jon C. Lakey, Salisbury Post

Rowan County Chamber of Commerce 2021 Talent Attraction Guide

street, then turn left on West Monroe Street. At the next block, turn left onto South Fulton Street to make your way back to Innes Street. These streets close to Main Street feature historic homes as well as more recent houses with character.

Find your hometown

Most of Rowan’s smaller municipalities retain a small-town character — local businesses, close-knit neighborhoods and plenty of smiling faces. Most of what you’ve heard about “Southern hospitality” is true and you can expect to get smiles and waves as you introduce yourself to the locals. Every town has something different to offer, as well as a blend of old and new homes and neighborhoods. Pick a corner of the Rowan County map and go exploring. You just might find your new friends and neighbors waiting for you there.

Enjoy city lights

Several buildings on Main Street and within one or two blocks of it have been refurbished with apartments or lofts on their upper floors, perfect for those who want to be a short walk from everything. Some newer buildings also feature condos for sale. There’s no need to drive to see the possibilities — just find a convenient parking spot and take a walk down South Main Street from the center of town.

Moving Checklist:

• Be sure your mail follows you. Remember to put in a forwarding request at your local Post Office before you move. USPS.com • Contact your local cable utility providers to set up electricity, gas, water/sewer and telecommunications service as needed. • Once you’re settled, change your driver’s license and register your vehicles. New residents must obtain a North Carolina license and register their vehicles within 30 days. 126 East Kerr Street, Salisbury, NC 704-633-5312.

• A safety and emissions inspection is also required to obtain vehicle registration. Department of Motor Vehicles Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 5780 South Main Street (US 29) Salisbury, NC 704-633-5873 • Register to vote! Rowan County Board of Elections 704-216-8140 • For school information see page 27.

Getting Around: AMTRAK (800) USARAIL Carolina Trailways (Greyhound) 704-342-2506 Latino Express 704-642-2020 Rowan County Airport 704-216-7749 Rowan Express Transit 704-216-8888 Safety Taxi 704-633-7217 Salisbury Transit 704-638-5252

QUICK REFERENCE Rowan County Services:

Animal Control/Shelter 216-7768 Better Business Bureau (336) 725-8348 Board of Elections 216-8140 Building Inspector 216-8619 Clerk of Court 797-3001 Cooperative Extension 216-8970 County Manager 216-8180 Division of Forest Resources 216-8993 Downtown Salisbury Inc. 637-7814 Health Department 216-8777 Housing Authority 633-8380 Landfill 278-2211 Magistrate 797-3130 Recycling 216-8589 Register of Deeds 216-8626 Rowan County Chamber of Commerce 633-4221 Rowan County Government 216-8100 Rowan Literacy Council 216-8266 Rowan Public Library (Main) 216-8228 Rowan EDC 637-5526 Rufty Holmes Senior Center 216-7714 Social Services Dept. 216-8330 Smart Start Rowan 630-9085 Tax Collector 216-8544 TDA (Tourism Development Authority) 638-3100 Zoning Permits 638-5207

City of Salisbury Services:

City Manager 638-5228 City of Salisbury Government 638-5270 Housing Authority 636-1410 Post Office 636-7821 Recycling 638-5256 Zoning Permits 638-5208 (Development Services)

State and Federal Agencies:

DMV Drivers License Office 633-5873 DMV Vehicle Registration Office 633-5873 NC Works 639-7529 Social Security Administration 1-877-405-3157

Charities and Crisis Assistance: 211 Adult Protective Services 216-8331 American Red Cross 633-3854 Children’s Protective Services 216-8440 Communities In Schools 797-0210 Cooperative Christian Ministry (Kannapolis) 786-4709 Family Crisis Council 636-4718 Habitat for Humanity 642-6292 Main Street Mission (China Grove) 855-2909 Meals on Wheels of Rowan 633-0352 Rowan Helping Ministries 637-6838 Salvation Army 636-6491 United Way 633-1802

Utilities:

Duke Energy 1-800-777-9898 Hotwire Communications 638-5300 Landis Public Power 857-2411 PSNC Energy 1-877-776-2427 Piedmont Natural Gas 1-800-752-7504 Salisbury Water & Sewer 638-5300

Travel Info.: 511 (severe weather and traffic) Police, Fire & Medical Emergencies: 911 United Way Services 211

10 Digit Dialing is required. All numbers are Area Code 704 unless otherwise indicated. www.RowanChamber.com

How do I get involved with the Chamber? It’s easy! Just review the list of commit-

tees below, make your selection and return this form to the Chamber. You will be notified when the next committee meeting is scheduled. Contact us at info@rowanchamber.com or 704-633-4221 if you have any questions.

