Monthly Newsletter: December 2015

Carteret County Chamber of Commerce

Why Should You Join? • Networking • Visibility • Credibility • Advertising Opportunities • Community Advocacy • Community Involvement • and much more!

Our Mission: To improve the economic climate of Carteret County.

Our Vision: Carteret County: The most desirable location for business and leisure in North Carolina.

Contact Us: 801 Arendell Street Suite 1 Morehead City, NC 28557 (252) 726-6350 (800) NCCOAST Fax (252) 726-3505 [email protected] www.nccoastchamber.com

Meet Miss Mermaid… She is Hayley DesLauriers, 5, the granddaughter of Cheryl Mansfield of Mansfield Photography, a new Chamber member business. Hayley is posing on the rocks at Fort Macon State Park. Her mermaid tail was knitted by Elise Rideout, a friend of Hayley’s other grandmother, Karen Kroupa. Cheryl’s photo of Hayley will appear in the Chamber’s 2016 Business Directory & Visitors Guide.

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Chamber News

page 2 - Chamber News, December 2015

9 individuals cited for ‘Outrageous Customer Service’

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Carteret County Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Kerry Youngblood of Carteret Community College was the keynote speaker during the “Outrageous Customer Service” Awards Ceremony October 20. About 60 people attended the Reception at the Emerald Isle Beach & Pool Club in Emerald Isle. “A common trait for all our winners is that they go beyond what is required…and they are dependable, reliable, passionate and invaluable to their businesses or organizations,” Dr. Youngblood said. The 2015 award winners are: Dot Crumley and Layne Helwig, both of First Citizens Bank; Denise Askew of Carteret Community College; Bo Brinson of Brinson Custom Carpentry; Shawn Cherry of SFI Group; Kim Guyton of the Carteret County Public School System; Mary Duane Hale of Atlantic Beach Realty; Angel Hopkins of Realo Discount Drugs of Cape Carteret; and Lisa Rueh of Downtown Morehead City Revitalization Association (DMCRA). Dot Crumley of the Beaufort downtown branch of First Citizens Bank was nominated by customer Marlene Anderson. “Dot ensures the bank remains ‘forever friendly” as Beaufort’s ‘community center’…our ‘local corner bank.’” Layne Helwig of the Atlantic Beach branch of First Citizens Bank was nominated by customer Stewart Pickett (Mayor of Indian Beach) and Christina Fulcher, her supervisor at the bank. “Layne is committed to finding the best solution for her customers, so they get the most from their banking relationship. She never fails to put a smile on the customer’s face.” Denise Askew was nominated by college co-worker Donna Carr. “Denise is outrageously positive and offers uplifting support to more than 50 individuals

on any given day. She helps students at the college to prepare, begin, continue and succeed with their academic studies.” Bo Brinson was nominated by customers Ann & Wayne Stanley. “Bo is an excellent communicator… and does what he says he will, when he says he will and for the price he said he would….The company does good work, they do it the right way, and they do it with pride of workmanship and enthusiasm.” Shawn Cherry was nominated by four of her insurance agency customers. “Shawn Cherry has a knack for turning customers into friends… and friends into customers. She is warm, friendly, knowledgeable, thorough, patient, cheerful, competent, a great listener, terrific at her job…and a lover of animals.” Kim Guyton was nominated by school system administrators, Dr. Dan Novey and Kathy Here are presenters and winners of the 2015 Outrageous Customer Service Awards. Back row: Carswell. “As Chamber leaders Bill Rogerson and Kerry Youngblood, Kim Guyton and Mary Duane Hale. Middle Health Benefits row: Angel Hopkins, Lisa Rueh and Dot Crumley. Front tow: Shawn Cherry, Bo Brinson, Layne Representative, Helwig, Denise Askew and Chamber leader Mary Carlyle Brown. Kim has a huge job carry out a multitude of events.” staying on top of the health benefits for some 1,060 Co-sponsors of the Outrageous Customer Service employees, hundreds of former employees, retirees awards program with the Chamber are Carteret and new hires. She treats them all as her customers Community College, Emerald Isle Beach & Pool and has earned the title of ‘Queen of Follow Up.’” Club and NCCoast. Angel Hopkins was nominated by pharmacy

