CHAMBER NEWS

The second in the 2008 Boogie Down on Broad Street Concert Series presented by Holloman Exterminators is set for Thursday, May 8 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and features a free concert by Rough Draft. This R & B/Dance Variety Band features dance hits from such artists as Michael Jackson, Gloria Gaynor, The Gap Band, Earth, Wind and Fire, Kool and the Gang and much more.
          The event includes concessions and children’s activities in addition to the concert. It will be held on Broad Street between Wilson and Clinton Avenues in Downtown Dunn. There are four restaurants located within walking distance of the concert and concessions will be available on site.
In addition to Holloman Exterminators, these concerts are being funded through the sponsorship of several chamber members. “We are excited about this family event and hope everyone will come out to join us for the great music, fun and fellowship”, says John Snipes, Chairman of the Concert Series. “The first concert this year featuring the Band of Oz was a big hit and we are hoping that people will keep coming out to enjoy the great variety of music.”
         This event is open to the public and everyone is encouraged to bring their lawn chairs. In case of rain, the Concert will be held in the Dunn Shrine Center located at 211 N Clinton Avenue in Dunn.
        The Boogie Down on Broad Street Concert Series presented by Holloman Exterminators will also feature Dakota Rain on September 11 and The Embers on October 9.
         For additional information, call the Dunn Chamber office at (910)892-4113.

Beautiful, great and elegant with a few surprises is a great way to describe the Chamber's Professional Women's Luncheon presented this year by lead sponsor, Jernigan's Nursery & Trading Post.

The decorations were beautiful and gave the more than 275 people in attendance a breath of spring as they entered in.  The entertainment provided by Butler, Hughes and Hayes, left everyone wanting to hear even more and the elegant and delicious food catered by B & B Catering & Event Planning was also a big hit.  Most of those in attendance agree that this year's event was one of the best ever.

Patricia Timmons-Goodson, Associate Justice for the North Carolina Supreme Court gave an inspiring and timely speech and Chamber President Barry Kelly surprised everyone with his impersonation of his strange cousin, Julia Kelly.

All attendees received a beautiful lunch tote and several went home with a door prize donated by DACC members.

The first concert of the Boogie Down on Broad Street Concert Series presented by Holloman Exterminators was a big hit!  Band of Oz was the entertainment and they attracted hundreds to Broad Street to sit and enjoy the music, dance, and fellowship.

"It was a great night," says Chairman John Snipes.  "This is a great family night of entertainment.  These concerts bring hundreds of potential shoppers to our downtown, to our city and it's just a lot of fun!"

Children enjoyed the free bubbles, sidewalk chalk and the music too.  Sharon Stephens, Executive Assistant at the Chamber, led the group in line dances during the intermission. 

Ella Kelly, Chairman of the Dunn Area Chamber of Commerce Downtown Development Committee announced today that the Dunn Farmers Market will open in Dunn in May 2008.

Last year, the Downtown Development Committee of the Chamber coordinated the Farmers Market from April through September.  "Last year was a great year for the market.  Even with the cold weather in April and the drought in the summer, our vendors were happy with its success and are anxious to return," says Mrs. Kelly.

According to Chairman Kelly, "We feel this market helps increase traffic in Downtown but is also an asset to our entire community.  We want it to be something people continue to look forward to each Saturday.  Terry Moody will continue to serve as the Market Manager and is hoping to plan even more special events this year.  Last Year's watermelon seed spitting contest was a highlight for the summer."

Members of the market should reside and produce the items they sell within a 50-mile radius of the City of Dunn.  The market will not allow buying or reselling of produce or other products and crafts must e made by the person selling them or their immediate family.  Baked goods and prepared foods are also allowed.

The market will be open May through October from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. each Saturday only.  The market will be held in the City Parking lot behind Sherry's Bakery on US Hwy 301/Clinton Avenue in Dunn.

