Wallace Chamber of Commerce

2010 Parade Marshal John Levings

2010-12-11T11:40:00.000-05:00

2010 Christmas at Twilight

2010-11-06T07:18:00.003-04:00

The 6th Annual Christmas at Twilight will be held this year on November 20. The celebration has found a home on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, and the change in the start time to an earlier 2:00 in the afternoon, has worked well for many families with small children. Expect to find many of your favorite things at Christmas at Twilight again this year. There will be an Elf Shoppe with activities for the children, and antique cars and hay rides.

The Taste of Wallace will offer a variety of foods, as will the food vendors. Entertainment will be going on throughout the event, the shop owners on Main Street will be offering special sales and refreshments, craft vendors will be set up along the streets, and elves and other Christmas characters will be parading through town. And of course, the celebration would not be complete without a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus!

Mark your calendar and make plans with family and friends to spend the day and start your holiday season in Downtown Wallace for Christmas at Twilight 2010

2010 Christmas Parade Marshal-John Levings

2010-11-06T07:16:00.003-04:00

The 2010 Wallace Christmas Parade Marshal has been announced. John Levings has been chosen for the honor this year. John has owned the Sears Hometown Store for the past 14 years, and during that time he has been an active member of our community.

John served as the Wallace Chamber of Commerce president for two years, and currently sits on the Wallace Parks & Recreation Board, and the Wallace Revitalization Association. John is also the president of the Methodist Men, and is president of the Pastor Parrish Committee of the Wallace Methodist Church.

Please join us in congratulating John on his selection!

Chamber sponsors political forum

2010-11-06T07:12:00.004-04:00

The Wallace Chamber of Commerce was host to the major political candidates who are running for office in the 2010 November elections. The forum welcomed candidates running for Duplin County Commissioner, North Carolina House, North Carolina Senate, and U.S. House of Representatives.

All of the candidates present did a wonderful job of presenting their platforms and positions. They were strong in their explanations of why they felt strongly about certain points, they shared their backgrounds and the reasons they were running for office.

Many thanks to Sheila Young and Lou Powell for all of their efforts to make this event happen, and thanks to everyone who came out and supported this event. We are very proud of the citizenry of Wallace for their involvement in the voting process.

The State of the Town Address-2010

2010-11-06T07:10:00.000-04:00

Wallace Mayor Charley Farrior delivered his “State of the Town” message to the Wallace Chamber of Commerce in what has become an annual tradition. The mayor reported that:

· After 12 years in working to build a new waste treatment plant, the project is underway and near completion.

· A new fire truck, able to spray both water and foam, has been purchase to replace an older engine. Hopefully, the acquisition of this piece of equipment will result in lower the insurance premiums for businesses.

· The Wallace Women's Club building which was damaged by arsonists, has been restored, and is available for rental.

· Plans are in the works to extend the existing runway at the Wallace airport by relocating the road adjacent to the airport into an adjacent field. A longer runways allows for larger aircraft to land in Wallace.

· After six years of dedicated effort to resolve the issues with the storm drainage system in Wallace, the success of those efforts was realized in the past weeks of record rainfall. Streets and drainage areas that previously would have flooded, performed very well with the recent 19 inches of rain.

· The Wallace Depot is now complete with the completion of the shed restoration project. The work was performed entirely by volunteers, and funded through donations.

· The implementation of Radio Read Meters has resulted in a cost saving to the town of $33,975.00 and has resulted in more accurate meter reading and billing.

· Mayor Farrior announced a that a new member of the Wallace Police Force has been hired with the acquisition of a K-9 Officer.

Mayor Farrior pointed to the positive growth spearheaded by the move Walmart made to US 41 Hwy., and the positive and negative results of the businesses that located with them. While the move has resulted in 2 additional shopping centers being built, and new businesses locating in Wallace because of that, it has also meant that existing businesses moved with the retailers. Some of those businesses were from the downtown area. Mayor Farrior expressed the concern that the Town Board feels over the situation, and announced that a meeting is scheduled with various members of the business community and two outside consultants. One of the consultants was instrumental in the efforts that gave birth to the Wallace Revitalization Association years ago.

Art at the Depot- Arts are Brewing...October 30

2010-10-10T13:20:00.002-04:00

Mark your calendar for October 30. This year's Art at the Depot will have a Halloween theme. The all day family event will have arts & crafts vendors, activities for the kids-and adults, entertainment, food and fun!

Your are cordially invited to Chamber After Hours

2010-09-02T19:55:00.001-04:00

You are cordially invited to join us

Thursday, September 16

from 6:00-7:30 p.m.

In the upstairs Banquet Room at the new

River Landing Clubhouse

for

Chamber After Hours.

Light refreshments and a cash bar will be available during an evening featuring the work of Thomas Bennett

Artist in Residence at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.

R.S.V.P. by September 14 to Lou Powell by phone at

910-285-4044 or by email at lou@wallacechamber.com

Please join us at this beautiful facility for an evening of fellowship and networking with other chamber members.