Chamber Board hosts reception for new members November 17 The 50 new members who joined the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce during the Fall Membership Campaign will be the “guests of honor” at a New Members Reception at 5 p.m. Tuesday, November 17, at Chamber headquarters, 801 Arendell St., Morehead City. “Hosted by the Chamber’s Board of Directors, this event enables us to extend a warm welcome to all of these new members,” said Chair Kerry Youngblood. “We greatly appreciate their interest in being a part of our organization, and we encourage them to get active right away.

co-worker Melissa Daly. “Angel knows all of her customers’ names…and she remembers the personal stories they share with her and will ask weeks later how things turned out. She is so patient and understanding, never rushing her customers. She is the best advocate a customer could hope for.” Mary Duane Hale was nominated by two of her vacation rental home owners. “Mary Duane sets a wonderful example for her employees and is everything a business owner should be. Atlantic Beach Realty meets and exceeds all expectations.” Lisa Rueh was nominated by Amy Nelson of Wells Fargo Advisors and endorsed by Tom Kies of DMCRA. “Lisa is a ‘logistics magician,’ a person capable of managing multiple moving parts…with a smile and southern hospitality…and she makes it all fun. Lisa is responsible for recruiting and motivating a small army of loyal, hardworking volunteers to

“We thank all the Chamber volunteers who participated in the Fall Membership Campaign,” Dr. Youngblood said, “and the Board expresses its sincere gratitude to Julie Naegelen, Director, Membership Services, for orchestrating another highly successful Membership Campaign.” A complete listing of the new members who joined during the campaign is included elsewhere in this issue.

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page 3 - Chamber News, December 2015

It takes a lot of volunteer power to stage “Down East Military Fun Day,” but members of the Military Affairs Committee (MAC) of the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce were up to the task on October 9. “By all accounts, it was a very successful event,” said MAC Chair David Heath of the Town of Newport. “Our objective is always to show our military friends how much we appreciate their service to our country and our communities.” More than 100 active duty military personnel and their spouses/dates participated, traveling to Harkers Island. Most came from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, but the Coast Guard was represented as well. Marine Cpl. Caleb Franklin said: “I’d like to thank them (the Chamber and the MAC) a thousand times.” Marine Lance Cpl. Karolyn Riggs said: “We might have heard about these attractions, but many of us might not have come here at all. It’s a great day for it.”

Marine Lance Cpl. Justin Peck called climbing the lighthouse “exhilarating.” He added: “I’m glad that they do this for us. For them to offer this is awesome.” Heath gave special thanks to Marines Lance Cpl. Justin Wayne Peck Island Express of Petoskey, Mich., and Lance Cpl. Ferry Service for Karolyn Suzanne Riggs of Mattawan, transporting the Mich. attendees over to Cape Lookout National Seashore. The National Park Service rangers and staff were generous hosts as well. “The staff at the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center graciously allowed us to use the

facility in the afternoon for the pork chop luncheon, prepared by Smithfield’s Hog Production, with side dishes provided by White Swan Express of Atlantic Beach and MAC member Randy Coast Guard Senior Chief Storekeeper Hingson,” Heath Tim Crothers and Angela Crothers, both of Yakima, Wash. added. “We are grateful to the many local businesses, organizations and individuals who contributed door prizes for this event, enabling each attendee to receive at least one special gift.”

Chamber thanks Membership Campaign sponsors Thanks to the sponsors of the 2015 Membership Campaign of the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce. They are: Atlantis Lodge; Bob Upchurch Appraisals; Debbie Fisher – Mary Kay Cosmetics and Office Fusion Solutions; Morton Water; Nancy Elberson – LegalShield; and “Sea of Greed” Book. Here are this month’s Member Mini-Spotlights:

ing,” he says. “I encourage all to add our local missions to your giving list as they do a great job for needy residents of Carteret County. As I always say, ‘Shop locally and donate locally.’ You know where your donation will be used, and it will not be to pay large administrative fees of national organizations.” Call 252-247-9905 or email [email protected]. com.

