Elizabeth City Area Chamber E-News
Dear Chamber Members,

Our community is eager to reopen businesses and rebuild the economy. Our approach needs to be safe and responsible. We are here to help you navigate this confusing environment.  Your Chamber is a trusted source of information. We are fielding questions, sharing resources, working to boost consumer confidence, and more. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us with your questions and concerns. Here are links to a few resources that we recommend:




We are hopeful that we will soon be able to gather safely with you again. We’re looking for feedback on your level of comfort for in person gatherings. Please take a moment to complete the survey below to let us know your thoughts on getting together again.

On a bittersweet note, I want to take this opportunity to thank Trinity Higinbotham for her service to the Chamber over the past two years. Trinity took over the role of Events and Marketing Manager in August 2018, and she has expanded and magnified the position. She’s been a tremendous asset to our organization and our community; and while we are excited for the new opportunities for her family, we will truly miss her. Trinity’s last day with us will be June 12, and I hope you will take a moment between now and then to thank her for her helpfulness. I’m pleased to announce that our newly hired Events and Marketing Manager, Darlene Tighe, will begin on June 1. Darlene is skilled in event planning, marketing, and photography, and we are confident that she will be a great addition to our team! I hope you will give her a warm welcome.

Serving you,
Holly Staples
We Need Your Feedback
As North Carolina has entered into Safer at Home Phase 2 of lifting COVID-19 restrictions, we have turned our attention to upcoming events. This has led to a number of conversations with members about their personal comfort level returning to in-person events, as the Chamber is proud to host more than 100 in-person meetings, networking session, events, and committees each year. We would appreciate your feedback in this area. 
How comfortable are you in attending an in-person event within the next 30-60 days?
Ready, just tell me when to be there and where.
I'm ready if there are guidelines in place (masks, social distancing, etc.).
I'm not ready, but would attend a virtual event.
I'm not ready, and would not attend an in-person event in the next 30-60 days.
Exciting News from the Chamber
Please join us in welcoming Darlene Tighe, our new Events and Marketing Manger, to the Chamber!

Darlene Tighe was a professional photographer for over 20 years, specializing in portraiture and fine art landscapes. She is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi and has many regional and nationally published works.

After relocating to Elizabeth City in 2008, she also worked in production planning and non-profit management. Marketing and event planning have been a large part of her career and she looks forward to serving the community with the Chamber of Commerce. 
Thank you to our Ambassador Team
The Chamber is lucky to have a special group of people who volunteer their time to further our mission and ensure our members are connected and supported by the Chamber and the business community. 

BB Barco - BB&T
Cheryl Bright - Townebank Mortgage
Kelly Campbell - Townebank of Currituck
Linda Cox - Visionary Eye Care
Rachelle Gunter COA Small Business Center
Courtney Hobbs - Southern Bank and Trust Company
Jessica James - Taylor Mueller Realty
Travis James - Taylor Mueller Realty
Reanna Jimenez - Albemarle Family YMCA
Christina King - Comfort Inn
Melanie Metzler - B&M Contractors
Cortney Simpson - NCWorks
Steven Young - Prodigy Realty Group
Coastie Corner
A Different Kind of Spring

Well it goes without saying that Spring 2020 is like no other Spring any of us has ever experienced. I hope that no one has to deal with COVID-19 personally. The good news out of all of this is that Pasquotank and Camden counties have been able to maintain such manageable numbers. These are certainly amazing and challenging times and all of the units in Elizabeth City are maximizing our measures to prevent the spread. It saddens me that so many popular events are canceled or postponed here in the final months of my tenure in Elizabeth City. I will certainly miss some of the big ones like Potato Festival and Bocce, Beer and Bites! Now, the initial Coast Guard Half Marathon is in delay mode as well. Hopefully, we begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel very soon and experience a quick recovery. I wish nothing but the very best for all of you and hope to see you all in person very soon. Stay well! 