New Member Spotlight:Thomas Bennett

2010-09-02T19:53:00.002-04:00

Thomas Bennett has been painting for years. The Wallace resident is best known for his nature inspired pieces. His talent and perspective has been called “Audubon inspired” by many. It is his ability to capture the beauty in North Carolina wildlife that has earned him a position as an Artist in Residence at the North Carolina Museum of Natural History. In addition to his painting of nature, Bennett has done a commemorative painting for the North Carolina Muscadine Festival, and a festival promotional painting that was adapted as a label for one of Duplin Winery’s “festival wines”. He also painted the “Spirit of Airborne” commemorative poster which celebrates the achievements of the airborne units at Fort Bragg. Bennett recently donated a print of “Cardinals in Dogwood” to the Wallace Chamber of Commerce. The piece is on display at the Chamber of Commerce office in the Wallace Depot. There will be a showing and sale of some of Bennett’s work at the Chamber after

Pet Friends 2nd Annual 5k Run & 3k Walk

2010-09-02T19:51:00.001-04:00

Pet Friends of Duplin County will hold its second annual 5k Fun Run and 3k Pet Walk on Saturday October 30, 2010. PFDC is a non profit 501-C (3) organization committed to the plight of abandoned, unwanted and abused animals. Pet Friends of Duplin County provides rescue services from area shelters and foster homes until these loveable and deserving animals can be placed in a suitable home for adoption. PFDC also has a low cost spay, neuter and rabies program. A transport service for these animals to safe havens is another service. PFDC conducts free pet care educational programs to the local schools in Duplin County. Last year Pet Friends of Duplin County rescued and transported over 300 puppies, dogs, kittens and cats. There were 320 spay and neuter surgeries. A total of 10,000 miles were traveled to transport animals to safe havens. We need your support to assist our four legged friends by participating in the PFDC Paws for a cause 5k Fun Run and 3k Pet Walk. The event starts at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday , October 30, 2010. We are looking forward to seeing you there with or without your pet friend. If you cannot attend, your contribution to this worthwhile cause will be greatly appreciated. Please make your check payable to Pet Friends of Duplin County, PO Box 152, Wallace, NC 28466. For more information, contact Bob Farina at 910-665-1133.

GOLD SPONSOR-$250- Includes your name and logo on t-shirts, your name on a sponsorship sign along the walk/run route, and inclusion in our printed material.

SIVER SPOSOR-$100- Includes your name in medium size block lettering on tee-shirts and inclusion in our printed material.

BRONZE SPONSOR-$50- Includes your name on a sponsorship sign along our walk/run route and inclusion in our printed material

Chance to win a new Mustang!

2010-09-02T19:50:00.002-04:00

Stop by Friendly Ford before September 9, 2010 to register to win a new 2011 Ford Mustang!

Duplin County Partnership for Children Book Drive

2010-09-02T19:48:00.002-04:00

Duplin County Partnership for Children is having a Book Drive for child care facilities in Duplin County, Parents as Teachers families, parent workshop attendees, families of other Smart Start funded programs and other organizations and families in need of children’s books. For more information, please contact DCPC at 910-296-2000. Book drop off locations in Wallace are: the Wallace Chamber of Commerce office from 1:00-5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, Advance Auto, The Butter Box, Farm Bureau Insurance, Peebles Department Store, Piggly Wiggly and RCA Realty.

Duplin Christian Outreach Ministry opens thrift store

2010-09-02T19:45:00.001-04:00

The Duplin Christian Outreach Ministries has opened the Blessings in Store thrift shop at 114 SW Railroad St. Items are donated to the ministry, and sold at reasonable cost to the community. They have a large selection of clothing for children, ladies and men, with prices ranging from $1.00-$6.00. There is also a good selection of houseware items and linens at equally reasonable prices. The store is open Thursday from 1:00-6:00 p.m., and Saturday from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. For more information about the store or to arrange to make a donation,

JSCC Small Business Seminars

2010-09-02T19:44:00.000-04:00

The Fall session of seminars sponsored by the James Sprunt Small Business Center is really exciting! The seminars are free, and are certificate sessions. To register for any of the seminar sessions call 910-2962430 or email sbc@jamessprunt.edu.

Entrepreneur Academy 2010

Boyette Bldg, Room 113, 6-10 p.m.

How to Finance Your Business- Tuesday - September 7-Learn the facts about adequate financing for your small business.

How to Market Your Business- Tuesday- September 14-Learn to develop an effective marketing plan.

Tax Reporting Requirements- Tuesday- September 21-Learn the basics of state and federal tax requirements and filing.

Small Business Record Keeping - Tuesday- September 28-Learn to manage the balance sheet, income sheet and cash flow for your business.

All seminars are free, and a Certificate of Completion will be given to those who attend all six sessions.

Fundamentals of Supervision and Management

Hoffler Building-Monk Auditorium, 9:00 a.m.-12 p.m.

How to find, hire and keep great people- Thursday - September 30 - Learn to find and keep great people for your organization- John Formica

Coaching your employees- The Disney way to get positive results- Thursday - October 28- This session will focus on results oriented leadership styles, effective communication skills, and coaching skills that motivate and result in increased performance form your team. -John Formica

Diversity Awareness-Building Better Relationships- Thursday- November 18 - Learn to identify the barriers to diversity, four steps to building better relationships, guidelines for managing a diverse workplace and how to meet the needs of your diverse customers.- John Formica

All seminars are free, and a Certificate of Completion will be given to those who attend all four sessions.

