Elizabeth City Area Chamber E-News
Vol. 38, No. 1                                           January  2, 2020


Happy New Year!

I hope you had a wonderful holiday season surrounded by family and friends. Now that the rush of the season is over, it's time to think about how you can maximize your Chamber benefits in 2020.
  • Start here, in the Chamber newsletter! Members get a FREE monthly ad of 100 words or less. Send your ad to trinity@elizabethcitychamber.org by the 20th of each month. You may also include a photo, logo, or graphic.
  • Chamber membership gets you an all-access pass to Chamber events. Grab your business cards and attend Coffee with The Chamber, Lunch Bunch, or one of our Ribbon Cuttings or Business After Hours events. Or, consider hosting an event to get the maximum exposure for your business.
  • We love to promote our members on Facebook! Be sure to let us know when you have a post you'd like us to share with our over 3,000 followers.
  • We partner with COA Small Business Center, ECSU Small Business and Technology Development Center, and Eastern Women's Entrepreneurship Center to offer classes and resources to help your business. Contact us today to find out what's coming up!
  • We offer a variety of advertising opportunities - from eblasts, to Coast Guard welcome packets, discounted Daily Advance ads, and Livability, our relocation magazine - we've got a solution that's right for you.
  • Get involved by joining a committee or volunteering. You'll meet new people and expand your prospect list, all while having a great time. Let us help you find the right fit, whether it's as an Ambassador, on our Education, Military Affairs, or Legislative Committee, or on an event committee such as Business Expo or the Golf Outing.
Make plans to join us for our 109th Annual Dinner, presented by Sentara Albemarle Medical Center, on January 30 at K.E. White Center. Our keynote speaker is Brad Hurdle, who will talk about Generational Diversity in the Workplace. There will be a Silent Auction, and we will honor a Business of the Year, Nonprofit of the Year, Ambassador of the Year, and retiring board members. Dinner will be catered by Montero's Restaurant, Bar and Catering. Tickets are on sale now for $50 each or a corporate table of 8 for $425 - reserve yours now!

Serving you, 
Holly Staples
Nominations are Open!
Tell Us What Business or Nonprofit 
Made a Difference in 2019! 

Nominations for Business of the Year and Nonprofit of the Year are still open! Please click below to fill out our online nominations forms!

Click Below to Nominate a Business of the Year




Click Below to Nominate a Nonprofit of the Year
Nomination will close at 5:00 PM on January 13th. The awards will be presented at our 109th Annual Meeting to be held on January 30th. 
Chamber Events this Month
business_conference5.jpg

Vertical Harbor Ribbon Cutting and Business After Hours
615 E Main St. 
January 3rd | 4 - 6:00 PM
Join us for a Ribbon Cuttings and Business After Hours at Vertical Harbor. Join us as we celebrate their new location and welcome them to Elizabeth City. Refreshments will be provided.  We hope to see you there! 

Coffee with The Chamber at 
Burger King
1601 W Ehringhaus St. 
January 10 8:00 - 8:9:00 AM
We invite our members to come and have a cup of coffee while networking with fellow members. 

Lunch Bunch at Plaza Azteca 
3860 Patrick Way
January 15 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Join us for our monthly lunch bunch and don't forget your business cards for this networking event.


109th Annual Meeting
1409 W Ehringhaus St. 
January 30th | 6:00 PM
Please join us at K.E. White for our 109th Annual Meeting. We will have a Silent Auction, Cocktails, and Dinner by Montero's. We will also be giving out Business and Nonprofit of the year awards. 




Recent Chamber Events

Brackwater Brush and Sanctuary Design Co. Ribbon Cutting and Open House

Williams Holdings Ribbon Cutting and Open House 

Ambassador Appreciation Breakfast

Belk Business Before Hours 

Ambassador of the Month
Congratulations to Melanie Metzler, Service/Marketing Manager at B&M Contractors, our Ambassador of the Month!