All local growers, producers and farmers interested in participating should contact the Dunn Chamber for Rules and Regulations and an Application for Membership.  Annual Membership to participate in the Farmer's Market is $50 or vendors can pay $10 a week.

The Dunn Chamber is located at 209 W Divine Street in Dunn.

In conjuction with Administrative Professionals Day, Jernigan's Nursery & Trading Post and the Dunn Area Chamber of Commerce will present a special celebration of Women on Wednesday, April 16.  

The Eighth Annual Professsional Women's Luncheon will be held at the Dunn Community Building fromm 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Men and women are invited to this special salute to the working woman of today - from administrative to management to professional.

The speaker for the luncheon is Justice Patrica Timmons-Goodson of the Norlth Carolina Supreme Court.  She was appointed in February 2006 and is the first African-American woman to sit on North Carolina's highest court.  She was affirmed by voters in the 2006 general election to a full eight-year term and after 23 years of service in the judiciary, Justice Timmons-Goodson is also one of North Carolina's longest serving active judges.

Helen Alspaugh, Vice President of Organizational Development for the Dunn Area Chamber of Commerce, will introduce Justice Timmons-Goodson at the luncheon.  In addition to the great speaker, guests will be treated to a delicisous meal catered by B & B Catering and Event Planning and entertainment will be provided by Butler, Hughes, and Hayes.  Each attendee will receive a special gift and the opportuntiy to win some great door prizes.  The Flower Garden and Johnson Farm, formerly Flowers by Betsy & Tabitha, will decorate and the invocation will be given by Mrs. Patsy Powell, a former Chamber President and the 1994 Woman of the Year.  Chamber President Barry Kelly will serve as the Master of Ceremonies and Terry Whittenton will assist in the door prize drawings.

Tickets are only $20 per person for Dunn Chamber members and $30 for non-members.  For additional information or to purchase your tickets, call the Dunn Chamber at 910-892-4113.

The first in the 2008 Boogie Down on Broad Street Concert Series presented by Holloman Exterminators is set for Thursday, April 10 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and features a free concert by the Band of Oz. Formed in the mid sixties, the Band of Oz is one of the most successful groups in the Southeast, performing more than 200 shows a year. This beach music favorite also has Dunn connections with one of the owners, Keith Houston, being a Dunn resident.
             The event includes concessions and children’s activities in addition to the concert. It will be held on Broad Street between Wilson and Clinton Avenues in Downtown Dunn. There are three restaurants located within walking distance of the concert and concessions will be available on site.
              In addition to Holloman Exterminators, these concerts are being funded through the sponsorship of several chamber members including our Gold Sponsors - Affordable Portables, Carolina Therapy Services, Snipes Insurance Service, SunTrust Bank, and WPYB Radio. “We are excited about this family event and hope everyone will come out to join us for the great music, fun and fellowship”, says John Snipes, Chairman of the Concert Series.
              This event is open to the public and everyone is encouraged to bring their lawn chairs. In case of rain, the Concert will be held in the Dunn Shrine Center located at 211 N Clinton Avenue in Dunn.
              The Boogie Down on Broad Street Concert Series presented by Holloman Exterminators will also feature Rough Draft on May 8, Dakota Rain on September 11 and The Embers on October 9.
               For additional information, call the Dunn Chamber office at (910)892-4113.

The Reach One Mentor Program developed by the Dunn Area Chamber of Commerce and the Dunn Police Athletic League held the official Kickoff to the program last week.

The Kickoff was held at the PAL Center and allowed mentors to meet with their matches and their families.  After the matching, there was a meet and greet allowing the mentors and the youth to exchange information and to get to know each other a little better.  First Federal Bank sponsored the event by providing pizza for everyone and purchasing the supplies for the teambuilding exercise.  After pizza, the matches and their mentors were paired with another team and they were charged with building the tallest tower using only marshmallows and uncooked spaghetti.

Pat Marshall, Chairman for the Reach One Mentor Program, greeted everyone and then stepped into his role as a mentor.  After the fun and games, everyone was given a quick tour of the facility.

