Haywood County Chamber of Commerce
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2011-2012
CHAMBER PARTNER
Haywood Community College: Small College. Big Opportunities. Bigger is not always better and it couldn’t be more true than at Haywood Community College.
“In a time when budgets are tight and economic growth is slow, we found a way to overcome those barriers for our students.”
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The college may not be big but opportunities for success are abundant. Not only is HCC close to home, it is more affordable — a fraction of the cost of a fouryear college or university. And because of its size, most classes are small enough for students to get one-on-one personal attention from our dedicated faculty. HCC is known for integrating entrepreneurial skill sets across curriculum courses. Through REAL (Rural Entrepreneurship through Action Learning), students receive hands-on training in how to start a small business. The college was also the first college to offer an Entrepreneurship curricular program to provide for the growth of selfemployed business owners. For the past three years, the Sequoyah Fund Community College Business Plan Competition winner has been an HCC student. The winner receives a cash award to help fund the start-up of a business in the seven westernmost counties of NC and the Qualla Boundary. Most of these winners have worked closely with the HCC Small Business Center located on the main college campus. The center supports the development of new businesses and growth of existing businesses by being a provider of training, counseling, and resource information. The Center is a
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starting point for many budding entrepreneurs, such as the owners of the Copper Pot & Wooden Spoon. Jessica DeMarco, co-owner of the Copper Pot & Wooden Spoon said, “HCC’s Small Business Center helps you get a sense of what it takes to start a business. It is a lot more achievable with a resource like the Center in place. You don’t have to start from scratch.” The newest opportunity for HCC students interested in starting their own business is the HCC Student Business Center. The college, in partnership with The Center for New and Expanding Business, will provide rising or recent graduates the opportunity to start a business in a supportive, rent-free environment. The mission is to "help create jobs and economic opportunity in Haywood County by providing a combination of mentoring services, physical space, and access to funding programs as they launch and grow their businesses." The HCC Student Business Center is located in Suite A3 of The Center for New and Expanding Business, in the Industrial Park adjacent to HCC's Regional High Tech Center. "To my knowledge this is the first arrangement of its kind,” says HCC Entrepreneurship Instructor Meredith Carpenter. “In a time when budgets are tight and economic growth is slow, we found a way to overcome those barriers for our students.” To find out more about the opportunities at HCC, visit www.haywood.edu.
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FROM THE CHAIRMAN As we look ahead to another fruitful year for the Greater Haywood County Chamber of Commerce, I would like to at first take a quick look back. Larry Clark and I started Clark and Leatherwood in 1988 with a dream of building a regional construction company. We had the typical entrepreneurial traits of more ideas and less cash. With family, friends, and community helping, we went from four employees to a peak of 75, and we have a current work force of 25. That is the reality of today’s economic picture, not only for the construction industry but for much of Haywood County’s and western North Carolina’s businesses. However, we are not wringing our hands. Like many of you whom I have talked with, we are chasing leads, creating opportunities and networking whenever we can to promote our business. One of the ways we are fostering our business is by being active in our Chamber of Commerce, which our business joined in 1992. I believe that when a company’s leadership and employees are active in its local Chamber, they are doing the right thing not only for the community, but they are insuring their own success as well. When you and your company are members of the Greater Haywood County Chamber of Commerce, you are automatically associated with a positive organization that uses good business practices, is involved in the community and who cares about you, your customers and your community. Of course, the value of your investment in the Chamber goes well beyond referrals, events and networking. The Greater Haywood County Chamber
of Commerce has been your business advocate, working in partnerships with our four municipalities, our county leadership, and Haywood Community College to ensure a quality Haywood County for all businesses. The chamber nurtures small businesses and encourages our community to support our local businesses. We are an important tool and an indispensable resource for your business. If we are not doing it, ask us. If you have an idea or have seen something work in other places, talk to us about it. We are open to new ideas and opportunities to grow our community’s business environment. I have never been more enthusiastic about the importance of our Chamber and its role in the success of our community and our economy. We will continue to build upon our partnerships and coalitions, and work together to strengthen the business climate for our entire county. I want to continue to broaden our presence into all areas of our county and strengthen our support of businesses, especially looking for ways to encourage growth for our local agri-businesses. The coming year will also be a time for extending our new image and brand by continuing to strengthen existing programs and services, and implementation of new initiatives that focus on the core of who we are. Great opportunities lie ahead for Haywood County and regional business communities. I am confident that with the help of our members, this time next year we will look back at even more success.
