April 2012 - Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce

THE
CHAMBER
CHATTER
Volume 5 Issue 2 April
What
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success?
PUT A
Labor and Tax
information
Inside!
IN YOUR STEP
TOWARDS SUCCESS!
Are you an innovator? Would you recognize an innovator if you met one?
Many businesses are turning toward this not so new term in their marketing
but what exactly makes you an innovator or your company a leader in
innovation? Where does it start? Do you just instruct your team to be
innovative or does it start with one person? Does your company provide an
atmosphere to allow for innovation? Does your goals and missions align with
being an innovative company or leader? Are your objectives for innovation
measureable? If you are not sure about the answers to these questions you
might need to reevaluate what Innovation is and how it fits in to your
corporate strategy.

2012 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
May 10, 2012 Earle Theater
5:30-7:00pm 142 North Main Street
Mount Airy, NC 27030
June 7, 2012 Mayberry Coffee Company, Miss Angels Heavenly
5:30-7:00pm Pies & Wyatt’s Trading Post, Inc.
701 W. Pine Street, Suite 300
Mount Airy, NC 27030
October 25, 2012 JEEM Farms, LLC
5:30-7:00pm 129 Quesinberry Road
Pinnacle, NC 27043
RIBBON CUTTINGS
April 27, 2012 Dr. Leslie Stoklosa, Chiropractor
3:00pm Ribbon Cutting 304 E. Independence Blvd.
Open House to Follow Suite 202
Mount Airy, NC 27030
May 4, 2012 The Painted Palace Spa & Boutique
3:30pm 125 East Oak Street
Mount Airy, NC 27030
May 18, 2012 Therapeutic Solutions Massage and Wellness &
5pm Ribbon Cutting Group3 Real Estate, LLC
Open House to Follow 304 East Independence Blvd. Suite 100 and 101
Mount Airy, NC 27030
June 7, 2012 Liberty HomeCare
2:30pm 814 Worth Street
Mount Airy, NC 27030
June 28, 2012 WorkForce Carolina
5:30pm Ribbon Cutting 1908 Caudle Drive
Open House/After Hours Suite 200
to follow Mount Airy, NC 27030

SEMINARS
Business Academy
May 8 Recruiting Techniques using Social Media HRCI Credits
8:30 – 10:00am
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Upcoming Seminar dates and topics
June 2 Health Care Update
July 10 Unemployment Insurance
Aug. 14 Independent Contractor VS. Salary Employee HRCI Credits
Sep. 11 Workforce Respect HRCI Credits
Oct. 9 TBD
Nov. 13 Holiday Parties VS Risk HRCI Credits
PROGRAMS
April 25, 2012 Administrative Professionals Day
12 noon Cross Creek Country Club
1129 Greenhill Road
Mount Airy, NC 27030
September 13, 2012 Chairman’s Cup 11 th Annual Golf Outing
11:30am lunch Cross Creek Country Club
1:00pm Tee Time 1129 Greenhill Road
Mount Airy, NC 27030
October 12, 13, 14, 2012 46th Annual Autumn Leaves Festival
9am – 9pm Fri. – Sat. Downtown
12noon-6:00pm Sun Mount Airy, NC 27030
November 29, 2012 BLACK Thursday Social & Silent Auction
5:30pm Sponsor Reception Cross Creek Country Club
6-8:00pm Social & Silent Auction 1129 Greenhill Road
Mount Airy, NC 27030
January 24, 2013 52 nd Annual Meeting
6:00pm social Cross Creek Country Club
6:45pm dinner 1129 Greenhill Road
Mount Airy, NC 27030

