2014 1st Quarter Newsletter

The Voice of the Business Community
2014 Chamber Annual Meeting
On January 23rd, nearly 200 community members gathered together
to celebrate the Chamber’s successes of 2013. The evening began with
the debut of a video that highlighted the vision, purpose and value of
the Chamber and its impact on business and the quality of life in
Wayne County.
Over 100 years Strong
Wayne County Chamber of Commerce
news
March 2014
www.waynecountychamber.com
Mr. Tom Bradshaw was recognized for his incredible leadership serving as Chairman of the Board in 2013.
During a year of transition, the Chamber hired a new executive director and membership coordinator, welcomed
99 new members, rounding out 2013 with 532 Chamber members. The ceremonial passing of the gavel was given
to Mr. Rick Sumner who was named the 2014 Chairman of the Board. Mr. Sumner stated the areas of focus in
2014 will continue to be on membership and its value, continuing to produce quality programs and events, and
build upon the Chamber’s working committees. Mr. Sumner introduced the 2014 Board of Directors and
recognized the Committee Chairs of the Chamber.
Instated in 2014 was the Ollie Toomey Volunteer Service Award. This award is given to someone who has
demonstrated service to the Chamber above and beyond the call of duty. He or she has spent countless hours
working on a project or projects for the Chamber and has been a valuable resource for the Chamber. This
volunteer has shown an exceptional commitment to the Chamber and has successfully helped the Chamber reach
its goals. Ms. Beverly Carroll was honored with the Ollie Toomey Volunteer Service Award for the tremendous
impact that her work has had in the Chamber. Ms. Carroll has served as Chair of the Teacher Recruitment and
Retention Committee since 2009 and is an active member of the Military Affairs Committee. She was employed
by the Chamber in 2012 as the Membership Sales Coordinator and served as Interim President in 2013. Ms.
Carroll successfully led the Chamber’s Total Resource Campaign volunteers with a record year of sponsorships
totaling $204,000.
The highly anticipated Cornerstone award was presented to Mr. Keith Gunnet. Since 1996, this award has
signified lifelong achievement and is presented annually to an individual, living or deceased, that has committed
their all in service for the betterment of Goldsboro and Wayne County. The recipient must have long-term
service to Wayne County, significant impact on the overall betterment of the area, considered part of the
foundation of the area, and may be involved in business, education, government, etc. Mr. John Best preluded the
announcement with an overview of Mr. Gunnet’s many accomplishments in Wayne County.
Mr. Gunnet has been a leader and an advocate for the betterment of our community over the years. Mr. Gunnet
has held many roles in our community to include: Board of Trustees, Wayne Community College; President,
Wayne Community College Foundation; Chairman, Wayne County Development Alliance; President, Boys and
Girls Club of Wayne County; President, United Way of Wayne County; Goldsboro Rotary Club; Staff Parish Chair,
Finance Chair, and Executive Committee, St. Paul United Methodist Church. Mr. Best closed the evening with this
statement, “Every encounter is a moment of truth—an opportunity to be a blessing to someone. The greatest
any of us can aspire to be is a blessing in the lives of others. Keith Gunnet has been a blessing to many,
and especially a blessing to Wayne County.”
View the 2013
Annual Report
Friends of Seymour
Johnson AFB
The Wayne County Chamber of Commerce
Military Affairs Committee has organized
Friends of Seymour Johnson AFB to raise
needed funds and organize a balanced
approach to:
* Ensure the Goldsboro/Wayne County
community remains a premier host of
SJAFB the “Crown Jewel” of the US Air
Force
* Pursue enhancement opportunities
including; military construction, off base
infrastructure improvements that can
enhance mission capabilities, increase
installation efficiency, and promote
military quality of life.
Friends of Seymour Johnson AFB is
working for a united community effort to
ensure that Seymour Johnson AFB
remains a viable and important economic
force in Wayne County. Attendees will
hear a briefing from the Military Affairs
Committee, McGuire Woods Consulting
and Cassidy & Associates.
Ben Seegars, Military Affairs Committee
Chair stated, “It has become increasingly
important for our local community to be
actively involved with state and federal
policy makers to ensure they are aware of
the opportunities and threats on many
fronts.”
