ChamberChamberNewsletterNewsletterVolume 75, Issue 2 June 24, 2020

717 Main StreetNorth Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659

(336) 838-8662www.wilkesnc.org

By JODY CALLWilkes Chamber Chairman

Greetings again. Much has evolved in the short time we last discussed Wilkes County and the Cham-ber of Commerce’s focus for 2020. In my previous comments, I committed to expound upon how far-reaching the digital divide and homework gap is in regard to high-speed broadband.

The COVID-19 pandemic quickly exposed and brought to light those areas defi cient in being able to provide adequate broadband speeds, which is defi ned by the FCC as 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload.

Most of Wilkes County is covered by Wilkes Com-munications’ fi ber-optic internet service and Spec-trum internet and greatly exceeds the 25 Mbps/3 Mbps definition. There are, however, areas still lacking.

To assist the commu-nities in Wilkes where broadband is not as prev-alent, Wilkes Communi-cations installed free Wi-Fi hotspots or provided broadband connectivity at area fi re departments,

Wilkes Community College, Samaritan Kitchen, and downtown Wilkesboro. These hotspots remain active and were intended to ease the burden for families who may not otherwise have access to broadband for stu-dent learning and engagement. Wilkes Communications has deployed over 110 Wi-Fi hotspots in its RiverStreet Networks markets throughout rural N.C. and Virginia.

Funding mechanisms including RDOF (Rural Digital Opportunities Fund), NC GREAT Grants, ReConnect Grants and Loans, CAFII (Connect America Funding), ARC (Appalachian Regional Commission), Community Connect Grants, and assorted statewide grants throughout the Unit-ed States are geared toward easing the burden caused by the digital divide and homework gap.

However, these opportunities do not guarantee adequate broadband service for all, and in most cas-es, the funding cycles specify a multiple-year build plan—sometimes six years or more. Our country’s communications infrastructure was built over sev-eral decades, and in some cases over 100 years; to upgrade to meet the needs of today’s evolved commu-nications needs should not, and cannot, take as long.

We, as a society, are not able to patiently wait until these mechanisms and projects fully mature. A hope or silver lining for what we have experienced thus far through this tragic pandemic is our government repre-sentatives and agencies are now acutely aware of the need for expanded broadband coverage. We can hope some of the stimulus packages and relief funds will be earmarked, at the state and federal levels, to address the broadband defi ciencies plaguing our country.

JODY CALLChamber Chairman

Next to Lowes FoodsWilkesboro

336-667-2257www.brandjewelrync.com

WILKES WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP hosted by the Holiday Inn Express and Yad-kin Valley Event Center met on Feb. 27. This event was sponsored by Key City Antique Mall and Shops and North Wilkesboro Dermatology and featured guest speaker Sen. Deanna Ballard. Beverages were provided by Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery. Senator Ballard shared her “story,” telling the attendees all about her

childhood in Lincolnton, working for President George W. Bush and fi rst lady Lau-ra Bush in the White House, joining forces with Samaritan’s Purse and traveling around the world, to now serving as a North Carolina senator. Her overwhelming commitment to help others, dedication toward positive change, and her spiritu-ality exuded the traits of a true woman leader.

Widespread broadband access needed in Wilkes

Reopening WilkesChamber offers tips, help for businesses

By LINDA CHEEKWilkes Chamber President

R eopening—to be-come accessible and available, be visible, launch,

to start again.Reopening a business

after COVID-19 has cre-ated challenges. What guidelines do you fol-low? Do you follow the White House guidelines, state guidelines or the lo-cal guidelines? There’s so much to consider at this time of uncertainty and lack of uniformity. Unfor-tunately, in Wilkes we are fi nding some businesses have made a choice not to reopen as owners are simply choosing to sell or close indefi nitely.

Over the pa st few months of being isolat-ed due to the lack of nor-mal chamber activities, I’ve had the opportunity to read multiple articles, participate in numerous webinars and “Zoom” many, many meetings. I’ve reviewed news releases on how to plan for busi-ness reopening and stud-ied guidelines for planning purposes. I have learned that employers and work-ers should be cautious and aware of risk levels in workplace settings and to be ready to determine appropriate control mea-sures to implement. I’ve been made aware that changes may be needed should COVID-19 outbreak conditions change as we learn new information about the virus, its trans-mission, and impacts.