FRIENDS OF THE U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
$494 BILLION TAX INCREASE TO HIT IN 2013
April 11, 2012
Daily Caller
Caroline May
It will be up to Washington to save the country from what the Washington Post has dubbed “Taxmageddon” — the
looming tax increase set to hit Americans on Jan. 1.
Curtis Dubay, a senior analyst in Tax Policy at the Heritage Foundation, has chronicled the taxes set to hit if Congress
and the administration do not make adjustments.
According to Dubay, Americans will see a $494 billion tax increase at the beginning of 2013.
“[The tax increase] is hitting because of expiring tax policies and the beginning of five taxes in Obamacare,” Dubay
told The Daily Caller.
Dubay’s study of the looming $494 billion tax increase highlights the policies set to expire. These include the Bush tax
cuts, the payroll tax cut, the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) patch, the tax cuts in the 2009 stimulus, tax extenders,
the estate tax adjustment, and 100 percent business investment expensing.
Additionally, Durbay points out, that five of the eighteen tax increases in Obamacare will begin next year.
“Seventy percent of the tax hike falls directly on middle and low income families,” Dubay said. “That might surprise
some people because you’ve heard for the last 12 years that the Bush tax cuts were just tax cuts for the rich, which is
simply not true.”
MOST OVERLOOKED TAX DEDUCTIONS FOR SMALL BUSINESS
April 10, 2012
The countdown is on. With only one week to go before taxes are due, and American businesses – already burdened
by the highest corporate tax rate in the world – are looking for ways to hold on to their hard earned revenue.
If you know that you will need to write a check, it's no surprise that you're delaying the inevitable as long as possible.
To help motivate you to get it done, here are six of the most commonly overlooked tax deductions for small business.
Health care tax credit. Businesses with 10 or fewer employees that average less than $25,000 annually are eligible
for a tax credit of up to 35 percent.
Depreciation on a business vehicle. Fuel and maintenance costs of your car or truck are 100 percent deductible if
you can claim that the vehicle is used exclusive for your small business.
Business travel expenses. You can claim all of the costs of out-of-town business travel -- that includes the plane
ticket, meals, and hotel room.
Home office deduction. This is often considered a risky deduction due to its reputation as an audit magnet, but the
reality is that virtually all small business owners can take a deduction for a home office space -- that includes treating
a percentage of Internet and phone bills as deductible expenses.
Professional fees and classes. Any fees you pay to maintain your career are deductible. That includes costs for
classes, seminars, training, certificates, and membership fees in professional organizations.
Retirement tax credit. You can get a credit on the first $2,000 that you invest in your retirement fund.

Nester Hosiery Recognized by White House for Sustainability Initiatives
Nester Hosiery is proud to be recognized along with 250 other outdoor industry companies as White House Champions of Change
for Corporate Environmental Sustainability. The award was presented to the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Sustainability
Working Group (SWG) on behalf of the member companies last Thursday, April 12 th . Nester Hosiery is a member of the OIA
SWG and has been actively involved in its ongoing efforts since 2010. Nester Hosiery also sits on the current OIA Sustainability
Advisory Council, along with representatives from Black Diamond, Columbia Sportswear, Mountain Equipment Co-op, Nau, Patagonia,
Petzl, PMI, Polartec, REI and Timberland.
The White House Champions of Change program was created as a part of President Obama’s Winning the Future initiative. Each
week, the program highlights a different sector and group of Champions, ranging from educators to entrepreneurs to community
leaders, and recognizes them for the work they are doing to serve and strengthen their communities.
Frank Hugelmeyer, president and CEO of OIA attended a White House Champions of Change recognition event on behalf of the
OIA SWG, along with OIA SWG Advisory Council members Betsy Blaisdell, senior manager for environmental stewardship at
Timberland; Sandra Cho, corporate responsibility manager forColumbia Sportswear; Jill Dumain, director of environmental strategy
for Patagonia; and Kevin Myette, director of product integrity for REI.