For more information about the Military
Affairs Committee or the Friends of
Seymour Johnson AFB, please contact the
Chamber.
waynecountychamber.com
Chamber Events
Transportation Hot Topic Luncheon
Presenting Sponsor: City of Goldsboro
Secretary of Transportation Tony Tata was
the keynote speaker at the 1st Quarter Hot
Topic Luncheon that was held on March
12th.
The Secretary discussed his first full year in
office and discussed that 2013 was a year
of changes to ensure a transparent
department. 2014 will focus on
implementing those changes and they
are well on their way.
Secretary Tata outlined the funding formula
used to qualify projects in terms of priority
and pointed out the high importance of
projects connected to our state’s military
bases.
Chris Pendergraph, Division 4 Operations
Engineer, presented a slideshow of the
Highway 70 corridor improvements that
have been made and the progress on the
Highway 70 Bypass project. He noted that
the entire bypass project was 16 years ahead
of schedule.
Pendergraph said the next challenge was
how to “Plug in” to the bypass and retain
some of the diverted traffic.
March 20
Business After Hours
5:30pm - 7:00pm
Wine & Design
March 29
Friends of Seymour Johnson Gala
6:00pm
Walnut Creek Country Club
April 3
Morning Rush
7:30am – 8:30am
Presenting Sponsor:
Precision Plumbing
April 12
Teacher Job Fair
April 17
Business After Hours
5:30pm - 7:00pm
Goldsboro Builders Supply
May 1
Morning Rush
7:30am – 8:30am
Presenting Sponsor:
Precision Plumbing
May 2
Eggs & Issues Breakfast
7:30am
Lane Tree
Presenting Sponsor:
The Goldsboro News-Argus
What does the Wayne County
Chamber of Commerce mean to you?
Participants in the Chamber’s video that debuted in early 2014 shared heartfelt testimonials about the
Chamber’s work and Wayne County. Visit the Chamber’s homepage www.waynecountychamber.com
to learn more about your Chamber and the value therein!
Former
hotel has a
new look
and a new
name
Experience true
southern hospitality
when you stay at the newly renovated Best
Western Plus of Goldsboro. Our hotel offers
complimentary hot breakfast that also includes
pancakes, hot oatmeal, assorted pastries and
assorted juices. Stay productive with free WI-FI
in all guest rooms and public areas and our well
equipped 24-hour business center. You can also
rejuvenate at our expanded fitness center
complete with two treadmills, elliptical machine,
recumbent bike and free weights.
Bring along Fido! We give them the royal treatment with our special pet goodie bags. While
you're here, check out our banquet space and
board room for that special meeting or get
together you've been meaning to plan. Bring the
family back with you! We offer special group
discounts. Let our friendly and professional team
Speakers
Wanted!
The students of Wayne
County need you to share
your business experience
in the classroom!
The Chamber’s Wayne
Education Network is
pleased to announce our
latest initiative:
‘Speaker's Bureau.'
We are seeking business
professionals in the area to
go into our 6th grade
classrooms and share their
experiences with the
students. Research has
shown us that this age is a
pivotal time when a student
may lose focus; what a great
opportunity for our children
to get excited about the
many career opportunities
available.
Janet Brock
janetb@waynecountychamber.com
or (919) 734-2241
help make your stay memorable.
Chamber Events
May 3
Young Professionals Down &
Derby Party
Presenting Sponsor:
Precision Plumbing
May 7
Safety Awards Luncheon
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Lane Tree
Presenting Sponsor:
T.A. Loving
May 14
Chamber 101
8:30am - 9:30am
May 15
Business After Hours
5:30pm – 7:00pm
Best Western
May 12 - 16
Small Business Week
Presenting Sponsor:
Mount Olive College
May 20
Business to Business Showcase
Presenting Sponsor:
First Citizens Bank
For more info: (919) 731 -1999
Marketing is a must for a
business in today’s
marketplace. According to
business experts, marketing
should be considered an
investment in your business not
an expenditure. Repetition is
the key to marketing as it can
take up to 9 times for someone
to see your marketing piece
before you are remembered.
Are you taking advantage of
your marketing benefits as a
Chamber member? We have
several affordable (and some
free) ways for you to promote
your business through your
membership in the Wayne
County Chamber of Commerce.
