The Weekly
Thursday December 31, 2009

Chamber Calendar

New Years Holiday
Chamber Office Closed
January 1

Fire & Ice, a Mountain Winterfest
January 22 - 24
Escape to a Winter Wonderland in the 1st Annual Fire & Ice, a mountain winterfest. The Chamber has teamed with area businesses, organizations and residents to host an extended weekend event. Activities will include an Ice Carving Competition, Winter Wonderland Play Area, Culinary Exposition, Wine & Beer tasting and more. Visit www.fireandicefest.com for a schedule of events and additional information. Click Here to follow Fire & Ice on FaceBook.

Issues & Eggs
Seven Behaviors of Managers that Excel through Tough Business Times

Speaker: Andrew Sanderbeck

February 3, 8 a.m.

The Gateway Club

$10 members, $15 non-members, $5 to attend without Breakfast

Click Here to Register Today

Holiday Cheer A Success!

A grand Thank You to our members and volunteers for their auction donations, countless volunteer hours, and support throughout this event. Holiday Cheer was success and it is because of the support of our membership. The Holiday Spirit was abundant as over 140 members enjoyed an evening of networking, dining and holiday cheer.

Remaining Items Available For Purchase:

(2) Tickets for the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad                     Starting Bid: $45

(1) Cat & Barn Print, Beth Brown Photography                                Bid #1 : $12.50

(1) Grape Print, Beth Brown Photography                                          Starting Bid: $12.50

(1) Purple Vase, Balsam Antique Mall                                                  Starting Bid: $12.50

$50 Gift Certificate to Brookside Mountain Mist Inn                    Bid #1: $25

(1) website design/redesign, Two Cups Connect Marketing       Starting Bid: $200

(1) Oral History Interview, Zoom Factor                                           Starting Bid: $75

(1) GF Graphics Advertising on

      Smoky Mountain Cinemas Website                                               Starting Bid: $75

(1) Vintage Season Greetings CD Set                                                   Bid #1: $15

Email kmclean@haywood-nc.com or call (828)456.3021 to place a bid on the items above.

Governmental Relations Committee Announcement

Governmental Relations Committee Members:

Please mark your calendars for the following Governmental Relations Committee meetings chaired by Mark Clasby.  This schedule is based upon the General Assembly schedule and the date session convenes.  The short session of the General Assembly  begins May,2010.

Also, chamber members interested in serving on the Governmental Relations Committee are welcome. 

Tuesday, January 12 @ 8:00-9:00 (organizational meeting)

Thursday, January 14 @ 11:00-1:00(community partner meetings)

Tuesday, January 19 @ 11:00-1:00(community partner meetings)

Tuesday, January 26@ 11:00-1:00(community partner meetings)

Thursday, January 28@11:00-1:00(community partner meetings and or draft agenda)

Tuesday, February 2@8:00-9:30(draft agenda)

Wednesday, February 3@9:30-10:30(draft agenda) – This meeting will be held after Issues and Eggs at The Gateway.

Tuesday, February  9 @ 8:00-9:30 (if needed)

Thursday, February 18 @ 5:30-7:30- Elected Officials Reception at Laurel Ridge Country Club

June 2010- Annual Visit to Raleigh

A schedule is established based upon when the General Assembly convenes. 

This year the General Assembly convenes in May, 2010

 January: Committee approves survey and staff emails membership to determine priorities of concern Governmental Relations Committee meets to hear presentations by key community partners and discuss top priority issues. Sub-Committees may become necessary to address issue requiring discussion and research Governmental Relations Committee determines legislative agenda based upon membership surveys and meeting with community stakeholders. The draft legislative agenda is presented to the Board of Directors for vote of approval. 

February: Annual Elected Officials Reception is held and legislative agenda is presented

Gov. Perdue announces Haywood County businesses to receive disaster aid Due to Major Rockslide

Gov. Perdue announced the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has agreed to provide low-interest government loans to help eligible Haywood County businesses cover normal operating expenses. Several business owners asked the state for financial assistance after they experienced a dramatic decrease in business activity over the past three weeks.