In my many reads, I have found North Carolina Chamber’s “Relaunching North Carolina” to be in-clusive and informational. The N.C. Chamber states: “This document outlines a path forward in two areas.

The fi rst section, The Way Forward: Distinguishing North Carolina, covers the principles the busi-ness community believes should guide North Caro-lina leaders in fi nding an initial path to statewide recovery. The second sec-tion, Business Continuity: 2020 and Beyond, takes a longer view, outlining the steps needed to cre-ate a more resilient disas-ter preparedness and re-covery strategy for future crises.”

To provide our cham-ber membership with a

tool to assist them as they “start again,” I’m providing a link to this N.C. Cham-ber publication: https://ncchamber.com/wp-con-tent/uploads/Relaunch-ing-North-Carolina-1.pdf. I encourage business own-ers and leaders to review the content as they face the challenges of reopen-ing and doing business in a different way.

We want our members to know they are not alone in facing challenges. Sup-port is here! Wilkes Cham-ber of Commerce contin-ues to be here in support

of businesses and indus-tries and will provide as-sistance as needed to our local citizens.

Wilkes Chamber will be engaged and will ad-vocate for policies and best practices that are in-strumental in preparing for and recovering from our county’s current cri-sis and whatever the next crisis may be. We, as a community, must work together to build resilien-cy beyond 2020. Together we will move forward to a better economy and a brighter future.

B6 • Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Newsletter • June 24, 2020

Social media statsWilkes Chamber of

Commerce Facebook Page

Old Page Likes ............ 2,462New Page Likes .......... 2,588New Likes ...................... 126

Explore Wilkes

Old Page Likes ............ 1,201New Page Likes .......... 1,244New Likes ........................ 43

Wilkes County Restaurants—

Takeout and Delivery Options

Created March 17, 2020New Members ............ 5,659

Bottles & Boards

Wilkesboro, N.C.(208) 401-6795

Fred Costello

Moravian Falls, N.C.(386) 451-1558

Brushy Mountain IGA

2759 Statesville RoadNorth Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659(336) 818-1234

Carolina Water Technology

22 National Guard Armory Rd.Taylorsville, N.C. 28681(828) 632-0188

Wedding Wine

230 Heron Point DriveWilkesboro, N.C. 28697(718) 314-6184

Eagles Watch Venue

230 Heron Point DriveWilkesboro, N.C. 28659(718) 314-6184

Billy Myers Tire Service, Inc.

3055 West Highway 421Wilkesboro, N.C. 28697(336) 973-1931

NWNC Magazine

201 Tenth StreetNorth Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659(336) 990-9224

365 Degree Total Marketing

153 Follins LaneSt. Simons Island, Ga. 31522(912) 638-0780

Wilkes ProHealth, PLLC

108 Wilkesboro AvenueNorth Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659(336) 990-0219

Wilkes County Hardware

324 10th StreetNorth Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659(336) 838-4632

Amalfi ’s Italian Restaurant

& Pizzeria

1919 US-421 GWilkesboro, N.C. 28697(336) 838-3188

Spinning Wheels Yarns

and Creations

308 A 10th StreetNorth Wilkesboro, N.C. 28659(336) 818-1011

Craig LangstonFinancial Advisor

126 Executive DriveSuite 240Wilkesboro, NC 28697Bus. 336-818-1678Cell 336-466-9111 Fax 855-842-6223craig.langston@edwardjones.comwww.edwardjones.com

Revient Reclaimed Wood is a premier supplierof reclaimed building materials using

barn wood, wood fl ooring, antique beams, live edge slabs and rusted metal

336-818-0197www.RevientReclaimedWood.comMonday-Friday • By appointment only

308-A 10th StreetNorth Wilkesboro, N.C.336-818-1011

336-667-7129

Prearranged Funeral PlanningCemetery and MausoleumGrief Recovery Services

MonumentsFloral Arrangements Laminated Obituaries

www.reinssturdivant.com

Changing how you live, not where you live.

FREE TRIAL VISITYou choose the days and hours that best suit your needs!

