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CHAMBER CONNECTION: Week of February 6, 2012
Greetings from Pulaski County
Chamber of Commerce

 

Dear Member: 

 

We're setting the standards for 2012 and raising the bar on excellence for Chamber performance, from our website to our decals! As a member of this Chamber I invite you to participate in our "Proud Member of the Pulaski County Chamber Campaign."  Each and every business member needs to link our website to your website, display our decal in your front window ---where potential customers can be connected to every Pulaski County Chamber business, organization and industry! 

 

Just look at our assets! We live in an awesome area where we have the New River, New River Trail, Claytor Lake, Motor Mile Speedway, the Pulaski Mariners, and three golf courses! YES we are a blue collar manufacturing town, and YES we have the natural resources that people come from all over the country to enjoy! So be Pulaski Proud and be a proud member of this organization! We are doing and have done what no other Chamber has done in terms of education support, support for the NRV in tourism, and raising the standards for small business through our website, e-letter, newsletter and our legislative contacts! 

 

Have a great week!


Peggy White
540.674.1991

Logo  

 

Proud Member Campaign
We cordially invite every Pulaski Co. Chamber member to join us in the "Proud Member of the Pulaski County Chamber" campaign. As a member, you are invited and encouraged to put a link to the Chamber's website on your website. That way, not only will your business be given the credibility that goes with Chamber membership, but all of our businesses will benefit as we are all linked together. For an example of this go to davidgravelyphotography.com. If you need assistance with the clip art for the Chamber logo, please contact us.
Theatre
Member to Member Discount Program
If you would like to join those members who continue to offer a 10% discount to other Pulaski Co. Chamber of Commerce members, please contact us right away at 540.674.1991 or email sheilanelson@pulaskichamber.info. We want to send out an updated list soon, so let us know if you are interested. What a great way to drive customers to your business!
Ribbon CuttingMember One
You are invited to a ribbon
cutting on March 1st at
11 am to celebrate their
new location
6103 Fulk Drive, Ste. C
Fairlawn, VA
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!
Vol 2 Issue 6


 
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
Business After Hours Openings
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
Recognitions
Thought of the Week
Quick Links 
 







 

April Hamby Crabtree
Exclusive Agent
Empire Insurance Agency
Allstate Insurance Company
7446 Lee Highway
Radford Plaza
Ph: 540.639.4196
Fx: 540.639.6510
Toll-Free: 866.256.8864
8:30am - 5:00pm
24-Hour Custmer Service
 april 
Join Our Mailing List
Action Group Meetings
Share your expertise with others!

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. Please email sheilanelson@pulaskichamber.info or call the Chamber office and advise of your attendance.
 
Membership Action Group:
Thursday, Feb. 16, 11:30am at Shoney's in Dublin. Come share your expertise and Chamber experience with existing and new prospects. Please email sheilanelson@pulaskichamber.info or call to advise of your attendance.

Play a Round with the Worx 

WOW! The response for this golf tournament has been overwhelming. To date, we are almost sold out for the afternoon tee time, so please go to www.pulaskichamber.info under "Events" and get your team registered now!

A big THANK YOU to our sponsors:
 - Business After Hours (with The Works) sponsor - BIR Trucking;
 - Title Sponsor - Log Cabin BBQ;
 - Albatross Sponsor - James Hardie;
 - Golf Cart Sponsor - ATK;
 - Range Sponsor - Member One;
 - Putting Green Sponsor - State Farm, Webb Donald

Don't miss out on promoting your business at this tournament! Be a team player like ATK, First Bank of VA - Radford, Appalachian Power Co., Pulaski Area Transit, Pulaski Mariners, BIR Transportation & Truck Repair, James Hardie, Pulaski Co. Law Enforcement, Dove Windows, Edens Distributing, Pulaski County, Atmos Energy, State Farm - Webb Donald, Electroplate-Rite, Kenneth Myers Financial, BAE, Cougar Xpress, Cumulus, Cintas, Patricia Aust Weeks, Hi Nicely, Lowe's, Pete Dye River Course, Kidd's Restoration, Mountain Valley Hospice & Palliative Care, and Macado's. This event promises to be an EARLY SELL-OUT!
2012 Breakfast Briefings
We are pleased to announce the following Breakfast Briefing Legal Seminars - save the dates, and watch for more details.
 