"These federal loans are critical to protect western North Carolina businesses and the families that rely on them for their livelihood," said Perdue.  "I encourage eligible businesses that need extra help to take advantage of this opportunity."

A major rockslide near the Tennessee border on Oct. 25 has shut down Interstate 40 while crews work to remove the debris and repair the road. Traffic has been rerouted along Interstates 26 and 81.

The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program provides loans to help business owners pay bills when their businesses are not producing income. The EIDL is available even if the business didn’t suffer physical damage; loans are available only to applicants determined by SBA to have no credit available elsewhere. All Economic Injury Disaster Loans are made at the four percent interest rate with terms up to 30 years. Small businesses may borrow up to $2 million, but specific amounts and terms are set by the SBA based on each applicant’s financial condition.

Several businesses were significantly impacted by the rock-slide detour.  The SBA declared Haywood County a disaster area as a result of the rock slide.  Under SBA rules, businesses in Buncombe, Henderson, Jackson, Madison, Swain and Transylvania counties that also suffered economic losses as a result of the damaged highway also may be eligible for assistance.

Due to the Closing of I-40 a Federal Disaster Outreach Center has been set up at the Clyde Town Hall. Small Business owners can stop by the Center from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily (Monday - Friday) to speak one-on-one to obtain additional information and/or apply for assistance.

If you are unable to appear in person you can call 1-800-659-2955 or go to www.sba.gov for more information.

I-40 Travel Advisory

A rockslide has forced the closure of Interstate 40 near the North Carolina/Tennessee State line at exit 451. The last exit to detour off of I-40 Eastbound will be exit 435. According to the NC Department of Transportation, initial estimates indicate that it could take several months to clean up the site and restore traffic. The last exit available on I-40 Westbound will be exit 20 at U.S. 276 (Maggie Valley). Travelers heading to Haywood County (Waynesville, Maggie Valley, Lake Junaluska, Canton & Clyde) on I-40 from Asheville and points East are not affected, with exits 31,27,24 and 20 still accessible. Please Click HERE to view an updated travel alert and detour options.

The Green Initiative

 The pilot group of Chamber business have achieved their Going Green status and have made great waves in the community by greening their businesses. The Chamber is currently looking for member businesses to participate in the second session of Going Green beginning 2010. If you would like to participate in the Chamber's Green Business Initiative please email CeCe Hipps chipps@haywood-nc.com.

Current Job Postings

New Meridian Technologies
Seeking a business professional with outstanding customer service skills to fill a Services Coordinator position. This person will function as our client liaison which includes answering telephones, waiting on customers, coordinating technicians' schedules as well as creating invoices. Strong computer skills are a necessity and Quickbooks experience is a plus. Please send your cover letter and resume to apply@newmeridiantech.net if interested.

Indigo Salon
Licensed Massage Therapist and Hairstylist with clientele needed. Station rental. Indigo Salon, Call Caroline 828.246.8246.

Maggie Valley Club
New Spa Opportunity! Looking for a Highly Skilled Nail Tech. Call 828.246.5285 today.

The Chamber is now featuring local job postings and resumes from Chamber Member Businesses and former employees of Chamber Member Businesses. If you or your business have a position or resume you would like to post please email kmclean@haywood-nc.com and we will run it in a special section of the weekly.

Automatic Bank Draft Option Available

The Chamber is pleased to announce an automatic bank draft option for new and renewing members alike. This option will break membership dues into monthly or quarterly payments to simplify the payment process. Please contact the chamber 828.456.3021 for additional information.

Exclusive Member Advertising Opportunities

Membership with the Chamber provides you with multiple advertising opportunities that are exclusive to Chamber Members. The Following are currently available:

Please contact the Chamber office for any additional information or requests. Email kmclean@haywood-nc.com or call 828.456.3021.