CHAMBER AFTER HOURS September 16, 2010

2010-09-02T19:42:00.000-04:00

Mark your calendar, and plan to join us for a Chamber After Hours event, Thursday, September 16, 2010. The event will be held upstairs in the Banquet Room of the new River Landing Clubhouse. The evening will run from 6:00 p.m. and until 7:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be offered, and a cash bar will be available. Renown artist and Wallace resident, Thomas A. Bennett, Artist in Residence at the North Carolina Museum of Natural History, will have his paintings on display, and prints of several will be available for purchase at the event. You must RSVP by September 14 to attend this event. Please call Lou Powell, Executive Director of the Wallace Chamber of Commerce at 910-285-4044 or email your acceptance of the invitation to lou@wallacechamber.com.

Restored and Renewed, the Wallace Woman's Center Building is ready for use!

2010-08-01T07:39:00.004-04:00

The Wallace Woman’s Club Building restoration is complete, and is once again available for rental. The kitchen has new appliances, the HVAC units have been replaced, and additional new bathrooms have been built.
A handicap access ramp was also installed as part of the renovation.New hardwood floors have been installed, and the interior is true to the original space. The building has new tables and chairs, that can seat 120 guests. Several lamps and candlesticks were salvaged from he building after the fire, and have been returned to the space since rebuilding. Additional decorative items have been acquired and lighting is improved in the space, making for a beautiful setting for parties and gatherings.
In addition to the daily rental availability on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the space is now being offered at very attractive special rates Monday-Thursday for either day or evening blocks of 5 hours. For complete information about renting the Wallace Woman’s Club Building, and to schedule rental, call Lou Powell at the Wallace Chamber of Commerce Office at 910-285-4044.

Christmas at Twilight planning meeting

2010-08-01T07:34:00.002-04:00

The temperatures may be near 100 degrees- and you may think it is just too soon to be thinking about Christmas….but planning for Christmas at Twilight and the Wallace Christmas Parade will be starting in August. Neither of these events happens without our team of volunteers starting to plan, make contacts and schedule participants in the next weeks. Christmas at Twilight has indeed become a Wallace Tradition, and has grown in popularity and attendance year by year. We hope to make this year the best and brightest yet! The first planning meeting is August 19 at 5:30 p.m. at the Wallace Depot. Please make this the year you become part of the tradition!

New Member Spotlight: Bill Carone Chevrolet, GMC, Buick

2010-08-01T07:26:00.005-04:00

It is an unlikely chain of events that brings Bill Carone and his staff to Wallace, but we are grateful that it is the outcome to his story. Bill is a long time Wallace resident and member of the Fire Department, and his wife Susan teaches at Wallace Elementary School. Though Bill was sorry to leave a community that had supported the dealership for 85 years, it was the only way to keep a GM dealership in Duplin County under the GM restructure. Bill brings with him a well trained and seasoned sales, parts and service staff, all of whom have ties to the local communities. The task of re-opening the Wallace dealership has been a big one, but the staff has loved every minute of the craziness, and every day it seems as though they have been there forever. The move brings 19 jobs to Wallace, and by being the second dealership here, it establishes Wallace as the location in Duplin County to shop for a car. When asked about their new neighbor, Justin Boyette at Friendly Ford was truly happy to see him come in. Justin explained that it would help bring prospective customers to Wallace because there would be more than one dealership to shop when they came here. The dealership will carry new cars In the Chevrolet, Buick and GM divisions, and has a good selection of late model cars in each of these divisions. They also have a strong selection of late model used cars from several different car makers. They are as particular about the used vehicles they will offer for sale as they are about the new car selection….maybe more so. In addition to sales, they are offering GMC service, and are running a $19.95 oil change special. They also offer a pick up/ drop off service for $5 with this special. The grand opening for the dealership is scheduled for September 18, 2010.

New Member Spotlight: Patient Care of Wilmington

2010-08-01T07:22:00.002-04:00

Deborah Adams-Wingate, RN, MSN, NP-C is an Adult/Geriatric Nurse Practitioner (NP-C), certified nationally and licensed in North Carolina. She received her under-graduate training first at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia and then completed her Master’s in Nursing, at Duke University. She has practiced as a Nurse, since 1995 both in hospitals and with private practices.At Patient Centered Care, they strive to optimize the present and future health of their adult patients through a partnership that utilizes lifestyle modifications and the most up to date medical knowledge. Patient Centered Care specializes in primary care for adults, 13 years and older, and in the care of patients with acute and chronic multi-system diseases; including, but not limited to, the treatment and management of: cardiac disease, diabetes, arthritis, digestive disease, respiratory disorders, hormonal disorders, kidney disease, women’s health (excluding pregnancy or delivery care), substance abuse, mental health; specializing in the elderly and cancer survivors.Patient Centered Care emphasizes preventive health and general well-being. Medical concerns are managed through diagnosis, treatment and prevention of common illnesses and chronic diseases taking into account genetics, family history and mental health. Care is coordinated with other specialists. To assure care is patient-centered; it is proactive, inclusive, and customized to individual patients. To assure it is collaborative; they utilize teams of practitioners that share information among themselves and patients alike. Care is customized to each individual to treat their unique medical needs.Their satellite office will be located at 4718 S US 117 Hwy., Teachey. Appointments will be made through the Wilmington office at 910-799-6262.