Bob Upchurch Appraisals, LLC is a Carteret Countybased business serving a multitude of clients – banks, mortgage lenders, attorneys, individuals, builders, buyers, sellers, insurance Bob Upchurch is shown with companies, municSandra Allen of Kitty Hawk Kites/ ipalities, etc. Bob Life Is Good. Upchurch sold real estate in Carteret County (1996-1999) prior to obtaining his appraisal license and is thoroughly familiar with the real estate market and fluctuations in property values. Bob is a State-Certified General Appraiser; however, he limits his commercial and industrial work to lots and acreage. Bob has a wide range of experience including retrospective appraisals (mostly for estates and historical values) and pre-construction appraisals. Other areas include residential lots, acreage, existing homes, boat slips, manufactured homes on permanent foundations, etc. “Winter and the holiday season are fast approach-

Everyone deserves legal protection. Now, with LegalShield, everyone can access it. For a low monthly fee, LegalShield gives you the ability to talk to an attorney on any personal legal matter. No matter how traumatic. No matter how trivial. “Whatever your situation, we are here to help,” says Nancy Elberson, LegalShield Independent Associate. “Our experienced attorneys are focused on our members.” LegalShield also offers a Business Nancy Elberson is pictured with Plan if you have Rich Johnson of Cottage Tender, fewer than 100 a newly elected member of the employees. You can Chamber’s Board of Directors. pick up the phone and ask an attorney legal questions about your business. The benefits of the IDShield are handled through Kroll, the worldwide leaders in risk mitigation, and their licensed investigators will assist you if your

identity is ever compromised. For more information, contact Nancy at 252-241-4851. Atlantis Lodge is “the Quiet Place” on the ocean in Pine Knoll Shores/ Atlantic Beach. The wooded, oceanfront Donna Nally of the Atlantis Lodge (center) property is cherishes this photo with her parents, the late Dot Hall and A.C. Hall. unique on the Crystal Coast. Family-owned and operated since 1963, the Atlantis is also a pet friendly hotel. Most units are suites with efficiency kitchens, dining, living and sleeping areas. All have patios or decks facing the ocean. The tropical-style swimming pool is a draw for families with children or for folks that want to just relax and read a book. Testimonials from guests are endless. A family from Virginia wrote: “Beyond special. Don’t change a thing. We tell everyone about our old-fashioned beach place. The pool is a gem. From the day we go home, we count the weeks until we can return.” Check out the reviews of the Atlantis Lodge on TripAdvisor.com. The Atlantis is and always has been the Number One hotel in Atlantic Beach. Visit the website at atlantislodge.com or call 800-6827057 for more information.

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‘Military Fun Day’ receives rave reviews

page 4 - Chamber News, December 2015

Legislators assess impact of state budget Carteret County’s state legislators – Senator Norman Sanderson and Representative Pat McElraft – were the featured speakers at the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce Legislative Luncheon November 4. About 85 Chamber members and guests attended the gathering at The Boathouse at Front Street Village in Beaufort. Sen. Sanderson said the increase in the state spending budget of 3.1 percent will be a catalyst for the attainment of “efficient prosperity.” He said North Carolina is now 10th in the country for job growth and also 10th in personal income growth. Just six states currently make the “top 10” lists for both job growth and personal income growth. North Carolina is one of them – the only Southern state to do so. Lower taxes and fewer burdensome regulations are making North Carolina more attractive for business growth and development, Sen. Sanderson added. Rep. McElraft said the final budget does not include massive redistribution of sales tax revenues from the urban areas and tourism destinations to shore up poorer, rural counties. Had this gone through, it would have stripped “millions of dollars” away from Carteret County and its municipalities, she said. Rep. McElraft said among the good things the lawmakers did was to add $3 million over two years to the state tourism promotion budget, to commit more funding for rural water and wastewater infrastructure, to find funding for shallow draft inlet dredging and to thwart countless attempts to overturn the School Calendar Law to allow public schools to open earlier in August.

Mary Carlyle Brown is Chair of the Chamber’s Public & Government Affairs Committee. She is pictured here at Legislative Luncheon with her husband, Steve Brown, representing the Carteret County Association of REALTORS, and Fred Fulcher, a Town of Pine Knoll Shores Commissioner.