NESTER HOSIERY RECOGNIZED CONTINUED...
As discussed in the OIA Press Release, the “OIA SWG is recognized globally for its thought leadership and ability to take action to
address supply-chain and product-level sustainability challenges, as well as for showing that it is possible for traditional industry
competitors to work together toward meaningful change in their business operations.”
One of the key OIA SWG accomplishments was the development of the Eco Index – a standardized tool that companies can use to
evaluate and measure the environmental and social impact of individual products. As a member of the SWG, Nester Hosiery supported
the development of manufacturing facility evaluation tools within the Eco-Index. These tools provided supply-chain companies
a method to qualitatively assess environmental impacts in areas like energy, green house gas emissions, water, and solid
waste. In addition, Nester was actively involved in working with its customers and suppliers to pilot test and improve these
tools. As a part of the OIA Sustainability Advisory Council, Nester Hosiery’s Director of Sustainability, Dave Petri, works alongside
several key industry corporate responsibility leaders and provides a manufacturing perspective on sustainability issues.
According to Dave Petri, “Nester Hosiery is committed to improving its sustainability efforts and is proud to be one of the many cocollaborators
actively engaged with the OIA SWG. We view our SWG participation as a strategic business imperative, which allows
us to work with both customers and suppliers in developing meaningful sustainability tools we can all use. In addition, we
share in the added benefit of industry-wide improvement and mutual learning throughout the global supply chain. It’s a win-win
situation.”
For more Information:
Contact David Petri, Director of Sustainability
dave@nesterhosiery.com
ABOUT NESTER HOSIERY
“We make socks for the world’s toughest critics”
Nester Hosiery is a locally owned and operated company with a global presence. Based in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains,
our Mount Airy, NC family-owned company designs and manufactures the most innovative socks in the world. For more
information, go to www.nesterhosiery.com or call 336.789.0026.
About the Outdoor Industry Association
Based in Boulder, Colo., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry and the title
sponsor of Outdoor Retailer. OIA supports the growth and success of more than 4,000 manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, sales
representatives, and retailers of outdoor recreation apparel, footwear, equipment and services. For more information, go to outdoorindustry.org
or call 303.444.3353.
About the Outdoor Industry Association Sustainability Working Group
The Outdoor Industry Association Sustainability Working Group (OIA SWG) is a volunteer collaboration among more than 250
outdoor industry brands, retailers and suppliers working to identify and improve the environmental and social impacts of their
shared global supply chains. The OIA SWG is currently focusing on four key areas: 1) index development for apparel, footwear and
equipment, 2) responsible chemicals management, 3) materials traceability throughout the supply chain, and 4) social responsibility
and fair labor issues. Through the OIA SWG, the outdoor industry is demonstrating that it is possible to effect meaningful, scalable
change through pre-competitive, business-driven collaboration. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org/sustainability.

830 Rockford Street
Mount Airy, NC 27030
NORTHERN HOSPITAL ONE OF TOP HOSPITALS IN THE NATION
FOR EMERGENCY MEDICINE
• Bowel Obstruction
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
• Diabetic Acidosis and Coma
• Gastrointestinal Bleed
• Heart Attack
• Heart Failure
• Pancreatitis
• Pneumonia
• Pulmonary Embolism
• Respiratory Failure
• Sepsis
• Stroke
News Release
For immediate release
March 2, 2012
Media Contact:
Bill James
Chief Executive Officer
Phone: 336-719-7101
MOUNT AIRY, AIRY, NC NC – A report released recently recently by HealthGrades, the leading leading provider of
information to help consumers make make an informed decision decision about a physician or hospital,
identified the nation’s top performing hospitals hospitals for emergency medical medical care. care. The findings
are based on an analysis of of more than than seven seven million Medicare patient records from 2008 to
2010. HealthGrades Emergency Medicine in in American Hospitals report report analyzed patients
admitted to the hospital through the emergency department for the following 12 diagnoses: diagnoses:

Continued...
Northern Hospital was one of 263 hospitals that were awarded the Emergency Medicine
Excellence Award and ranked in the top 5% of hospitals in the nation. This is the third year
in a row the hospital has received this designation. For more Northern Hospital designations,
visit www.HealthGrades.com.
Medicare patients admitted to the nation's best-performing hospitals for emergency medicine
have a 40% lower death rate compared with all other hospitals, according to a new survey by
HealthGrades, a Denver, Colorado–based provider of information about physicians and hospitals.
"It is imperative that anyone experiencing a medical emergency go directly to the closest
hospital, especially in the event of a heart attack or stroke," Arshad Rahim, MD, report author
and director of accelerated clinical experience at HealthGrades, said in a news release. "That
said, our study findings show the care you receive once admitted to the hospital can also make
the difference between life and death. We encourage all patients to educate themselves about
the quality of emergency medical providers in their area and to choose a top performing hospi-
tal whenever there is a choice."
"If all hospitals performed at the level of the Emergency Medicine Excellence hospitals
from 2008 through 2010, an additional 170,856 people could have potentially survived their
emergency hospitalization," the HealthGrades release notes.
More than 123.8 million people in the United States will make an ED visit, and 13%
will end up being admitted to the hospital, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention.
To be included in the HealthGrades analysis, hospitals must have met minimum thresholds in
terms of patient volume, quality ratings, and the range of services provided. The hospital ratings
are independently created; no hospital can opt in or opt out of being rated, and no hospital pays
to be rated. Details about the survey's methodology can be found at HealthGrades.com
Northern Hospital of Surry County is a 133-bed, not-for-profit, governmental district facility
with a number of outpatient service locations and physician offices providing a comprehensive
array of services to meet the needs of the community from infant to geriatric care. Located in
Mount Airy, North Carolina and serving the northwest Piedmont region of NC and neighboring
counties in southwest Virginia. For more information, please call (336) 719-7000 or visit
www.northernhospital.com.