Guns, Drugs and Videotape
Thursday, March 22 at 7:30am at MK's
This session will discuss a number of less common but important issues involving workplace premisees issues, substance abuse policies, and workplace privacy concerns. Specifically, this session will discuss the legal issues surrounding guns in the workplace, workplace violence, drug-free workplace programs, and the creation and use of recorded communications in a workplace setting.
 
Hiring and Firing: Key Steps to Avoiding Litigation
Thursday, August 16 at 7:30 am at MK's
This session will discuss employer best practices when it comes to hiring and firing. It will focus on tips to avoid litigation during the hiring and firing process. In addition, this session will emphasize steps you can take to position your company for a successful defense when litigaiton is unavoidable.

Soar to New Heights with the First Ever Business to Public Expo and NRV Skyfest Air Show!

Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, Sept. 7, 8, 9 at New River Airport in Dublin! You will definitely want to participate in this year's first ever business to public EXPO and get your business name out to approximately 20,000 people expected to attend! Pulaski County has already purchased the Event Sponsorship. 

NewMembersNew Members

New River Sports
Donald J. Holt
3376 Kirby Road, Draper, VA 24324
P: 540.980.1133  F: 540.980.1149  E: nrsportsva@gmail.com

BIR Transportation & Truck Repair
Jimmy Singh, President
3426 Kirby Road, Draper, VA 24324
P: 540.980.1200  F: 540.980.1550  E: chris77bir@hotmail.com  www.birtransportation.com

Lumnos Networks
Sarah Miller
1099 N. Franklin St., Christiansburg, VA 24073
P: 540.260.3903  E: millers@lumosnet.com
 
Henry's Martial Arts, LLC
James L. Henry, Jr.
7318 Peppers Ferry Road, Fairlawn, VA 24141
Mail: 1637 Mud Pike Road, Christiansburg, VA 24073
 
L.H. Corp.
Clemens von Claparide
4945 Stepp Place, Dublin, VA 24084
P: 540.674.8803  F: 540.674.8804  E: lhcorp@swva.net  www.LHCORP.net 

New River Valley Public Safety Supply
Christopher Akers, President
5761 Stephen Drive, Dublin, VA 24084
P: 540.808.4911  F: 540.808.0844  E: cakers@nrvpss.com  www.nrvfirestore.com
 
My Vets 4 Vets
Judith A. Shove, CFO/Business Manager
4122 Little Creek Road, Dublin, VA 24084
P: 540.392.9519  E: mrshove@gmail.com  www.myvets4vets.org
Chamber Spotlight by Sheila D. Nelson 

      

"Beware: Entitlement Mentality Epidemic"
  

Are you one of the many people who erroneously think that the world and everyone in it owes you something? Do you focus on wheedling what you can get for nothing out of someone else rather than focusing on what you can do for yourself? Realistically speaking, however, apart from very few specific instances, no one is entitled to anything from anyone. Yet many today often feel entitled to the point of total irrationality.

 

 

Read More.

 

 

Soaring to New Heights

Kudos... 

....to those who attended the Chamber Membership Action Group and helped formulate plans for 2012;

....to Radford Animal Hospital, which is working to raise the remaining $1,200 required to outfit every fire and EMS station in the New River Valley with pet oxygen mask kits from Wag'N Enterprises; donations can be mailed to Radford Animal Hospital Pet O2 masks, P.O. Box 3512, Radford, VA 24143;

Individuals may designate which department in the New River Valley their donation will go toward;

....to Dublin Fire Department, which is celebrating their 100th year of service to the community; and,

....to Sally Quesenberry, former assistant director of Pulaski County Department of Social Services, who recently retired after 42 years of service.

Members & Community Events

 

Environmental Webinar

The EPA is Knocking: Are You Prepared to Answer?

What to Expect and How to Reduce Liability Risks During Inspection

Feb. 16, 2 - 3 p.m.

Most environmental enforcement beings with an EPA inspection of the event or facility, and the inspection can be the most critical phase of the entire enforcement process. Although EPA and the states have broad inspection authority, companies are often at a loss regarding how to handle an environmental inspection. As a result, inspectors are often allowed to exceed their legal authority during an inspection. Very often there is a need to balance protecting the interest of the company with cooperating with the inspectors.

During the complimentary live webinar the attendee will:

~ Gain insight into the EPA's civil investigation process;

~ Obtain tips designed to protect your company's legal interests;

~ Learn how to properly respond to environmental inspections.

Presented by Baker Donelson attorneys: Michael Dawkins and Adam Sowatzka.