Representative Pat McElraft and Senator Norman Sanderson are flanked by Brian Brown (left), an aide to U.S. Senator Thom Tillis, and Chamber Chair Kerry Youngblood of Carteret Community College.

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Chamber salutes Debbie Fisher as Ambassador of the Month The Ambassador of the Month for September at the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce is Debbie Fisher, who is a Sales Director with Mary Kay Cosmetics as well as owner of Office Fusion Solutions and the Professional Business Center. “Debbie was on a quest in September and saw an incredible number of Chamber members – more than 50,” said Julie Naegelen, who is the Chamber’s staff liaison to the Ambassadors Club. “Debbie has been a longtime supporter of the Chamber and continues to engage and invite Chamber members to join her at Ribbon Cuttings, Business After Hours and other Chamber events,” Naegelen said. “When Debbie comes across an area business that isn’t a Chamber member, she always extends the Chamber’s hand of hospitality, inviting that owner or manager to join the Chamber and attend the next event on the Chamber’s calendar.

Among those attending the Chamber’s Legislative Luncheon on November 4 were Will Rogers of William P. Rogers, P.A., Kristy Rogers and Nicole McGuinness of The Boathouse at Front Street Village.

“The Ambassador visits give Debbie opportunities to meet and greet new and longtime members and be sure they are receiving their weekly PULSE, to deliver a Chamber Directory & Visitors Guide and to check on how their business is doing. “Debbie takes the role of being an Ambassador to heart and always gives 100 percent, which is a very vital key to the vibrancy of the Chamber,” Naegelen said. This is the 37th time that Debbie has earned the Ambassador of the Month title since 2006, and she has been the Chamber’s Ambassador of the Year for six of the past seven years. She is also a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. For information about the Ambassadors Club, contact Julie Naegelen at 726-6350 or [email protected].

Wendy Routson of Emerald Isle Beach & Pool Club and Bill Rogerson are members of the Chamber’s Board of Directors.

The place to go to buy or sell a business Call Sunbelt Morehead City, NC (252) 222-0001 Visit us on the web www.sunbeltnc.com

Thanks to the North Carolina Maritime Museum for hosting the October 15 Business After Hours function at the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center in Beaufort. It was sponsored by the Friends of the North Carolina Maritime Museum. About 225 members of the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce and their guests thoroughly enjoyed the networking. Co-sponsors were Beaufort Pet Provisions and PruittHealth – Sea Level, and food was provided by Clawson’s 1905 Restaurant & Pub. (Look for coverage of the November 12 Business After Hours at J & S Nursery and J & S Landscape & Design in Newport in next month’s newsletter.)

The North Carolina Maritime Museum hosted Business After Hours October 15 at the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center in Beaufort. Here are: Grant Caraway, Manager of the Center; Brent Creelman, Director of Operations with the Friends of the N.C. Maritime Museum; and Randy Mann, Museum Business Manager.

Gus Tulloss of Gus H. Tulloss Insurance, Nancy Williamson, Bucky & Wendy Oliver, both of The Boathouse at Front Street Village, and Elwyn Wood of the Friends of the N.C. Maritime Museum.

Robert Clifton and Amy Novick, both of Longley Supply Company.

Jason Brock and Joey McClure, both of Clawson’s 1905 Restaurant & Pub

Gene Foxworth of Carteret County government (green shirt) enjoyed networking with PruittHealth representatives Alysia Shumpert, Ashton Bone and Vinnie Magna at Business After Hours.

Sharon Garner-Thompson of the Carteret County Group at Keller Williams Realty and her husband, David Thompson Barbara Francis-Heckman and Nancy Francis-Heckman, both of Beaufort Pet Provisions Joshua Braxton of Hooters of Morehead City and guest Chelse Gminder

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225 attend Business After Hours with Maritime Museum & Friends

page 5 - Chamber News, December 2015

page 6 - Chamber News, December 2015

Membership Renewals The following Chamber members renewed their membership between 10/08/2015 and 11/04/2015.