New Member spotlight: Brent Jackson

2010-08-01T07:09:00.004-04:00

Brent Jackson is Founder, President, and CEO of Jackson Farming Company, Inc. in Autryville, North Carolina. Under his leadership, the company maintains thousands of acres of farmland and the wide distribution of its produce to a variety of retailers. In addition to thirty years in farming, Jackson has contributed much to his community and industry through his involvement in civic and trade organizations.
Among others, Jackson has served as Chairman of the Board of the National Watermelon Association, President of the North Carolina Horticulture Council, a Board Member of the National Watermelon Promotion Board. Additionally, Jackson served on the Board of the Sampson County Farm Bureau, the Sampson County Airport Authority and the Boards of the Clement Civic Center and Clement Fire Department.
An education advocate, Jackson served on the Board of Trustees of Sampson Community College and Midway School District Board. Jackson currently serves as a Board Member for the South River Electric Co-Op. A church leader, Jackson has served in numerous capacities, including Deacon and Sunday School teacher at Union Grove Baptist Church. Jackson has been married to his wife, Debbie, for 31 years. They raised three children, of which two are living, and are the proud grandparents of two beautiful grandchildren.
Jackson is running for the state senate seat left open by Charlie Albertson. Jackson says, “When I am elected as your state senator, I will fight to improve the lives of the people in Duplin, Lenoir, and Sampson counties. I will work to decrease the level of state spending, ease the regulatory burden on small businesses and farmers, and promote progress and prosperity in North Carolina. I will speak out against and work to eliminate wasteful government spending and work towards a better tax system that is easy to understand and fair to all citizens.
I support educating our population to reach their potential. I support the freedom to choose what educational setting best meets those needs. I believe in keeping our word, and our commitment to education. It is unfair to our children when funds granted to education are moved around to make a unworkable budget balance.

JSCC Small Business Seminars

2010-08-01T07:02:00.000-04:00

Entrepreneur Academy 2010

Boyette Bldg, Room 113, 6-10 p.m.

How to Start a Business- Tuesday - August 24- All of the requirements of starting a business will be shared.

How to Write a Business Plan- Tuesday - August 31-The key components of a business plan and cash flow analysis will be shared.

How to Finance Your Business- Tuesday - September 7-Learn the facts about adequate financing for your small business.

How to Market Your Business- Tuesday- September 14-Learn to develop an effective marketing plan.

Tax Reporting Requirements- Tuesday- September 21-Learn the basics of state and federal tax requirements and filing.

Small Business Record Keeping - Tuesday- September 28=-Learn to manage the balance sheet, income sheet and cash flow for your business.

All seminars are free, and a Certificate of Completion will be given to those who attend all six sessions.

Fundamentals of Supervision and Management

Hoffler Building-Monk Auditorium, 9:00 a.m.-12 p.m.

The Best Year of Your Life- Thursday - August 12- Explore the value of a contagious zest for life with professional speaker & author Tim Dannelly.

How to find, hire and keep great people- Thursday - September 30-Learn to find and keep great people for your organization- John Formica

Diversity Awareness-Building Better Relationships- Thursday- November 18- Learn to identify the barriers to diversity, four steps to building better relationships, guidelines for managing a diverse workplace and how to meet the needs of your diverse customers.- John Formica

All seminars are free, and a Certificate of Completion will be given to those who attend all four sessions.

7th Annual Wallace Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic

2010-06-02T19:48:00.000-04:00

2010-06-02T19:43:00.003-04:00

2010 TEAMS

Admiral Outdoor Advertising

Baker & Colby

Centurylink

Charter Business

Duplin Realty/Whitley & Associates

Duplin Wine Family, Inc.

Edwin Bowden Transportation

First Bank #1

First Bank #2

Four County Electric Services

Four Oaks Bank

Friendly Ford

Gordon Vermillion- Candidate for Senate

Hunter &Price, P.A.

JSCC

McDonald’s

Murphy Brown, LLC

Pepsi Bottling Ventures

Ricci/Sears Team

Seegars Fence Company-Wayne County

Subway of Wallace

University Health Systems

Thanks to our Sponsors

2010-06-02T19:39:00.002-04:00

AdverMarket Corporation

American Legion-"Don't Forget-Thank a Vet"

360 Forest Products

Bill Carone Chevrolet-GMC-Buick

Billy's Pork & Beef

Charter Business

Cheerwine Bottling

Clear Run Farms

Dixie General Contractors

Duplin General Hospital

Duplin Heart Clinic

Friendly Ford

JSCC Business Center

James Cavender, CPA

Mad Boar Restaurant

McDonalds

Mott Blair for N. C. House

Pepsi Bottling Ventures

R.A. Jeffreys Dist. Co. of Wilm.-Michelob Ultra

Subway of Wallace

The Duplin Times

University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina

University Health Systems Women's Care

Bill Burgess-WECT TV6

The Wallace Enterprise

Special thanks to McDonalds and Subway for providing meals for our teams!