June 5
Morning Rush
7:30am - 8:30am
Presenting Sponsor:
Precision Plumbing
June 10
Young Professionals Luau
Presenting Sponsor:
Precision Plumbing
June 19
Business After Hours
5:30pm - 7:00pm
BUSCO Beach
www.waynecountychamber.com
WHAT IS LEADERSHIP WAYNE?
Leadership Class of 2013-2014 posing with a
“Steel Dinosaur” created by Benton & Sons
Stainless Steel Fabrications.
Leadership Wayne
This year’s class of 17 participants has
been very busy. They have taken on the
challenge of renovating the indoor and
outdoor break areas for the employees
at Wayne Opportunity Center. We are
proud to announce that so far they have
raised over $10,000 in funds for the
project!
Regents organizing this year’s
Business & Industry Day took a
different approach and started the day
at the STEM lab at Norwayne
Middle School with some hands on
activities. The idea was to highlight the
educational requirements for Wayne
County’s workforce and then to
progress throughout the day showing
the need for those skills within our
businesses. The class then visited
Benton & Sons where they were briefed
on the process of metal fabrication. While at Benton and Sons, the
class was shown a project where they
are building a dinosaur out of metal.
The next stop was the Wayne County
Development Alliance for lunch and a
presentation on economic development
from the staff. The last stop of the day
was Mission Foods for a tour of the
facility where the class learned how
tortilla products are manufactured.
Leadership Wayne is a program of the Wayne
County Chamber of Commerce and is
designed to create a corps of leaders
dedicated to the betterment of the
community through service. Participation is
open to persons who are recognized as
emerging leaders, as well as those persons
demonstrating leadership potential. The
program seeks men and women who have
achieved leadership positions within their
field and who are likely to be recruited for
community service.
For more information:
Contact Janet Brock
(919) 734-2241 or
janetb@waynecountychamber.com.
SELECTION CRITERIA:
Participants will be chosen by the Selection
Committee of Leadership Wayne, and are
subject to the approval of the Board of
Regents, a volunteer committee of alumni that
administers the program. The committee seeks
representation from a cross-section of the
community — business, industry, education,
government, community-based organizations,
ethnic and minority groups.
Basic criteria that must be met by all
applicants:
1. The candidate must live or work in Wayne
County. If employed full-time and the
employer is funding the tuition, the candidate
must have the endorsement and
commitment of his or her employer.
2. The candidate must understand and
accept the program’s expectations regarding
attendance, community project and other
program guidelines.
3. The candidate must have a sincere
commitment to serve the community
demonstrated by detailed and specific
information provided in this application.
In reviewing applications, the Selection
Committee looks for potential participants who
demonstrate the following:
1. Commitment and motivation to serve the
Wayne County area.
2. Ability to make the time commitment
required by the program.
Website Traffic...We Deliver BIG TIME!
Let’s put it into perspective: From February 18, 2014– March 18 , 2014, the Chamber’s
website had
Leadership Wayne begins with a
mandatory opening 1 and 1/2 day
overnight retreat in September, and
is completed the following May with
a mandatory 1/2 day retreat.
Beginning in October, the class meets
one Thursday a month for 7 months.
Finally, all class members must
participate in and complete a class
project together for the betterment
of Wayne County.
5,662 page views. This is just 1 month!
Young Professionals Group
The Young Professionals group is the
social and professional
networking group with goals of
contributing to a better Goldsboro
and a better you. The YPG is made up
of connected, motivated and energetic professionals that will surely
make up the future of Wayne
County’s leadership. The YPG
provides a way for its members to
experience more of our great
county and be active participants in
social, professional and charitable
events.
The YPG offers its members an
opportunity to be a part of
something BIG and a chance to build
solid relationships. Whether looking
for a new career, ways to expand
your client database or simply a
chance to make new
personal connections, the YPG has
something for everyone. Social
media is wonderful for connecting
with volumes of people but the YPG is
the best local group to meet in real
life while contributing to
positive change in Goldsboro.
Join the YPG to network with other
professionals, meet the movers and
shakers, experience new and
exciting venues throughout our city,
and give back to the community.
