Incoming Chamber President

I have served on the Wallace Chamber of Commerce for three years. Going into the presidency, sounds strange to me. Having worked with board members for a number of years and having covered their events as a reporter for the last 10 years, the Chamber is a comfort zone in my familiarity of what goes on in this organization.There have been some bumps on that road, but with the ever-changing environment, they have worked themselves out allowing the Chamber to evolve into a stronger entity.
The Wallace Chamber is, first and foremost, a voluntary business membership organization. Our resources are derived from the time, skills and financial support of our members. Through partnerships between business and community organizations, we work to build a healthy economy and improve the quality of life in our community and region. We are the extended hand that offers information to help business members succeed and will strive to continue these practices by offering a Plan of Work schedule with our new board members. We are looking forward to producing a plan of action for 2009.
Many know the Chamber is defined by people's perception of our past accomplishments, our current actions and our preparation to deal with the future. As we work to accomplish this goal, we wear many hats: Economic developer and planner, tourist information, business spokesperson, economic counselor and teacher, governmental relations specialist, human resources advisor and public relations manager.
How can all of this happen? These hats are worn proudly by our volunteers. It is a unified effort of business and professional people working together to make the community a better place for everyone to live and work. The scope and effectiveness of this effort is limited only by the commitment of our leaders and members.
As president of the Wallace Chamber of Commerce, my plans are simple: to continue the positive success of my predecessors. With Lou Powell at the helm as executive director, she will make my job easier. I am excited about the upcoming board who have years of experience in business and marketing. We will be looking at ways to enhance our services.
Some of the things we will continue are the Chamber Golf Classic, monthly meetings or Chamber After Hours, our annual banquet, Christmas at Twilight and the annual Christmas Parade. Between events there will be opportunities to learn and grow. James Sprunt Community College has worked closely with us on programs called "Lunch and Learn." Where there is an interest, we can set up management workshops, marketing workshops and even motivational seminars.
We have a strong force of political opportunities. We can participate in round table discussions on topics of importance to the community as well as provide updated information about legislation that affects the community. This a good way to find out positions that are available on governing boards and take part in the governmental process.
The Chamber does strive to make the community a better place to live and do business, so that economic growth will take place — which effects the entire business community.
By serving on various Chamber committees, it gives the business person an opportunity to volunteer in a way that will promote their business. It is a time to show that businesses are not just about the bottom line, but also about community enhancement. This promotes a positive image for all.
Joining the Chamber is the wisest investment you'll ever make. It is a small investment for a large return. When a business member is recognized as being involved in community activities, others will notice. As an added benefit, volunteering is a personally enriching experience. I have been a part of that process and have seen firsthand how it makes for a stronger, more unified community. We will work on gaining chamber members.
I have a vision of making Wallace a tourist destination spot. It will “take a village” to accomplish that. We can certainly boast that we are the largest town in our county. Our town serves beyond its corporate city limits which has allowed growth and prosperity.
Despite the current economic downturn, we are seeing retail stores and restaurants deciding that Wallace is “the” place to do business. We welcome them all. Many have or will become Chamber members. The networking that can be shared is invaluable and the Chamber serves as that extended arm to enhance trade and promote "Shop Wallace First."

Sheila Young

Pictures from the annual banquet

Annual Membership Drive

It’s time again for our annual membership drive. The applications for 2009 membership went out recently, and we have received some back. If you haven’t responded yet, please do so as soon as possible. It is more important this year that we have all the membership responses early so we can begin compiling the Wallace Chamber of Commerce Directory early this spring. All 2009 members will be listed in the directory which will be given to Chamber of Commerce members, new businesses and new residents as well as visitors to the Chamber office. In addition to your listing as a member, there will be the opportunity to do some extra advertising at a nominal fee. We are very excited about this venture, and want all our members to be a part of it! Call Lou at 910-285-4044 with questions or for more information.

Incoming Vice President Frank Brinkley on his goals

Frank Brinkley is a busy man- every day- all the time. I can’t think of one time I’ve seen Frank not busy with more than one thing! With two Subway Restaurants to handle- it is no wonder! Frank added to his high energy activity level this fall when he co-chaired Christmas at Twilight, and will continue the pace as he ascends to the first vice president position on the Chamber’s Board of Directors. When asked, Frank said his goals as vice president this upcoming year are to improve membership, and work closely with Lou to continue to improve all Chamber functions. We are looking forward to having Frank’s energy and vision working for us as Vice President! Congratulations, Frank!