Thanks to our Volunteers!

2010-06-02T19:37:00.000-04:00

Thank you to all of the Chamber Board members, volunteers, golfers and sponsors for a great 7th Annual Chamber Golf Classic this past Friday! It was a beautiful day at the River Landing Golf Course and everyone seemed to have a good time. There was plenty of good food, prizes and sunshine. The weather was perfect! We hope to see you again next May 6, 2011.

Kevin Hager, Golf Chair
Wallace Chamber of Commerce

2010-06-02T19:20:00.001-04:00

7th Annual Golf Classic Board Members & Volunteers

Kevin Hager - Sheila Young - Frank Brinkley - Hugh Caison - Lou Powell

Missie Wells - Maria Likens - Teyaka Pickett - Davis Carr - Laura Maready

Leo Bracken - Scot Brennan - Bill Cook - Tiffany Young - Joan West

New Member Spotlight: The Salvation Army

2010-06-02T19:17:00.003-04:00

In 1865, William Booth was invited to hold a series of evangelistic meetings in the East End of London. He set up a tent in a Quaker graveyard, and his services became an instant success. Thieves, prostitutes, gamblers, and drunkards were among Booth's first converts to Christianity. To congregations who were desperately poor, he preached hope and salvation. His aim was to lead people to Christ and link them to a church for further spiritual guidance.
Many churches, however, did not accept Booth's followers because of their past. So Booth continued giving his new converts spiritual direction, challenging them to save others like themselves. Soon, they too were preaching and singing in the streets as a living testimony to the power of God.
Booth was reading a printer's proof of the 1878 annual report when he noticed the statement "The Christian Mission is a volunteer army." Crossing out the words "volunteer army," he penned in "Salvation Army." From those words came the basis of the foundation deed of The Salvation Army.
From that point, converts became soldiers of Christ and were known then, as now, as Salvationists. They launched an offensive throughout the British Isles, in some cases facing real battles as organized gangs mocked and attacked them. In spite of violence and persecution, some 250,000 people were converted under the ministry of The Salvation Army between 1881 and 1885.
Meanwhile, the Army was gaining a foothold in the United States. Lieutenant Eliza Shirley had left England to join her parents, who had migrated to America earlier in search for work. In 1879, she held the first meeting of The Salvation Army in America, in Philadelphia. The Salvationists were received enthusiastically. Shirley wrote to General Booth, begging for reinforcements. None were available at first. Glowing reports of the work in Philadelphia, however, eventually convinced Booth, in 1880, to send an official group to pioneer the work in America.
The Salvation Army continues its mission today of ministering to the poor and needy, through its Adult Rehab programs, and also provides services for Veterans, youth camps, camps for senior citizens, disaster relief, assists in finding missing persons and has programs to combat human trafficking. The most familiar fund raising campaign of the Salvation Army is its Christmas coin kettle campaign. For more information on the Salvation Army contact Major Robin Starr at 252-523-5175 or email robinstarr@ussalvationarmy.org.

New Chamber Member: Mary Susan Phillips, Attorney at Law

2010-06-02T19:14:00.002-04:00

Please welcome new Wallace Chamber of Commerce member, Mary Susan Phillips, Attorney at Law. Mary Susan practices Criminal Law, and also provides representation for DUI/DWI cases. Her office is at 224 E. Main Street in Wallace. And she can be reached by phone at 910-285-6161 or by email at msphillips@embarqmail.com.

American Red Cross Cape Fear Chapter Annual Meeting & Awards

2010-06-02T19:12:00.001-04:00

The 2010 Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony of Wallace Chamber of Commerce Member Cape Fear Chapter of the American Red Cross will be held June 17, 2010 from 4-6 p.m. The event will be held at the Minnie Evans Center, next to Ashley High School at 555 Halyburton Memorial Parkway in Wilmington. New board members will be sworn in and volunteer and staff awards will be presented. Light hors d’oeurves will be served and attire is corporate casual. Please RSVP to publicsupport@capefear.org or 910-762-2683. Learn more about the Cape Fear Red Cross at our June meeting when Darryl Steinbraker will be our guest speaker.

