News
3/31/09: Follow the Chamber via Blog, Facebook and Twitter!
Want regular updates from the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce? Access the most up to date information via the Chamber's pages on social media applications! Visit us on Facebook, Twitter or read our regular posts on our very own blog!
1/2/09: Happy New Year From the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce
As we say goodbye to 2008 and look forward to 2009, we wish your business and organization the very best! Many of us make a valiant attempt to make New Year's resolutions for the coming year with high hopes of losing weight, quitting smoking, spending less, getting organized, staying in touch with friends, etc. But do we ever think of what our resolutions could or should be as a community? Would they look something like this?
1. Shop local. Make an effort to make purchases from local businesses when you are shopping this year. Stop and think, "Is there someone in my community that offers these goods and services, or could they get them for me if I asked?" Help keep our county growing and our dollars working for us.
2. Support your local non-profits. In Mitchell County, there are many worthwhile non-profits that could use your support. Learn about the non-profits in our community this year, what they are doing to help our neighbors and how you can lend a helping hand. From the American Cancer Society to The United Way, Communities in Schools, SafePlace and others, find your place and offer your gifts and talents.
3. Get involved in your local government. An informed and interested citizen can make change happen. Put the meeting dates of the County Commissioners, Town Councils and Board of Education on your calendar and make an effort to attend at least one of these a month. You will learn alot about the decisions being made on your behalf and also see how your input can make a difference.
4. Support our students. The students attending Mitchell County schools are our future employees and business owners. Get involved in the schools by volunteering your time as a mentor, supporting the Academic Boosters Clubs, donating your goods or services, serving as a guest speaker in a classroom, or being the ultimate fan at an athletic event. Our kids need everyone's support whether you have a child in school or not!
5. Be positive. It's easy to get drawn into the negatives especially when times are tough. Make an effort this year to look for the positive things going on in our community and applaud those. Even better, be a part of the positives by spreading the word about the assets we have, refusing to get drawn into the negative conversations and complaining, and better yet, rolling up your sleeves and making your business or organization a more positive place to work and a more positive place for your customers to be served.
12/1/08: Chamber Welcomes New Membership Director
The Chamber is pleased to welcome Sandra Buchanan to the staff as the new Membership Director. Newly retired from 30 years with the Employment Security Commission, Sandra brings a wealth of understanding of the business world and what small businesses are facing today. You can contact Sandra with any membership questions at sbuchanan@mitchell-county.com.
9/17/08: Chamber Recognizes Award Winners, Honors Billie Ruth Sudduth at Annual Dinner
Business and community leaders gathered at the Chalet Restaurant at the Switzerland Inn on Tuesday evening, September 16th to celebrate the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner. Chamber members enjoyed dinner and heard remarks from Virgil Smith, current Chairman and former President and Publisher of the Asheville Citizen-Times. Smith spoke to the group about the region’s shared opportunities and encouraged Mitchell County citizens to seek innovative solutions to challenges.
State Representative Phillip Frye also announced to the group that Mitchell County had been selected to participate in the Community Assistance Initiative sponsored by Golden LEAF Foundation.
As part of the awards celebration, Chamber members in eight categories were honored with awards voted on by their peers. Blue Ridge Regional Hospital was honored as the 2008 Member of the Year, an award voted on by Chamber members and based on the criteria of excellence in the provision of services; growth; and significant contributions to the Chamber and the community. The Chamber also recognized local artist Billie Ruth Sudduth, who is celebrating 25 years in basketry. Sudduth was honored for her significant contributions to the arts community and to Mitchell County.
Board members and officers for the new term also participated in an installation ceremony. Jeff Gouge was sworn in as Chamber President, while Lee Ellis and Richard Canipe accepted the positions of President-Elect and Treasurer, respectively. Newly installed Board members included Lisa Bryant, BRP US; Jeff Harding; Harding’s Landscaping & Lawn Maintenance; Keith Garland, Wal-Mart; Dr. John Gossett, Mayland Community College; Jerry Jackson, Penland School of Crafts; Stuart Jensen, Grassy Creek Golf & Country Club; Gabriela Loftis, Manpower; Keith McKinney, Bakersville Flowers & Gifts; Leland Riddle, Leland Riddle Financial Services; Sara Thompson, Blue Ridge Regional Hospital; and Willa Ann Ward, Pine Valley Motel
CONGRATULATIONS, AWARD WINNERS!
Amazing Customer Service:
DT’s Blue Ridge Java
Rookie of the Year:
Highland Craftsmen
Nonprofit Organization of the Year:
Hospice & Palliative Care Center of Mitchell County
Small Business of the Year:
Crimson Laurel Gallery
Large Business of the Year:
Burleson Plumbing & Heating
Excellence in Community Support:
Communities in Schools of Mitchell County
Outstanding Volunteer Service:
Harper Wilson
President’s Award:
Bob Hensley
Director’s Award:
Bill Slagle, Jr.
Member of the Year:
Blue Ridge Regional Hospital
2008 Award Winners
Keynote Speaker Virgil Smith
New Board members are installed
Billie Ruth Sudduth addresses Chamber members
