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 August 16, 2010 |
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YOUR CHAMBER IS LOOKING FOR AMBASSADORS
With expertise they are willing to share in the following areas: Finance, Marketing, Networking & Referrals, Insurance, Law, Government permits, and Web-site design.
Other areas may be added as the needs present themselves. If you would be willing to serve in this capacity and share your expertise with other members (especially newer ones) who need a little direction, please contact claudia@pulaskichamber.info or (540) 674-1991 for an application. Once accepted into the program, you might be asked to meet for "Professional Advice and Pastries," a new quarterly series we are starting on Wednesday, October 6, at 9 a.m. This one-hour gathering will give members the opportunity to share their knowledge and experience with each other and strengthen our business community.
A two-week notice is requested from each member who plans to seek advice during one of these sessions, and Ambassador applications need to completed and returned to the Chamber by September 1.
In addition, if your business would like to take advantage of the opportunity to sponsor one or more of these quarterly meetings, the cost is only $25 and will be used to cover the cost of the pastries, etc. served.
SPONSORSHIP BARGAIN OFFER
If your business would like to sponsor the Chamber's next quarterly paper newsletter (scheduled to be mailed out in late September), for the special rate of only $200, you will get the outside ad on the newsletter (mailed to approximately 500 people), a free insert (deadline September 23), PLUS a hole sponsorship (a $100 value alone) at the Chamber's September 16th Golf Tournament. Call the Chamber office right away, as only ONE of these deals is available. (540) 674-1991.
SELL YOUR COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ON-LINE
If you are a Chamber member who sells commercial real estate, you should have received a link which will enable you to list your commercial properties for sale on the Chamber's website. If you have questions or need further information, contact Peggy at the Chamber office.
ENTREPRENEUR EXPRESS:
MOVING YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD
Attention Small Business Owners & Potential Entrepreneurs
You are invited and encouraged to attend the Entrepreneur Express Workshop on Thursday, August 19, 9 a.m. - 12 noon, at the New River Valley Competitiveness Center, 6580 Valley Center Drive in Fairlawn. This workshop is designed to deliver practical, hands-on training and provide information on available business resources. Attendees with specific interests or resource needs will receive follow-up attention from the workshop's sponsoring and participating organizations. They include local, state, and federal resource providers. Workshop participants will be introduced to many potential programs of interest to start-up companies and growing small businesses, from business plan counseling through increasing sales and obtaining financing.
Sponsored by: Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce; Virginia Economic Bridge; Virginia Department of Business Assistance; New River Valley Competitiveness Center; Wachovia Bank.
Admission is FREE, including breakfast, but advanced registration is required by August 16. Register at: www.vastartup.org or call Pulaski County Chamber Of Commerce at (540) 674-1991.
Reserve your spot today for this session. It could make a big difference in your current or planned business.
PHOTO CONTEST
Send us your best photos, action shots of you experiencing some of the wonderful things you enjoy doing in Pulaski County! Do you love to water ski, jet ski, kayak, canoe, attend Motor Mile, watch baseball, golf, frisbee golf, swim, ride horseback, enjoy a cookout....the list could go on and on. All photos received will be considered for inclusion in the new Pulaski County tourism brochure, and may also appear on the Chamber website and/or other publications. Submission of the photos to this contest constitutes a release of the photos for any use the Chamber might deem fit, including publication, and they become the property of the Chamber. The photos should be e-mailed no later than Friday, August 20, to claudia@pulaskichamber.info or mailed to 4440 Cleburne Blvd., Dublin, VA 24084. Your photo could be sent out to visitors from all over the country!
FROM GOLF BAGS TO BACK PACKS!
We invite you to not only make the deal of a lifetime by impressing your clients at the Chamber's Golf Tournament, but to also make a difference just by participating in the tournament, no matter what level player you are. Our Chamber members have continued to be so supportive, even during the challenging economic times, that we would like to share our blessings by doing something good for the children of the New River Valley.
All profits from the Golf Tournament will be donated to pack food for needy children throughout the area to take home to supplement the meals they are served at school. There is a particular need for provisions for weekend meals.
Every shot you make in this tournament will be a winner, a hole-in- one. Sign up now to do something good for the community and enjoy a pleasant day of golf. Your business will be highlighted as a community hero for your participation.
Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce 2010 Annual Golf Tournament @ Draper Valley Golf Club
Thursday, September 16;
8 a.m. or 1 p.m. tee time
Team & Sponsor Registration
Teams $280 Individuals $70
Teams Pre-Flighted by Handicap;
Competitive & Recreation Awards
for 1st and 2nd Place Teams
Mulligans $5 each/$20 per team
Red Tees $5 each/$20 per team
To sponsor and/or register contact
the Chamber Office at (540) 674-1991
Tournament Sponsorships Available
Eagle Sponsors $1200
Corporate recognition
*Official Listing on day of event
*Listing in the Chamber E-Letter
*Listing in the Chamber Newsletter
Birdie Sponsorship $500
*Official listing on day of event
*Listing in the Chamber E-Letter
*Listing in the Chamber Newsletter
*Hole sponsor signage on day of event
Bogey Sponsorship $250
*Listing in the Chamber E-Letter
*Listing in the Chamber Newsletter
*Hole sponsor signange on day of event
Hole Sponsorship $100
*Hole sponsor signage on day of event
*Hole Sponsorship listing in the E-letter
Hole Sponsors
*BondCote
*The Inn at Va. Tech
EMPOWERING THE CHANGE
A seminar and workshop promoting a drug-free community
Wednesday, September 15
8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Pulaski Country Club
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 expertise at the table, so please plan to attend. Official invitations will go out in August.
FIVE STAR MARKETING & ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES
Take advantage of this five star opportunity to showcase your business by sponsoring the Monday Morning ChamberConnection E-letter. This publication goes out to over 300 Members. The cost is only $50 per month with a two month maximum if others are waiting.
Paper newsletter (only four issues a year):
4th quarter sponsorship: to go out early Dec.
(inserts due Thursday, December 2)
$250 will allow you to sponsor this issue. Your ad will be featured on the outside of the newsletter, and you may include a free insert in the issue you sponsor.
The third five star opportunity available at this time is an insert in the quarterly newsletter. For only 20 cents a copy you put your information in the hands of 500 potential customers. This beats other direct mail opportunities by a long shot!
Contact the Chamber office to take advantage of any of these great marketing and advertising opportunities at (540) 674-1991 or e-mail: peggywhite@pulaskichamber.info
2010 VIRGINIA LABOR & EMPLOYMENT LAW
Once again this year, the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce will be co-sponsoring this seminar to be presented by Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkiwitz, 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.
TOPICS:
*Virginia Employment Law Update: 2009-2010
*Breaking the Sound Barrier: What Employers Need to Know About Employment Law and Social Media
*The 2010 Workers' Compensation Update: New Decisions You Need to Know
*Soaring with the Blinders Off: Doing Business in a Post-ADAAA World
*Creating Your Flight Plan: Drafting Effective Employee Handbooks
*The Top Five Danger Areas in Wage and Hour Law
*Rising above the Regulations: The FMLA Top Ten Hit List
For more information and/or to register, contact Laralee F. Harkleroad at (423) 928-0181 or e-mail: lharkleroad@bakerdonelson.com
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Christy Straight, Secretary
NRVPDC
6580 Valley Center Dr., Suite 124
Fairlawn, VA 24141
(540) 639-9313, X 209
Fax: (540) 831=6093
Fairlawn Tire & Auto
Kevin M. Cressell, Owner
7411 Peppers Ferry Blvd.
Fairlawn, VA 24141
(540) 639-3790
Mandie Mitchell, RN, CMT
4550 Lee Hwy., Suite D
Dublin, VA 24084
Mailing: 5694 Jill Drive
Pulaski, VA 24301
(540) 616-7471
E-mail: Mandie@muchkneadedmassage.net
Web-site: www.muchkneadedmassage.net
(Massage Therapy)
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TIPS FOR COPING WITH STRESS AT WORK
Coping with stress is easier when you identify your stress triggers, manage your time well, and take steps to curb job burnout.
Nowhere is stress more likely than in the workplace. Twenty-give percent of people say that their job is the primary stressor in their lives. Job stress can affect your professional and personal relationships, your livelihood, and your health. The good news is that you're not powerless. You can learn better ways of coping with stress.
