Did you know that you could get a world of information from the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce's website? (www.lincolnchambernc.org) It's true! All kinds of information is listed such as the History of Lincoln County, Elected Officials and their contact information, the Chamber's Program of Work, Chamber Board members, Chamber Staff members, a Chamber Events Calendar, a Community Profile which lists population numbers and labor statistics, Civic Club listings, Church listings, Realtors' listing, Reasons to Shop Local, a complete up to date Chamber Membership Directory, Starting a New Business Information section that provides information on Labor, Permit Planner, Traffic Statistics, and Legal Requirements for starting a new business.
The Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce serves as the Visitors' Information Center for the City of Lincolnton and Lincoln County. In 2012, the Chamber's staff provided information to people from 23 states and 2 foreign countries. The total number of countries to view our website was 64 and the total number of visitors was 14,886 in 2012. Since 2003, the total number of visitors to the Chamber's website is 622,154 as of November of 2012.
Also on our website, Chamber members will find our 2013 Program of Work which features a host of different committees in which they can serve. If you would like to serve on such committees as the Education Committee, Ambassadors' Committee, Annual Banquet Committee, Promotions Committee, Business Expo Committee or Golf Outing Committee, please call the Chamber today at 704-735-3096 and let us know. Your participation will be greatly appreciated.
The Education Committee, Chaired by Brad Rivers, Gaston College Small Business Center is already at work planning for the Annual Adult Spelling Bee, which will be held March 19, 2013, 6:30 pm, at the James W. WarrenCitizens Center. This event is co-sponsored by the Chamber and the Lincoln County Public Education Foundation. Last year, nearly $14,000.00 was raised from this event. The entry fee for a team is $100.00 and team members can come from anywhere! So, find you some great spellers and bring plenty of "Buy Back" money in case your team does need to buy its way back into the competition. "Buy Backs" cost $25.00 per word and are available during the first three rounds: Easy, Intermediate, and Hard. This year's Enunciator will again be Mr. Pete Acker, CEO, Carolinas Medical Center-Lincoln. Knowing Pete, a Duke University graduate, he is already preparing for a fun night of friendly spelling competition.
Lastly, in 2012 the Chamber conducted 36 grand openings for new and expanding businesses in Lincolnton and Lincoln County. So, what does this really mean besides just cutting a ribbon? Number one, it means helping to create new jobs. Number two, it means that new tax base is added, which in the long run helps to keep both the City's and County's tax rate at an affordable rate. The total tax value of the businesses in which the Chamber worked with and conducted grand openings for in 2012 came to
$28,023,075.00.
The Chamber will continue its work in economic development in 2013. It will be possible only if our members continue to support us so that we may continue to improve our community's quality of life. If you have already paid your membership investment for 2013, I would like to thank you. If not, please consider doing so as soon as possible. Your financial support is needed and will be appreciated. Thank you!