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“I have never been more enthusiastic about the importance of our Chamber and its role in the success of our community and our economy. We will continue to build upon our partnerships and coalitions, and work together to strengthen the business climate for our entire county. I want to continue to broaden our presence into all areas of our county and strengthen our support of businesses, especially looking for ways to encourage growth for our local agribusinesses.” — RON LEATHERWOOD
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LOOKING BACK
Business award recipients announced during 2012 Annual Installation & Awards Dinner The Greater Haywood County Chamber of Commerce brought the region’s business, community and government leaders together to celebrate businesses in Haywood County during the 2012 Annual Installation & Awards Dinner held June 21st at the Maggie Valley Club. Gavin Brown, Mayor of Waynesville, welcomed the incoming Chamber board members for the 2012-13 fiscal year: Matthew Wells, CWM Group; Steve McNeil, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network; John Tench, Home Trust Bank; and Jake Robinson, Champion Credit Union. Dynamic business leaders were honored for their commitment to the Chamber and Haywood County as a whole. Honorees demonstrated the true spirit of service, passion and pride for the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce; entrepreneurial spirit, commitment, vision and personal growth; and excellence in business, to name a few. “As I look toward the next fiscal year and beyond, I have never been more optimistic about the importance of our Chamber to the success of our community and to our economy,” said Ron Leatherwood, chamber board chairman. “It will be a year to continue to build upon our partnerships and coalitions, and work together to strengthen our business climate.” The 2012 Chamber Annual Awards Dinner was sponsored by Progress Energy, Mission Health System, Champion Credit Union, First Citizens Bank, OldTown Bank, The Smoky Mountain News, and The Mountaineer.
2012-2013 Board members: Ron Leatherwood..........................Chairman Bruce Johnson .............Outgoing Chairman Mike Clayton ....................................Treasurer Greg Boothroyd ....................................Chair, Member Services & Incoming Chairman Charles Umberger.................................Chair, Governmental Relations Ken Flynt .................................................Chair, Business & Economic Development Nyda Bittman-Neville............................Chair, Women in Business Jake Robinson .......................................Chair, Young Professionals of Haywood
Mark Clasby Dane Griswold Ken Howle Steve McNeil Marty Stamey John Tench Chris Williams Art O’Neil Jeff Schumacher Jon Feichter Dr. Laura Leatherwood Marty Stamey Matt Wells
The 2012 Award Recipients included (from top, left): • Sign World WNC, Business of the Year • Doug & Jenny Weaver, Entrepreneurs of the Year • Jennifer Allen, the Mountaineer, Ambassador of the Year • Nyda Bittmann – Neville, TNB Consulting & Asheville Savings Bank, Volunteer of the Year
Rulers of Success named for 2011-12 Rulers of Success are awarded to members who have volunteered their time and expertise to implement new initiatives within the Chamber. During the 2011-12 fiscal year, the Chamber launched five new initiatives that required the dedication, planning and participation of our membership. This year’s recipients Included: • Jake Robinson, Champion Credit Union, Young Professionals of Haywood
• Chris Williams, United Community Bank, Young Professionals of Haywood • Vicki Hyatt, The Mountaineer, Farm Fresh Initiative • Matt Wells, CWM Group, Small Business Forum • Darlene Allison, Champion Credit Union, Membership Campaign Outstanding Achievement • Nyda Bittmann-Neville, TNB Consulting & Asheville Savings Bank, Marketing Initiative
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LOOKING BACK
Business Start-Up Competition honors the entrepreneurial spirit
Belle on Main (top) and Copper Pot & Wooden Spoon were each awarded $5,000 as co-winners of the Chamber’s annual Business Start-Up Competition.
