| Join Our List |
 |
|
|
|
CHAMBER EVENTS | |
MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON
On Monday, June 21, at 12 noon the Chamber will host a luncheon at Calfee Park
to welcome back the Pulaski Mariners for another enjoyable season of
baseball. Cost per attendee will be the same as last year ($13 per person).
Cook-out type food will be served. Contact the Chamber office right away to reserve your spot.
Reservation deadline is Monday, June 14.
Sponsorships are available at the following levels:
$200 for Major League Sponsorships: Includes 4 luncheon tickets, name recognition from speaker and on flyer, table top recognition:
The Southwest Times
Town of Pulaski
$100 for Minor Triple "A" Sponsorships: Includes 2 luncheon tickets, name recognition on flyer, table top recognition:
Barbour & Simpkins, LLP County of Pulaski
$50 for Minor Double "A" sponsorships: Includes 1 luncheon ticket, name recognition on flyer, table top recognition:
Warburton Law Offices
Contact the Chamber office right away to become a sponsor!
************************************************************************
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
E-letter: Beginning July 1, sponsorship E-letters for remainder of 2010. The cost is $50 per month.
(refer to State Farm Ad at top of this E-letter for example
Quarterly Chamber Connection: $200 per issue
2nd quarter sponsorship: SOLD
(inserts due Thursday, June 17)
3rd quarter sponsorship: to go out in late Sept.
(inserts due Thursday, Sept. 23)
4th quarter sponsorship: to go out early Dec.
(inserts due Thursday, December 2)
Contact the Chamber office to sponsor one of this year's remaining issues.
############################################
PULASKI FRESH FARM-TO-TABLE
One of the most recent Chamber-based initiatives, Pulaski Fresh Farm-To-Table, is a network of local producers, consumers and educational resources concerning local foods. The group had an
impressive display at the Claytor Lake Festival which was informative and enjoyable for all age groups. People planted vegetable seeds to take home, interacted with a variety of farm animals, and viewed many educational exhibits and displays. We are certain to be hearing a great deal more from this group in the future as they champion a cause so important to us all.
**********************************************************************************
FOCUS GROUP MEETINGS
June 14 -- Tourism
9:30 at Chamber Office
June 16 -- Fairlawn Initiative 5:30 p.m. at Competitiveness Center
TBA -- Community & Economic Development
TBA
Chairperson: Mike Waller
TBA -- Small Business
TBA
Chairperson: Dede Stone
#########################################################################
2010 VIRGINIA LABOR & EMPLOYMENT LAW SEMINAR
Once again this year, the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce will be co-sponsoring this seminar to be presented by Baker,Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC. It will be held on Thursday, September 2 at Hungry Mother State Park. Any member of our Chamber will get $25 off the $125 registration fee for the seminar. For more information and/or to register, contact Laralee F. Harkleroad at (423) 928-0181or e-mail: lharkleroad@bakerdonelson.com
*********************************************************************************
EMPOWERING THE CHANGE!
A seminar & workshop promoting a drug free community
Wednesday, September 15
8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
At NRV Competitiveness Center
Pulaski Community Partners Coalition and the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce will be bringing area agencies and individuals together to learn about Environmental Strategies and how we can implement them in our community.
Our morning speaker will be Shannon Weatherly from the President's Office on National Drug Control Policy. This is a rare chance to tap into the prevention knowledge, insight and expertise that someone at this level can bring. We need your expertise at the table so please plan on attending! Official invitations will go out in in August.
**************************************************************************
CHECK OUT THE CHAMBER'S FACE BOOK, BECOME A FAN, AND SEE THE PICTURES FROM O
UR RECENT ANNUAL MEETING, RIBBON CUTTINGS, AND BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
|
| NEW MEMBERS | |
The Inn At Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center
Traci Collins, Sales Manager
901 Prices Fork Road, MC:0104
Blacksburg, VA 24061
(540) 231-8000
Fax: (540) 231-0017
Virginia Stone & Brick Designs, Inc.
Darren J. Lucas, Owner
1201 East Main Street
Pulaski, VA 24301
Mail: P. O. Box 37
Riner, VA 24149
(540) 357-1434
Friends of Claytor Lake, Inc.