The heart of customer service

Some years back, as a manager with Marshalls, we all got ribbons to wear saying “we care about our customers” About three weeks later, the company implemented a very un-customer friendly refund policy. I called my staff into the office, and told them about the change- then told them to take the ribbons off- we obviously didn’t care about the customers any more.
True customer service is more than a slogan, and more than acknowledging a customer within ten seconds- and it cannot be faked. True customer service is the result of respecting the people that frequent your business and are the reason you are successful. True customer service interrupts tasks so the customer does not feel like an intrusion. True customer service takes time to listen and understand the need the customer has- and then meets that need above and beyond what the customer expected. True customer service cares about people without needing to say a word. True customer service determines where we shop, who we call, and where we go. True customer service is the biggest advantage any business has to become a success. In today’s market, customer service is the one thing that has no cost, but brings the greatest rewards.

Marlane

New Chamber Members- January 2009

The Law Offices of
G. Braxton Price
Braxton price
PO Box 448
211 East Main St.
Phone: 910-285-8802
gbprice@hotmail.com

Wallace ABC Board
Myrle Beringer
301 North Norwood St.
Phone: 910-285-3335
wallaceabc@embarqmail.com

Longest Building Co.,Inc.
Phillip Longest
613-B East Southerland St.
Phone: 910-285-1968
ldci@netzero.net

WELCOME TO ALL OUR NEW MEMBERS!

It's the BEST time in years to buy a car in WALLACE

Thinking about a new car- but think you can’t buy one now? Let our local dealers show you the financing options they have that will work for you!

FRIENDLY FORD
At Friendly Ford of Wallace one of our managers will be involved in the purchase of your New or Pre-Owned vehicle to insure complete satisfaction every step of the way. Whether this is your first car or your twentieth we want to be a part of it. Please stop in and get to know our staff. We look forward to meeting you soon!

Wayne Boyette & Staff

MINCHEW MOTORS

We here at Minchew Motors want to make it easy, hassle-free, and even downright fun for you to find just the right vehicle. I'm a third-generation dealership owner and can remember when, in the times my dad and my granddad ran Minchew, buying a new car was a family event - exciting, fun, and a really big deal. That's what we want to bring back to the car-buying experience for you and your family. But in addition to being a big deal, we will make sure that you get a good deal!

Todd Minchew & Staff

New Member Spotlight: Peek-A-BooTique

The newest addition to the stores in Wallace is The Peek-a-BooTique, located at 107 West Main Street. The shoppe is owned by Bridget Brennan and her husband Scott. The store fills the void left with Babycakes and Oopsy-Daisy closing by offering the high quality name brand children’s clothing and shoes they carried, in addition to some new vendors. The shoppe is charming, fresh and bright, and beautifully displayed. In addition to the high end infant’s and toddler’s selections, the upstairs area of the shop offers gently used resale children’s clothing.

Outgoing Chamber President- Lisa Fussell

I trust that everyone enjoyed a safe and blessed holiday! I'd like to extend a heartfelt "Thank You" for the opportunity to serve you the past few years as your Chamber President.
I am very proud of the accomplishments of the Chamber's past few years. We have enjoyed monthly networking meetings with great attendance, wonderful conversations and informative speakers. The Chamber-After-Hour socials have been outstanding from an "attendance" standpoint, but also enlightening for many as we have visited various business locations (some having been in operation for MANY years, and for a lot of Chamber Members, the first opportunity to visit them personally). I’ve seen so much passion for this town. From the volunteers who help at the events to the unwavering business owners who donate to every little event we organize.
The web site has become a valuable resource internally for members to reach out to one another, administratively to address member needs and more re-
recently a valuable tool for the community (business and residential) to have an easy reference for reputable business resources within the county.
Our 2008 Board of Directors have diligently volunteered their time and efforts to help our Chamber grow . We are very fortunate in the new members that have stepped up and assumed new roles, thus bringing fresh ideas and prospective to the leadership team. As we move into 2009, we are also looking at becoming leaders within the county as it relates to enhancing our tourism efforts. Working with Economic Development, Wallace 100 Committee and The Duplin Tourism Authority, we hope to attract some bus tours as well as many visitors to our beautiful, nostalgic, friendly town.
Perhaps the largest accomplishment of the past few years has been the growth of the Christmas at Twilight. This has become a full downtown tradition. With the help of sponsors, and many volunteers, we can only look forward to bigger and better experiences as other community, social and business groups tie in their events to this festive weekend to kick off the holiday shopping season. Many memories are made as families watch their little loved ones perform with such splendor.
As I step down on January 20, 2009 as your President, I find myself in a very emotional position. My experience here has allowed me to grow and learn so much. There’s no way I can show my gratitude and appreciation. …I didn’t do anything by myself. I always had a wonderful team to work with. Transitioning our Chamber office to the newly renovated Depot was the highlight of my tenure. I've seen it transform over time from a small corner of the old RCA Realty office to the water building near the Town Hall with a part time director to the
absolutely fabulous office now at the Depot with a full time Executive Director allowing us to be the "full-time" open door to Wallace. With all of the exciting progression we have seen and are seeing, I am certain that our Chamber will continue to progress to higher levels. Shelia Young will lead the charge next year and the Chamber could not be in better hands along with Lou Powell, Executive Director and our new Board of Directors.
With that, I once again want to thank everyone for the opportunity to serve you. Economically, most of us are looking for a much more positive 2009. This should motivate us all to take an extra step to support fellow business leaders within our own local business community. We likely always needed one another, but now it's obvious we do!
Thank you

Lisa

2009 Harry “Toots” Carlton Award Recipient- Harriet Farrior

In my mind, there is only one word that aptly describes Harriet Farrior and her relationship to Wallace- Passion.