Cutting Edge and Standout Hospitals

Welcome
NEW CHAMBER MEMBER
Dr. Flippin’s Bed & Breakfast
Dr. Flippin’s Bed & Breakfast is located at 203 West Main Street Pilot Mountain, NC 27041.
Phone 336-368-1183 or visit www.drflippins.com.
The house has been under the ownership of Charlotte and Gary York for over the past 10 years.
Nestled in historical downtown Pilot Mountain, Dr. Flippin's Bed and Breakfast exhibits
sophistication with a Victorian flair. Pilot Mountain's well-known doctor, Dr. Flippin, had his home
and office built in 1896 on Main Street in an era when life was not so hectic. This Victorian Inn has a
simple but elegant atmosphere that entices you to relax and to enjoy the exquisite amenities such
as heart pine floors, spacious air-conditioned suites, hand carved mahogany beds, breathtakingly
beautiful chandeliers, private baths which offer a tub and a shower and dressing areas plus an
office area with a fax machine. In addition, fine linens, 24 carat gold china and carved silverware
add to the warmth and charm of this graceful old home.
Entering the parlor is taking a step back in time. Beautiful hand carved mahogany marble topped
tables adorn the comfortable room. Large Victorian sofas coax you to relax and to enjoy the
primitive art work displayed plus the 1900's walnut piano that was part of the original furnishings.
Sit in the lap of luxury while appreciating the five paneled doors, heirloom rugs and fluted trim in this
artistic home.
Dr. Flippin’s Bed & Breakfast is one of the finest examples of a Victorian home as well as Victorian
furnishings in our area…… a real treasure to see!
Dr. Flippin's Bed & Breakfast
203 West Main Street
Pilot Mountain, North Carolina 27041
(336) 368-1183
www.drflippins.com

Chamber Ambassador League 2012 Kickoff Program
On January 31, 2012 the Chamber held the Kickoff Program for the
2012 Chamber Ambassador League. Potential Ambassadors and their
Supervisors were invited to attend an informational meeting and
breakfast. The room was packed with individuals from all segments
of our membership!
The Ambassador League supports the Chamber Mission… To
Advance, Promote, and Encourage Successful Business Growth for
Our Members. The Ambassadors engage in activities throughout the
year building relationships that impact positive growth of the
Chamber membership. The Ambassadors support results in a thriving
Chamber and Business Community providing accomplishments and
an image we can all be proud of. Growing our Chamber, Growing
your Business, Growing our Community!
Potential Ambassadors and their supervisors attended the meeting.
2012 Ambassador Chair – Tyler Morgan addressed the group, along
with 2011 Chair Scott Kniskern. Both told the incoming
Ambassadors what they could expect and how the experience had
been so worthwhile and rewarding: helping them to develop
personally and professionally while building their self-confidence
along the way.
Those in attendance learned how their company could be active,
what benefit it would be to their company and what kind of time
commitment was required. Everyone seemed excited about the
program. You will see the 2012 Ambassador League throughout the
year at our activities and events. These professionals have a lot to
offer to our Chamber. You may be contacted by one of our
Ambassadors this year. We hope that you will build a relationship
with them and thank them for all their hard work.

Tyler Morgan ‐ Ambassador
Chair Burton Sign Works
Scott Kniskern AES
Gary Bowman BB&T
Leslie Stoklosa Dr. Leslie Stoklosa
Joan Vaughn Easter Seals UCP NC & VA, Inc.
Tasha Mason Hamtpon Inn of Mount Airy
Glen Coleman Healthy Technologies
Sandra Hurley Heartland Publications/Mt. Airy News.
Augusta Carroll Insteel Wire Products
Bob Meinecke Liberty Business Partners
Allen Burton Patterson Chrysler Doge Jeep
(Sandi) Sandra Griswold RidgeCrest Retirement, LLC
Jenna Jordan SignaturePR
(Amy) Amanda Casstevens Southern Community
Marsha Wagoner Southern Community
Erica Johnson Surry‐ Yadkin EMC
Mary Hutson TransACTions, LLC
Allison Golden Wells Fargo
Gary and Cindy Hoback Wolf Creek Farm
Traci Hamilton WorkForce Carolina
Saroya Ceasar WorkForce Carolina
(Toni) Antonia Dnardo RBC Bank
Brandon McHone SB&T Insurance

Ambassadors listening and learning about their new responsibilities...