Darla Jennings
P. O. Box 815
Pulaski, VA 24301
(540) 674-0166
Greater Pulaski Alliance
Ms. Shirley Bandy
P. O. Box 660
Pulaski, VA 24301
(540) 980-4200
Express Employment Professionals
Garry D. Norris, CEO & Owner
1109 Electric Road
Salem, VA 24153
(540) 389-8979
Fax: (540) 389-8976
|
|
BUSINESS TIDBITS | |
STATUS IS JUST AN AGREEMENT
One reminder: not a single status symbol or story is ever safe from devaluation, as these symbols are mere agreements between groups of people. For example, the moment 'society' agrees that a car is just a method to safely move from A to B (or a nuisance that needs to be avoided due to environmental worries and space constraints), and not one of the dominant indicators of one's financial standing (as it is now), luxury care manufacturers will have a problem. What if a watch is just a way to tell the time? How would this impact the manufacturers of watches like the diamond-encrusted Rolex? Feel free to apply this exercise to your own industry.
Status-less consumption?
Consider this: in mature consumer societies, is there really any kind of consumption or behavior that is entirely devoid of status considerations? An extreme example: would installing a top-of-the range home spa solely for one's own pleasure and comfort, not to be seen or to be used by anyone but the owner, be free of status considerations? Or will the owner (let's assume he/she is single) at some point tell peers about the fact he or she had this spa installed, and is using and enjoying it? What if the owner was not allowed to tell anyone about these assets ever? Or how about this one: when going on an exotic, carbon-neutral voyage to remote islands that other tourists haven't set foot on before, is the ultimate value the experience itself, or is it to be found in the impressive eco-travel-stories a traveler can tell his or her peers on return? And here, too, what if the traveler was not allowed to ever share his or her stories with anyone?
Consumption and behavior-wise, everything contains a status component, however tiny or indirect it may seem.
There are at least five ways for consumers to get their status fix:
1. BIGGER, BETTER, HARDER
(consuming the most, and the most expensive)
2. GENEROSITY
(giving instead of taking)
3. GREEN CREDENTIALS & UNCONSUMPTION
(greener or less consumption)
4. IN THE KNOW & SKILLS
(knowing and doing versus consuming)
5. CONNECTIVITY
(social status, especially online)
(Source: trendwatching.com) |
| "GOING GREEN" TIDBITS | |
MORE WAYS TO REDUCE WASTE
Good as new: donate your old furniture to a local furniture recycler. They'll turn your unwanted pieces into something covetable, saving it from the landfill.
One person's junk....If you're planning to do some spring cleaning, hold a yard sale or donate old items to a second hand shop. You'll be surprised how valuable your junk is to someone else.
Clip tip: Mow your lawn when it's dry, and leave the clippings lying on the grass to break down and feed the lawn underneath.
Thirsty work: If you have a water cooler at work, use a glass to fill up instead of using paper or plastic cups from the dispenser.
Go vintage? Check out some local used clothing stores to find vintage fashions. It's a great way to recycle, cuts out carbon emissions made by making new clothes and it's unique!
Crafty wrapping: Use up scraps of material from curtains, dressmaking or unwanted clothes to make beautiful personalized gift bags. Your gifts will look unique and you'll save bags of cash!
Ice wine: Rather than throwing away leftover wine, pour it into an ice cube tran and store in the freezer until the next time you need to cook with wine. That way you won't waste a drop!
Think before you print: Do you really need a hard copy? Use both sides of the paper if you do and add a 'think before you print' footer to your e-mails.
Growth spurt: Instead of buying little plastic packets of herbs, grow your own - if you don't have a garden, even a pot or window box will do.
Bulk up: Buying non-perishable items in bulk is a great way of cutting down on unnecessary packaging.
|
|
HEALTH HINTS | |
JUNE IS NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH
Each June, the National Safety Council encourages businesses to get involved and participate in National Safety Month. Each week carries a theme that brings attention to critical safety issues.
