News from Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce

CHAMBER CONNECTION: Week of January 30, 2012

Greetings from Pulaski County

Chamber of Commerce

Dear Member:

We are off to a great start this year with a successful trip to Richmond where we met with Delegates Rush and Yost, Senator Puckett, Generra Peck from the Governor's office, Bob Sledd - Senior Economic Advisor to the Governor , Anne Morris from the Secretary of Commerce and Trade office and Joe Elton, Director of Virginia State Parks. A very special thank you from our entire delegation for your time to hear about the concerns, issues and many positive things that have been happening in Pulaski County!

We had a wonderful turnout for our first Business After Hours and a great time! Thank you to ATK, SunTrust and Bull & Bones at the River! Next month's is February 24th at the Pulaski Theatre, sponsored by Friends of Pulaski Theatre. If you haven't experienced the Theatre and the renovations to this grand piece of history I encourage to you to make plans to attend.

This week we will have a Membership Action Group meeting at Shoney's on Wednesday at 11:30. This is a great committee to be a part of to introduce yourself and business to new members and create mutually beneficial relationships.

You will also notice that we are getting close to a sellout for the golf tournament's afternoon tee time, so sign up soon and plan to attend this favorite event on May 4 at Pulaski County Club. YES, Pulaski County has a Country Club! If you have never been there to see the views and play on this course you're missing out!

Have a great week!

Peggy White
540.674.1991

peggywhite@pulaskichamber.info

Business After Hours

Our Business After Hours for 2012 will be some of the most exciting ever, with new venues for you to explore! 2012 will be a whole new Business After Hours adventure. Only 3 slots left for 2012 - call the Chamber today for availability!

Action Group Meetings

Share your expertise with others!

Membership:

Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 11:30 am at Shoney's in Dublin (order lunch from menu; Dutch treat).

Build new relationships and rejuvenate existing ones.

First meeting of 2012.

Community Involvement:

Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 11:30am at MK's in Dublin (order lunch from menu or buffet; Dutch treat).

RSVP your attendance by the day before if possible so we will know what size table to reserve for our group. Call (540) 674-1991 or email sheilanelson@pulaskichamber.info.

Tourism/2012 Expo/Air Show:

Committees now being formed. To participate and be a part of the event of the year, join us on Thursday, Feb. 9, 4pm at NRV Airport. Committees to be formed include parking (Fairgrounds & Airport); transportation; information/lost & found; wine tasting; Thursday set-up; food and beverages; beverage sales; entertainment; emergency; handicapped services; ticket sales (Fairgrounds & Airport); utilities; and perhaps others to be determined. Please email sheilanelson@pulaskichamber.info or call the Chamber office and advise of your attendance and on what committee you would prefer to help.

Vol 2 Issue 5

0.9151515151515152
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

In This Issue

Business After Hours Openings

Action Group Meetings

Play a Round with the Worx

2012 Breakfast Briefings

Skyfest & Air Show

New Members

Chamber Spotlight

Kudos

Member & Community Events

Recognitions

Thought of the Week

Quick Links

Soaring to New Heights

Kudos...

....to ATK for hosting a wonderful Business After Hours last week at SunTrust Bank in Fairlawn; the event was well-attended, with everyone enjoying the food catered by Bull & Bones at The River and the usual camaraderie and networking;

....to leaders of the Chamber, County administration, and many of our small businesses and industries who attended the Legislative Appreciation Dinner and lobbied our legislators and other elected officials last week in Richmond;

....to Highlander Construction & Development who is partnering with the national charity, Homes for Our Troops, in order to construct a new home for a local veteran, Marine Sgt. Jeremy Austin, a Pulaski County native who was wounded while serving our Country in Afghanistan; and,

....to Volvo Trucks, which showed the biggest market share increase in sales of all North American heavy-duty truck operators in 2011.

Members & Community Events

Judges Needed

The Blue Ridge Region district technology contest, sponsored by the VA Chapter of the Technology Student Association, is being held at Pulaski Middle School on Sat. March 3, from 8am - 5pm. Help support the future workers of this region by donating a few hours of your time to help judge the student presentations. If you would be willing to help, email sheilanelson@pulaskichamber.info or kwmitchell@pcva.us no later than Feb. 17.

Valentines for Veterans Concert

On Thursday, Feb. 9 at 7:00pm at the Salem Civic Center, there will be a concert featuring country music star Aaron Tippin. Reserved seating tickets will be available FREE of charge (limit 10). To make a donation to support the 2012 Valentines for Veterans Concert or for additional information, call (540) 855-5096 or toll free 1-888-982-2463, extension 5096.