Chamber Surprise Patrol Visits Bray’s Recapping Company
The Chamber Surprise Patrol paid an unannounced visit to Bray’s Recapping Company located 1219 North South
Street Mount Airy on Tuesday the February 28 th . The Chamber Surprise Patrol made up of eighteen (18) Chamber
Ambassadors and staff arrived with balloons, a box of cookies and a basket candy for Dean Bray Jr. and the staff at
Bray’s Recapping. The Surprise Patrol asked to see Dean Bray, Jr. who was making his way back to the office from
across the street. The Chamber Surprise Patrol greeted Mr. Bray as he entered the lobby and told him who they
were and the reason for the visit was to simply say Thank You for being a Chamber Member! After proper introductions
Mr. Bray was asked to give a brief history of Bray’s Recapping Company.
In business for 82 years, Bray’s Recapping operated by Dean Bray began business in the 1930’s on South Main
Street across from the Post Office where Perkins & Associates currently is located. As the business grew the Bray’s
had two locations the second location was also on South Main Street where Wally’s Filling Station is located. In 1951
the Brays’ decided to build one large space where everything could be housed together. The Bray’s built on N. South
Street next to Mount Airy High School; adding additional square footage through the years to the original building.
Now in the third generation, with 24 employees, Bray’s Recapping continues to operate with the original mission….”The
Customer is Number 1”. The business has diversified through the years with an interest in real estate.
Dean Bray Jr. was a Partner of Blue Ridge Enterprises, involved with Ray Goad and the Ray’s Burger King and
Sweet Sue’s, military supplier of tires used in recent middle east deployments, has built and currently leases fourteen
(14) Social Security Administration buildings, one (1) Virginia medical facility, and has worked with Homeland
Security on various projects. These are just a few of the business endeavors that Dean Bray has been a part of
through the years.
Dean Bray, Jr. currently has over 220+ commercial and residential leases under contract. The Bray’s continue to be
involved and supportive of many local efforts, Dean Bray Jr. has been a member of the First Baptist Church for seventy-one
(71) years; he has served on the National Tire Industrial Board that represents over 500 tire dealerships,
for thirty-seven (37) years.
Dean Bray, Jr. has some wonderful stories to tell about the business his father started and what the business is like
today. We could have listened to him all day but they were busy so we hurried along after some photos with the staff.
Thank you Mr. Bray for taking time to spend with us and please let Dean Bray, III know we missed seeing him!
Bray's Recapping Service's philosophy is "The Customer is Number 1." With a professional, helpful staff and the
products that you need to keep your vehicle safe and performing at its peak, Bray’s Recapping Company is proud to
be your local parts and service specialists. Let Bray's show you how they can be of service to you.
Bray’s Recapping Company
1219 North South Street
Mount Airy NC 27030
336-786-6182
www.braystire.com

U.S. Cellular Hosts Chamber Business After Hours
U.S. Cellular hosted a Chamber Business After Hours event on Thursday February 23 rd at their Mount Airy
Retail Store located in the Granite Town Center at 692 South Andy Griffith Parkway in Suite 105.
Chamber Members and Guests were welcomed into the newly renovated store by Terry Carr- Retail Store
Manager and Sally Seidler- Sales Manager. U.S. Cellular quickly filled to capacity with networking taking
place throughout the store as Chamber Members and Guests arrived. Everyone was invited to the back of the
store to sample some the wonderful selection of food and refreshments catered by Aunt Bea’s Restaurant.
A short program began shortly after 6:00pm with everyone focused on Terry Carr as he talked products,
services and how U.S. Cellular was not just in the business of connecting calls but they were in business of
connecting people. U.S. Cellular believes the most important thing about your phone is the person on the
other end, and they work harder than anyone to keep you connected to them.
U.S. Cellular has ten (10) employees in Mount Airy and we had the opportunity to meet all of them and to
hear from several of them. Door prizes were awarded and goodie-bags given to everyone in attendance.
Following Terry and the U.S. Cellular Team’s presentation everyone in attendance introduced themselves and
told what company they represented. One introduction that was made has led to business between those two
members. In addition a couple of follow-up meetings were scheduled. You never know who you will meet at a
Chamber Event…it could be your next customer!
We are proud to say that U.S. Cellular has been a Chamber Member since June 2010.Thank you Terry and
the U.S. Cellular Team for welcoming us into your beautiful retail store for the evening, we had a wonderful
time!
Believe In something Better
629 South Andy Griffith Parkway
Suite 105
Granite Town Center
Mount Airy, NC 27030
336-719-7980
www.uscellular.com