The Program is still recruiting volunteers to serve as mentors.  Mentors are asked to volunteer a minimum of four hours per month preferably seeing the young person weekly.  Volunteers must be at  least 18 years old; adhere to personal background checks; show a genuine interest in children; and exhibit integrity and good character.  This program is designed around youth ages 11-15 years of age.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor for the Reach One Mentor Program, contact the Dunn Chamber office at 910-892-4113 or PAL at 910-892-1873 for additional information or an application.  You can also find an applicaiton and information at www.dunnpal.org.

Each year, the Dunn Area Chamber of Commerce awards people and businesses which contribute their time and resources to make Dunn a better place to live, work and play.  This year's winners as presented at the Annual Banquet presented by Eastern Carolina Medical Center are as follows:

Pictured are the Man and Woman of the Year:  Roy Johnson, chaplain at Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital and longtime former owner of Roy's Family Restaurant and Tammy Williams the Executive Vice President of the Dunn Chamber.

Also pictured are Billy and Joey Tart of Family Medical Supply - the Business of the Year; Ashlyn Thompson of Carolina Therapy Services  - the Ambassador of the Year; and David Lewis of Harnett Tractor Company - the Small Business of the Year.

The 2008 Annual Banquet presented by Eastern Carolina Medical Center held on January 17 proved once again to be full of big surprises.  The food was delicious and the decorations were wonderful.  Everyone in attendance was greeted with delightful music by the students from the Cape Fear Valley School of Violin directed by Pam Kelly. 

The 2007 President Pat Marshall gave a very warm speech and review of the year which was followed by a slide show presentation.  2008 President Barry Kelly presented Mr. Marshall with the Past President's Award and introduced the 2008 Officers and Directors and a challenge to get involved.

Awards were presented to the Man and Woman of the Year:  Roy Johnson and Tammy Williams; Ambassador of the Year - Ashlyn Thompson; Small Business of the Year - Harnett Tractor Company and Business of the Year - Family Medical Supply.  Beautificaiton Awards were presented to Mr. Tom Haynie, ownver of McDonald's of Dunn and to Dr. Patrick H. Gray.

Pictured are, left,  Pat Marshall as he receives the Past President's Award from the 2008 President, right, Barry Kelly.

Bright lights, smiling faces, handsome couples and laughter filled the Dunn Shrine Center on December 1 at the First BB&T Christmas Gala.  With the generous donations of many local businesses the Chamber was able to receive funds needed for special projects in 2008 through some friendly bidding on gorgeous Christmas trees, furniture, a romantic trip for two, a hunting adventure and more. A major project to benefit from this event will be the new Welcome to Dunn sign at the I-95 entrance side of Dunn. 

Auction funds have been designated as follows:  Sign and Beautification efforts - $5,500; Economic Development Efforts to include BRAC and Downtown Development - $3,000; and Educational Efforts to include the Tutor and Mentor Programs - $2,200.

Pictured are Ken and Fran Whittenton enjoying the evening.

This year's Touchstone Energy Cotton Festival proved to be one of the fest and largest ever.  An estimated crowd of 13,000 came out and enjoyed the good food, entertainment and the best group of vendors yet.  Pictured are Committee member Cathy O'dell representing her business, the presenting sponsor - South River EMC.  Also shown is just one scene of the large number of people in attendance.

The day included live entertainment, tractor and car shows, carnival rides, arts and craft vendors, food vendors and much much more.  Held each year on the 1st Saturday in November.

The Chambers of Harnett County  and the Harnett County Economic Development Commission are proundly presenting the publication that will put our area in the hearts and minds of those looking to relocate.  The "Images of Harnett County" highlights our County's Best of Everything.  When going through the magazine it brings into focus all of the great things and the special people who have set examples and led the way in making Harnett County the Best Place to call Home.  All of the DACC Chamber Members will received aocpy of the magazine with their annual dues invoice. 