CAPT Randy Meador
News from our Members
Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families
Albemarle Home Care & Hospice


COVID-19 RAPID RESPONSE




Support the Rapid Response Fund

Albemarle Area United Way Rapid Response Fund is now accepting donations to support Pasquotank, Camden, Currituck, Dare, Perquimans, Chowan, Bertie, Hertford & Gates County residents needing access to critical resources including food, hygiene, childcare, and housing assistance during times of area-wide crisis, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
 The Albemarle Area United Way is committed to the safety and health of our entire NENC community. We recognize the importance of continuing to serve those most vulnerable in the wake of the global pandemic of COVID-19.
 We are encouraging everyone to prioritize personal health and hygiene, to trust the guidance of health experts and local officials, and continue to choose kindness. 
The spread of COVID-19 is likely to have a lasting impact in our community, especially affecting those who are medically and economically vulnerable. If you or someone you know is experiencing a financial emergency, have them call 252-333-1009 or email  communitycare@albemarleareauw.org  to start an application for potential assistance.
 If you are in a position to make a financial contribution to meet the needs of our LOCAL community, please make checks payable to Albemarle Area United Way and send to PO Box 293, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 or donate electronically by going to https://www.albemarleareauw.org/covid-19-rapid-response .
Albemarle Hopeline
While our community has been asked to stay at home, we must remember that home is not a safe place for everyone. Albemarle Hopeline wants all victims of domestic and/or sexual violence in our six-county service area to know that YOU ARE NOT ALONE. We are here for you, offering emergency shelter, crisis intervention, court advocacy, and counseling- either in person or over the phone according to a client’s needs. Please call us at 252-338-3011. We have also recently started offering webchat during business hours at www.albemarlehopeline.org - victims and survivors can connect with an advocate online if it us unsafe for them to call.

For community members looking to assist victims and survivors during the pandemic, Hopeline is in need of cloth face masks, gloves, Lysol, Clorox wipes, gas cards, and grocery cards. You can also donate via our mail or our website to directly support victims’ services during COVID-19. From June 1 – November 1, 2020, Albemarle Hopeline is participating in “challenge grant” to raise $25,000- if we meet our goal, these funds will be matched!
Now more than ever, we must make sure that our friends and neighbors have safety in their homes.
Albemarle Home Care & Hospice
Thank you to everyone working to keep us going in these tough times — the first responders and health care professionals helping to keep us safe; all the store employees helping to keep food on our tables and supplies in our homes; the teachers and parents working to keep our children learning; the restaurants and businesses that have donated meals to others; community groups who provide the support to the elderly and disabled; our mail carriers and utility workers and those staying home to help keep others healthy. Thank you all!

SERVING NORTHEASTERN NORTH CAROLINA FOR OVER 50 YEARS!
Albemarle Home Care & Hospice
(252)338-4066
American Legion
Any Navy, or Coast Guard veteran can tell you that living aboard a ship or Cutter can be cramped at times. Social distancing can be difficult to nearly impossible.
American Legion Auxiliary members throughout Utah have made and donated 1,000 face masks for personnel stationed on the USS Ronald Reagan.

I am impressed with the many American Legion Family members who have adopted different military units. They are serving at a time when America is battling an invisible enemy.

Call Me, I have a Post for you
Skip Rapp
District 1 Commander
The American Legion Department of NC
252 562 5196
Biggs Buick Cadillac GMC
We know the difficulties surrounding the 'STAY-HOME' order.
For everyone's safety, we are extending FREE PICK UP & DELIVERY for your vehicles' service needs!

Give us a call at 252-338-2131 to be scheduled in.

*30 mile radius unless availability is open.
*Vehicles' scheduled for pick-up/delivery must have been purchased from Biggs.
Camp Cale
The Carolina Club
Chesapeake Regional Healthcare
Chuck's Fences and Decks 
Carpentry work, custom fences decks, remodeling,
and free 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/
College of The Albemarle
COA Small Business Center
The Daily Advance
Debbie's Pet Parlor
Dr. Francis A. Bald & Associates
Please call today for an estimate. At both locations we pull teeth AND place implants, do biopsies, and many other services. We will file your insurance for you. We participate with Care Credit, Scratchpay, and Lending Club if you need to make a payment plan. A recent patient told us their visit to Dr. Bald's office was the, "most efficient medical/dental team and procedure I've ever experienced." We look forward to serving you. As we move forward during this pandemic, Dr. Bald is now seeing all patients, not just emergencies. 