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Alan Leary/Century 21 Newsom - Ball Realty AQUA B & B Outdoor Power Baran Properties, LLC Beaufort Pet Provisions, Inc. Belk Big Oak Drive In & Bar-B-Que Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament Bluewater Builders, Inc. Bluewater Real Estate - Corporate Real Estate Bob Malone Boy Scouts of America-Croatan Trails District Boys & Girls Clubs of Coastal Carolina Branch Banking & Trust Company Carolina Waste Removal L.L.C. Carteret Community College Carteret County Crossroads Chadwick Tire Co., Inc. Clegg’s Termite & Pest Control, Inc. Compass Landing Apartment Homes Copy Pro, Inc. Crystal Coast Civic Center Crystal Coast Family Practice Crystal Coast Interiors Debra W. Ball Real Estate, Inc. Debra Whaley, Attorney at Law Donna H. Comer State Farm Insurance Duke Energy Emerald Isle Realty, Inc. First Flight Solutions Gold’s Gym Gull Isle Realty, Appraisals & Property Management H & R Block Harvell & Company, CPAs Holland Appraisal Services Housing Authority of the Town of Beaufort

IHOP Inlet Inn Insure ENC J. M. Davis Industries, Inc. Johnson Family Dentistry Keith Gunnet Kirkman, Whitford, Brady, Berryman and Farias, P.A. Kurtis Chevrolet, Inc. L. A. Downey & Son, Inc. Little Caesars Longley Supply Company Morehead City Donuts, LLC Morehead City Yacht Basin / Marina Management Services, LLC Morehead Motor Company Necaise Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. PNC Bank Seahawk Inn & Villas Shorewood Real Estate Smithfield’s Chicken ‘n BBQ Sound Choice Insurance SoundSide Steak & Seafood Stephanie K. Phillips, CPA, P.A. Suessle Health & Wealth Sunbelt Business Brokers of Coastal North Carolina Inc. The Coastal Environmental Partnership The Island Grille The Kindred Spirit Gift Shop & Green Gables Tea Room This Cup’s for You Time Warner Cable Toastmasters-Morehead City Town Creek Marina Town of Beaufort Town of Newport Town of Pine Knoll Shores

Member Spotlight:

70 West Marina: For all your boating needs At 70 West Marina: “We have signs that say ‘Quality means doing it right when no one is looking,’ a quote by Henry Ford posted in our shops, on some of our print advertising and on some of our shirts,” says JT Bried, General Manager. “It’s something the guys in our shop live by. We joke with our customers and tell them when it comes to service on your boat, remember…it’s a long walk home! Quality service is not just confined to the service department, it is companywide for us. “The dock staff, parts, sales and the associates in the Ship’ Store know that service is the thing that makes us different from the rest,” Bried says. “Our crew is devoted to providing the best boating experiences; all of us are boaters ourselves, and we feel that gives us a closer connection to what our customers’ needs are.” A North Carolina landmark since 1972, 70 West Marina has a reputation for impeccable service. With frontage on both US 70 West and Pelletier Creek in Morehead City, 70 West’s location offers unsurpassed convenience both by boat and by car. Located on the Crystal Coast, perfectly positioned along North Carolina’s Southern Outer Banks, 70 West is at the heart of a boater’s paradise. As a full service marina, 70 West is equipped to handle all of your boating needs. From engine repair to bottom painting, the staff at the marina is on hand seven days a week to tend to you and your boat. 70 West offers certified mechanics for Volvo and Yamaha engines as well as an on-site parts department open six days a week. Dry storage is available as well as 89 octane gas that is Ethanol Free. The Ship’s Store is stocked with boating accessories, apparel, snacks, beer, ice, bait and tackle. 70 West Marina is located at 4401 Arendell St. in Morehead City and accessible by boat at mile marker 7 off the ICW on Pelletier Creek.

Next Business After Hours Chamber is lining up is December 1 at DoubleTree hosts & sponsors for Business After Hours in 2016

The Carteret County Chamber of Commerce presents Business After Hours from 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, December 1, at DoubleTree by Hilton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront Hotel, 2717 W. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach. “This will be the premier party of the holiday season,” said the Chamber’s Julie Naegelen. Please, no children. Business After Hours is restricted to adults only. The minimum age is 21. Admission is $5 and a business card. Those who pay in advance at Chamber headquarters, 801 Arendell St., Morehead City, will have their printed name badges ready to be picked up at the registration station when they arrive. Call 252-726-6350 and charge it with MasterCard or VISA…or use the convenient pay online feature via the Chamber website, www.nccoastchamber.com.