Pictured with Tammy Williams, Executive Vice President of the Dunn Chamber are Gary Adcock - Angier Chamber; Andrew Ruland - Western Harnett Chamber; Terri Long - Lillington Chamber and Norman Avery - Erwin Chamber.  You can visit the magazine online at www.imagesharnettcounty.com.

The final in the Boogie Down on Broad Street Concert Series presented by Holloman Exterminators for 2007 was a big hit as the Band of Oz entertained the large crowd during the 3-hour event. Hundreds of people came to Downtown Dunn for the free concert.

Nathan Maxwell was once again a hit with the children as he made balloons and shared magic tricks. The Police Athletic League had a very successful evening as they sold concessions. Terry Whittenton was on hand with funnel cakes and the Broad Street Deli was busy during the entire evening as patrons enjoyed food and fellowship. Chamber Assistant Sharon Stevens helped attendees learn the "Electric Slide" and when the band played it later in the evening, more than a hundred shared in the fun together. 

There was food, dance, great music and fellowship. According to Chairman John Snipes, "This new concert series has been great for our city. I can not say enough about Jerry Lewis of Holloman Exterminators and all our other fine sponsors for making them possible. The Band of Oz once again showed us why they are Dunn's favorites - they were great! You couldn't have asked for better weather. It has truly been a successful undertaking for the Chamber."

Pictured are the Band of Oz as they entertained hundreds at the Boogie Down on Broad Street Concert and large crowd which only grew larger as evening went on.

A delegation from the Dunn Area Chamber of Commerce attended the Washington Perspective hosted by Congressman Bob Etheridge this week. They were joined this year by Mayor Patsy Carson and Chamber Executive Debbie Chestnut representing the Erwin Chamber.
            Members of the delegation attended a briefing from Congressmen representing various areas of North Carolina. Some of the issues discussed in the briefing included drought relief for North Carolina farmers, school facility needs, and health care cost and premiums. Several members of the North Carolina delegation talked about the urgency of balancing the federal budget. Congressman G. K. Butterfield expressed great concern for the “financial future of America due to the country’s debt.” After the briefing, the delegation attended a reception in the Rayburn Foyer.
            The next day’s activities took the delegation to the Cannon Caucus Room where they heard from a list of speakers including several Congressmen, Secretary Alphonso Jackson of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development; Administrator Steven Preston of the US Small Business Administration; former Congressman J. C. Watts who is now Chairman of the J. C. Watts Companies; and New York Times Columnist David Brooks.
            The delegation was also able to participate in a narrated night tour of Washington DC including a stop at the new World War II Memorial, and they also toured the Arlington Cemetery including the impressive changing of the guard.

Pictured left to right Front Row: Kim Schmidlin, Dunn Chamber Executive Tammy Williams, Erwin Mayor Patsy Carson and Erwin Chamber Executive Debbie Chestnut. Back Row: Jim Schmidlin, Dunn Chamber President Pat Marshall, Barry Kelly, Congressman Bob Etheridge, Dunn City Manager Ronnie Autry and Bill Lasater.

The fourth in the Boogie Down on Broad Street Concert Series presented by Holloman Exterminators is set for Thursday, October 11 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and features a free concert by the Band of Oz.

Formed in the mid sixties, the Band of Oz is one of the most successful groups in the Southeast, performing more than 200 shows a year. This beach music favorite also has Dunn connections with one of the owners, Keith Houston, being a Dunn resident.
The event includes concessions and children’s activities in addition to the concert. It will be held at the First Citizens Bank Parking Lot at the corner of Wilson and Broad Street in Downtown Dunn. There are three restaurants located within walking distance of the concert and concessions will be available on site.

In addition to Holloman Exterminators, these concerts are being funded through the sponsorship of several chamber members. “We are excited about this family event and hope everyone will come out to join us for the great music, fun and fellowship”, says John Snipes, Chairman of the Concert Series.
This event is open to the public and everyone is encouraged to bring their lawn chairs. In case of rain, the Concert will be held in the Dunn Shrine Center located at 211 N Clinton Avenue in Dunn.
For additional information, call the Dunn Chamber office at (910)892-4113.

