Smithfield-Selma Chamber E-Chats

March 28, 2012
Chamber E-Chats
In This Issue
Chamber Champions
New curriculum
3HC children's camp
Bridge cleaned
Champion for Children
Ribbon Cuttings
Visual improvement
CWBN scholarship
Top small business

 

2012 Chamber Champions
Quick Links
  

Public schools adopt Common Core State Standards curriculum

 

The Johnston County Public Schools will implement the Common Core State Standards curriculum in the fall of 2012. The point of the state-led effort is simple: improving teaching and learning to ensure that all high school graduates have the knowledge and skills they need for college or a career. 

 

A host of resources are available for parents, students and educators about the new curriculum through the Johnston County School System.

 

3HC Camp

3HC sponsors camp for grieving children

 

3HC Home Health and Hospice, a Chamber member, is sponsoring Wings, a camp for grieving children.

Wings is a weekend camping experience for children ages 8-16, who have had a significant person in their life to die. Campers learn that
...

 

Read the entire story

 

 

 REMINDER: New area code,
10-digit dialing start March 31
 
CSX Bridge Cleaning
 
CSX rail bridge gets a bath

 

Bridge cleaning afterThe CSX Railroad Underpass in downtown Smithfield received it's first cleaning in decades. The cleaning is part of the East Market Street Beautification Project, organized by the Smithfield-Selma Chamber of Commerce.

 

Chamber member Narron Contracting powerwashed the outside and interior of the bridge on Saturday, March 24. CSX Railroad allowed the powerwashing with soap, but would not allow sandblasting or the use of any acid or solvent.

 

"It looks much, much better," said Chamber President Rick Childrey. "While some rust stains and paint could not be removed with just soap and water, the dirt and grime are gone. It now will become a focal point for the additional landscaping that will be performed around the bridge and along East Market Street towards College Road."

 

In addition to the Chamber and Narron Contracting, other financial contributors to the beautification project include: First Citizens Bank, CSX Railroad, Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation, Smithfield Appearance Commission and the Smithfield-Selma Chamber Economic Development Foundation.

 

. 

Keith Brinson named a Champion for Children 

 

Champion for Children
 

The Partnership for Children of Johnston County named 2011 Board Chair Keith Brinson (center) a Champion for Children at the Champions Breakfast on February 29. The award is given for outstanding advocacy in support of Johnston County children to ensure economic sustainablity for years to come. The Chamber has been a supporter of early childhood education for a number of years. Shown with Mr. Brinson are 2012 Board Chair Jason Wenzel and Partnership for Children Director Dwight Morris.:

 

 

Ribbon Cuttings March 30 at Holiday Inn Express and April 4 at Salon 29:11

 

All Chamber members are invited to two ribbon cuttings in the next few days.
  • Ribbon CuttingHoliday Inn Express will hold a grand opening on Friday, March 30 from 3-9 pm (ribbon cutting at 3 pm) at it's new hotel at 190 S. Equity Drive in Smithfield.
  • Salon 29:11 will officially open on Wednesday, April 4 at 10 am with a ribbon cutting. The new business, located at 226 Venture Drive in Smithfield.

 

Melvin's Pest Control celebrates new building
 

Melvins Termite & Pest Control 

Chamber President Rick Childrey presents the Visual Improvement Award to Ray Melvin, owner of Melvin's Termite & Pest Control in Pine Level. The company recently held a grand opening for its new building at 1820 US 70A.

 

 

Upcoming Events

 

Business Networking
March 30 - Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening at Holiday Inn Express, 190 S. Equity Drive, Smithfield, 3-8 pm.
April 4 - Ribbon Cutting at Salon 29:11, 226 Venture Drive, Smithfield, 10 am.
April 20 - Ribbonn Cutting at Boost Mobile, 909 S. Bright Leaf Boulevard, Smithfield, 10 am.
May 4-5 - Ham & Yam Festival, downtown Smithfield.
May 7 - Flame For Learning Award Banquet, Great Hall at Johnston Community College, 6 pm.
May 17 - SAVE THE DATE: Chamber Women's Business Network Spring Tea Scholarship Luncheon, Holiday Inn Express Smithfield, 11:30 am.
Oct 25 - SAVE THE DATE: Chamber Business Expo, Johnston County Agricultural Center.

 

 

CWBN accepting scholarship applications

 

CWBN
The Chamber Women's Business Network is now accepting applications for its Career Advancement Scholarship. Funds are available to women age 21 and older who reside and/or work in Johnston County and seek advanced educational and professional development to reach their career goals in the area of entrepreneurship and business. Deadline for submitting an application is April 13.

 

Zaxby's owners have spirit of community

 

Michael & Kelly Smith

 

 

 

 

Part of new Chamber display in Zaxby's of Smithfield.
The Chamber presented the 2011 Jimmy Creech Small Business Persons of the Year to a couple who has enriched many lives in Johnston County through their spirit of community service. They are Michael and Kelly Smith, the owners of Zaxby's in Smithfield and Clayton.

Michael, a native of Mount Airy, North Carolina is a 2001 graduate of Wake Technical Community College with a degree in hotel and restaurant management. But Michael's interest in the food service business dates to age 15 where he was dishwasher at a local restaurant. He managed the McDonald's in Clayton for two years before joining Zaxby's in 2003. Michael received promotions with the regional food chain in 2005 to General Manager and in 2008 to District Manager. After he and Kelly were married, the couple became partners in the Zaxby's of Smithfield and Clayton in October 2008. Michael was 27 years old at that time.

Since becoming the owners of the two Zaxby's franchises, the Smiths have seen their business increase by...
 

Read the entire story