The YPG aims to create an exciting
and beneficial experience for all its
members!
Get Involved. Get Active.
Build Relationships.
www.waynecountychamber.com
Why Buy Locally
Owned?
There are many well-documented benefits
to our communities and to each of us to
choosing local, independently owned
businesses. We realize it is not always
possible to buy what you need locally
and so we merely ask you to
Think Local FIRST!
Top Ten Reasons to
Think LOCAL
1. Buy Local -- Support yourself: Studies have shown that
when you buy from an independent, locally owned business,
rather than nationally owned business, significantly more of
your money is used to make purchases from other local
businesses, service providers and farms -- continuing to
strengthen the economic base of the community. Case studies
show that locally owned businesses generate a premium in
enhanced economic impact to the community and our tax
base.
2. Support community groups: Non-profit organizations
receive an average 250% more support from smaller business
owners than they do from large businesses.
3. Keep our community unique: Where we shop, where we
eat and have fun -- all of it makes our community home. Our
one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive
character of this place. Our tourism businesses also benefit.
“When people go on vacation they generally seek out
destinations that offer them the sense of being someplace, not
just anyplace.” ~ Richard Moe, President, National Historic
Preservation Trust
4. Reduce environmental impact: Locally owned
businesses can make more local purchases requiring less
transportation.
5. Create more jobs for residents: Small local
businesses are the largest employer nationally and in our
community. They provide the most jobs to residents.
6. Get better service: Local businesses often hire people with a
better understanding of the products they are selling and take
more time to get to know customers.
7. Invest in community: Local businesses are owned by
people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and
are more invested in the community’s future.
8. Put your taxes to good use: Local businesses in town
centers require comparatively little infrastructure investment
and make more efficient use of public services as compared to
nationally owned stores entering the community.
9. Buy what you want, not what someone wants you to buy: A
marketplace of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best
way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term. A
multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based not
on a national sales plan but, on their own interests and the needs
of their local customers, guarantees a much broader range of
product choices.
10. Encourage local prosperity: A growing body of economic
research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world,
entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and
settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses
and distinctive character.
Support Fellow Chamber Members
Think local first + Buy local when you can =
Being a local!
www.waynecountychamber.com
Did You Know? No single organization offers as many networking opportunities as the
Chamber. Whether you’re new to your business or have in-depth experience, the
Chamber offers many events which take place annually, offering you a variety of forums to
network for your business.
Chamber Events
June 24
2nd Qtr. Hot Topic Healthcare
7:30am
Wayne Memorial Hospital
Presenting Sponsor:
Wayne Memorial Hospital
July 17
Business After Hours
5:30pm - 7:00pm
Country Inn & Suites
July 22
Chamber 101
8:30am - 9:30am
Join Us for
“Eggs & Issues”
Legislative Breakfast
Friday, May 2, 2014
7:45am - 9:30am
Lane Tree Country Club
$15 for Chamber members
$20 for non Chamber members
NC House of Representatives District 4
July 31
End of Session Legislative
Update Breakfast
7:30am
Lane Tree
Presenting Sponsor:
The Goldsboro News-Argus
NC House of Representatives District 10
August 4
Teacher Welcome Breakfast
NC State Senate District 5
Don Davis
NC State Senate District 7
Louis Pate
James Dixon
John Bell
NC House of Representatives District 21
Larry Bell
They spend your money & make decisions that affect your families &
businesses. Come meet those who represent you & hear what they’ve
done, what they will do & what they see as the key issues for the
future of North Carolina.
August 7
Morning Rush
7:30am - 8:30am
Presenting Sponsor:
Precision Plumbing
August 14
3rd Qtr. Hot Topic
Economic Outlook
12:00pm - 1:30pm
Goldsboro Country Club
Presenting Sponsor:
Wayne County
Development Alliance
August 21
Business After Hours
5:30pm - 7:00pm
Lee Hyundai
www.waynecountychamber.com
Sign up Today & Market
Your Product to Over
3,000 Individuals for FREE!
Junior Leadership students visit Seymour Johnson Air Force Base
in an effort to become more familiar with the professional
organizations in the local area, so that they may be exposed to
opportunities in Wayne County.