Passion filled with joy- and passion filled with love for the town and everything about it. Passion which has driven her involvement in every aspect of downtown revitalization, and passion that does not stop when a project has come to fruition. Harriet’s passion just goes down the list to the next project, and fuels the drive to see it completed.

Along the way, Harriet celebrates each step with an utterly beautiful childlike joy.
My favorite memory of Harriet was during Art at the Depot, while the bluegrass band was playing, and she walked across the parking lot clapping and dancing to the beat- or maybe it was the absolutely thrilled smile at the crowd who came for the Hot Dog Social- or maybe it was watching her wave and call Merry Christmas to the kids on the floats at the parade this year.

There will be much said and written over the next few weeks about all of Harriet’s accomplishments. There will be lists of titles and positions she holds on boards and committees. There will be deserved accolades for her vision and commitment to the causes she holds dear- and in every moment- I will be looking for the childlike twinkle that says she is full of joy!

Marlane

Annual Chamber of Commerce/Wallace 100 Committee Banquet

The Annual Chamber of Commerce/Wallace 100 Committee Banquet will be held Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. at the Mad Boar. Our Speaker this year will be The Honorable James “Jim” L. Moore. When he spoke at a monthly Chamber meeting this past fall, Judge Moore was one of the most informative and interesting speakers of the year. His insights into the challenges we face in our communities and the solutions he offers are relevant to all of us as we raise our families and educate our youth.
We will also be presenting the Harry “Toots” Carlton award to this year’s deserving recipient- Harriet Farrior. Join us in celebrating and recognizing all the efforts Harriet has made in working to make Wallace the wonderful town we call home. The evening will include the induction of the new members of both Board of Directors and entertainment.
Tickets will be available at local banks, and at the Chamber of Commerce office during business hours. The cost again this year is $30. Please call Lou at 285-4044 with any questions or for more information. Please join us for this great evening as we celebrate our 2008 accomplishments.

AdverMarket partners with the Wallace Chamber

Lou has been working with Ben Kiesinger from AdverMarket Corp. on several new and exciting projects. You are looking at the first right now! For the next six months, Ben has agreed to print the Chamber Newsletter in color! In addition to printing the newsletter, he will be offering advertising opportunities in the newsletter in full color- with design services included. There are insert prices available and some smaller ad spaces will be available on one insert. See the Advertising Guidelines below, and contact Lou for more information. Ben will also be revising and printing the Wallace Chamber brochure designed last fall. Initially, there were only enough printed to be given out to tour bus directors, but this new printing will be a higher quantity run, and will be able to be used in mailings to businesses looking for information on Wallace as well as tourist outlets. And speaking of tourists, another of the projects will be Wallace Postcards! Of course one will feature the Depot...there will other pictures chosen soon. The third project will be available mid-year. It will be a full color, slick publication of the Wallace Chamber of Commerce Member Directory. The publication will be used to promote members, and will be given to tourists, new families and new businesses in town. There will be advertising opportunities available, and all the details will be available at the February Chamber Meeting.

Ain't it Nifty...The Wallace Chamber is 50!

The Wallace Chamber of Commerce turns 50 this year! What started in 1959 has not just continued, but has continued to grow as our community has grown. There will be a banner for display in town commemorating the milestone, and we will be having emblems printed. If you have any ideas for a more formal- or more fun- celebration- contact Lou ! This is a milestone we can be very proud of, and it should not pass without everyone in town and the surrounding communities knowing about it! Happy Golden Anniversary!

A Note of Thanks

I would like to take a moment to say thank you to those who have worked with me and the chamber this past year to make 2008 a successful year.
Thanks to the 2008 outgoing Chamber Board of Directors: our outgoing President Lisa Fussell, who has served the chamber above and beyond the call of duty, Vice President Joan Williams, and board members Bill Wheeler, John Levings and Jeff Neal. Thanks also to Jim Cavender, CPA, Wallace Chamber of Commerce bookkeeper for his services throughout the year, and to Missie Wells for volunteering to take on the Treasurer responsibilities.
Thanks to Jackie Preston and new newsletter editor Marlane Carcopo for writing the chamber newsletter, and thanks to the Wallace Enterprise Staff and Management for the printing of the newsletter in 2008.
Special thanks all of the returning Board members, and thanks to all of you who have supported the chamber by attending meetings, participating in events, and volunteering when needed.
Lou