The Effects Of Stress:
In small doses, stress is a good thing. It can energize and motivate you to deal with challenges. But prolonged or excessive stress - the kind that overwhelms your ability to cope - can take a severe psychological and physical toll. High strews levels have been linked to depression, anxiety, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal problems, impaired immune response, and cancer.
Your genes, personality, and life experiences all influence the way you respond to and cope with stress. Situations and events that are distressing for most people might not bother you in the least. Or, you may be particularly sensitive to even minor stressors. The first step in coping with stress is identifying your stress triggers.
Some causes of stress are obvious - the threat of losing your job, for instance. But small, daily hassles and demands such as a long commute or difficult co-workers also contribute to your stress level. Over time, small, persistent stressors can wreak more havoc than sudden, devastating events do.
Tackle Your Stress Triggers:
To identify the factors causing you stress, try keeping a stress inventory: For one week write down the situations, events and people who cause you to have a negative physical, mental or emotional response. Give a brief description of the situation. Where were you? Who was involved? Also, describe your reaction. Did you feel frustrated, angry or nervous?
After a week, sit down and look at your stress inventory. Choose one situation to work on using problem-solving techniques. That means identifying and exploring the problem, looking for ways to resolve it, and selecting and implementing a solution.
Suppose, for instance, that you're behind at work because you leave early to pick up your son from school. You might check with other parents to see if your son can ride with them. Or, you might come in early, work through your lunch hour or take work home to catch up. The best of coping with stress is to try to find a way to change the circumstances that are causing it.
Improve Your Time Management Skills:
Work overload - feeling you have too much to do - is a common cause of job stress.
You may not be able to affect the amount of work you have, but you can use time management to help you be more efficient and feel less under the gun. Try these tips to improve your time management skills and lower your stress level.
*Set realistic goals. Create realistic expectations and deadlines for yourself,
and set regular progress reviews.
*Make a priority list. Prepare a list of tasks and rank them in order of priority. Throughout the day, scan your master list and work on tasks in priority order.
*Protect your time. For an especially important or difficult project, block time on your schedule when you can work on it without interruptions.
Keep Perspective:
When your job is stressful, it can feel like it's taking over your life. Try to maintain perspective. Here are some tips that can help.
*Get other points of view. Talk with colleagues or friends you trust about the issues you're facing at work. They may be able to provide insights or offer suggestions for coping. Just having someone to talk to can be a relief.
*Take a break. Make the most of workday breaks. Even 10 minutes of personal time can be refreshing. Similarly, take time off, whether it's a two-week vacation or just a long weekend.
*Have an outlet. All work and no play is a recipe for burnout. Make sure to spend time on activities you enjoy, such as reading, socializing or pursuing a hobby.
*Take care of yourself. Be vigilant about taking care of your health. Get regular exercises and plenty of sleep, and eat a healthy diet.
Seek Help:
If none of these things relieves your feelings of stress or burnout, try talking with a health care professional. He or she can help you assess your feelings and consider all your options. In some cases, the best solution to intolerable job stress may be finding a new job.
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GREEN ECONOMY
A green economy is an economy or economic development model based on sustainable development and a knowledge of ecological economics.
Karl Burkart defines a green economy as based on six main sectors:
*Renewable energy (solar, wind, geothermal, marine including wave, biogas, and fuel cell)
*Green buildings (green retrofits for energy and water efficiency, residential and commercial assessment; green products and materials, and LEED construction)
*Clean transportation (alternative fuels, public transit, hybrid and electric vehicles, car sharing and carpooling programs)
*Water management (Water reclamation, grey water and rainwater systems, low- water landscaping, water purification, storm water management)
*Waste management (recycling, municipal solid waste salvage, Brownfield land remediation, Superfund cleanup, sustainable packaging)
*Land management (organic agriculture, habitat conservation and restoration; urban forestry and parks, reforestation and afforestation and soil stabilization
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AUGUST IS CATARACT AWARENESS MONTH
What are cataracts?
If your vision has become cloudy or things you see are not as bright as they used to be, a cataract may have developed in one or both of your eyes. A cataract is a clouding of the eye's naturally clear lens. Your eye becomes like a window that is frosted or yellowed.