Melanie has been with B&M Contractors, Inc. for a little over 2 ½ years. She started there as the Service Coordinator and now has moved into the role of Marketing/Service Director. She resides in Virginia Beach and commutes every day due to the fact that she absolutely loves working with the team at B&M.  If you ask her about B&M, she will tell you that being with a company that is truly invested in doing the right thing for employees,  customers and the community as a whole means the world to her.  Her goal is to spotlight B&M Contractors throughout the area so that everyone can see what she sees daily working there. She is energetic, determined and brings a positive vibe to all that she does. She became an Ambassador for the Elizabeth City Chamber of Commerce in August 2019. She has taken on two sectors, in which she is a true liaison between the member and the Chamber. The members in her sectors have provided positive feedback and for that we are thankful to have her on board.  Per Melanie -  "I love the opportunity to cross promote and network with the multiple businesses in the area.  Becoming an Ambassador for the Chamber has brought many strengths brought to myself as individual, B&M Contractors, the chamber members and the Chamber as a whole. I believe in putting your all into what you and do fully utilizing the resources you have within the Chamber. If we all do that,  no doubt, the community will continue to grow and prosper. I am excited to see what we can do!"

790 Pitts Chapel Road
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
252-338-6090
Coastie Corner

The Coastie Corner
Happy New Year 

I hope everyone had a fabulous end of year holiday season. Overall, 2019 was a positive year at BASE Elizabeth City. Coast Guard Day this year was celebrated by more than 4000 participants; we were merely brushed by a hurricane that devastated the Bahamas, and during a historical lapse in government appropriations, the local community showed an overwhelming level of support to our local Coast Guard families. Elizabeth City always has that wonderful "small town" holiday vibe during this time of year. Unfortunately, I was double booked this year with a Coast Guard Auxiliary event during the boat parade, an event I love to see. As many Coast Guardsman capitalize on the holidays and travel to spend quality time with their families, I hope you all have the opportunity to do the same during this festive season. Thank you all for your invaluable partnerships with our Coast Guard family and we look forward to a fantastic 2020!

CAPT Randy Meador


News from our Members
Albemarle Hopeline

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY: Albemarle Hopeline, Inc. is seeking sponsors for our annual "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" event, coming up on Saturday, April 25 th at ECSU's Roebuck Stadium. This event invites community members (including local "celebrity" walkers) to walk a mile around the track in high heeled shoes to raise awareness of sexual assault and send a message of community support to victims and survivors. Sponsorships start at just $100, and all proceeds from the event provide services to victims of sexual and domestic violence right here in our community. You can learn more at www.albemarlehopeline.org , call 338-5338 for more information, or e-mail ccottrell@albemarlehopeline.org for sponsorship information.


American Legion
National Desert Storm War Memorial
The National Executive Committee of The American Legion in regular meeting assembled in Indianapolis, Indiana, on May 10-11, 2017. The American Legion went on record in support of the construction of a memorial dedicated to Desert Storm and Desert Shield veterans in our nation's capital without financial obligation by The American Legion.
The American Legion would support the American Battle Monuments Commission, if recommended, to serve as the administer because of their expertise in coordinating the erection of previous national monuments in the National Capital.
Call Me, I have a Post for you
Skip Rapp
District 1 Commander
The American Legion Department of NC
252 562 5196

Boys and Girls Club of the Albemarle 



Camp Cale



Chesapeake Regional Healthcare


Christ Episcopal Church

Historic church for rent off of McMorrine Street in Elizabeth City.
Meeting space with bathroom and full kitchen also available.
Rent by the hour or day.
For more information contact Christ Church at 252.338.1686.

Chuck's Fences and Decks 

Carpentry work, custom fences decks and remodeling, and f ree estimates
 
Are you wanting a new custom fence or deck built? Maybe you want a pergola or new shed. Call 
an experienced carpenter today. We have over 30 years of experience in all types of 
construction and remodeling.  
We work in the Virginia Beach surrounding area and north eastern North Carolina including the OBX. As always the first estimate is free, so call Chuck Newcomb today to set up an appointment. 252-267-7445 or visit our Facebook page at  https://www.facebook.com/Deckguy/


Coastal Park Townhomes 

Coastal Park Townehomes is currently accepting applications for 3 and 4 bedroom townhouses with availability starting January 1, 2020.

All active duty, retired and veteran military (with valid ID), law enforcement and first responders (with valid ID) who are approved will receive 50% off the security deposit and $200 off your first month's rent!

Give us a call at 252-562-6642 Monday - Friday, 9 am to 5pm for more information!

Sorry, no EIC or other voucher programs are accepted.