There are 13 Business After Hours dates on the 2016 calendar of the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce, and Chamber members are encouraged to apply to host and sponsor these events. The hosting fee is $150, and the host is responsible for providing food, beer and wine for attendees. Business After Hours functions are from 5:30-7 p.m. and are almost always on a Thursday. For more information and to apply, contact Julie Naegelen at 7266350 or [email protected].

Look who’s joined the Chamber

Please welcome and patronize these new Chamber members who have recently joined the Chamber (through 11/07/15). Most who joined during the campaign are included here, but not all.

Lookout Ford. 5557 US 70 West, Morehead City. Contact Ed Haggerty at 252-247-2132. Service hours are Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Sales hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Specializing in: “Sales of new Ford models and pre-owned vehicles and service on all makes and models.”

Above All Video Nicholas Fuller 219 West Atlantic Blvd., Unit B Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 (252) 622-1783 Media Production

Cockleburcreek Melissa Sisson P.O. Box 1999 Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 (252) 646-2011 Apparel & Accessories

Always Nutrition and Fitness Karen Wagner 5370 US 70 West Morehead City, NC 28557 (843) 267-5079 Health, Diet, Nutrition

Davis Shore Provisions Mary Sherwood 650 US 70 East Davis, NC 28524 (252) 729-0011 Gift Shops, Artist

Arbonne International - Susie Evans P.O. Box 2027 Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 (252) 521-4610 Health & Wellness

Dennis J. Litalien Williston, NC 28579 (910) 526-3574 Friends

At the Dock Detailing, LLC Chris Daniels 140 Waters Lane Gloucester, NC 28528 (252) 732-0725 Boat Detailing

Ribeyes Steakhouse of Beaufort. 509 Front St., Beaufort. Contact Mike Lovoy or Phillip Lovoy at 252-728-6105. Main dining room is open for lunch Sunday-Friday from 11:30 a.m.2:30 p.m. and for dinner 7 days a week from 2:30 p.m. until. Steamed seafood bar is open ThursdaySaturday from 4:30 p.m. until. Specializing in: “Steaks, chops, chicken and grilled and steamed seafood.”

Atlantic Beach Seafood & Fresh Market Sonya Willis 415 Atlantic Beach Causeway Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 (252) 247-2430 Seafood Retail Belle of Bogue Laney Crown 402 Lanyard Drive Newport, NC 28570 (252) 316-0282 Clothing / Retail Best Line Defense Wendy Megyese P.O. Box 5261 Emerald Isle, NC 28594 (501) 304-6194 Security - Products, Systems & Burglar Alarms Brinson Custom Clean Tracey Brinson 2516 East Forest Drive Newport, NC 28570 (252) 241-2274 Cleaning Services

A Perfect Fit for You. 2900 Arendell St., Suite 6, Morehead City (Morehead Plaza). Contact Shelley Bandy at 252622-4506. Open Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Specializing in: “A wide variety of products for mastectomy patients, diabetics and limited mobility patients.”

Caribsea Restaurant Patrick Hogan 8920 Crew Drive Emerald Isle, NC 28594 (252) 764-2885 Restaurants Carolina Artist Gallery Crystal Wasley 800 Evans St. Morehead City, NC 28557 (252) 726-7550 Boutique / Art Gallery Coastal Equipment Rental Lee Simmons 1504 Bridges St. Morehead City, NC 28557 (252) 726-0423 Equipment Rental

Down East Folk Arts Society Steve Kelly 1410 Spencer Ave. New Bern, NC 28560 (252) 633-6444 Musicians & Entertainment Duck Dog Clothing Company Melissa Sisson P.O. Box 1999 Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 (252) 646-2011 Apparel & Accessories Extreme Wash-N-Detail, LLC Ellen Maynard New Bern, NC 28560 (757) 729-2052 Automobile Detailing Phyllis Ford P.O. Box 2741 Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 (336) 675-5223 Friends Fuller Construction George Fuller 115 Maxwell Drive Harkers Island, NC 28531 (252) 342-6799 Home Improvements Marianna Hollinshed Beaufort, NC 28516 (252) 504-3179 Friends Hollowell Group Resources Desha Hollowell Morehead City, NC 28557 (919) 353-2729 Business Consultants Homer Smith Docks Tony Frost 101 Cedar St. Beaufort, NC 28516 (252) 728-2944 Marinas Honey Baked Ham of Morehead City Jackie Barton 5167 US 70 West, Unit 40 Morehead City, NC 28557 (252) 723-8260 Restaurants