The amount and pattern of cloudiness within the lens can vary. If the cloudiness is not near the center of the lens, you may not be aware that a cataract is present.
There are many misconceptions about cataracts. A cataract is not:
*A growth or film over the eye;
*A cause of irreversible blindness;
*A result of overusing the eyes;
*A contagious disease spread from eye to eye or person to person.
Cataracts are a common cause of vision loss, especially as we age, but they are treatable. Your ophthalmologist can tell you whether cataract or some other problem is the cause of your vision loss and can help you decide if cataract surgery is appropriate for you.
Who is at risk for cataracts?
Cataracts occur as part of the aging process, so everyone is at risk eventually. By age 75, about 70 percent of people will have cataracts. The eye's lens slowly becomes less flexible, less transparent and thicker. Then areas of the lens become cloudy. Usually cataracts develop in both eyes at about the same time.
These factors increase the risk of developing cataracts:
*Advanced age;
*Diabetes;
*Family history;
*Smoking;
*Previous eye injury or inflammation;
*Prolonged steroid use (especially combined use or oral and inhaled steroids); and
*Extensive exposure to sunlight.
If you have any of these risk factors, you should schedule an appointment with your ophthalmologist.
What are the symptoms of cataracts?
The only way to know if you have cataracts for certain is when you ophthalmologist does a dilated eye exam. Get a baseline exam at age 40, when early signs of disease and changes in vision may start to occur. Your ophthalmologist will let you know how often you should return for follow-up exams. At any point, if you have symptoms or risks for eye disease, see your ophthalmologist. Because your risk for cataracts and other eye diseases increases as you get older, starting at age 65 you should see your ophthalmologist every year. A complete eye examination will rule out any other condition that may be causing blurred vision or eye problems.
Most age-related cataracts develop gradually. As a result, you may not immediately notice changes in your vision when cataracts first develop.
In time, you may have symptoms such as:
*Painless clouded, blurry or dim vision;
*Increasing difficulty seeing at night or in low light;
*Sensitivity to light and glare, seeing halos around lights;
*Colors seem faded or yellowed;
*The need for brighter light for reading and other activities;
*Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription; or *Double vision within one eye.
(More next week on the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of cataracts)
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KUDOS:
....to everyone who is helping area schoolchildren return to school with new backpacks, school supplies, clothing, and hair cuts.
RECOGNITIONS:
County of Pulaski
Anthony Akers and Jim Davis have been named Featured Employees for Pulaski County for the month of August.
Anthony Akers has worked for Pulaski County for approximately 15 years, beginning his service as the County's Office on Youth Director. He currently serves as the County's Community Activities Director. Anthony oversees the operations and maintenance of the County's many parks, including Randolph Park, which is in its
10th year of operation.
Anthony enjoys his work as the Community Activities Director and states the most rewarding part of his job is "seeing kids smile." His accomplishments to date include the renovation and expansion of Central Gym, the establishment of afterschool programs at various schools in the County, and completion of local government managers training offered through Virginia Tech.
Anthony has a family which includes his wife Jody, son Alex, daughter Alaina, and son Ayden. He attends the Pulaski Church of God and enjoys teaching Sunday School and being involved in the Community Outreach Ministry. He also enjoys spending time with his family and being on the New River.
Sheriff Jim Davis has spent his entire 30-year career in law enforcement, the majority of which has been serving the citizens of Pulaski County. His career at the Sheriff's Office has included serving in communications as a dispatcher, uniformed patrol division and criminal investigations before moving into management.
As County Sheriff, Jim Davis is responsible for the overall law enforcement in the County, coordination with police departments serving both the towns of Dublin and Pulaski and in serving court orders within both the incorporated and unincorporated parts of the County. He is also responsible for the implementation of mutual aid agreements with adjacent localities. Sheriff Davis has successfully investigated a number of high profile cases and serious crimes with very positive results.
Jim and his wife, Teresa, have two daughters and are active in church and community affairs.
Town of Pulaski
The Employee for the Month of July 2010 is Sergeant Brandon Hamblin of the Fire Department. Sergeant Hamblin has been employed by the Town of Pualski for five years and a member of the Fire Department for eight years.