Dr. Francis A. Bald & Associates
2224 S. Croatan Highway
Suite 7
Nags Head, NC 27959

252-441-4300
1134 N Road Street
Building 7
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
252-338-8077
Eclectic Jewelry
Eclectic Jewelry and Gene Tick Photography recently partnered on a photo shoot to show safe and comfortable use of face coverings while jewelry shopping. Not only is this a great example of two local businesses supporting each other, but they are really embracing the importance of implementing recommended safety guidelines – for their staff and customers.
Elizabeth City Habitat for Humanity
Just like many of you, our affiliate has been impacted by Covid-19. Each Habitat affiliate is self-funded.
Our affiliate receives the majority of its funding from two sources: homeowner payments and our sales store.

Several of our homeowners work in restaurants and hospitality and are struggling financially right now which impacts their ability to pay their mortgage. We will work with them so they can pay their mortgage over time but we are losing that income right now which is used for construction and rehab work that we are doing on 5th Street.
Our store has been closed for two months. During that time, we chose to keep our employees on staff to clean our store. While we are receiving PPP funding to cover salaries, we have lost income from the sales that the store generates.

To help affiliates meet financial challenges they face right now, Habitat for Humanity International has launched a fundraising program: Homes, Communities, Hope + You. All donations raised in this fundraiser will remain here to help Elizabeth City Habitat for Humanity.
You can donate through our website, https://echabitat6.wixsite.com/ecityhabitat  or mail donations to 440 S. Hughes Blvd.

For more information on supporting Elizabeth City Habitat for Humanity, contact echabitat@yahoo.com or call 252-384-0115.

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.
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.
Harbor Counseling
Jones Family Chiropractic
Lazzy Frog
Legal Shield - Barbara Hendrickson
We are currently living in un-chartered waters. 
In the weeks and months ahead many legal questions will arise both personal and business that would normally have not been an issue before the Pandemic.

Issues like:
* “My son was in his last year of school. We paid for room and food vouchers. Are we entitled to
a refund as he will not be there next year and a credit will not help?”

*“During the shutdown when my business was closed I was not bringing in any revenue. I am just now getting back on feet but I am a month behind on my rent. Can my landlord penalize or evict me?”

We are all hopeful that when this ends everyone will work together to bring our economy back to
where it was. If this does not happen, in some cases we need to protect ourselves just as we do
with car insurance when driving a car. 

Take a moment and go over the benefits of a personal LegalShield membership below. 
This covers you, your spouse {or significant other} and up to 8 children on a monthly membership
of only $24.95. If you contact me I can send you the small business protection information also. 

May everyone stay safe and well during this period of uncertainty.
~ Barbara Hendrickson

For more information contact Barbara Hendrickson at 703-901-9200.
Please visit my website at: barbarahendrickson.wearelegalshield.com

Long & Foster Real Estate Inc
Sales Agent of the Month for April 2020 is Rhonda B. Twiddy:  Rhonda’s commitment to excellent service guides her clients to successful real estate decisions. She is a lifelong resident of Elizabeth City and has 40 years of experience in sales, business development and organizational management and extensive community knowledge makes her an asset to her clients. She has served as Chair of the Elizabeth City-Pasquotank County Tourism Development Authority, serves on the board of the Committee of 100, past Secretary of the First Flight Society and is a Rotarian. Rhonda was a Multi-Million Dollar Producer in 2015 and 2016, and a Mega-Million Dollar Producer in 2017, 2018 and 2019. 
Listing Agent of the Month for April 2020 is Jennifer J. Purcell: A native of Chesapeake Va, Jennifer has lived in Camden for over 15 years. She has always had a love for real estate and bought her first rental property at age 23. Jennifer joined Long and Foster in 2019 and likes being able to answer her clients questions and educating them about and helping them navigate the whole process from signing the contract, through all the inspections, securing financing, all the way to the closing table. Jennifer also has a strong background in commercial leasing and properties. She serves on numerous boards and commissions in the area including the board of directors for Food Bank of the Albemarle, Boys and Girls Club, YMCA at the Pines, and the College of the Albemarle Foundation. She was recognized for her community work by being named one of the Elizabeth City Area Chamber of Commerce Women of Excellence in 2016.   
 