Coastal Pediatrics 


College of The Albemarle Small Business Center


Eastern Women's Entrepreneurship Center

This is a free opportunity to promote small businesses in Elizabeth City via our individual Facebook pages.
Each week in 2020, we will spotlight a local small business and include a snippet of their backstory, their business contact info and the services they provide. Additionally, their spotlight will include 2 opportunities they are looking for (such as collaboration, new employees, interns, new location, etc.-they will self-identify this opportunity.
The registration link is open. https://www.tfaforms.com/4780596

Elizabeth City Habitat for Humanity

The footers have been poured for our new house on 5 th Street! We are hoping to begin construction in the next few weeks. We need many people to complete this project for our new partner family:
  • Volunteers to work on the construction. We will train you if you haven't had construction experience.
  • Organizations and businesses to provide lunches for our volunteers. We generally expect 10-15 people on the worksite each day. Lunches can be very simple-sandwich, chips, drink, cookie.
  • People to make phone calls to churches to solicit lunch donations and recruit volunteers. This is a perfect opportunity for someone who cannot come out to work on the site but wants to help.
Finally, this project has had numerous delays and cost overruns. We need donations of materials and cash to help meet these needs. Specific needs are windows, doors, and siding.
If you are able to help in any way, please contact us at echabitat@yahoo.com or call Jane Elfring, 252-384-0115.

Elizabeth City State University 


Jamar Harrell, this semester's Bearer of the Mace excelled both academically and within the community. Jamar completed two internships, one with the Eastern Women's Entrepreneurship Center and one with the Elizabeth City Area Chamber of Commerce during his time at Elizabeth City State University. Jamar assisted the EWEC with creating profit and loss statements, QuickBooks inventory uploads, and creating spreadsheets to assist clients in creating financial documents. For the Chamber he did a website audit, assisted with events such as Paired, made updates to the membership database, and helped with recruiting and retention of chamber members.

If you need help at your business please call Caitlin Davis at 757-788-9711 to become a host to a fantastic ECSU intern today!

Encore Theatre Company 

Encore Theatre Company will be presenting Tuesdays with Morrie a best -selling book, a movie and a hit Broadway play.  When a beloved, eccentric professor develops a fatal disease, a former student comes to spend time with him.  Their conversations are in turn, funny and sad, instructive and heartwarming. Tickets are $30 each. Dinner will be provided by Montero's. Opening January 10 with six performances at the Encore Workshop, Hwy 17 South. Seating is limited so book early at encoretheatre.org or by calling us at 252-301-3071 extension 703.

Expert PC


Fastenal


For all of your Industrial & Construction needs, stop by Fastenal in Elizabeth City, NC located in the Kennix Shopping Plaza. We are located next to Earthstone at 1245A US HWY 17 South and can provide many of needs same day or next day.


Fortress Wood Products


Fortress Wood Products® is a leader in building customer loyalty and successes by combining teamwork, exceptional service, innovation, and professionalism balanced with quality, trust and integrity.
Fortress Wood can provide timely and consistent shipping and delivery for all of your treated wood product needs. To find a dealer near you, head to our website or call 1-800-BUY-FORT. Follow us on social media @Fortresswood.


GFL Environmental Inc.

For any questions you may have, please contact:
Beverley Leary
(252) 333-9015

Global Recruiters Network of Elizabeth City 

Is your company struggling to find high-quality employees? Let Global Recruiters Network of Elizabeth City take over the search for you. GRN of EC will partner with you to deliver superior talent to your organization. We identify and recruit passive candidates - individuals that are top performers but may not be actively looking for a new opportunity. Learn more today by visiting www.grnelizabethcity.com
or call our office at (252) 331-2775.



IBX Insurance Agency


Jim Kaighn Financial Services 
Long & Foster Real Estate Inc
Phyllis Bosomworth and Erin Nixon are pleased to announce the Sales Agent for November 2019.
 
Sales Agent of the Month is John Aydlett:  John,  a native of Camden, NC, graduated from North Carolina State University and has worked in the Albemarle area for over 25 years.  His extensive knowledge of the people and the area, give him insight into the real estate market.  He is involved with the community and enjoys working with and assisting clients throughout the area.
 


Listing Agent of the Month is Janet Lane:  Janet is a native of Elizabeth City and has been in real estate for over 13 years.  She is familiar with all the neighborhoods and has the ability to assist you in selecting the best home for your family's needs. Janet uses the newest internet marketing tools to depict your property to the broadest possible range of qualified buyers. Janet genuinely listens to her clients needs and wants and works tirelessly on their behalf.