The Dunn Farmers Market hosted the first annual Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest on Saturday. Manager Terry Moody and his wife, Dawn, coordinated the first time event for Dunn. Participants were competing for who could spit a watermelon seed the grestest distance.
             In the Children's division, under 10, Ryan Bagley was the Grand Prize Winner receiving $25 cash, his farthest spit was 11 feet, 1 1/2 inches. Ryan is from Greensboro and he and his big sister, also a winner, was brought to the contest by their grandmother Bobbie Stewart from Benson. Luke West, son of Tony and Lena West of Dunn, was the Second Place winner.
             Norah Bagley of Greensboro was the winner of the $25 cash in the 10-16 years old division. Her farthest spit was 20 feet, 1 inch. Coty Barefoot from Statesville won second place. He was brought by his grandparents, John and Doris Wise of Dunn.
             The winner of the adult division was the Chamber President, Pat Marshall of New Century Bank. His farthest spit was 37 feet, 8 1/2 inches. Second place was taken by Tony West with a 24 feet 6 inch spit.
              The winners of second place took home a watermelon donated by Carl Tew of Spivey's Corner, who also donated watermelons for the contest and everyone attending to sample. "The event was great," according to Chamber Executive Vice President Tammy Williams. "I certainly hope this becomes a tradition and hope even more people will participate next year."

Pictured left to right front row: Ryan Bagley, John and Luke West as they compete in the first annual watermelon seed spitting contest. Back row: Tony and Lena West look on as their son competes.


The Dunn Farmers Market is open every Saturday through October from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon in Downtown Dunn in the parking lot behind Sherry's Bakery.

The Dunn Chamber is leading an effort to recruit volunteers to tutor young children in the Dunn area schools.  Volunteers just need to give at least 30 minutes to one hour per week to help one student reach their potential.  According to Chairman Bo Jones, "This is not a "your" or "my" problem - it is an "our" problem as it affects the future vitality of our city and these young people." 

According to Chamber President Pat Marshall, "Making a difference in education is as much about economic development as anything else - we as a Chamber and community will do." 

Businesses are encouraged to support their employees in this volunteer program in helping close the gap between the economically disadvantaged household students in our schools.  According to Chamber Director Tammy Williams, "Tutoring is easy and very rewarding - it made my day to here the young lady I tutor call and inform me she passed the EOG."

Anyone interested in participating, should contact Bo Jones at 910-892-2184 or Tammy Williams at 910-892-4113.

In conjunction with Administrative Professionals Day, New Century Bank and the Dunn Area Chamber of Commerce will present a special celebration of Women on Thursday, April 26.
         The Seventh Annual Professional Women’s Luncheon will be held at the Dunn Community Building from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Men and women are invited to this special salute to the working woman of today – from administrative to management to professional.
         The speaker for the luncheon is Dr. T. J. Bryan, Chancellor of Fayetteville State University. Chancellor Bryan took office at FSU on July 1, 2003. She is the first woman to serve as Chancellor of FSU and the first African-American female to lead a UNC institution. Her career in higher education spanned two decades before coming to FSU, with a proven record of success at the campus level at Coppin State University and at the state level in the University system of Maryland and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. FSU has progressed in numerous ways since her arrival. Enrollment has increased, student to faculty ratio has improved, employee satisfaction has increased, and they have added seven new bachelor programs.
         Dr. Bryan was a first-generation college student who was concurrently a full-time employee and a full-time student. She graduated from Morgan State College as valedictorian with a degree in English. She continued to pursue her education with a master’s degree in English and then as a Ford Foundation National Fellow, she enrolled at the University of Maryland and earned her doctoral degree in English language and literature.
Dr. Bryan has received many honors and awards and holds many positions on various professional and nonprofit boards.
          A native of Maryland, Dr. Bryan is married to Dr. David George Preston, a professor in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at FSU and they have one son, Bryan David Preston.                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Helen Alspaugh, Vice President of Organizational Development for the Dunn Chamber, will introduce Chancellor Bryan at the luncheon. In addition to the great speaker, guests will be treated to a delicious meal catered by Elegant Party Rentals and Catering and entertainment will be provided by Dunn resident, Mark Worton. Each attendee will receive a gift bag and the opportunity to win some great door prizes including a Zoom Teeth Whitening, valued at $750, donated by Dr. Michael Williams DDS. Jeffrey’s Florist & Interiors will decorate for this year’s luncheon and the invocation will be given by the Rev. Belinda Cruse of Glad Tidings Church. Chamber President Pat Marshall will serve as the Master of Ceremonies and Terry Whittenton will assist in the door prize drawings.