Belle on Main Salon & Spa and Copper Pot & Wooden Spoon were the winners of the 2012 Haywood County Chamber of Commerce’s 7th annual Business Start-Up Competition. The winners were announced at the annual Business Start-Up Competition Luncheon held May 17, with two winners splitting the $10,000 award. Belle on Main is a new salon and spa that provides nail, body and skin services in a contemporary environment. Copper Pot & Wooden Spoon produces and features exceptional seasonally produced sweet jams, savory spreads, pickles and artisan baking mixes that may be found throughout the Western Carolina Region. The Chamber Business and Economic Development Committee believe that a key pillar of economic development in our community is to promote the startup and expansion of local and small businesses in addition to the typical focus on recruitment and relocation of larger manufacturing or related businesses that employ large numbers of people. Most business growth occurs in smaller businesses in our community. With this vision in mind, the Business Competition has been implemented to encourage and financially reward those prospective business owners who choose to start a business in our community. The Business Start-Up competition is held each May to bring awareness to the more than 1,000 Small Businesses in Haywood County. Previous year’s recipients include More Than Closets, LLC, Studio Thirty-Three, Smoky Mountain Dance Center, Roots in Education, Headwater Brewing Company, Pink Regalia, Café 50, the Hair Studio, COCOCHI and Aermor, LLC. The 7th Annual Business Start-Up Competition was sponsored by: Haywood Advancement Foundation, First Citizens Bank, Haywood EDC, Evergreen Packaging, Aermor LLC, BB&T Waynesville, Old Town Bank, Smoky Mountain Development Corp, Beverly Hanks, Haywood Vocational Opportunities, Western Carolina University College of Business, Clark & Leatherwood, and Northwestern Mutual Financial Network.
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Making connections in Raleigh A delegation of Western North Carolina leaders representing Haywood County, the Asheville area, Brevard/Transylvania, Black Mountain-Swannanoa, Madison County and the Hendersonville Chamber of Commerce joined North Carolina state legislators in Raleigh in May for their annual legislative visit. The delegation comprised of 70 chamber representatives traveled to Raleigh to promote the region’s top legislative priorities. Members of the delegation were given the opportunity to speak directly to legislators during the 2012 Legislative Reception sponsored by Mission Health System, Evergreen Packaging, Roberts & Stevens Attorneys at Law, Comporium, University of North Carolina Asheville and A to Z Signs and Engravings. The group later met with Phil Berger, Senate President Pro Tem, Senators Tom Apodaca and Jim Davis, and Representative Ray Rapp to present the WNC Legislative Priorities of job creation, regulatory reform, tax reform and education/workforce funding. According to CeCe Hipps, President of the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce, “The Chamber’s annual visit to Raleigh is an opportunity to discuss the needs of businesses in Haywood County with those who are setting policies and making decisions.” The Haywood County delegation included representatives from Haywood Community College, Maggie Valley Chamber of Commerce, Evergreen Packaging, AT&T, Champion Supply, Western Carolina University, Old Town Bank, HomeTrust Bank, and Clark and Leatherwood.
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Young Professionals of Haywood connects tomorrow’s leaders
Waynesville United Methodist Church, Haywood Vocational Opportunities awarded Green Leaders Certification
Young Professionals Haywood (YPH) is an affiliate organization of the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce. The organization was established in 2011 in an effort to connect area business professionals between the ages of 22 and 40 through the core values of professional development, networking and community service. “The Young Professionals of Haywood provides a unique opportunity for its members to network, improve professionally, and be active civically in our community,” said Jake Robinson of Champion Credit Union, YPH Committee Chairman. “I am very excited about the potential of this organization and the positive impact it will have on Haywood County.” The YPH hosts monthly Networking, Professional Development, and Community Service events. Past events have included networking meetings at the Herren House, Cataloochee Ranch, and Frog Level Brewing, to name a few. Professional Development breakfasts featuring speakers Meridith Elliot Powell and Nyda Bittmann-Neville; and Community Service Projects with United Way, KARE, and Habitat for Humanity. Additional information regarding Membership with Young Professionals of Haywood may be found at YPHaywood.com.