Jones praises Chamber of Commerce political forum

2010-06-02T19:09:00.001-04:00

Dear Wallace Chamber,

I just wanted to follow up on the Wallace Chamber of Commerce Candidate forum you held at the American Legion Post on Thursday, April 22, 2010. If you'll recall, my wife, Lenora, and I attended the event and I spoke as the only one in attendance who was running for U.S. Senate in the Republican Primary.
As I recall, you announced it was the first event of its kind you had conducted in Wallace. Now that the primary election cycle is complete, I want you to know that yours was by far the best of its kind that I attended throughout North Carolina this election cycle. This was the first time I (a non-politician) had routinely attended and spoke at such events, but I can assure you that the conduct of your event was stellar compared to all the others I attended!
I wish all of the events I have attended over the past few months could have been planned and conducted as well as yours. Sure, you had a few miscues and I'm confident you knew what they were and how to handle them in the future. Overall, though, you in Wallace should be proud of the fair hearing you gave to one and all during this election cycle.
The best benefit of your forum is that my wife and I now have a number of newfound Duplin County citizens as friends with whom we now communicate and plan to do so indefinitely. You, like we, are in a rural environment and we felt totally at home the moment we arrived and no one did anything that changed our favorable opinion.
Finally, as you may be aware I came in 2nd (to the incumbent) in the 4 candidate field. My overall state vote total was about 38,000 votes which was about 10% of the total. The 3rd and 4th place finishers were, unlike me, both politicians who had campaigned and held state offices in the past. Their COMBINED vote totals were about 1,000 votes FEWER than my total. In Duplin County I received 15% of the vote and the 3rd and 4th place candidates each received 3% (6% total). In Duplin and other counties where I received a fair hearing such as you provided, I see that my vote totals are routinely half again to double the statewide average. I know that my improved vote count is most often thanks to the established, community organizations such as yours who are providing ALL of the candidates access to the rank and file voters and I encourage you to continue your efforts. it can make a difference.
Based on my experiences during this primary election cycle, I believe that you established, local Chamber of Commerce groups provide a legitimate, long-term forum for candidates versus the "populist" groups such as the "Tea Party" and others like them. They may get the media attention, but you established folks truly have the power to make an impact. In short, you were in place long before the "Tea Party" came to be and you'll be there long after they're gone. Of course, I believe all of this to be true so long as the forums are conducted as you folks in Wallace did last April.
Thanks for giving me such a fair opportunity in 2010! It DID help my effort to bring change to Washington.

Sincerely,
Brad Jones

Duplin Optimist Club seats officers and board

2010-06-02T19:01:00.002-04:00

The newly formed Duplin Optimist Club recently installed officers and seated a board of directors. The local chapter has 29 members who are dedicated to bringing out the best in kids. The club will sponsor a four man team captain’s choice golf tournament on June 19,2010. The tournament will be held at Rockfish Country Club, and the proceeds will benefit the Duplin County Boys and Girls Club.
The Duplin Optimist Club meets the second and fourth Monday at 7:00 p.m. at Rockfish Country Club. For more information visit www.nceast-optimist.org.
Pictured are officers and board members. Front row, l-r: Eddie Boyette, President; Joan Williams, First VP; Lou Powell, Second VP; Wanda Whaley, board member; Doris English, Treasurer. Back row, l-r: Auston Pusey, Governor NC East District & Sponsor from Wilmington Optimist; Mike Taylor, board member; Marsha Lewis, board member; Mickey Rivenbark, board member.

7th Annual Wallace Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic

2010-05-02T09:19:00.001-04:00

Friends of the Depot events

2010-05-02T09:15:00.000-04:00

New Member Spotlight; Duplin Wine Cellars

2010-05-02T09:12:00.001-04:00

We all know some or all of the story of Duplin Winery, we know that David and Dan Fussell turned to grapes as an alternative to tobacco farming, and that they fought an uphill battle to establish the winery. We know the discovery of the impact of resveritrol on heart health, and the high resveritrol content of Duplin Winery’s Muscadine wines is partly why it is so popular. We know how good a glass of Carolina Red or Christmas Wine can be, and that both the wonderful wines and the company have been award winners in the past several years.
Started in 1972, and bottling its first wine in 1975, the winery has now grown to be a major employer in Duplin County including agricultural positions, wine production, Nutragrape production and sales, The Bistro Restaurant, winery tours and gift shop personnel, entertainment casts, administrative and marketing personnel, and soon, the construction and administrative staff for David Fussell’s next venture, The Village at Duplin Winery, a multi use space at I-40 Exit 380. The Village at Duplin Winery is a mixed use space that will include a second winery location, several shop and restaurant spaces, a chapel and a garden area. David ’s concept for the project includes attributes that will benefit the local community as well as tourists. It is no doubt that Duplin Winery

is the number one tourist attraction in Duplin County, nor is there any doubt that they will continue to impact our economy by creating additional jobs and continuing to bring additional tourist dollars to the region.

What is the Sanctuary Project?

2010-05-02T09:10:00.001-04:00

The Sanctuary Project at the old Magnolia Golf Club
171 Country Club Lane
Magnolia NC-28453-8047

910-284-9169
www.TSPweb.us

The Sanctuary Project is a unique coalition of over 20 State, County and Non-Profit agencies who address the needs of Veterans, Seniors and others in need in Duplin County.

One of the most needed facets of the Sanctuary Project is the creation of a Duplin County Food Bank. The Food Bank is now operational and open three days a week. The hours of operation for the Veterans Food Bank are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Monday distribution is limited to eligible veterans only. The Wednesday and Friday distributions are also available to eligible Senior Citizens and non- veteran recipients, and are limited to once per week per family. To become eligible to become a Food Bank recipient, participants must complete the Sanctuary Project Food Bank Application and Waiver Forms PRIOR to collection-without exception. Photo ID is required. Please consider making the Sanctuary Project the recipient of your organizations next food drive.