Tickets are only $20 per person for Dunn Chamber members and $30 per person for non-members. For additional information or to make your reservations, call the Dunn Chamber at (910)892-4113.

The Dunn Farmers Market will officially open on Saturday, April 14 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The market will be located at the parking lot behind Sherry’s Bakery on Clinton Avenue in Downtown Dunn. Terry Moody, owner of Creative TileWorks has agreed to be the volunteer manager for the market. Terry grows blueberries, lettuce, mushrooms, peppers, eggplant and more.
           Other vendors participating will sell homegrown vegetables, fried pork skins and homemade purses. Everything is locally grown and made.
           “We are still hoping for some more vendors, but we are excited about getting this market off the ground,” stated Ella Kelly, Chairman of the Chamber’s Downtown Development Committee who still recalls the Farmers Market held in Downtown Dunn in her youth.
           The Farmers Market will be open to the public every Saturday through October. Those growing their produce or making homemade items can get an application to join the market at the Chamber office. The cost to join is only $25 per year and will give the vendor the opportunity to sell their products each Saturday. A Ribbon Cutting is planned for May. For more information, call the Dunn Chamber at 910-892-4113.

The Doors of Dunn Print was unveiled at the Dunn Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet held on January 18.  These high quality prints are a must for every office in the City of Dunn and are available at the Chamber office for only $10.00 each.

A contest will be launched soon to allow people to guess the door location.  Door prizes and a grand prize of $250 cash will be awarded to winners.  The contest deadline will be St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 2007.  Watch for details to enter soon.

A special Thanks to our sponsors for making the Doors of Dunn Print and Contest possible.

BB&T; Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital; Brent Adams & Associates; Fidelity Bank; First Federal Bank; Furniture Medic; Giles, Strickland & Warren PA; Magnolia Living Center; New Century Bank; Pope & Tart, Sherry's Bakery and The Daily Record.

This year's Banquet was one of the best and the largest ever.  We had more than 400 people in attendance.  Our 2006 President Fran Whittenton turned over the leadership of the Chamber to our 2007 President Pat Marshall.  Fran recognized the retiring officers and directors with a plaque and presented the Presidents Club Awards to those ambassadors collecting more than $750 for DACC during the Membership Drive.  Pat gave an imspirational speech encouraging our membership to get involved in making our community a better place to live, work and play. The event was held on Thursday, Janaury 18 at the new Dunn Shrine Center.

Special Congratulations to all our award winners at the banquet.  Oscar Harris - Man of the Year; Carolyn Brewington - Woman of the Year; Giles, Strickland & Warren PA - Small Business of the Year; and Kim Isenhour as the Ambassador of the Year.

Barry Kelly, 2006 Vice President of Community Development presented Beautication Awards to Kentucky Fried Chicken, Carolina Fire Protection, Quinn Specialty Products, Brenda Powers Real Estate, Hampton Inn, ABC Pediatrics, Sonage Salon & Day Spa, and Carolina Therapy Services.

Special Thanks to all our Sponsors for their support!