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CHAMBER CONNECTION: Week of December 19, 2011 |
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Greetings from Pulaski County
Chamber of Commerce
Dear Member:
Christmas is almost here and as this very special day approaches it has warmed my heart to see so many acts of kindness from our Chamber businesses. Kindness may seem like a simple act but, unfortunately, it is as rare as a red diamond. To have so many of our members do random acts of kindness has just been overwhelming to me and has made me feel so proud to be associated with these businesses and individuals. I would like to share just a few of these with you. The Southtwest Times Community Open House: there were no hidden agendas, no political motivations, no capitializing on publicity, they just plain and simply wanted to give back to their hometown community. Their only only concern was giving some Christmas to people who needed it and otherwise might not have any.There were toys for children, crafts, food and goodies and, of course, Pulaski County's favorite, Santa. Pulaski Baseball started way back in the summer with a bike drive for the Christmas Store during Bike VA. They collected over 75 bikes. Cougar Xpress/Stan Moran is continuing to collect coats and bikes. Dublin WalMart, worked a Bike VA Rest Stop and gave their money to a local charity plus donated bikes to the Chrismas Store.
If you can do one thing and nothing else this season, give the gift of kindness! It can be as simple as letting the woman with three kids go ahead of you in the checkout line or thanking the person ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. It has been a wonderful year and I wish each and everyone of you a very Merry Christmas!
Peggy White
540.674.1991  |
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Send Us Your Legislative Concerns
Once again, on Wed. evening, Jan. 25, the Chamber will facilitate the Pulaski Co. Dinner for area legislators and elected officials (admission by invitation only) in Richmond. At this dinner as well as on Thurs. morning, Jan. 26, when we will be visiting the legislators in their offices, we will bring to their attention legislative concerns of our Chamber's membership. PLEASE FORWARD YOUR LEGISLATIVE CONCERNS TO THE CHAMBER OFFICE NO LATER THAN JAN. 16. Email sheilanelson@pulaskichamber.info or peggywhite@pulaskichamber.info. |
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Reward...
For return of diamond Anniversary Bracelet lost at Baker's Best/RU West during Chamber's Annual Meeting on Fri., Nov. 18. Great sentimental value. Please call Nancy Lawson with any info at 577.1219.
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Call to Action
We have a lot of exciting plans for 2012, and we need YOUR participation to make it happen! If you understand the value of relationships in business, marketing, commitments, and follow through, we want you involved in one of three Action Groups. Choose the one that would best suit your expertise: community involvement, tourism, or membership. Meetings will begin in January. Please call the Chamber office and let us know which group you want to be a part of; we have a nice representation of members already for each of the groups, but would love to include YOU! Contact the Chamber office and let us know in which group you would like to participate: email sheilanelson@pulaskichamber.info. |
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Do you know how much you're paying for your office printer? We do...too much!
kbeckner@blueridgecopier.com
www.blueridgecopier.com
909 Iowa Street
Salem VA 24153
540.389.4400
Cell: 540.815.8212 |
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Reduce your taxes and support rural communities.
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 New Members
Todd Morrison
Erie Insurance
4508 Surrey Road, Pulaski, VA 24301
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Chamber Spotlight by Sheila D. Nelson
"Being Realistic With the End of the Year Calendar"
Many people in business have experienced something similar to this: the Wednesday before Thanksgiving you get a call from the owner of a small business about a project he wants done. Though an immediate response is provided to him, the real follow-up doesn't take place until the Monday after Thanksgiving. The business owner's thought on Monday is, "It's been six days since I contacted you!"
From this starting point, let's think briefly about the reality of getting things done during the holiday season. Every year we see a number of businesses try to initiate a new project in the month preceding the holiday season. The problem is that the month before the holidays is one of the more difficult times of the year to initiate a project, especially one that depends on external service professions.
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Soaring to New Heights
Kudos...
....to Draper Mercantile for hosting a spectacular and well-attended Business After Hours, the final such event of 2011;
....to Mark Nichols, CEO of LewisGale Hospital - Pulaski, for providing musical entertainment at the
Business After Hours;
....to Roger Adkins and the Fiddle, Banjo and Dance Club at New River Community College which recently became an official venue on the Crooked Road tourist initiative;
....to Deputy Alan Anderson, who was recently awarded the 2011 Robert H. Love Community Service Award;
....to Chris Akers, Pulaski County Network Security Officer, for receiving the Linda S. Woodyard Excellence in Attitude Award;
....to Craig Quinn who was recently named 2011 Employee of the Year for the Town of Pulaski. |
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Members & Community Events
Wireless Authority Needs Members
Pulaski County is seeking persons interested in helping to maintain and expand wireless Internet service in the County by serving on the Pulaski County Wireless Network Authority. The Wireless Authority is in need of members to represent the Massie and Robinson Districts, according to County Administrator Peter Huber. Anyone interested in being considered for service on the Authority should contact the County at 540.980.7705.