Week 1 June 1 - 6 Prescription Drug Overdose Prevention
Unintentional overdose from over-the-counter, prescription and illegal drugs is the second-leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Between 1993 and 2003, a 107 percent increase in the unintentional poisoning death rate from overdoses occurred among Americans ages 20 to 64. These poisonings are often due to overdose or misuse of opioid analgesics, such as oxycodone, methadone, and hydrocodone, initially prescribed to treat chronic pain.
Week 2 June 7 - 13 Teen Driving Safety
Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death and injury for U.S. teens between the ages of 15-19. The death toll is equivalent to about 17 deaths per day for people involved in teen driver crashes. For teens, the likelihood of being in a crash is at a lifetime high in the first 12 months and 1,000 miles of driving. Gradually introducing novice drivers to the traffic environment in phrases, also known as Graduated Driver Licensing, has been proven to reduce crash risk and save lives. But parents also play a key role in changing this trend.
Week 3 June 14 - 20 Preventing Overexertion at Work & at Home
Overexertion is a major cause of the inflammation of joints and ligaments that results from excessive physical effort. Overexertion injuries, mainly sprains and strains, to the back or spine
comprise about 40 percent of both on and off-the-job injuries.
Week 4 June 21 - 27 Dangers of Cell Phone Use While Driving
An estimated 28 percent of all traffic crashes -- or 1.6 million each year -- are caused by drivers using cell phones and texting. Cell phone use has increased dramatically during the last 15 years. According to NGTSA, an estimated 11 percent of drivers are talking on cell phones at any point of the day. We need to reverse this alarming trend. Even if you aren't using your phone while driving, it's important to be aware of others who are and to drive defensively.
Week 5 June 28 - 30 Summer Safety
Summer is a great time to be outdoors; however, being exposed to hot weather for too long can result in serious health problems. In 2006, between the months of May to August, 611 unintentional-injury deaths occurred due to heat exposure. Take precautions to prevent heat related illnesses and monitor children and the elderly during heat waves.
Summer is also a time of increased travel on our nation's roads. Fatalities between motorists and motorcycle riders have increased 131 percent between 1998 and 200-8. Remember to watch for motorcyclists this summer when navigating the roadways. |
| KUDOS & RECOGNITIONS | |
KUDOS:
....to Chelsea Gusler, the Chamber's own 2010 Senior Class Representative , who was
chosen to be one of the student speakers at the recent graduation ceremonies at Pulaski
County High School;
....to all our County students who graduated high school or were awarded various levels
of degrees from colleges; and,
....to all those who worked so long and hard to organize and promote the Claytor Lake Festival held
on Saturday, June 12. Despite the intermittent storms, a large crowd attended and enjoyed the festival's many and varied aspects. The proceeds of the festival will continue to do good throughout the year by benefitting the art education programs of the Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley.
RECOGNITION
COUNTY OF PULASKI
Employees for the Month of April 2010 are Latisha Gallimore and Nicole Hager.
Latisha Gallimore began her employment with the Pulaski County Department of Social Services in November, 2005 as a Social Worker in the Child Protective Services Unit. As a Child Protective Services Social Worker, it is Ms. Gallimore's responsibility to investigate Child Abuse and Neglect in Pulaski County. She is responsible for interviewing victims, alleged abusers and/or neglectors, witnesses and collaterals, which includes home visits, school visits and a great deal of court involvement. As a Social Worker with the Pulaski County Department of Social Services, Ms. Gallimore also has to perform an on-call duty rotation being available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. She attended Radford University and double-majored in Criminal Justice and Psychology. She then received her Master's Degree in Criminal Justice from Radford University.
Nicole Hager came to work at Pulaski County Department of Social Services in March 1999. She was hired in the Benefit Program Unit as a generic elibibility worker learning program policy for all three of the major benefit programs: SNAP (formerly Food Stamps); Medicaid; and TANF (temporary assistance for needy families). She handles all aspects of the programs, intake and ongoing, including interviewing clients, completing eligibility determinations, accessing on-line automated verification systems, providing program information and explaining specific program policy. Ms. Hager has to meet multiple deadlines in maintaining her caseload in addition to covering for other workers when they are absent.