Junior Leadership
This month’s class day was focused on
Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. The visit included a tour of the 916th Air Refueling Wing ramp
and KC-135R Stratotanker, 4th Security Forces
Squadron Dog Kennels, 4th Fighter Wing Fire
Department, and a demonstration of the KC-135R
Stratotanker simulator.
“The students enjoyed every aspect of the
tour...especially the simulator”, said committee
member Lou Cook. The group was treated to a
discussion from Senior MSgt. Donna Lorenz, 916th
logistics plans superintendent, who retires later
this year after more than 30 years of service in the
Air Force. "In my final year, it's important that I
affect positive change," said Lorenz. "Speaking
with the group was a great opportunity for me to
share my passion for leadership and reflect on the
things I've learned."
“The group was very receptive and grateful for the
experience,” said Cook, adding that the visit definitely sparked their interest in what happens here
on base. "They were very vocal and enthusiastic
about what all they enjoyed and how much they
had learned," said Cook. "The impression you have
made on these youngsters lasts a lifetime."
The Junior Leadership program is open to all juniors who
attend public, private, or parochial schools located in
Wayne County.
The Wayne County Chamber of
Commerce Wayne Education
Network has been working with our
local school system to insure that
our community has the best
possible teaching force for our
children. To help with this
enormous task, we have created a
teacher incentive package for our
prospective valuable educators.
We are asking for local businesses
to offer discounts to attract new
educators to our community. The
goal of the incentive package is to
include: discounts on moving costs;
assistance from utility companies;
lending institutions; realtors;
waivers for apartment deposits;
discounts on retail services; hotel
discounts; restaurant discounts and
any other discounts that would be
helpful for relocation. Currently,
over 51 local businesses have
already offered to help with our
incentive package and we hope
your company will elect to
participate as well.
If your business is interested in
participating in this great program,
visit our website,
waynecountychamber.com.
Fax completed form to Janet Brock
(919) 734-2247
or call (919) 734-2241.
Your commitment will be a
valuable tool to market your
company without spending
a dime!
Interested in
advertising your
business?
Abundant marketing
opportunities await you in
Chamber publications, on our
website and at a variety of events
where you can exhibit or sponsor.
No matter what your budget is,
our Chamber has a variety of
opportunities to help you promote your business.
HIGHLIGHT
YOUR
BUSINESS here!
Contact:
Lara Landers
laral@waynecountychamber.com
919-734-2241
GREAT EXPOSURE YEAR-ROUND
The Chamber has always been known as the primary source of information and the place to look for businesses, goods and services. Over
6,000 visitors, newcomers, residents, and others contact the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce each year requesting
information about our community and our members. These inquiries, combined with hits to our website, generate thousands of referrals.
We only recommend members!
If you are not a member, you are missing out on valuable business exposure!
Please contact Charity
Johnson at charityj@waynecountychamber.com to promote your business!
news
Wayne County Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 1107
Goldsboro, NC 27533
Over 100 years Strong
Wayne County Chamber of Commerce
March 2014
2014 Board of Directors
Rick Sumner, Chairman
Dr. Scott LaFevers, Chair-Elect
Hattie Frederick, Treasurer
Tom Bradshaw, Past Chair
Chuck Allen
Neal Benton
John Best
Stewart Bryan
Beverly Carroll
Joanna Helms
Alfredo Moreno
David Perry
Ben Seegars
Greg Shackelford
Chrissy Smith
Hal Tanner, III
Dr. Ed Wilson, Jr.
Derrick Wootson
Dr. Kay Albertson
Wayne Aycock
Mayor Al King
Dr. Steve Taylor
waynecountychamber.com
Ambassadors hard at work during last month’s meeting
Chamber Ambassadors
The Ambassadors are the Chamber’s premier volunteer organization composed of high-energy,
outgoing and dynamic business men and women. The Ambassadors work together as a team to
increase membership retention, add new members and to improve awareness of Chamber benefits.
Ambassadors also act as hosts at Chamber events.
The purpose of the Chamber Ambassador Program is to serve as a resource between the Chamber
and the local business community. Ambassadors engage in activities that result in the increase
involvement and retention of members. To be a part of this dynamic committee, contact Charity
Johnson, charityj@waynecountychamber.com or 919-734-2241.