Haywood Vocational Opportunities and the United Methodist Church received their Green Leaders Certification from the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce at the 2012 Awards and Installation Dinner. The Green Initiative Program was established in 2008 as a means of fostering Haywood County and the surrounding region as “green.” The program promotes practices of sustainability that positively impact the region’s social, environmental, and economic well being. This committee developed a unique approach to environmental stewardship through the establishment of a Sustainability Plan of Action which focuses on five main goals: Air Quality and Energy Efficiency; Water Quality and Quantity; Reduce, Reuse and Recycle; Education; and Awareness and Sustainability Leadership. Businesses and organizations are invited to actively participate in the Green Initiative and establish a Green Plan of Action with demonstrated outcomes to receive their Green Leader Certification. Since the foundation of the Initiative the Chamber has encouraged over twelve area businesses to “green” their business practices to become Green Leaders. The following businesses have received their Green Certification: Animal Hospital of Waynesville, Champion Janitorial Supply, Haywood Builders Supply, Haywood Community College, Keller Williams Realty, Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center, Stewart Builders, The Gateway Club, WNC Dzines, A. Bailey Design Associates, Champion Credit Union, and Michael Gillespie DDS.
Laura Leatherwood, representative for the United Methodist Church of Waynesville, and Emily Allan and Cassie Cagle of Haywood Vocational Opportunities accept their Green Leader Certification at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner.
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LOOKING BACK
Blue Ridge Breakaway Named SteepClimbs.com 2011 Ride of the Year The Greater Haywood County Chamber of Commerce’s Blue Ridge Breakaway was named the 2011 Ride of the Year by blogger Aaron West of SteepClimbs.com. The cycling event which brought more than 400 riders to Haywood County last August for an adrenaline pumping ride through the mountains – placed first for overall enjoyment. “(The Blue Ridge Breakaway) was exciting and the long descents down the Blue Ridge Parkway and then Maggie Valley were exhilarating and the best single experiences I’ve had on a bike this year,” wrote West. He went on to comment, “Not to mention this was probably the most organized ride I participated in all year.” The event featured a Century (105 miles), Metric Century (65 miles), 40-mile and 24-mile rides. Riders explored the mountain valleys near the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Pisgah National Forest, and in the shadow of Cold Mountain. The Century ride included over 30 miles on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway with a cumulative elevation gain of 9,600 feet. Aaron West is an avid road cyclist with an interest in cycling through the mountains of North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia to name a few. Note the blog name “SteepClimbs.com”. According to West, “The bigger the hill (or better yet, mountain), the better.” Th 3rd Blue Ridge Breakaway, held August 2012, brought just under 500 riders to Haywood County for an adrenaline pumping ride through the mountains. Riders traveled from all over North Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Freiburg, Germany. The 2013 Blue Ridge Breakaway will be held Aug. 17, 2013. Visit www.BlueridgeBreakaway.com for more information. SteepClimbs.com named the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce’s Blue Ridge Breakaway its Ride of the Year, and the blog’s author says it was his “best single experience” on a bike during the entire year.