Island Encore Consignment Shop Tammy Nicklow 1500 Salter Path Road Indian Beach, NC 28512 (252) 240-2453 Consignment Shops, Resale Store Lookout Sports Cards & Collectibles David Domel, Jr. 278 NC 24 Morehead City, NC 28557 (252) 648-8191 Collectibles/Hobbies Mansfield Photography Cheryl Mansfield 1106 Woods Court Morehead City, NC 28557 (252) 241-7466 Photographer Martha’s Mission Cupboard, Inc. Martha Bell 901 Bay St. Morehead City, NC 28557 (252) 726-1717 Organizations & Agencies Mashburn Appraisal Group Christopher Mashburn 3025 Bridges St., Suite 9 Morehead City, NC 28557 (252) 247-0404 Real Estate Appraisers Mattress Firm Paul Bullard 5209 C US 70 West Morehead City, NC 28557 (252) 222-0248 Mattresses Mosquito Squad of the Crystal Coast Michael Ritchie P.O. Box 762 Swansboro, NC 28584 (252) 503 1895 Mosquito Control

4540 Arendell St. Morehead City, NC 28557 (252) 726-1564 Landscaping Seventy West Landscape Supply Yard & Garden, Inc. Gerardo Rodriguez 4540 Arendell St. Morehead City, NC 28557 (252) 222-4446 Sierra Marie Photography Sierra Williams Havelock, NC 28532 (330) 413-4130 Photographer Southern Security & Surveillance Raymond Hopkins 163 Hopkins Drive Beaufort, NC 28516 (252) 342-4734 Security Sunny’s Mobile Pet Spa, LLC Sunny Hackett Emerald Isle, NC 28594 (252) 342-5656 Mobile Pet Grooming Sweet Carolina Pearls Linda Rice 206 Mansfield Parkway Morehead City, NC 28557 (252) 725-3391 Jewelry Texas Steakhouse Linda Player 5025 Executive Blvd., Suite 8013 Morehead City, NC 28557 (252) 240-2633 Restaurants Tonya Madia, RYT, RMT, LMBT 5058 US 70 West, Suite 2-A Morehead City, NC 28557 (304) 212-8037 Health & Wellness

Open Water Medical, PA Lindsey Willis 1620-C Live Oak St. Beaufort, NC 28516 (252) 728-5737 Medical Office

Tractor Supply Company Morehead City Steve Miller 2900 Arendell St. Morehead City, NC 28557 (615) 767-7852 Pet Supplies

Parrott’s on 11th George Parrott 105 S. 11th St. Morehead City, NC 28557 (252) 773-0532 Restaurants

Wells Fargo Advisors - Doug Damren 800 Arendell St. Morehead City, NC 28557 (252) 247-3051 Financial Advisors

Petal Pushers, Etc. Andrea Muller 7803 Emerald Drive Emerald Isle, NC 28594 (252) 354-8787 Florists, Boutique / Art Gallery

World Class Flooring Allen Hoffman 107 C Robin Ave. Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 (252) 648-8275 Floor Covering Sales & Service

Pullmann’s Landscape Associates, Inc. Gerardo Rodriguez

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Ribbon Cuttings

page 7 - Chamber News, December 2015

page 8 - Chamber News, December 2015

Message from the President

Shoppers to your mark…ready, set…go! Small Business Saturday is officially on November 28 this year – the “Day After Black Friday,” which, of course, is the Day After Thanksgiving. Founded in 2010 by American Express (for purely honorable reasons, one assumes), Small Business Saturday encourages shoppers to patronize Mike Wagoner local small businesses. It is working…70 percent of consumers surveyed in 2014 said they were aware of the promotion…and Americans bought stuff. Sales on Small Business Saturday in 2014 were up 14.9 percent over the year before. At the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce…we love Black Friday and we love Small Business Saturday, as back-to-back retail extravaganzas. Go and do it – “shop till you drop.” Yet, every Friday and every Saturday of the year could and should be for shopping. You’ll find bargains galore Sunday-Thursday as well. Use American Express or your credit card of choice. The last we heard, all Carteret County merchants still accept “cash money”…and many will still accept your personal checks and debit cards.