A native of Wythe County, Ms. Hager is a graduate of Fort Chiswell High High School. She received an Associates degree in General Studies from Wytheville Community College and went to Radford University where she received a BS in Psychology with a minor in Social Work. She and her husband, Tommy, and their two daughters live in Max Meadows. She spends a lot of her time involved with her children's activities. She coaches recreational cheerleading and chauffeurs her children to AAU basketball games. Ms. Hager is a member of Pioneer Baptist Church in Max Meadows where she teaches Sunday School and volunteers for community outreach activities. In her spare time, she enjoys reading.
Pulaski County Department of Social Services is fortunate to have Ms. Hager as an employee and is proud to recognize her as Employee of the Month for her commitment and years of service to the Agency.
The Employee of the Month for May 2010 is Officer Phillip S. Bryce. Officer Bryce has been employed by the Town of Pulaski since October 2007.
On May 6, 2010 the Police Department responded to an accident in which a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle on Lee Highway. Officer Bryce was the first officer on the scene and immediately attempted to locate a pulse, but quickly determined that the victim's heart was not beating and initiated CPR. Notified that rescue was in route, but would be responding from the Dublin Station, Officer Bryce continued with CPR for approximately 10 minutes before an off-duty rescue squad member, H. M. Kidd, arrived on the scene.
Officer Bryce's actions were observed by the residents of the Meadow View Apartments and by citizens who had stopped along the roadway. Throughout that evening the Police Department received several compliments on Officer Bryce's life saving efforts from both citizens and emergency personnel.
Unfortunately, the pedestrian sustained injuries that were fatal. However, Officer Bryce's quick action and his obvious care for a citizen of the community merit recognition. The actions taken by Officer Bryce demonstrate the competence, courage, and decisiveness of a well-trained and caring police officer. He is a credit to the uniform he wears and to the Department and the community that he serves.
In addition to the honor of receiving the Employee of the Month Award, Officer Bryce will receive an additional paid day off from the Town and be eligible for the Employee of the Year Award at the end of the year.
|
| THOUGHT OF THE WEEK | |
"Before I can live with other folks I've got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience."
Atticus Finch in "To Kill A Mockingbird" by Harper Lee (1960) |
|
MEMBER & COMMUNITY EVENTS | |
NEW RIVER RESOURCE AUTHORITY: PUBLIC NOTICE
The New River Resource Authority (NRRA) has received an unsolicited proposal under the PPEA for a landfill gas-to-energy project. The PPEA submittal includes obtaining all required permits, installation of a LFG fueled electric power generation system, and interconnect with existing electrical power distribution system. The proposal will be evaluated and NRRA may negotiate an interim or comprehensive agreement with the proposer based on the proposal. NRRA will receive for simultaneous consideration any competing proposals that comply with the procedures adopted by the NRRA and the PPEA. If you have questions, pleases contact Joe Levine at (540) 674-1677 or jlevine@wildblue.netTo be considered, the original and three (3) copies of the proposal should be forwarded to New River Resource Authority, P. O. Box 1246, Dublin, VA 24084 no later than 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 27, 2010. The submittal should be clearly marked "NRRA LFG-to-Energy Project."
*************************************************************************
SOUTHWEST TIMES DIGITIZATION PROJECT
IMAGINE:
*Being able to read an actual copy of The Southwest Times from the late 1800's or anytime since then.
*Seeing the wedding announcements of your parents, grandparents or great grandparents.
*Viewing ads from businesses that used to be or are still in Pulaski County.
*Experiencing life the way it was in Pulaski County for over 100 years.
*Seeing how history has affected life in Pulaski County.
*Being able to type in a name, event, business or landmark and finding all references of it in the newspaper for over 100 years.
WHY:
*Paper copies are deteriorating.
*Microfilm is becoming old technology, and is hard to use.
*Equipment used to view microfilm is very expensive to replace.
*Key word searching capabilities.
*It is our small town history and if we don't preserve it, we can't expect that anyone else will.
*Will be available by Internet to anyone, anywhere, anytime for FREE.
There is a demo you can experience by going to www.pclibs.org and clicking on the Digitization Project button. Located there is Jan. - June of 1929 and October - December of 1955. Soon to be added is parts of 1945, 1965, and 1975 available on the demo site.