Chamber Surprise Patrol Visits Cooke Trucking Company, Inc.
Tuesday March 27 th seventeen (17) Chamber Ambassadors along with staff pulled into the parking lot of Cooke Trucking
Company, Inc. located at 1759 South Andy Griffith Parkway in Mount Airy. Carrying balloons, a big candy basket and a box
of cookies the Chamber Surprise Patrol quickly filled the office lobby. This was the first visit to Cooke Trucking Company for
many of the group; we asked to see Vice President of Operations David Smith and CFO Rodney Jessup.
Interested in finding out more about Cooke Trucking, David was asked to give a brief history of the company along with
answering some questions from the group. David Smith told us that Cooke Trucking Company, Inc. was founded by his
father in 1958, in Mount Airy, North Carolina and was incorporated in 1971. A family owned and operated business
managed by David, Vice President of Operations who grew up in and around the business his entire life.
Cooke Trucking has sixty-three trucks hauling t-shirts and furniture to the west coast and bringing back produce to North
Carolina grocery stores. Asked how the increase in fuel costs was effecting the industry David said it was killing them. Their
trucks are never turned off and with a 300 gallon tank it runs about $1200 to fill up. Rodney Jessup noted that fuel costs can
run as high as $200,000 a week! Cooke Trucking Company has about 175 employees with 147 being drivers. One driver
named Brady has been with Cooke Trucking about 46 years…… and another driver actually lives in West Virginia and
drives to Mount Airy each week and returns home over the weekend.
Cooke Trucking Company, Inc. is operated with team drivers, top of the line tractors and trailers equipped for long haul
operations with air ride refrigerated trailers and dryvans. All the equipment is serviced and maintained by Cooke Trucking’s
own shop on a regular basis subject to D.O.T. and I.C.C. rules and regulations.
Cooke Trucking drivers are carefully screened before being hired and are required to be drug free. The company stresses
during their employment, that they be courteous and polite to all our customers.
Cooke Trucking services eleven Western States for truckload and LTL freight. They operate a sixteen bay warehouse
facility that allows them to consolidate loads to their customers. That gives Cooke Trucking the ability to speed up delivery
times which might otherwise be delayed. They have I.C.C. authority to haul general commodities in all states, except Alaska
and Hawaii. Insurance certificates are furnished upon request or can be download from the web.
Based upon their knowledge of the Trucking Industry, and their desire to serve their customers, Cooke Trucking can provide
a service that will be beneficial to their customers by providing trucks to move their product when needed.
Cooke Transportation Services, LLC (CTS) was founded in 2000 as a full service Brokerage company handling freight over
the entire United States. Offering out bound and inbound loads to and from the West Coast, as well as, local loads on the
East Coast.
David Smith and the Cooke Trucking Company employees thank you for taking time to spend with the Chamber Surprise
Patrol! We are proud to say Cooke Trucking Company, Inc. is a Chamber Member!
Cooke Trucking Company, Inc.
1759 South Andy Griffith Parkway
Mount Airy, North Carolina 27030
336-786-5181
(800) 888-9502
www.cooketrucking.com