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SUCCESS DRIVING SUCCESS
Business Academy assists entrepreneurs
Chamber riding high in the saddle after successful membership drive
The Business Academy is a cohort program offered to small businesses by the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce. The program will address and assist business owners with overcoming and identifying the challenges of not only starting but sustaining a business. The cohort members will commit to attending eight sessions (one session per month for two hours). The group will gain knowledge from presenters, local business owners, mentors and more importantly, each other. Through surveys of new and experienced business owners, the Chamber found that most businesses have similar challenges: the need for capital, cash flow, marketing, human resources and technology, to name a few. This program is being created and offered to help new business owners in these areas, using resources from our own membership base and other local “Our goal is to bring business owners in the community that our local business have overcome resources together in some of the chalorder to assist those new lenges of owning operating a entrepreneurs that have and small business in Haywood County great ideas and great and Western North passions for providing Carolina. “We want the products or services in businesses in HayHaywood County.” wood County to — MATTHEW WELLS overcome the statistics that say only a certain percentage of new businesses will remain open three, four or five years down the road,” says Matthew Wells. “Our goal is to bring our local business resources together in order to assist those new entrepreneurs that have great ideas and great passions for providing products or services in Haywood County.” Topics for some of the sessions include “Revisit, Revise and Rejuvenate Your Business Plan,” and “Passion versus Cash Flow.” The goal is to have 10 to 15 business owners in the first cohort starting in September and ending in May.
Success driving success was an underlying theme for the 2012 Membership & Sponsorship Drive as nearly 40 business leaders and 10 teams recruited new members during the Chamber’s “Wild, Wild West” campaign. Volunteers shared their stories about the positive impact the Chamber has had on their business and the many benefits of Chamber membership, encouraging over 80 area businesses to join the Chamber. “Success drives success and the chamber is just that,” said Campaign Chair, Greg Boothroyd. “The chamber can help just about any business through its programs. It can help develop leaders, train employees, offer advertising opportunities exclusive to its membership, a location to distribute your company information, and more. At the end of the day the chamber is the best bang for the buck your business can do.” The Chamber recognizes that benefits of membership are essential to the success and growth of businesses in Haywood County. In addition to monthly networking events and professional development programs, membership with
the Chamber offers a valuable return on your investment. Chamber membership extends chamber opportunities to all the employees within a business. Employees may take advantage of seminars, networking opportunities and special events that not only provide valuable business information, but also enable employees and business owners to build resourceful contacts. Chamber programs including Women in Business, Young Professionals of Haywood, Business & Economic Development and more provide distinctive opportunities for business professionals in all fields of work. Events ranging from the Apple Harvest Festival to the Blue Ridge Breakaway draw countless visitors to Haywood County. Ultimately there is something for everyone.
Greg Boothroyd, shown with Nyda Bittman-Neville.
“The chamber can help develop leaders, train employees, offer advertising opportunities exclusive to its membership, a location to distribute your company information, and more. At the end of the day the chamber is the best bang for the buck your business can do.” — GREG BOOTHROYD
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LOOKING FORWARD
Women in Business ‘Partners in Leadership’ program to foster personal and professional development
The Women in Business and the Young Professionals of Haywood are pleased to introduce the “Partners in Leadership” mentoring program, set to launch to launch October 2012. Designed to prepare Haywood County Young Professional Women (YPW) to become future business leaders, the program will connect YPWs with Women in Business (WIB) professionals in their field of business. Through a formal Leadership Coach – Young Professional relationship, Coaches (WIB) will
guide Young Professionals through the process of developing professional/career goals, and helping them gain the skills necessary to achieve them. Leadership Coaches will also support and develop the overall growth of their YPW. Interested Young Professional Women and Leadership Coaches will submit a formal application to the program. Matching will be based upon backgrounds/interests, interviews and fields of business.
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Chamber Mobile App helps members stay connected To deliver more value to members, and the community, The Haywood County Chamber of Commerce launched a Mobile version of its website. The app, which can be downloaded at web.haywood-nc.com/mobile, provides the following information in an easy-to-use format: • Find members in the Chamber’s directory • Search and register for Events • Stay up to date on community News • View and redeem Special Discounts “In today’s tech-focused world, we realized a mobile app is the best way for us to connect with the community using technology” said CeCe Hipps, President of the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce. “Our mobile app delivers tremendous value to not only our members, but also the community as a whole. We see this mobile app becoming THE destination for mobile internet users seeking information about Haywood County.” “We’re very excited,” Hipps, said. “Our new mobile app will put our members and our community on millions of mobile devices. This means no matter where people are, or what they’re doing, they will have access to valuable information about Haywood County, and our members.” The Haywood County Chamber of Commerce Mobile App is free to users, and available on iPhone, iPad, Android, and Blackberry platforms.