Mondaythrough

Friday6:00 AM

to6:00 PM

North Wilkesboro 336-667-2541

Medicaidand VAApproved

Adult Day Care provides a safe environment for adults who can’t safely stay at home by themselves during the day while their family goes to work, runs errands, or simply takes a break.

An affordable alternative to in-home care, assisted living, or nursing home care.

Choose the days and hours that best suit your needs.

Copper

Silver

Gold

Platinum

Wilkesboro, NC

InfusionPointsCyber Security Solutions

Arnold & BeckyLakey

WilkesssssssssseeeeeeeeeeWiWiWiWiWiWiWiWiWiWilklklklklklklklklkkCOMMUNICATIONS

Bronze

Welcome our new members

The following renewed their Chamber memberships from February-June 2020.

13 Bones LLC, 4 Seasons Vacation Rental & Sales, Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership, Store #C1298, Albert Brown Electric Inc., Almost on the Lake LLC;

Ameriprise Financial Services-Roder-ick Barnes, Barnes & Barnes, CPA, BB&T Wilkesboro, Blake Farms of North Carolina LLC, Blue Ridge Energy, Blue Ridge Moun-tain Club, Bojangles #629, Brushy Moun-tain Smokehouse & Creamery, Bumgar-ner Services Inc., Call Family Distillers;

Calming Spirits Massage & Bodyworks, Carla Souther Hauser Financial Services, Carter Bank & Trust—Wilkesboro, Cherry Street Media LLC, Chick-fi l-A of Wilkes-boro, Church & Church Lumber Compa-ny, Concorde Financial Resources LLC, Container Storage Services LLC, Cooks Inc., Fred Costello, CrossRoads Harley-Davidson, Cube Creative Inc., Dan Little;

DAVHENCO Inc., Ebenezer Christian Children’s Home, ECMD Inc., Edward Jones—Craig Langston, Financial Advi-sor, Edward Jones—Sam Morrison, Fi-nancial Advisor, EnergyUnited, Executive Financial Resources Inc., EyeCareCenter, Faw Insurance Agency Inc., Finley Prop-erties LLC;

First Baptist Church of North Wilkes-boro, First United Methodist Church, Foothills Auto Spa, Foothills Outdoor Adventures, Forestland Consultants Inc., G&B Energy, High Country 365, Holistic Medical Clinic, Home Instead Senior Care, Hospitality House of NW North Carolina;

Dennis Huggins, Jan Huggins, Impact

Collision Center Inc., InfusionPoints LLC, Ivy Ridge Traditions, James River Equip-ment Company, Jefferson Landing Club, JELD-WEN, The Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home, Larry & Diane Stone, Leading To Change Inc., Leatherwood Mountains Resort, LifeStore Bank & In-surance, Linda Wehrmann—Realtor, Line-berry Builders LLC, Louisiana Pacifi c Cor-poration, LuRay Textiles Inc., MAD JAX;

Marvin’s Garage Doors Inc., Mathis & Son Grading Inc., MenaRick Vineyard & Winery LLC, Merrill Lynch—Norman Young Group, Michael’s Jewelry, Miller Funeral Service Inc., Mountain Health Solutions—Wilkesboro CTC, Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Ca, North Wilkesboro Ro-tary Club, Northwest General Insurance Agency, Northwest General Insurance Agency LLC;

Northwestern Regional Housing Au-thority, OP Smiles, Page Interworks, P.A., Charles B. Parker, Parker’s Building Sup-ply, Parkwood Place Independent Living, Patricia Hatley Inc., Pencare Total Offi ce, Pipedreams, Quality Inn & Suites, Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home, Richard Thorn-ton, Riverview Animal Hospital, Robert Handy Camping Center Inc., Ruby Pardue Blackburn Adult Day Care, Salem Foot Care, PA, Shatley Construction Co. Inc., Smart Start, SouthEast Commercial Real Estate Group, Southeastern Cars & Parts, Specialty Car Company Inc.;

Spectrum Hospitality Management LLC, Spinning Wheels Yarns and Creations, Steve C. Davis Inc., Subway of Wilkesboro, Suncrest Farms Country Ham Inc., Surrey

Bank & Trust, TalentForce, The Tribune, Tilley’s Auto Sales LLC, Town of Ronda;