Tid Bits

2010-05-02T09:09:00.001-04:00

*Four Oaks Bank on East Main Street in Wallace will be holding its annual Hot Dog day appreciation celebration on May 28, 2010. Look for more information on the Chamber of Commerce Website.

*Del Rio Restaurant now has outdoor dining.

*JD Teachey has leased the Biney’s storefront on W. Main St. to First Med ambulance service.

No Monthly Membership meeting in May

2010-05-02T09:07:00.001-04:00

Because the Wallace Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Classic will be held May 7, 2010, there will not be a May Monthly Meeting. Look for information on the June meeting on the Wallace Chamber of Commerce website and in the June newsletter. We are in the planning stages of a “Chamber After Hours’ event .

Quilt Drawing is May 8, 2010

2010-05-02T09:01:00.001-04:00

The drawing for the Wallace Depot quilt will be held during the Hot Dog Social being held May 8, 2010, from 12:00 noon til 2:00 P.M. at the Wallace Depot. The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Depot. The handmade quilt was designed by Sandy Gholson and Debra Sproule and made by the Island Creek Quilters. Included with the quilt is a handmade quilt rack. Tickets are $5, and are available at the Wallace Chamber of Commerce office during business hours.

Member Spotlight: Stalling's Florist

2010-03-28T10:39:00.002-04:00

This picture is worth a thousand words! Spring has definitely sprung at Stallings Florist. Peggy, Beth and her staff have captured it in the beautiful floral arrangements and wreaths that fill the shop.
Peggy started her business in 1962, working at first out of her home. Stallings has been at their present location at 918 N. Norwood St. in Wallace since 1984.

You’ll find bunnies of every size and color, and ceramic birdhouses and teapots are tucked among the tulips, lilies and roses in pink and yellow and white. Rejuvenate your spirit with a beautiful bouquet of fresh spring flowers or send some to someone special and brighten their day!

Call Stallings Florist today at 910-285-3896, visit the shop, or visit them online at www.stallingsflorist.com

April Speaker: Harvey Case

2010-03-28T10:38:00.002-04:00

Our speaker at the April Wallace Chamber of Commerce meeting is Harvey Case. Harvey Case has been the President and CEO of Duplin General Hospital since January 2007. Case most recently served as vice president of operations for East Carolina Health, the holding company for University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina community hospitals. He also worked at Heritage Hospital in Tarboro as Chief Financial Officer, controller and as a financial analyst. He is a graduate of East Carolina University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration. A native of North Carolina, Case grew up in New Bern and worked on his grandfather’s tobacco farm in Croatan as a youth. Case and his wife Dawn have three children. The April meeting is scheduled for April 8, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at the Western Sizzlin’. Please plan to attend, and bring a guest!

Wallace Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic

2010-03-28T10:36:00.001-04:00

The 7th Annual Wallace Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic will be held Friday, May 7, 2010 at the River Landing Golf Course. This is the largest fundraiser held by the Chamber of Commerce each year, and many of the other activities we sponsor depend on the funds raised by this event. Breakfast and lunch will be provided, and will be delivered to the course so play will not be interrupted. Make your plans now for your team pairings, and plan for your sponsorships on shirts or tees or the leader board. We are always in need of volunteers, so put in your request now for the day off and join us for some sun and fun this year! Team applications and sponsorship forms are available from Lou Powell at the Chamber of Commerce office, 910-285-4044

Candidates Forum

2010-03-28T10:34:00.001-04:00

You are invited
to attend a Political Forum of
Wallace District/NC/US Candidates
for the upcoming May 4th Primary
at the

Wallace American Legion Post No. 156
529 E. Southerland St.
Wallace, NC 28466
Thursday, April 22, 2010

6:00-6:30pm “Meet & Greet the Candidates”
Social time (refreshments provided)
6:30-8:00pm Candidates speak
(5 minutes each)
Question and answer period
to follow the candidate platform announcement.
Sponsored by
Wallace Chamber of Commerce

What you missed...

2010-03-28T10:33:00.000-04:00

Did you miss the March chamber meeting? You thought about going, you meant to make it this month, but then….you got busy, you lost track of time….and it was cold and wet outside, etc. You missed a great meeting. Hugh Caison and Steve Paes had an awesome slideshow presentation on their recent trip to India as part of the Rotary’s mission to eradicate polio in the world. Auston Pusey had a video presentation about the Optimist Club forming in Wallace. Carrie Welton spoke to us about Girl Scouting in Duplin County and we found out about the Red Cross “Run for the Red” run and walk. We knew also to mark our calendars for April 22 and to bake cookies for the candidates “Meet and Greet” Political Forum that the Wallace Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring. You weren’t there. While we were enjoying the hospitality and fantastic lunch at the Mad Boar, you probably ate some crackers at your desk. You didn’t connect with the other business leaders who were there. You don’t know what the pulse of Wallace business is these days. You didn’t make a connection with someone who may be looking for exactly what your business has to offer.

Too bad….maybe next month will be better….