Contributions toward this project are being accepted by The Friends of the Pulaski County
Library.
The goal is to have this project available online September 31, 2010.
***********************************************************************
NRCC offers online renewal courses:
New River Community College offers the online Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing and Gas Fitting License Renewal courses. These are the three-hour and one-hour continuing education courses that are needed to renew tradesman licenses. These are approved by the Virginia Board of Contractors. Once enrolled, an e-mail will be sent from the instructor, Dan Trent, with a link to go on and a username and password and some instructions. The course may be started at this time. The courses are a total of three hours (Gas Fitting, one hour), but you may take as long as you need to complete those three hours (one hour). Once completed, an e-mail will be sent from Dan Trent stating that you have completed. NRCC will get a copy of that e-mail and will send the report to DPOR informing them of the completion. The cost of the courses are as follows:
Electrical (online) - $45.00
HVAC (online) - $45.00
Plumbing (online) - $45.00
Gas Fitting (online)- $25.00
*************************************************************************
KICK OFF THE JACKSON PARK SUMMER SERIES WITH ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTIST, RYAN PELTON
June 18 in Jackson Park, Downtown Pulaski
$5 Donation
Park opens at 5 p.m.
Opening act "Southern Nights Band" at 6 p.m.
Bring your lawn chairs and prepare for an evening of food, drinks, and entertainment.
Concessions by Pulaski Baseball, Inc.
Co-sponsored by the Fine Arts Center of the NRV and the Town of Pulaski
***********************************************************************************
JUNE 18, 19, & 21 IN TOWN OF PULASKI
Town-wide sidewalk sale and activities
***********************************************************************************
YOUTH SUMMER THEATER CAMP
Sponsored by New River Community College
June 21 through July 2
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Boys and girls ages 7 to 11
Fee: $250 for the whole two weeks
NRCC Dublin campus, Richardson Auditorium, Rooker Hall
***************************************************************************
FATHER'S DAY CONCERT
Nesselrod on the New Sunken Garden Ampitheater
7535 Lee Highway in Fairlawn
Sunday, June 20 at 5:00 p.m.
Featuring: Scott Fore; Blue Moonshine; Cimmaron
Bring a blanket or lawn chair; no coolers and no pets allowed.
Food & drinks will be on sale.
Admission: $20
***********************************************************************
West Wind Farm Vineyard & Winery
Summer Saturdays: Music, Food, Wine, Non-alcoholic beverages, Fun
July 3, 5 - 8 p.m.: Rock'N Cruisers (Oldies, beach)
Aug. 7, 5 - 8 p.m.: Doc Greenberg's Patient Jazz (Jazz, blues)
Sept. 4, 5 - 8 p.m.: Big Blues Beat (Oldies, blues)
Wine & Swine 2010: Oct. 9, 4 - 7 p.m.: Travelers Revision (Oldies, rock)
$10 admission per person.
For more information, call (276) 699-2020 or visit westwindwine.com
*************************************************************************
Representatives from Senator Mark Warner's office will be traveling around the Commonwealth
to meet with individual Virginians who have specific issues dealing with federal agenciesl.
They will be at the Pulaski County Library from 10 a.m. - noon on Thursday, June 17. These meetings are expected to continue at the same time and place on the third Thursday of each month.
**************************************************************
THE WOW FACTOR: WHERE SERVICE EXCELLENCE STARTS
Free Workshop on Wednesday, June 23, 10 a.m. - noon; Edwards Hall 117 at New River Community College
Bobbie Walker, director of education and workforce readiness with the Virginia Tourism Corporation, will lead participants toward positive behaviors that enhance customer service skills and help give front-line employees the confidence and support needed to
shine as hosts.
Register online at nr.edu
********************************************************************
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Saturday, June 19, 8 - 10 a.m., Pulaski Farmers Market at the Maple Shade Shopping Center.
Includes all you can eat pancakes; comes with sausage, orange juice or coffee; $4.00.
************************************************************************************
SUMMER READING PROGRAM
June 21 - July 30
Anyone can participate: Any child or teen in pre-school through 12th grade, as well as adults.