Sergeant Hamblin is also a certified Fire Officer I, Fire Instruction I and Rope Rescue Operations Phase II through the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, where he is also certified to teach Firefighter I and II classes. Sergeant Hamblin is a member of the Pulaski Fire Department Rope Rescue Team, a Volunteer with the Newbern Fire Department with the rank of Captain and a member of the Pulaski County Wildland Fire
Crew.
Recently there was a dairy fire in Newbern. Pulaski responded with mutual aid, as did 9 other departments. Sergeant Hamblin worked the fire. The structure was owned by his family and Brandon did not allow personal feelings to interfere with his judgment. He made precise, sound decisions and safety was his top concern.
Sergeant Hamblin was nominated because his dedication to life, safety and the well-being of the citizens of both the Town and County is unsurpassed and something of which we can all be proud. He has a can do attitude, makes well thought out, calm decisions and always has a genuine concern for the citizens he protects, and his counterparts, team members and subordinates.
In addition to the honor of receiving the Employee of the Month Award, Sergeant Hamblin 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.
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MEMBER & COMMUNITY EVENTS |
PULASKI COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
Hip & Knee Replacement Class Thursday, August 19, 2 - 4 p.m., L. Brinkley Eure Education Building This class is for people scheduled for surgery or thinking about having surgery. You will be taught by Physical Therapists and Registered Nurses. Content includes hospital information and procedures, exercises prior to and after surgery, treatment to get you back on your feet. Discussion about insurance and planning for your care after discharge. Please call (540) 994-8451 for any questions. Deadline for sign up is August 16. RSVP to: Consult a Nurse at 1-877-242-2362
For additional information, contact
Darlene Edwards at (540) 994-8549
FAIRLAWN TIRE & AUTO NOW OPEN!!!
Our new member, Fairlawn Tire & Auto, would like to announce that they are now open and are a full -service auto shop. They are open Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. - noon on Saturday. The location is 7411Peppers Ferry Blvd. in Fairlawn. For more information, call (540) 639-3790.
BEAUTICONTROL
The SPA is here! Our new member, Alice Covey, will bring her mobile day spa to your home, business, church group, or civic organization. Is there a better way to reward yourself and others than by pampering and relaxation? You can reward your hard working employees with a work spa. Host the ultimate "ME TIME" with an in-home Spa Party. Call and schedule your ultimate de-stressing time today. Spa party hostesses are rewarded with a gel neck wrap, free and reduced products of their choice. Alice Covey: (540) 994-9607, atcovey@verizon.net, www.beautipage.com/alicecovey
Introducing the BeautiControl Spa. 2 free spa treatments with initial consultation, purchase $50.00 and chose an item at 50% off.
COFFEE BUY THE BOOK
Sign up for your summer package today and receive a FREE membership Card that entitles you to a summer of fun for adults and children.
"Book" The Ultimate Vacation Members Enjoy:
Weekly Book Discounts
VIP Passes to "Meet The Author" events
Participation in Book Discussion Groups
Prizes - Drawings - Raffles
1 FREE coffee/Tea with any Purchase
Coffee and Tea Lovers Poetry Jam
August 27, 7 p.m.
Featuring Katherine Chantel reading from her "A Tea Lovers Journey" And Chelsea Adams reading from her chapbook "Java Poems." Guitarist Bill Adams will play backup swing and jazz melodies.
Recipe Of The Month Club
August 28, 6 p.m. - Cookout
For more information, call Tracey at 980-4424.
WEST WIND FARM VINEYARD & WINERY
Summer Saturdays: Music, Food, Wine, Non-alcoholic beverages, Fun
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 westwinewine.com
FAIRGROUNDS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
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
WARNER ON YOUR CORNER
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 agencies. They will be at the Pulaski County Library from 10 a.m. - noon on the third Thursday of each month (Aug. 19, Sept. 16, Oct. 21, Nov. 18, Dec. 16).
RACK CARD SPECIAL TO ALL PULASKI CO. CHAMBER MEMBERS
Wordsprint would like to offer a monthly Rack Card Special to all Pulaski County Chamber members. These are top-quality 4x9 cards, full color both sides, on study gloss card stock.
For further details and prices, contact Chris DiYorio at (276) 228-6608.
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"I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again."
English statesman William Penn (1644-1718)
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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 |
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