Chamber Awards Luncheon Held March 22, 2012
The Annual Awards Luncheon sponsored by Duke Energy was held on Thursday March 22, 2012 at Cross
Creek Country Club. Over 110 Chamber Members and guests were in attendance for the anticipated event
that recognizes outstanding accomplishments in eight categories.
Being selected as the winner of one of the Annual Awards can have an incredible impact on a business.
Awards and recognitions for a business are more than just vanity; they validate the success of a business and
can be highly motivating for the owner and the employees. Winning an award brings the business credibility,
additional visibility and hopefully profitability
Celebrating success and achievements of Chamber Business Members is something that the Greater Mount
Airy Chamber of Commerce loves to do and is proud to do.
Congratulations to the following recipients;
The Small Business Award was presented by Chamber Board Member Todd
Tucker, President of the Surry County Economic Development Partnership to
Trio Restaurant & Bar and Owner and Chef, Chris Wishart.
Trio Restaurant & Bar was one of the first businesses to use technology to take
orders, relay order to kitchen and deliver to register for close of sale. Trio
Restaurant & Bar has created a fine dining experience downtown that was
lacking, the friendly and well trained staff, great menu selections and excellent
food will continue to bring new customers and repeat customers to Trio
Restaurant & Bar. Owner and Chef Chris Wishart was humbled and very proud
as he accepted the award. Chris thanked his staff for their dedication and hard
work and the great service they provide to Trio customers.
The Green Business Award was presented by Chairman of the Board,
Dennis Lowe, Lowe Professional Services to RENFRO Corporation,
Dave Green, Human Resource Manager accepted the award.
RENFRO Corporation tracks its use of natural gas, water, power and
recycled waste to help eliminate the unnecessary waste of natural
resources. The company establishes, measures and reports its initiatives
through company score cards, so that environmental goals can be
continuously improved. Regularly monitors paper, plastics, cloth, metals
and wood that might be used in the manufacturing or distribution process
and diligently strives to keep them out of the landfill. RENFRO
recycles 25 items on a daily basis. Walmart grades this company’s
sustainability as above target compared to other apparel vendors.
The Business Longevity Award was presented by Chamber Board
Member Benny Lisk, First Citizens Bank to Wayne Farms, LLC and
Complex Manager, Paul Nordin.
Wayne Farms has a long history in Surry County, established in 1957 by
Dobson Poultry, and purchased in 1980 by Wayne Farms LLC. As one
of Surry County’s largest employers with 900 employees,
contracting with 117 growers they have over 7.4 million square feet of
housing. The total economic impact of Wayne Farms operations is
$243,560,000 million dollars to this area. Paul Nordin thanked
everyone and said Wayne Farms is proud to be part of this community.

The Green Business Small Division Award was presented by
Chamber Board Member, Doug Norman, North Carolina
Granite Corporation to O2 Energies and Founder, Joel Olsen.
O2 Energies developed the Mayberry Solar Farm, a 1.2
megawatt solar farm located around the Mount Airy Waste Water
Treatment Plant. Mayberry Solar Farm will provide local clean
energy to the annual usage of more than 150 homes and offsets
the burning of 1.3 million pounds of coal. O2 Energies is
developing a second solar farm in Mount Airy scheduled to be
completed by September that is almost 4 times the size of the
Mayberry Solar Farm. Joel Olsen said working with the City of
Mount Airy has been a pleasure.
The Excellence in Travel & Tourism Award was presented by Chairman
of the Tourism Development Authority Board Greg Perkins, Perkins &
Associates Financial Group to Freddie Quesinberry, Owner of Opie’s
Candy Store.
With two stores located in downtown Mount Airy, Greg Perkins noted
examples of Freddie Quesinberry going beyond normal customer service.
How he opened Opie’s Candy Store after hours for an out of town
guest….this kind of exceptional customer service creates that ”Mayberry
Experience” that people will talk about for years!
The Outstanding Public Service Award was presented by Chair-Elect David
O’Neal, Leonard Buildings & Truck Accessories to Mount Airy Police Chief, Dale
Watson.
David O’Neal noted Chief Watson’s determination to fight prescription drug abuse,
enlisting the support of the community along with other dedicated servants
committed to bringing awareness to how serious the problem is and to aid in the
prevention of prescription drug abuse through programs like Project Lazarus. Chief
Watson brings dignity to the job and to the department.
The Ambassador of the Year Award was presented by the 2012 Ambassador
League Chairman, Tyler Morgan, Burton Signworks, to fellow Ambassador Bob
Meinecke, Liberty Business Partners. Tyler Morgan mentioned Bob
Meinecke’s participation in Business After Hours, Ribbon Cuttings, Pop-Ins and
many other networking events. Always positive and a lot of fun to be around.
Bob is continually working toward supporting the growth of our business
community and remains actively involved with other organizations and local
civic groups.