For details of related activities, requirements, and prizes, contact Jena Hardy at the Library (540) 980-7770 or e-mail jchardyj@pclibs.org
********************************************************************************
ENTREPRENEUR EXPRESS WORKSHOP
Attention Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs
You are invited to attend the Entrepreneur Express Workshop on Thursday, August 19, 9 a.m. - 12 noon, at the New River Competitiveness Center, 6580 Valley Center Drive in
Fairlawn.
Sponsored by: Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce; Virginia Economic Bridge; New River Competitiveness Center; Wachovia Bank.
Presented by: Virginia Department of Business Assistance, Virginia
Admissionc is free, but advanced registration is required by August 15.
Register at: www.vastartup.org or call Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce at (540) 674-1991.
*************************************************************************
"BOOK" THE ULTIMATE VACATION
at the Coffee Buy the Book Resort.
Take a vacation every week this summer.
Start your journey today: Sign up for your summer package and receive a free membership card that entitles you to a summer of fun for adults and children. For times and events visit the website: www.coffeebuythebook.net or call (540) 980-4427.
****************************************************************************** Historial Tours of the Major Graham Mansion
Will be held on June 20, July 18 and 25, and August 15. Come and meet the Grahams, tour the never-before-seen basement with shackle room and see the newly discovered signatures on doors and walls! Indepth history and brochures provided.
Ghost Walk Tours of the Major Graham Mansion will be held on June 13 and August 8. Listen to actual Electronic Voice Phenomena recordings and data collected by their very own Ghostbusters over the past 3 years! Come and meet the SPIRITED tour guides as they tell you the legend, lore, and ghostly tales that surround this historic haunted home.
Tours are $10 per person at the door. Hours are 2 to 4 p.m. The mansion is not handicapped accesssible. Free parking beside the mansion. See www.MajorGrahamMansion.com or call (276) 284-0006 for more information.
*************************************************************************
Nesselrod on the New River at 7535 Lee Highway in Fairlawn will present the David Dehart Memorial Concert on Saturday, July 24 at 5 p.m. (rain date: July 25). Featured will be Circus Elephant, Electric Woodshed, and Jimmy Thackery & The Drivers. $20 admission. Visit www.nesselrod.com
*************************************************************************************
FAIRGROUNDS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
June 18-19 NRV Classic Cruisers (540) 639-2984
June 28 SW VA Jr. Lamb Symposium (540) 980-7761
July 4 Celebration (tentative) (540) 674-1548
July 9-11 Trappers Association (540) 641-9653
July 19-24 New River Valley Fair (540) 674-1548
Sept. 11 Horse Auction (276) 620-6116
Sept. 18-19 Lions Flea Market (540)980-0071
Sept. 25 Lord's Acre Sale (540)980-0631 Oct. 2 Simmental Sale (276)677-3255
Oct. 15-17 High School Rodeo (tentative) (540)980-6914
Nov. 7-8 Lions Christmas Craft Show (540)674-1682
**********************************************************************
MONDAY NIGHT BINGO
Sponsored weekly by The Ruritan Road Ruritan Club at the Pulaski Moose Lodge at 4500 McAdams Crossing (off Route 99) in Pulaski. Doors Open at 4:30 p.m., Early Birds start at 6:30 p.m. Basic Admission is $15; Jackpots, WTA available. A community service organization, the club will be donating all net proceeds back to local charities.
************************************************************
PULASKI AREA TRANSIT 6TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT (FUNDRAISER)
June 23 at 1 p.m., Draper Valley Golf Course.
Captain's Choice Shotgun Start
For costs and further details, and to sign up, contact Pulaski Area Transit at 141 East Main Street, Suite 500 in Pulaski.
All proceeds from this golf tournament will be used for matching funds for the Town of Pulaski and to help offset transit expenses.
|
|
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO RSVP FOR ANY OF THE EVENTS CONTACT THE CHAMBER OFFICE Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce 4440 Cleburne Blvd., Suite B Dublin, VA 24084 Phone: 540-674-1991 E-Mail: pcchamber1@swva.net Website: www.pulaskichamber.info
|
|
|