Townes Farm, Two Rivers Cinemas, Two-Boros Brewery & Pizzeria, Tyson Wilkes-boro Food Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Villages Of Wilkes Assisted Living, Waggles Pet Supply & Dog Wash LLC, Wake Forest Baptist Care at Home Hospice, Wake Forest Baptist Health-WMC Auxiliary, WATCO Inc., Waterhouse Studios Photography, Wells Fargo—North Wilkesboro Main, Wells Fargo Advisors;

Westwood Hills Nursing and Rehab Center, Charles & Mary White, Wilkes Art Gallery, Wilkes Circles of Care Inc., Wilkes Community Foundation, Wilkes County Public Library, Wilkes Crime Stoppers, Wilkes Democratic Party, Wilkes Express YMCA, Wilkes Heritage Museum Inc.;

Wilkes Literacy, Wilkes Security, Wilkes Senior Resources Inc., Wilkes Veterinary Hospital LLC, Wilkesboro Health and Re-habilitation, Williams Motel, Woodfi eld Oaks Apartments LLC, Worldwide Pro-tective Services, WWWC Radio, Yadkin River Greenway Council and Yadkin Val-ley Railroad Club of Wilkes Inc.,

The following Chamber members are 110 percent investors from February-June 2020.

13 Bones LLC, Albert Brown Electric Inc., Almost on the Lake LLC, Barnes & Barnes, CPA, BB&T Wilkesboro, Blake Farms of North Carolina LLC, Blue Ridge Energy, Blue Ridge Mountain Club, Bo-jangles #629, Brushy Mountain Smoke-house & Creamery, Bumgarner Services Inc., Call Family Distillers, Carla Souther Hauser Financial Services, Carter Bank & Trust—Wilkesboro, Cherry Street Media LLC, Church & Church Lumber Company, Container Storage Services LLC;

Cooks Inc., CrossRoads Harley-David-son, Dan Little, DAVHENCO Inc., Ebene-zer Christian Children’s Home, ECMD Inc., Edward Jones—Craig Langston, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones—Sam Morrison, Fi-nancial Advisor, EnergyUnited, Executive Financial Resources Inc., EyeCareCenter;

Finley Properties LLC, Foothills Auto Spa, G&B Energy, Home Instead Senior Care, Dennis Huggins, Jan Huggins, Im-pact Collision Center Inc., InfusionPoints LLC, James River Equipment Company, Jefferson Landing Club, JELD-WEN, The Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home;

Larry & Diane Stone, Leading To Change Inc., Leatherwood Mountains Resort, LifeStore Bank & Insurance, Linda Weh-rmann—Realtor, Lineberry Builders LLC;

Louisiana Pacifi c Corporation, LuRay

Textiles Inc., MAD JAX, Marvin’s Garage Doors Inc., MenaRick Vineyard & Winery LLC, Michael’s Jewelry, Mountain Health Solutions—Wilkesboro CTC, Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Ca, North Wilkesboro Rotary Club, Northwestern Regional Housing Authority, OP Smiles;

Charles B. Parker, Parkwood Place In-dependent Living, Patricia Hatley Inc., Pencare Total Offi ce, Quality Inn & Suites, Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home, Robert Handy Camping Center Inc., Ruby Pardue Blackburn Adult Day Care, Salem Foot Care, PA, SouthEast Commercial Real Estate Group, Southeastern Cars & Parts, Spectrum Hospitality Management LLC;

Steve C. Davis Inc., Suncrest Farms Country Ham Inc., Surrey Bank & Trust, TalentForce, The Tribune, Tilley’s Auto Sales LLC, Town of Ronda, Townes Farm;

Two Rivers Cinemas, Tyson Wilkesboro Food Service, Villages Of Wilkes Assisted Living, Wake Forest Baptist Health—WMC Auxiliary, Waterhouse Studios Photogra-phy, Westwood Hills Nursing and Rehab Center, Charles & Mary White, Wilkes Crime Stoppers, Wilkes Express YMCA, Wilkes Literacy, Wilkes Security, Wilkes-boro Health and Rehabilitation;

Woodfi eld Oaks Apartments LLC, World-wide Protective Services, Yadkin River Greenway Council and Yadkin Valley Rail-road Club of Wilkes Inc.

Chamber of Commerce members renew memberships

110% membership investors are listed