The Pointe Golf Club
NCWorks
Outer Banks West KOA
Camping season has finally arrived! And our team at Outer Banks West/Currituck Sound KOA could not be more excited to be opening for our first season. Our waterfront KOA has over a half-mile of shoreline, with 4 onsite fishing piers and an abundance of wildlife and natural beauty to escape to this summer. No RV? No problem! We have an accommodation for every type of camper, including RV rentals, cabins, and tents. Come for a weekend, a week, or stay all season long in an extended stay RV site. Find out more at obxwestkoa.com , including info on events, amenities, hot deals and more!
Book Online or Call:
Phone Number: 800-562-3163
RCE Theaters
SERVPRO of Elizabeth City/Outer Banks
Shaklee Independent Distributor - Gwen Bell
Call me if I can help you with an order. Price is $14.05 plus tax and shipping. You can only order 3 per month because supplies are limited. 

Contact Gwen Bell , Independent Shaklee Distributor for details
252-337-4942
Spectrum Reach
Contact Rob Nichols at Rob.Nichols@charter.com for more information.
Spruill Movers
State Farm - Dawn Cooper Covington
Taylor Mueller Realty
TowneBank Mortgage
Tree of Life Martial Arts Training Center
Undercutter Tree Service
Vaughan's Jewelry & Fine Gifts
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  
Like us on Facebook.  https://www.facebook.com/VectorCSP/
VFW Post 6060
Vidant Chowan Hospital
Visit Elizabeth City
Waterbrooke Assisted Living
Zaribel's
We’re so grateful for all the love and so excited to announce we will be reopening in June!
We’re offering 1/2 off rental venue for the months June- August of 2020! Message us to book your wedding, baby shower , birthday party , paint party , get together or any other special event you would like to host! We help with the planning , set up and clean up! Virtual and In- person tours are always available!
252-621-3393
Facebook- Zaribel’s
Woodforest National Bank
Welcome New Members
Coastal Purl, LLC
Katherine Rogers
106A Capital Trace
Elizabeth City NC 27909
252-548-4801
YARN SHOP
Dogwood Property Management
Adam Swain
207 N. Poindexter Street
Elizabeth City NC 27909
252-340-8392
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Cornerstone Home Lending, Inc.
Lance Forehand
200 N Water Street Suite 2B
Elizabeth City NC 27909
252-384-6909
MORTGAGES
L&S Custom Exteriors
Shara Chivers
Elizabeth City NC 27909
252-722-5518
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Renewing Members
AFFORDABLE ENGINEERING SERVICES, INC. (AES)

AIR TIGHT STORAGE, INC.

ATLANTIC UNION BANK - ROAD

C & L CONCRETE WORKS, INC.

CAROLINA DESIGNS REALTY, INC.

COASTAL BEVERAGE COMPANY

COASTAL CAROLINA PROSTETICS & ORTHOTICS

COASTAL STAFFING LLC

DAILY ADVANCE

DAYS INN

DOCTORS MORRIS & TAYLOR, LTD.

DR. FRANCIS A. BALD & ASSOCIATES

EHRLICH

ELIZABETH CITY HERO OPERATIONS (ECHO)

ELIZABETH CITY STATE UNIVERSITY

F&H PRINTS SIGN DESIGN

FIDELIS BUSINESS FUNDING SOLUTIONS, LLC.

FOOD BANK OF THE ALBEMARLE

GIRL SCOUT COUNCIL OF COLONIAL COAST

GLENROSS PROPERTIES, LLC

HEARNDON CONSTRUCTION CORP.
HERITAGE CARE - ELIZABETH CITY

HILTON GARDEN INN - KITTY HAWK, NC

HUDSON & SON GARAGE

KENYON BAILEY SUPPLY

LANNON'S ANIMAL HOSPITAL

MEDICAL SERVICES OF AMERICA

MIDWAY AUTO GROUP

MITCHELL FUNERAL CARE AND CREMATIONS

NORTHEASTERN FLOORING INC.

O'NEAL LAW, PC

PRO-MASTERS PAINTING AND GUTTERS

RW SAWYER PRESSURE WASHING

SMALL BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CENTER

SKILLS, INC.

SPRUILL MOVERS

THE CAROLINA CLUB OF NC

USCG BASE ELIZABETH CITY MWR



Thank you to our 2020 Sponsors
502 E. Ehringhaus St., 
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
(252) 335 4365