WANTED: Young Entrepreneur with Mechanical Background
If you are willing to work and want your own business, here is an excellent opportunity! Take over a thriving equipment maintenance business with many ajor frachises including Steel, GrassHopper, Gravely, etc. This 10-year-old business with an established clientele would be the perfect opportunity for a small engine mechanic and general repairman. If you are seriously interested in exploring this excellent opportunity, call Don at 540.980.1133.
2012 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award
Show support for standout businesses by nominating them for the 2012 DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam's Club. Recognize their leadership, contributions to their communities, exceptional service, and innovative business practices. The winner (which will receive a $10,000 cash prize), regional finalists, and 75 Blue Ribbon Award winners will be honored on May 22 at America's Small Business Summit of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. NOMINATIONS ARE DUE JAN. 6. www.uschambersummit.com/award
Exclusive Offer for Pulaski County Chamber Members from Member One
Member One wishes to join the Pulaski Co Chamber of Commerce to thank all our members who help us carry on our work in Pulaski Co. You are invited to call or visit Member One's branch near Wal-mart in Fairlawn to apply to transfer any existing auto or personal loans to Member One at the great money-saving rate of 3.99%. Call 540.639.0511 or visit today to take advantage of this great thank-you rate before it expires on Dec. 17.
Attention Companies, Non-Profits, and Budding Entreprenuers Could you use a student team to study and provide suggestions to improve your organization in one or more areas or help you with a business plan to start a new business? If so, Reed Kennedy of the Pamplin College of Business at VA Tech is looking for projects for student teams for next semester. For more info and/or if you are interested, contact Peggy White at the Chamber office at 540.674.1991.
Large Format Printer Now at Library
The Pulaski Co. Library has acquired a large format printer and is now making these services available to patrons. Posters or banners can be created in various sizes, including 36" x 48" posters in color or B&W for $5/ea.
Seminars/Workshops for Non-Profit Organizations
Watch for more info on these upcoming seminars to be offered through New River Community College:
- Customer Service for Non-Profits: Feb 10
- Successful Grant Writing: March 6
- Social Media Marketnig for Non-Profits: March 30
NRCC Announces World Languages Institute
In keeping with the increased need for multi-lingual skills, NRCC will offer three options for studying a variety of languages that will appeal to hose enrolling as NRCC students, those seeking non-credit lanugage study and those seeking customized language traingin in business, industry and non-profit organizations.
Judges Needed for District DECA Competition
The District Competition for DECA, high school co-curricular marketing organization, will be held on Fri., Jan. 6, at New River Community College. Students are given "real-world" role plays with problems in various fields and are asked to present their solutions to judges. The time requirement could vary, but judges are usually needed from 1-5pm. Please contact Kim Radford at 540.951.5706 if interested.
 Ongoing Events at The Merc:
~ Friday Pie Day: Every Friday fresh baked pies available by the slice or whole.
~ Yoga Class: Every Monday, 6-7pm.
~ Beginner's Yoga (free): Every Wednesday & Friday, 8-8:45am
Visit our website drapermerc.com. for hours, contact info, directions, and more. The Draper Mercantile & Trading Co. is located at 3054 Greenbriar Rd. in Draper, VA, less than a mile from Exit 92 of I-81.
NRCC Fiddle, Banjo & Dance Club 2011/2012 Schedule
 ~ Jan. 14, 2012: Upland Express, Buck Mountain Band ~ Feb. 11, 2012: Olen & Frances Gardner, The Slate Mountain Ramblers
~ Mar. 20, 2012: The Blueridge Travelers, The Friday Night Dance Band
~ Apr. 14, 2012: The Adam Larkey Band, White Top Mountain
~ Apr. 28, 2012: Dailey & Vincent, 7:30pm, Admission TBA Free admission unless otherwise noted; donations accepted to help pay band expenses. Doors open at 5pm; live music 6-9pm. Edwards Hall at New River Community College. www.nr.edu/fiddle, 540.674.3600 x4307. |
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Recognitions
County of Pulaski
Employees of the Month for October are Jena Hardy and Corporal Stuart Nelson.
Read More.
Town of Pulaski
The Employee of the Year has been with the Town of Pulaski for approximately 3 1/2 years. This employee has been heavily involved in major Town projects during 2011 that have required the interaction between staff, contractors and the public.
Read More. |
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Thought of the Week
"The Seeker of Truth"
After years of searching, the seeker was told to go to a cave, in which he would find a well. 'Ask the well what is truth,' he was advise, 'and the well will reveal it to you.' Having found the well, the seeker asked that most fundamental question. And from the depths came the answer, 'Go to the village crossroad: there you shall find what you are seeking.'
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Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce
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