Duke Energy Citizenship & Service Award was presented
by Board Member, Jimmy Flythe, Duke Energy
to Surry Community College, accepted by President,
Dr. David Shockley. This year’s Duke Energy
Citizenship and Service Award goes to an organization
has been an agent for positive change in Surry and
surrounding counties for well over forty years. During
that time, thousands of individuals in our community
have, with the help of this organization, reached
personal goals and attained improved standards of living
through meaningful employment and/or entrepreneurial
efforts. Over the years, their staff members
have been known for their willingness to go “above and
beyond the call of duty” to guide and educate students.
Through assisting students with financial assistance
and finding scholarships they have made postsecondary
education possible for even the most
mpoverished local citizens. Innumerable businesses
and industries in the northwest piedmont have benefited
from this institution via access to a more knowledgeable
employee base, free state-sponsored training, free
access to meeting and/or training facilities.
At the end of the program Chairman of the Board Dennis
Lowe made a “Special” presentation to City Commissioner
Dean Brown. On behalf of the Business Development
Committee, Commissioner Brown was given the
“Friend of Business” Award for his active involvement in
recruiting industry, working with businesses and his
continual support of the Chamber’s Business Development
Committee. Commissioner Brown was quiet
surprised by the award.
In addition to the beautiful plaques and awards each
recipient received a special letter of Congratulations from
U.S. Senator Richard Burr presented by Mike Fenley,
Field Representative.
A very special thank you to our Event Sponsor, Duke Energy and our Award Sponsors;
Surry County Economic Development Partnership, Barney’s Café, North Carolina Granite Corporation,
The Chamber Business Development Committee, Mount Airy Tourism Development Authority,
Surry Yadkin Electric Membership Corporation, Surry Telephone Membership Corporation and Duke
Energy.

The staff of the Greater Mount Airy Visitors Center greeted 58,485
Visitors in the 2011 year and has greeted a total of 351,665 since
opening its doors in November 2005. The Top 10 States Represented
in order of ranking by most Visitors Represented include: North
Carolina, Virginia, Ohio, Florida, South Carolina, Pennsylvania,
Tennessee, Georgia, West Virginia, and Kentucky.
The Mount Airy Visitors Center greeted and tracked visitors in 2011
representing all 50 States and around 700 International Visitors several
International Countries including visitors from as far away as
Canada, South America, Switzerland, South Africa, Australia, Poland,
Italy, Nova Scotia, France, Japan, Mexico, Germany, Aruba,
Holland, Norway, UK-Great Britain, London-England, Puerto Rico,
Bulgaria, Russia, United Kingdom-Scotland, UK-Wales, Iran,
China, Austria, Virgin Islands, Peru, India, Spain, Portugal, Guatemala,
Israel, Ireland, Venezula-S. America, and Bermuda.
January 2012‐March 2012 Visitor Center Stats
In the months of January-March 2012 the staff of
the Mount Airy Visitors Center greeted 6,786
visitors into the Mount Airy Visitors Center. The
Top 10 States Represented of most visitors
includes: North Carolina, Virginia, Florida,
South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Tennessee,
Georgia, New York, and Indiana.
The staff greeted international visitors from:
Canada, England, Germany, Australia, Puerto
Rico, Brazil, and the United Kingdom.
Occupancy Tax Figures
In the month of December 2011 the Occupancy
Tax was up 20.89% from December 2011 and in
January 2011 the Tax was up 20.83% from
January 2010 bringing our Year to date number
up 3.40% from the Prior year July 2011-January
2012 compared to July 2010-January 2011. This
is a positive figure considering we had one of
our Hotels close in December-The Microtel Inn
& Suites which has just recently re-opened in
March 2012 at Royals Suites.

V ISIT US ON- LINE
WWW. MTAIRYNCCHAMBER. ORG AND
WWW. VISITMAYBERRY. COM
T HE CHAMBER IS NOW ON FACEBOOK
UNDER MOUNT AIRY CHAMBER
200 N. Main St.
Mount Airy, N.C. 27030
336-786-6116 Main
336-786-1488 Fax
The Mission of the Greater Mount Airy
Chamber of Commerce is to advance,
promote and encourage successful
business growth for our members.
Supporting LOCAL businesses and
Chamber Members F1R$T, keeps
58% more of your dollars and jobs in
our community strengthening our
local economy!
Betty Ann Collins - President
Email: president1@mtairyncchamber.org
786-6116 Extension 6
Tanya Taylor- Membership and Communication Director
Email: membership@mtairyncchamber.org
786-6116 Extension 4
Renae Shaffer - Finance Director
Email: admin@mtairyncchamber.org
786-6116 Extension 8
Jessica Icenhour Roberts - Tourism Director
Email: tourism@visitmayberry.com
786-6116 Extension 3
Yvonne Nichols - Autumn Leaves Festival Director
Email: yvonne@mtairyncchamber.org
786-6116 Extension 5