“Shop Carteret First” is our battle cry. Do your business with local stores…and keep that money recirculating in our communities. No big business ever started as a big business. If a business pays local taxes and provides payroll to local citizens…it adds value to our local communities. The American way is private enterprise and capitalism. Big box and small box stores can choose to “give back”… and many do, although some more than others. The “mores” are readily identifiable…given their track records for supporting our local charities and supporting our local Chamber of Commerce as well as other community groups and causes. This holiday season marks the 12-year-anniversary of the Chamber’s “Shop Carteret First” initiative, which is designed to build awareness and help educate consumers about the importance of shopping locally…all year-round. Shopping locally may be viewed as a personal investment in creating and maintaining local jobs. It’s really all about opportunity and having the right attitude to give our local merchants the first shot at earning your business…before you look or travel elsewhere. The diversity of Carteret County’s retail establishments is actually quite impressive. Shopping districts extend from Harkers Island and other places Down East to the beach towns and the western part of the county. In the middle are Beaufort, Morehead City and Newport. Each community has its own unique personality. Combined, Carteret County stores offer selection,

Live band to perform at 2016 Crystal Ball

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The Carteret County Chamber of Commerce presents its annual Crystal Ball from 6-10 p.m. Saturday, January 23, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront Hotel, 2717 W. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach. This is a dinner-dance and attire is black tie optional for gentlemen.

Live music by North Tower Band – one of the South’s great party bands for more than 35 years – providing the best in oldies, beach, top 40 and funk. Sizzling brass, super vocals and a wide ranging repertoire. More details to come.

Chamber seeks nominations for major individual awards Who will be the winners of two major awards presented annually by the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce? Nominate someone you know and admire for the Arnold Murray Small Business Person of the Year Award and for the Joan Huss Pulley Award for Public Service. Separate nomination forms are required and are now available at the Chamber, 801 Arendell St., Morehead City. For information, call 252-726-6350 or go to www.nccoastchamber.com. The deadline for nominations is Friday, December 4.

The Chamber has been honoring the Small Business Person of the Year since 1990. This award goes to a small business owner who has made extraordinary contributions to the community. Only Chamber members are eligible. The Joan Huss Pulley Award is sponsored by Duke Energy. (It is not necessary for the nominee to be a Chamber member or a Duke Energy customer.) The award salutes an individual for “outstanding civic participation, achievements and contributions.” The recipients will be recognized at the Crystal Ball on January 23.

value, affordability, availability and service that compares favorably to what you expect to find in larger markets. Studies of consumer behavior show that people prefer to do business with people they know and trust. Local businesses are more prone to work with you on terms. As old-timey furniThanks to the Chamber’s Susan ture stores used to McNamara for designing the new say: “Feather your “Shop Carteret First” logo. nest with a little down.” And from the era of general stores, you may have seen this sign: “If we don’t stock it, you don’t need it.” Today’s merchants are more likely to say: “We can find it, and we can get it for you.” “Shop Carteret First” extends beyond the retail world. Our slogan can apply to any purchasing decision you face. Give our small businesses…and our larger businesses… in all specialty areas a chance to bid on your job, give you an estimate or make you an offer…before you decide to buy or commit. “Shop Carteret First” early and often.

Leadership Carteret still has openings The roster for the Leadership Carteret 2016 program is more than half full, so individuals who are interested in participating should contact the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce right away. The application deadline is Friday, November 20. Tuition is $415 for Chamber members and $525 for others. The class is limited to 35 participants. To inquire about an application form, contact Susan McNamara at 252-726-6350 or susan@ nccoastchamber.com. The Leadership Carteret Kickoff Reception is at 5 p.m. Tuesday, January 12, at Chamber headquarters, and the class will meet all day on 10 consecutive Wednesdays, from January 13-March 16.