NRCC to Host Time Management Workshop

Feb. 10, 10:00am - noon, NRV Mall Site in Christiansburg.

Workshop topics will include how best to assign priorities to daily workplace activities, overcome procrastination, handle crises effectively, and how to organize one's workspace and workflow. Instructor will be Laurel Schirr, NRCC Corporate Trainer. The fee for the workshop will be $18. Fees will be waived for the first 10 businesses to enroll employees (up to four employees per business). To register, call 674.3617 to later than Feb. 8.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------LEWISGALE HOSPITAL - PULASKI

February is Heart Health Month. Heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases are America's No. 1 killer. Throughout the month of Feb., LGHP has scheduled weekly educational programs that will empower employees, family members, and the community to make healthy lifestyle choices that promote cardiovascular health.

Blood Screening/Cancer Screening for Men & Women

Sat. Feb. 4, 7 - 10am at LewisGale Hospital - Pulaski lobby.

For: Men age 50 and older and not currently being treated for prostate cancer and women age 40 and older for mammograms. Blood screenings are available for anyone over the age of 18.

Cost: $35 per person

RSVP to Consult A Nurse at 1-877-242-2362.

Heart Health Lunch and Learn Session

Wed., Feb. 8, 12 noon - 1pm in the Brinkley Eure Education Building

Topic: "A Healthy Heart"

Speaker: Dr. Ajay Acharya, Cardiologist

Open free to public. Pre-registration required through Consult-A-Nurse at 1-877-242-2362.

Reaching Out Support Group

Tues., Feb. 14, 5 - 6pm, LewisGale Regional Cancer Center - Pulaski Lobby

Topic: Types of Cardiovascular Screenings

Speaker: Alan Knull, M.D., Medical Director of Imaging

Discussion groups and speakers for patients, family members and personal support teams.

Hearth Health Lunch and Learn Session

Wed., Feb 15, 12 noon - 1pm in the L. Brinkley Eure Education Building

Topic: "Are You Having a Heart Attack?" "Chest Pain Center"

Speaker: Amir Hamad, RN BSN

Open free to public. Pre-registration required through Consult-A-Nurse at 1-877-242-2363.

Hip & Knee Replacement Class

Thurs., Feb. 16, 2-4pm in the 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 with any questions. Deadline for sign up is Feb. 13. RSVP to Consult-A-Nurse at 1-877-242-2362.

Discussion Group for Newly Diagnosed Cancer Patients

Thurs., Feb. 16, 4-5pm at LewisGale Regional Cancer Center - Pulaski Lobby

This support group is for anyone who is undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy and would like to share their feelings and anxieties with others who are going through similar experiences. This support group will also include family members, caregivers or support personnel. A medical oncology nurse will be available during the group.

Breast Cancer Suport Group

Tues., Feb. 21, 5-6pm at LewisGale Regional Cancer Center - Pulaski Lobby

Topic: "Cardiac Health for Women"

Speaker: Norma Anderson, RN - Director of Radiology

Heart Health Lunch and Learn Session

Wed., Feb. 22, 12 noon - 1pm in the L. Brinkley Eure Education Building

Topic: "Heart Healthy Lifestyle" and "Eating and Heart Health"

Speakers: Susan Steen, RN; Robin Carol, RN; and Anita Osborn, Registered Dietician, CDE.

Open free to the public. Pre-registration is required through Consult-A-Nurse at 1-877-242-2362.

Heart Health Lunch and Learn Session

Wed., Feb. 29, 12 noon - 1pm in the L. Brinkley Eure Education Building

Topic: "What to Expect Should You Have a Heart Attack"

Speaker: Lynne Anne Piechoski, PA

Open free to public. Pre-registration is required through Consult-A-Nurse at 1-877-242-2362.

For additional information, contact Darlene Edwards at 540-994-8549.

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NRCC Fiddle, Banjo & Dance Club 2011/2012 Schedule

~ 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.

Recognitions

County of Pulaski

Daniel Poff and Mark Pratt, both of Pulaski County Public Service Authority have been named the most recent Featured Employees.

Read More.

Town of Pulaski

The Employee of the Month for January 2012 is Raquel M. Poe. She has been with the Town since 2007 as an Account Clerk in the Finance Dept.

Read More.

Thought of the Week

Sense of a Goose

Next Autumn, when you see geese heading south for the winter, flying in a "V" formation, you might consider what science has discovered as to why they fly that way. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.