Diana Gardner REALTOR Long & Foster 

Sellers and buyers often think that the holidays are a slow time in real estate.
But here's a good reason to list or buy now, if you're kind of on the fence...
Some buyers say they will take time off from looking until "after the holidays". They figure what's the point: nobody's listing their house now. Yet, they do continue to look. They're constantly watching the market like a hawk. Hoping.
 
So, when something new does come onto the market, the buyers who are "waiting" get pretty excited. It's like finding a forgotten Christmas present that fell behind the sofa.
 
Diana Gardner
Long and Foster Real Estate
1100 W. E hringhaus St
Elizabeth City NC  27909


NEAAAT

Port Discover was presented with a tremendous opportunity to have a NEAAAT student intern this semester. Alan Sesser, Jr, our intern, is an asset to Port Discover. Alan, also a member of the NEAAAT FRC team, has gone above and beyond coordinating volunteer days for his team at Port Discover. With Alan's leadership, they've done everything from teaching kids how to use "tractor meeperbots" during our Harvest Festival to participating in our Fall Litter Sweep. Alan and the team lead a Saturday STEAM project, guiding visitors through building upcycled mini wind turbines. We look forward to more great partnerships with NEAAAT! 
written by Duffy Danish, Executive Director of Port Discover
Contact Tandra Hedgepeth Work-based Learning Coordinator tandrahedgepeth@northeastacademy.org


NCWorks


Scrunchy Mama Wellness


Shaklee Independent Distributor - Gwen Bell


State Farm - Dawn Cooper Covington


Taylor Mueller Realty

Tina's Nail Salon


At Tina's Nail Salon, we take things seriously. We value our customers' feelings. We are keeping our place of business clean by sanitizing and using the latest state of the art building code ventilation system  for fumes. Most of all, we treat our customers with great respect! 

Tina's Nail Salon
252-331-2424
1008 Halstead Blvd. Unit F
Elizabeth City NC 27909

Walk Ins Welcome Appointments Accepted
TowneBank Mortgage



Undercutter Tree Service

VectorCSP
 
 
VectorCSP is a federal contracting small business based out of Elizabeth City, North Carolina. We help our nation's military and government leaders realize the Cost, Schedule, and Performance goals of their organizations through our expert integrated logistics, engineering, training, and strategic program management support.
VectorCSP is always seeking highly qualified candidates possessing strong backgrounds in Acquisitions, Engineering Management, Integrated Logistics, Project Management, Military Aviation and Naval Engineering.

To apply, please go to https://vectorcsp.applicantpro. com/ . For assistance, please contact our Human Resources Department by telephone at (252)-338-4255 or by email, teresa.delaney@vectorcsp.com .


Zaribel's
 

Kinderdance by Zaribel is adding two new classes to our schedule, waiving the $25 registration fee for any student who enrolls in January and would also like to add my next kids night out event! 

Big Boss Burritos 
Junior Gonzalez 
110 N Poindexter St. 
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
RESTAURANTS 

Prodigy Real Estate 
Jennifer Henderson
605 E Main Street
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
(252) 421-3119
REAL ESTATE

Legal Shield/ID Shield
Barbara Hendrickson
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
(703) 901-9200
LEGAL & IDENTITY PROTECTION 
MEMBERSHIPS

Sasha Mark LLC
Saundra Thomas
1016 W Ehringhaus St
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
(240) 640-6682
EVENT PLANNER, PHOTOGRAPHY


The Sweet Easy
Casey Heard
112 N Poindexter St. 
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
BAKERY

Vertical Harbor
Jennifer Duncan
615 E Main St
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
(252) 339-2552
REAL ESTATE



ALBEMARLE ALLIANCE FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

ALBEMARLE MEDICAL ASSOCIATES

BATHFITTER

CHESAPEAKE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

CLIFTON & CLIFTON MONUMENTS, INC

COMPRO COMPUTER PROFESSIONALS

DOUG WILLIAMS / RICK GILBERT REFRIGERATION

EXPERT PC & RADIOSHACK

LONG & FOSTER REAL ESTATE- RHONDA TWIDDY
NC WORKS CAREER CENTER

PERRY AUTO GROUP

REED OIL COMPANY

SEEGARS FENCE COMPANY, INC. OF ELIZABETH CITY

SOHO ORGANIC MARKET

SONIC DRIVE-IN

SOUTHGATE PARK

TADLOCK & ASSOCIATES

WHICHARD & WOOLARD WEALTH MANAGEMENT GROUP OF WELLS FARGO ADVISORS