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BY THE NUMBERS
Membership makeup, by category:
JULY 2011-JUNE 2012
MEMBER BENEFITS & EVENTS
$60,479 • 22%
Total Expense:
OPERATING EXPENSES
$76,873 • 28%
PERSONNEL RELATED
$139,490 • 50%
$276,842 ($4,222)
ADVERTISING & PROMOTIONAL
$13,345 • 5%
$2,473 • 1%
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82
RETAIL & SHOPPING
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
HOME & PERSONAL SERVICES
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100
48 REAL ESTATE & DEVELOPMENT
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TOURISM, FOOD, & LODGING
37
72 FINANCIAL & INSURANCE •
HEALTHCARE
OTHER SOURCES OF INCOME
38
$118,408 • 43%
CONST./ENGINEERING/AGRICULTURE
EVENTS & PROGRAMS
47
$272,620
$125,394 • 46%
COMMUNITY & ORGANIZATIONS
Total Income:
MEMBERSHIP INVESTMENT
29
$13,000 • 5%
ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES
TDA FUNDING
2011-2012
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 23RD ANNUAL APPLE HARVEST FESTIVAL
ANNUAL DINNER
ISSUES & EGGS Old Town Bank
PRESENTING SPONSOR
PRESENTING SPONSOR
NEW MEMBER RECEPTION & OPEN HOUSE Champion Credit Union First Citizens Bank - Waynesville • Old Town Bank Mountain First Bank • First Citizens Bank - Waynesville Clark & Leatherwood • Oak Park Inn State Farm - Lee Starnes • New Meridian Technology
FARM FRESH DAY WNC DELEGATION LEGISLATIVE RECEPTION
PRESENTING SPONSOR
2ND ANNUAL BLUE RIDGE BREAKAWAY PRESENTING SPONSOR
CHAMBER MOBILE APP Blue Ridge Bicycle Club • Wells Funeral Homes Animal Hospital of Waynesville • Keller Williams Realty Old Town Bank • Billy Case - RE/MAX Creekside Realty Pepsi • First Citizens Bank • HomeTrust Bank Sunburst Trout Company LLC • Champion Janitorial Supply Nico’s Café • Walmart
PRESENTING SPONSOR
ELECTED OFFICIALS RECEPTION PRESENTING SPONSOR
CHAMBER WEBSITE
Champion Credit Union Haywood Advancement Foundation • Old Town Bank Andon-Reid Inn
HOME PAGE SPONSOR
CALENDAR SPONSOR
MELANGÉ OF THE MOUNTAINS HOLIDAY CHEER Champion Credit Union Old Town Bank • WCU - College of Business
PRESENTING SPONSOR
MEDIA PARTNERS Smoky Mountain News • The Mountaineer • Blue Ridge Outdoors GF Graphics • Insight Marketing • Clear Channel
The Pisgah Inn
WOMEN IN BUSINESS LUNCHEON SERIES 2011 CHAIRMAN’S CUP GOLF TOURNAMENT
PRESENTING SPONSOR
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Old Town Bank • Champion Credit Union
Great Smoky Self Storage
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS OF HAYWOOD
Blue Mountain Chiropractic • First Citizens Bank - Waynesville HomeTrust Bank • A to Z Signs & Engraving Edward Jones - Jeremy Phillips • Old Town Bank
Overbay Insurance Services • Wells Funeral Homes First Citizens Bank - Waynesville • Champion Credit Union
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28 Walnut Street • Waynesville, NC 28786 (828) 456-3021 www.haywood-nc.com
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