Business Advocacy – Meetings held: Second

Friday of each month at 8 a.m. Develops the Priority Project for each Legislative Session; recommends positions to the Board on business advocacy issues; conducts Candidate Forums; and, serves as voice of the business community on the Local, State and Federal levels. Areas of responsibility include:

• Government Affairs • Candidate Forums • Transportation Advocacy • Trips to Raleigh • Community Forums • Trips to Washington D.C. • Voter Education • International Trips • Mayors Roundtable

Education & Workforce – Meetings held:

Oct - May on Second Tuesday @ 8:30 a.m. The Education & Workforce area strives for excellence in our education system and mentoring opportunities for students, promotes life-long learning, encourages a strong work ethic and bridges the gap between education and business. Areas of responsibility include:

• New Teacher Welcome • Student Mentors • Teacher of the Year • Internships, Apprenticeships & Job Shadow • NC Manufacturing Institute • Plant Tours • Economic Indicators • Agri-business • Entrepreneurial Development – EntreRowan • Corporate Health Cup

Membership & Marketing – Meetings held: Second Monday of each month at 4:00 p.m. at the location of the Business After Hours Mixer. Steering Committee supervises Chamber membership events and marketing opportunities including Business After Hours Mixers, New Member Receptions and Power in Partnership Breakfasts. Areas of responsibility include:

• Power in Partnership breakfast (3rd Thurs.) • Annual Gala Meeting • Ambassadors – ribbon cuttings & ground breakings • Total Resource Campaign (Aug. – Sept. time frame) • Disney Institute (May 6, 2021) • Business After Hours Mixers (2nd Mon.) • Women in Business • New Members Receptions (Quarterly) • Minority Business Council • Dragon Boat Festival (July 24, 2021)

• Workforce Development Alliance • Leadership Rowan (3rd Thursday) Please return form to: Rowan County Chamber of Commerce 204 E Innes Street, Suite 110 Salisbury, NC 28144 704-633-4221 Fax: 704-642-2011 e-mail: info@rowanchamber.com

Name: ___________________________________________________ Title: __________________________________ Company: _______________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________ City: ___________________ State: _____ Zip: _________ Phone: _______________________ Fax: ____________________ E-mail: ____________________________________ 50

Rowan County Chamber of Commerce 2021 Talent Attraction Guide

2020-2021 Power Card Holders Karen Alexander Gary Blabon Maggi Blizzard Amy Brown Alex Bruce Nan Buehrer Bob Cartner Rod Crider Teresa Dakins Traci Donaldson Seamus Donaldson Shawn Edman Audrey Eudy Cindy Fink J. Steven Fisher Rita Foil Heather Fulghum Elia Gegorek Ted Goins Michael Grandizio Donna Groce Carmen Harper Al Heggins Rosalind Hines Elaine Holden Sydney Holmes Robert Honeycutt Jessica Ijames Ken Ingle Erik Johnson Bill Johnson Jean Kennedy Judy Klusman Orlando Lewis Natasha Lipscomb Lynn Moody Tim Norris David Post Annette Privette Keller Katelin Rice Tamara Sheffield Pat Sledge Latesha Smith Andrew Smith Carol Spalding Valerie Steele Pete Teague Christopher Tester April Thomas Shane Valley Walter Wall Chad Webb Randy Welch Sandy Whitley Sherry Wilson Kelly Withers

Thank You

ROWAN CHAMBER TOP INVESTORS Chairmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club:

Trustee Level:

204 East Innes Street, Suite 110 Salisbury, NC 28144 rowanchamber.com 704-633-4221

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