New Member Spotlight:Cape Fear Red Cross

2010-03-28T10:31:00.001-04:00

The Cape Fear Chapter of the Red Cross currently serves Brunswick, Columbus, Duplin, New Hanover and Pender Counties. In accordance with the organization’s mission, the Chapter provides vital programs and services, many of which are unduplicated, to residents including: emergency communications for military members and their families; support for area blood drives, donor recruitment and education efforts; dissemination of disaster prevention and preparedness information; immediate relief to local victims of disaster that is focused on meeting their emergency needs; lifesaving safety training courses in CPR, first aid, water and workplace safety; and international tracing services that reconnect loved ones with family members separated by conflict throughout the world. Contact: Vicki LaBelle 910-762-2683

New Member Spotlight: The Sactuary Project

2010-03-28T10:27:00.004-04:00

The Sanctuary Project at old Magnolia Golf Club
171 Country Club Lane
Magnolia NC-28453-8047

910-284-9169
www.TSPweb.us

The Sanctuary Project is a unique coalition of over 20 State, County and Non-Profit agencies who address the needs of Veterans, Seniors and others in Duplin County. Veterans can obtain help with problems of unemployment, education and health during the day's session. The most attractive part of this coalition is that applicants can reach the right organization for assistance, as they are all present at once.

The Sanctuary Project plans to renovate three existing buildings to provide Veterans services for an Internet Cafeteria; a Lending Library; a Thrift Store with Clothing Bank; a Mechanic's Shop; Accounting Services for tax returns and a Notary Public, all aimed at providing Veterans with services at minimal cost. The Sanctuary Project therefore needs donations of hardware, construction materials and furnishings to achieve this renovation. Please let us know if you know of any Federal, State, University, Hospital or Military organizations that might be upgrading or renovating their facilities and could donate the old equipment and fittings for this Veterans Service Center.

Among other plans The Sanctuary Project expects to address the needs of Veterans through Transitional Housing within the next few months.

Please give Kip Tomkin a call at 910-284-9169 with any questions or suggestions.

New Member Spotlight: Gordon Vermillion

2010-03-28T10:25:00.001-04:00

Gordon Vermillion is running for the NC State Senate seat being vacated by Charlie Albertson. The seat represents the voters of Duplin, Sampson and Lenoir counties.
Gordon and Linda, his wife of 45 years, moved to Kinston nearly 30 years ago. They have raised two sons, educated them in the public schools and state universities, and now they each serve their own communities.
In 1981, Gordon bought a struggling food service company and built the largest independent food service company in Eastern North Carolina. He sold Vermillion's Vending in 1999 and has owned and operated a number of other small businesses over the years.
Most recently, he started Select Food Service for the Mingles Bottling Group and serves as General Manager. He understands what it takes to meet a payroll while paying bills, taxes and utilities.
Community service isn't a job, it's a passion. Gordon has served two terms on the Kinston City Council and is currently president of the Lenoir Committee of 100 along with numerous other boards and advisory committees.

Downtown is ready for spring

2010-03-28T10:23:00.001-04:00

from the Downtown Diva

It may not seem like spring is ready to break out...but the downtown stores are ready. Peek-a-BooTique has received a lot of their spring goods, and The Verandah looks like a bloomed garden. The spring Vera Bradley and Chamilia are in at the Polka Dot Zebra, and if it's time to do some flooring- Farrior's is the place to go! Add custom window treatments from Divine Fashions and a piece from Johnson's Furniture, art work from the Art of Hope, and make your room beautiful.

Pamper yourself with a new reverse-a-bag from The Fancy Farmer, rejuvenate your soul with a book from the Mustard Seed. Add some sparkle to your life with Brighton jewelry from Cavenaughs, gold from Honeycutt or the Treasure House and pearls from Evan's Jewelers. Lillie’s Boutique has some amazing new necklace and earring sets in- they are perfect for prom time or evening wear! There are bunnies of all sizes and Easter candy, including Jellie Bellies at Wallace Drug, and Graham Drug has Easter cards. Delight your senses with Bridgewater candles- just in at Willa's- word has it that they will soon be carrying the Pampi jewelry line by Fran Jackson.

www.discoverdowntownwallace.blogspot.com

Duplin Times wins awards

2010-03-28T10:21:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to the Duplin Times, who has won two 2nd place awards in the 2009 NC Press Association Editorial (News) contest. Bill Rollins picked up one of the awards for his sports column, SportsBill. The newspaper's editorial page was cited for the other award. This is the 4th consecutive year of winning in the editorial contest, with 8 total awards for those years.

Carolina East Golf Tournament

2010-03-28T10:19:00.001-04:00

Carolina East Home Care & Hospice is holding their 13th Annual Golf Tournament Wednesday, May 5, at River Landing. Tee times are scheduled for 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The entry fee for a four person team is $400, and Player’s Packages will be available on the day of the tournament for $35. The entry fee includes breakfast for morning tee times, lunch, refreshments, range balls, cart and green fees, goodie bag and door prizes. Sponsorships for holes and teams are available starting at $50 (by 4/2/10) For more information and forms, call Julie Howard at 910-296-8061 or email her at Julie@carolinaeast.org.