Space is limited for this event, so register early for a guaranteed spot.

Register online, www.bakerdonelson.com.

 

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.

  

Valentine's Day Wine Dinner

West Wind Winery invites everyone to join them on Feb. 14 for a night of delicious food and wine with someone special or a whole group of friends. The menu includes: wild mushroom and brie soup, mixed greens salad with homemade vinaigrette; filet of beef tenderloin with gorgonzola sauce; roasted Yukon gold potatoes with herbs; roasted asparagus with red pepper sauce; chocolate hazelnut layer cake with praline crunch or strawberries in creme Chantilly. Dinner starts at 7pm an dthere is only one seating. The price is $55 per person (exclusive of tax and gratuity) and includes a sample of West Wind Farm wine with each course. Reserve your table now by calling 276.699.2020 or email info@westwindwine.com. A credit card is required to secure each reservation.

 

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. 
 
God's Pit Crew
Among the first responders with volunteers and equipment to Pulaski Co when the April 8 tornadoes hit was God's Pit Crew. Now residents have the opportunity to help the group raise funds to continue it's mission of meeting needs when disaster strikes. Besides raising funds, the event will offer an opportunity to "experience the life-changing sights and sounds of the devastated places" God's Pit Crew has assisted over the past year.
The banquet will be held Sat., Feb. 25 at The Refreshing Center/Church of God, 1621 Bob White Blvd in Pulaski. Doors open at 5:30pm, event begins at 6pm. To reserve a seat or table, call 540.980.8880. Individual seats are $25, table for six $150, and table for eight $200. You may also purchase tickets online at www.godspitcrew.org.
 
Line Dancing
Have you ever wanted to learn to line dance? Now is your chance! Begnning on Thursday, Feb. 2, 6-7pm, Cass Long will begin a continuous class to teach these dances to ladies and gents of all ages. No partner needed, no dance experience required. $6 per class to instructor. Draper Mercantile, 3054 Greenbriar Road, Draper.
 
Winter Romance at Mountain Lake
Winter special at Blueberry Ridge gives you two nights for the price of one. Included are a complimentary bottle of Mountain Lake Cabernet Sauvignon and a Mountain Lake Remembered Book. Bring your delicious ingredients to lovingly prepare your meals as the Hotel and Restaurant are not open in the winter. Call today to reserve your Blueberry Ridge Cabin at 540.626.7121 Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm and be sure to mention their Winter Special. Special valid until Feb. 29.
 
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.

 

Operation Jump Start First Step

A 12 week class that meets weekly on Tues. nights from 6-9pm in the Bean and Rice office in Pulaski. The first class is Tues., March 6. This is for those who are interested in starting their own business. Class size is limited and spots are on a first-come first-served basis. Cost for the course is $65 for the textbook and a tuition cost of $34 for a total of $99. Completed application and payment must be received before Feb. 20. For more information and/or to register call. 540.980.4111 or email mforrest@beansandrice.org.

Also, Beans and Rice, Inc. has a Micro Loan program for new and existing Pulaski County businesses. This is a low interest loan (currently 5%) for up to $50,000 for starting or expanding business in Pulaski County. If you are interested in applying for a loan, contact Mike Forrest at Beans and Rice, Inc. at 540.980.4111.

www.beansandrice.org

 

Cafe Saturdays at West Wind Winery

Every Satruday from Feb. through April, caterers will be serving delicious dishes from 11am-3pm, and there will be live music from noon-2pm. No reservations required.

  
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------LEWISGALE HOSPITAL - PULASKIh

 

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.

 

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
Fiddle Clipart
~ 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.

Dublin Fire Department

100th Anniversary Celebration Sat., May 12 at Randolph Park, begnning at 1pm and lasting throughout the afternoon and early evening. A wide variety of exciting activities is planned. Mark your calendar now and watch for additional details.

A Digest of News from the General Assembly

 

Senate Says 'No' to Party ID Bill

The Senated voted on Feb. 1 to defeat a bill that would have required candidates running for local office to be identified on ballots by party label. Similar legislation had already been defeated by the House Privileges and Elections Committee

 

Bill Requireing Full-Time Registrars Sent to Money Committees

 

Teacher Salary Increases

 

Read More.

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

 

"Pleasing People"

 

There was an old man, a boy, and a donkey. There were going to town and it was decided that the boy should ride. As they went along they passed some people who thought it was a shame for the boy to ride and the old man to walk.

 

Read More.

Erie
 

Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce