Leadership Class lends a helping hand to the Solomon House

Leadership Lake Norman Class XVI repaired a ceiling, painted a room, repaired and painted exterior features, and spruced up the landscaping of The Solomon House on Saturday, April 20, 2013. The work at The Solomon House was their end-of-the-year project, one aimed at making a difference in the community. Members of the group raised money to purchase the needed supplies and provided the labor to complete the work. Lowe’s Home Improvement, Artisan Signs and Graphics, ServePro, Soil Supply and Tree Service, Joy’s Stump Grinding and Tree Service provided supplies and assistance with the project.

Leadership Lake Norman is an annual program of the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce. Community leaders meet once a month from September to May. Their programs include exposure to a wide variety of business and services that are located in the Lake Norman area.  Bill Russell, president of the Chamber praised the involvement of the group.  “Our leadership participants used their collective resources and talents to raise awareness of the Solomon House, an outstanding community outreach program.  In addition, they raised funds and worked to improve the physical facility making the important work of the Solomon House possible.”

The Solomon House, affiliated with Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center, provides free health education and crisis referrals to those who might not have full access to health and human services in the Huntersville / Lake Norman area. “We are so grateful to the members of the Leadership Lake Norman class for their support of The Solomon House”, says Joyce Brooks, Director of organization. “We can not provide the services that we do without the support of the community” Brooks says.

Members of the Leadership Lake Norman Class (2012-2013) work on the grounds of the Solomon House in Huntersville.

In 2012, The Solomon House provided crisis referrals that impacted nearly 6,000 individuals, forty-five percent of whom were children. Health education programs touched over 300 uninsured, low income adults including people with diabetes and other chronic health conditions, young pregnant women and their babies. Serving the Lake Norman area including Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson and Mooresville, all programs are provided in both English and Spanish. For more information about The Solomon House, please call 704-316-3872.

The Competitive Advantage – North Carolina’s wireless network

Last week, I was speaking to a chamber member who had called me from his car in a rural area of South Carolina.  While we did not experience the familiar “dropped call,” our reception was poor and he said he would have to call me back when he reached the city.

Each week announcements of a new smart phone with its amazing capabilities flood our email.  While you can literally speak into your iPhone and have Siri look up the closest Starbucks, it wasn’t that long ago that we were dependent on faxing documents over telephone lines.  Now edits can be made on the run and transmitted back to a sender in moments.

Michael Douglas in Wall Street

You may recall in the movie Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (based on the 1987 movie Wall Street), the chief protagonist of the film, Gordon Gekko, collects his belongings when he is paroled from prison in 2001 after serving eleven years for insider trading and securities fraud.  In the film, a prison guard releases personal items that have been placed in storage, among them, Gekko’s dated cell phone – a bulky beige phone that resembles a walky talky from World War II.

Ironically the cell phone he returned to Gordon was a Motorola DynaTac 8000X and represented state-of-the-art technology costing over $4000 when he went into prison in 1990.  The device was over a foot long and weighed nearly 2lbs. Far different from the Droids and Apples which fit conveniently in our pockets now.

The smart phones and tablets we use today carry out many of the capabilities required of our older desk top computers.  It is not just the corporate executive who is reliant on this ever-changing technology.  The small business owner, retirees, even today’s students are dependent on mobile communication technology to provide productivity and entertainment.  In just the last two years alone, AT&T has invested more than $500 million in the Charlotte region in its wireless and wireline networks, with a focus on expanding 4G coverage and continually improving the performance of its networks.

N.C. House Speaker Thom Tillis has said, “Investments in the state’s broadband

Bill Russell, NC House Speaker Thom Tillis, and Jerry Broadway

networks are critical to keeping North Carolina competitive…”   Firms like AT&T understand the critical need to make significant investments in technology. It is also very important that we have a state legislature that creates and fosters regulations which encourage our communications industry.

The strong support of the Charlotte region’s business and political leaders have spurred mobile Internet upgrades and helped business prosper giving us a major competitive advantage, as nearly a third of the United States still lacks 4G service.

Whether it’s placing an order online, checking movie times over the Internet, or doing research for that homework assignment – our local communications industry and state elected officials are making investments in our commerce and industry, quality of life, and future!

W.E. “Bill” Russell, CCE IOM

 

Lake Norman Chamber President’s e-Brief Newsletter for April 5, 2013

Bill Russell

Chamber Members and stakeholders:

Chamber U: QuickBooks

This Tuesday at 3:30 to 5:00 pm, the Chamber welcomes Christine Carlini, CPA who will provide a high level overview of QuickBooks for Chamber U attendees.  Christine is a CPA that is certified in QuickBooks, QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Point of Sale. This takes place at the Chamber.  Read more about Chamber U here.

Economic Forecast Luncheon – April 18 noon Northstone Country Club

Mark Vitner, managing director and senior economist at Wells Fargo, will provide an in depth analysis of the US economy in terms of the current regional market and national economy when he presents: “Finally, We Have a Real Recovery.”  Vitner will discuss recent economic developments including sequestration, the budget, as well as fiscal and monetary policy. The luncheon will be held at Northstone Country Club Thursday, April 18^th at noon.  Read more about the luncheon and registration information here

Focus Friday welcomes NC Senator Jeff Tarte

Friday, April 26  8:30- 10:00 am

Join us Friday morning, April 26 from 8:30 until 10:00 am as we welcome N.C Senator Jeff Tarte to speak on North Carolina legislation.  There is no charge and all members are welcome to attend and ask questions of Senator Tarte. To view Senator Tarte’s newsletter and topics he will likely cover at the Focus Friday read more here.

Calling all Leadership Lake Norman Graduates

If you are a graduate of the LeadershipLakeNorman program (1997-2012), the Chamber will host a graduation of Class XVI and honor past graduates of the program.  The event will be held Tuesday, May 14 at a location TBD. If you are a graduate and have not heard about this event, chances are we don’t have your most current email.  Please email russell@lakenorman.org for more information. New applications for Class XVII will go out in June.

Managed Lanes – Lake Norman’s HOT issue

A great deal has been written about managed or “express” lanes recently as NC DOT makes plans to widen I-77.  Chairman of the Board Moran and I recently attended a briefing in Raleigh with speaker Tillis, members of Widen I-77 opposed to managed lanes, town and state elected officials and business leaders. I shared with our Legislative delegation that, “The Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce fully supports and seeks the widening of I-77 in this corridor, sooner than later – whether that is by managed lanes, private investment, design-build, or general purpose lanes.  The economic development, business growth, and quality of life of our region depends on this critical road improvement.”

While the Lake Norman Chamber, to date, has taken no formal issue on toll lanes or private investment in our transportation infrastructure, there is an interesting article on the subject in a report prepared for the John Locke Foundation, arguable the most conservative think tank organization in the state.  The report cited tolling as an alternative to dwindling gas tax revenues as a source of revenue for funding transportation improvements on pages 41-45.  You can read the report prepared by The Hartgen Group here.

Bill Russell, CCE IOM

President & CEO

LakeNorman Chamber of Commerce

The lives we touch

Lake Norman Business Expo

There’s a line from the movie “Remember Me,”  Our fingerprints never fade from the lives we touch.  This month at the Chamber’s Business Expo on Friday, March 8th,  several area businesses and non-profits will be featured who do just that – touch lives.

The March Business Expo comes on the heels of a very successful Diversity program held last month by our Chamber.  While we as a community and nation have made tremendous strides when it comes to race relations and gender over the last couple of decades, we still have a ways to go.

My first position with a chamber was in 1993 in St. George, SC.  The population there was approximately 1,900 people at the time. Although equally populated between white and black citizens, the town faced an underlying tension between the races.  Black and white children were not educated in the same schools for the most part with white children attending private schools and black children the public schools.

In the fall of 1994, the County held a School Bond referendum to address needs within the public school system.  It was not a popular action for the chamber to announce its support for the Bond.  Many on the Chamber Board felt we should remain neutral. However, while not popular, it was simply the right thing to do.  The Chamber’s support sent a strong message to the African American and Indian citizens and demonstrated that the Chamber felt strongly about our investment in the future.

A few months later, the Rev Oscar Odom, who had been critical of the business community in the past, brought a man by our Chamber to meet with me.  The gentleman introduced himself as Bill Smith – the father of two time NBA Champion and Houston Rocket Kenny Smith. Many of you may also recall Kenny was a former N.C. Tar Heel standout.

Mr. Smith told me Kenny wanted to bring a basketball camp, already present in Houston and New York City to St. George.  Though thrilled, I wasn’t sure why he would do that until Mr. Smith relayed how Kenny was raised in St. George with his grandparents and learned to play basketball on the school’s aging outdoor goals with their chain nets.

Tri County Regional Chamber Chairman Robby Robbins receives a plaque of appreciation for hosting the first Kenny Smith Basketball Camp in St. George. with Bill Smith, Rev. Oscar Odom, Kenny Smith, and Bill Russell.

The Chamber encouraged businesses to sponsor children who could not afford to attend and within weeks we had kids of all ages, backgrounds, and races attending the camp.

I remember one child showing up in street shoes and Kenny looking over asking where were his sneakers?  One of the campers then blurted out, “He’s not suppose to be here…he’s not even signed up!”  The 8-year old looked completely dejected as Mr. Smith escorted him from the gym…. only to return minutes later in a brand new pair of Nike shoes and registered, compliments of Mr. Smith!

The Chamber and Kenny Smith’s Mile High Foundation worked closely together over the next few years until those nets were finally cut down and moved to Furman University where more kids could take advantage of a program which gave children an opportunity to avoid drugs, gangs, guns, and instead invest in a bright and promising future.

I’ve often wondered what became of the little 8-year old boy whose life was perhaps changed by the generosity and vision of Bill and Kenny Smith.  Not to mention the hundreds of other kids from St. George, Holly Hill and Harleyville.

The stand that Chamber took on the school bonds and  businesses sending those children to camp not only touched the lives of those kids – it changed the face of a community.  Twenty years later our Chamber is working to raise the issue of diversity and to partner with service organizations whose missions are to improve the lives of our children and families.

Our fingerprints never fade from the lives we touch and the lives we touch…never forget.

 

The Lake Norman Business Expo – Our Version of Show and Tell!

Mrs Hope’s First Grade Class – Bill Russell, Finley Rd Elementary School

Nearly everyone has experienced “Show and Tell” whether it was when you were a student or perhaps assisting your child or relative with their homework.  When I was a student at Finley Road Elementary School in Rock Hill (SC), I was asked to bring something or someone to school that week of significance to me to share with the rest of the class.  I have never been accused of being overly humble, even as a child, and I decided the best person to bring to show off – was me!

As the first-born child, my mother Sarah took great pains to detail every significant event of my childhood.  My baby book was filled with photos, captions detailing the event, locks of hair, and special cards and mementos   I can still recall taking the baby book down from the shelf and stripping many of the photos from the album and creating my own “Show and Tell” project.

That week I shared with my classmates the most significant moments of my life displaying the photos my mother worked so hard to compile.  Not satisfied with mom’s captions, I created new explanations for each photo, with my own creative and adventurous story.

Much to my mother’s chagrin, those photos never made their way back to where they belonged, perhaps strewn across the playground some 45 years ago.  Needless to say, she wasn’t at all happy with me about that.

On Friday, March the 8th, more than 170 of our Chamber members have the opportunity to “Show and Tell” at the largest business trade show in the Charlotte market.  Our Lake Norman Business Expo is designed for businesses to tell their unique stories and showcase their business.  If you are an exhibitor, no other venue can give you greater exposure and opportunity than the Expo.  If you are not an exhibitor, please come out and see Business at its Best and support the lake’s retail and service businesses.

By the way, my mother has always had the last word on the “Show and Tell” incident.  At significant family gatherings, mom has reminded my brother and sister why their baby book was not as detailed as theirs.  “It is because how bad your older brother was as a child.  You have Billy to blame,” mom constantly reminds them on this and many other countless examples.

I always respond that I was just breaking her in good for my future siblings.  While my exercise was not what my teacher had in mind, the Lake Norman Business Expo is our business communities’ moment to shine.  I encourage everyone to participate – sharing the event through your social media and word of mouth and I’ll see you at the Expo!

For more information Visit the Lake Norman Chamber website or call the Chamber of Commerce at 704-892-1922.

The Lake Norman Chamber Business Expo will take place at the Davidson College Belk Arena 200 Baker Drive in Davidson, NC 28036.  There is no admission charge and the public is invited.

Widening I-77 – Our Adventures in Wonderland

You may recall Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland.  In this childhood classic, Alice chases a white rabbit and inadvertently falls into a hole and experiences a world where nothing is quite what it seems.  As a chamber executive, I strive to stay informed on policy matters.  However, when I attend meetings regarding land use and transportation, I often feel like Alice, in a world where nothing is quite what it should be.

Sometimes it seems road improvement projects simply defy common sense.  Placing concrete medians in front of businesses, like those on Holly Point Drive in Huntersville may indeed expedite vehicular travel.  However, these same medians severely limit access to and from businesses – and harm the businesses.  Keep in mind those businesses create sales tax dollars and property taxes that help to pay for road improvements. More importantly these businesses also provide jobs.  Unfortunately, the vitality of business does not seem to be a top priority for transportation planners.

Perhaps there in no greater transportation issue for the Lake Norman region than the widening of I-77. The current plan utilizes HOT (High Occupancy Toll) or managed lanes to accomplish this.  Critics suggest we need to build general purpose lanes instead and they point to Atlanta as an example where tolls have not been as successful as transportation leaders hoped.

I have attended meetings of the Lake Norman Transportation Commission (LNTC) and Widen 77 where both sides are presented.  As a member of the LNTC, we have studied HOT lanes for more than two years.  Many of us on the LNTC, believe with our limited transportation dollars, HOT lanes might be our only recourse to see additional lanes on I-77 for many years.  But I do agree with some of the points made by Widen I-77.   In “Alice in Wonderland”, there is the classic line, “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will do.”   In regard to I-77 improvements, once done – it will not be undone. Unlike Alice’s Wonderland,  in our case, not just any road will do.

This month, the Chamber will host a Focus Friday on I-77 (Friday, Feb 22 at 8:30 am).  We will hear from Bill Thunberg of the LNTC and Kurt Nass with Widen I-77.  We also hope to line up a representative from the NC Department of Transportation.  It will not be the last word on the subject but perhaps it will continue to bring clarity to a controversial subject: HOT Lanes or General Purpose Lanes.

With substantially more road improvement projects than revenue and an Equity Formula that has proven to be quite inequitable – NC DOT may still have their own version of the “Elusive Cheshire Cat” from Carroll’s novel.

Elected officials, community members, and business leaders in our region have formed a strong partnership and are developing a great vision and plan for the future.  I am quite confident working together, we will create a transportation strategy for our future – whether that is the proposed P3 partnership (HOT Lanes) or General Purpose Lanes.

We are on a road to unbridled opportunities where our only limitations are those we impose upon ourselves.  We will succeed because we understand that the Lake Norman region is our community and this community means business.  Please join us this Friday (Feb 22) for Focus Friday from 8:30 – 10:00 am at the Chamber and learn for yourself which road will do.

Focus Friday is sponsored by DavidsonNews.net and CorneliusNews.net.

 

 

The Listening Tour

Huntersville Commissioner Danny Phillips and Bill Russell meet with Doug Kropelnicki with A-1 Vacuum Solutions regarding Sam Furr Improvements

A few weeks ago I was asked by Aaron Burns, a reporter for Lake Norman Publications, what sorts of skills are necessary to be a good Chamber President?  At first, my immediate response was the thought you needed to be able “bob and weave.”  Like the prize fighter, the blows come fast and furious and instinct takes over.

Businesses look to the chamber for a myriad of resources.  In times of plenty, it may be a chance to expand their contact base, building referrals and customers or sometimes just giving back to the community.  When times are challenging, such as they have been since 2007, businesses look to the chamber almost like an emergency room.

Local businesses look for programs and advice to help them market, staffing solutions, and financing through the tough times.  Chamber executives may not have the answers to complex operation problems, but we must be able to draw from resources that might be unavailable or simply not knowledgeable to the business owner or manager.

The ability to think quick, build cohesive partnerships, and support your business member is critical to the chamber executive. That said, perhaps no single skill is more important than communication. It goes without saying that boards look for a strong executive who can communicate the message of the chamber – whether speaking to groups, in front of the camera, or with a pen.

However, the Good Lord gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason and perhaps the most difficult skill to master – but the most important to implement – is the ability to listen!

Over the last few months I have had the privilege of meeting with many of our members.  Cornelius Commissioner John Bradford and Huntersville Commissioner Danny Phillips and I have made impromptu calls on many of our local businesses.

We have stopped in on retail businesses, healthcare agencies, restaurants, and attorneys.  We’ve called on businesses that have been challenged by signage constraints to those dealing transportation issues. Some have seen great improvement over 2011 while some are still just getting by.

Recently we’ve added Don Harrow, our new Cornelius EDC Director, to the calls in Cornelius and soon my visits will expand into Davidson.  The Chamber’s specific goal is to hear from as many of our existing members, as well as businesses who are not involved in our chamber family, how we can work better as a business association and make recommendations to our towns, which can make us a more viable business community.

As we enter this new year and with it many new opportunities, I am reminded of the words of former President Ronald Reagan from his second Inaugural Address (January 21, 1985).  Reagan said, “My friends, we live in a world that’s lit by lightning.  So much of it is changing and will change, but so much endures and transcends time.”

The introduction of social media has changed how we as chamber executives communicate with our members.  The Internet, much like lightning itself, has profoundly impacted our businesses and how we promote, represent, and serve you the member.

One thing that has not changed is listening to you and how we can best serve your business needs.  With it – our commitment to allow our words to speak boldly of our intentions and our actions to speak louder than the words.  Our commitment that will endure and transcend time.

Chamber Celebrates 25th Year of Service to Lake Norman Regional Business Community

Annual Banquet & Meeting: Thursday, January 24, 2013 at Havana Banquet & Ballroom

Bobby Cashion and 2011 Chamber Chairman Robert Reed present John Bradford of Park Avenue Properties, LLC (center) with the 2011 Robert T. Cashion Business Person of the Year.

On Thursday, January 24^th at 6:30 p.m. Chamber officers and members will gather at the Havana Banquet & Ballroom 8325 Copley Drive in Cornelius to celebrate this past year of accomplishment and reward key individuals who set the benchmark in our region at the Lake Norman Chamber Annual Awards Gala.  The prestigious Cashion Business Person of the Year will once again be bestowed upon a deserving individual in the region. In addition, the Duke Power Citizenship and Service Award will be presented to an individual, group, or business.  The purpose of the award is to recognize and reward leadership and/or involvement in volunteerism and community service.

Chamber Chairman Jack Salzman will give a brief recap of 2012 highlights before handing the reigns of leadership over to incoming Chamber Chairman Wendy Moran.

Chamber President Bill Russell stated that since the Chamber of Commerce was celebrating Twenty-Five years, the organizing committee felt something unique and memorable should take place in lieu of the typical dinner speaker. “This year we will have three dynamic community leaders who will share how the Chamber “Grows local business, serves as a relentless advocate for business, and touches lives.”

Current Board Chairman Jack Salzman, owner of Lake Norman Chrysler

Chamber President Bill Russell with newly elected NC Senator Jeff Tarte

Jeep Dodge Ram, has focused on the creation of a new website for the Chamber to enhance the organization’s ability to promote the membership as well as make it easier for members to access information regarding programming and member benefits online.  Salzman also introduced a new business development program called the “Competitive Edge”, held in November, and which will debut this month on the Chamber’s website.

Wendy Moran is a Vice President and Business Center Manager for Peoples Bank in Denver, North Carolina.   Moran’s banking career spans 20 years and a myriad of titles.  But her passion for working directly with clients, developing market share and her community involvement made her the unanimous choice as the 2013 Board Chairman for the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce.  The Black Tie optional event is presented by the Lake Norman Citizen; Gold Sponsors include Duke Energy Presbyterian Hospital Huntersville and Lake Norman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram; and Silver Sponsors are The McIntosh Law Firm, Ice by Premo, n2 Publishing, Business Today and Regions Bank. The 2013 Bronze sponsors are Bentz & Associates and CommunityOne Bank.  Sponsorships are still available and the cost per person is $65. To make a reservation or inquire about sponsorships call Brett Zabek at 704-892-1922.

Lake Norman Chamber President’s January 4, 2013 e-Brief Newsletter

Chamber Members and Stakeholder:

Chamber U: A New Small Business Training Program this Tuesday -  Jan 8th 3:30 – 5:00 pm at the Marion Board Room

The Chamber is pleased to announce a new small business development program called “Chamber U.” This 90-minute program held the second Tuesday of each month from 3:30-5:00 p.m. will focus on the operations of a small business including finance, staffing, marketing, and sales. The Chamber will partner with SCORE, the Small Business Administration, Department of Commerce, and our educational partners such as Central Piedmont Community College and Pfeiffer University.

The first program will be held Tuesday, January 8th at the Lake Norman Chamber Randy Marion Conference Room and will be facilitated by SCORE. The Topic is: Developing and Growing your Business: An introduction to SCORE with SCORE counselors John Kurti and Nancy Ridenhour. Don’t miss this exciting event!

Chamber Seeking Nominations for Business Person & Duke Power Citizenship Awards

The Chamber seeks your help in identifying two outstanding individuals in our region. Each year, the Chamber selects a Business Person of the Year. In addition to our Business Person of the Year, we will also present the Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award. Both of these awards will be presented at our Annual Banquet Thursday, January 24, 2013. If you know of individuals who should be considered, please email Bill Russell at russell@lakenorman.org with an explanation of why they should be considered. The Business Person must be a member of the Chamber. The Citizenship Award does not have to be affiliated with the Chamber and can be a person, group or business. The award will be presented at the Annual Meeting January 24th.

25th Annual awards Gala set for Thursday, January 24th 6:30 PM  -  Havana Banquet & Ball Room

The Chamber will celebrate 25 years of service to the Lake Norman business community Thursday, January 24th at 6:30 pm at the Havana Banquet & Ball Room in Cornelius. Cost per person is $65 and you can RSVP to Jack Stevens at 704-892-1922. Don’t miss this exciting event as we celebrate 25 years of making an impact in the Lake Norman region! For more information, visit the Chamber website.

Transportation Summit set For January 17th

The Lake Norman Regional Transportation Commission is hosting a summit on January 17, 2013. The summit, Transportation & Land Use: Impacts of Growth on the Lake Norman Region, takes place at the Charles Mack Citizen Center in Mooresville at 1:15PM. The focus of this Summit is to look at growth in the Lake Norman area – both historical and projected – and explore the public policy impacts of that growth on land use and transportation in the region. Presenters are Jeff Michael, Director of the Urban Land Institute at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and Barry Moose, SEPI Engineering.

A detailed schedule and registration information are available at: http://lakegrowthsummit.eventzilla.net/

Register NOW for 2013 Business Expo

The 2013 Lake Norman Chamber Business Expo is scheduled for Friday, March 8th at Davidson College Belk Arena. We are still registering sponsors for the event and are now accepting booth registrations. A standard booth is $250, a booth with electricity is $300. For only $500, you could have a booth with electricity and your company or business name on marketing materials for the Expo. Expo registration forms can be found on the Chamber website, are in the January issue of the Lake Link Newsletter, or you can contact the Chamber at 704-892-1922. If you want more information on sponsorships, general booth registrations, or want to help on the Expo committee – contact Bill Russell at russell@lakenorman.org

*** Correction to Wednesday, January 9th Ribbon Cutting ***

8:00 AM – Ribbon Cutting @ Riva Aesthetic Dermatology

Come out and celebrate the first ribbon cutting of 2013 and welcome one of our newest members. Riva Aesthetic Dermatology is located at They are holding the Mixer at: 17039 Kenton Dr #100 in Cornelius (next to Bruster’s Ice Cream).

Lake Norman Women’s Conference set for February 7th

A speech by one of the region’s most-listened to radio personalities and a team-building session highlight the activities during the Lake Norman Women’s Conference, scheduled for Feb. 7 in Huntersville. The conference, which is being organized by the Chamber’s Diversity Council, will be held at the Hendrick Luxury Auto Mall. Registration starts at 11 a.m., followed by lunch and a day of activities concluding with a networking reception at 5 p.m.

The keynote speaker for the conference is former WBT-AM commentator Stacey Simms, while the team-building session will be led by Phil Horton, vice chairman of the chamber’s Diversity Council. There will also be a fashion show, a panel discussion and door prizes. The Women’s Conference is $50 to attend. To reserve a spot, call the Lake Norman Chamber at 704-892-1922. For sponsorship information, contact Gail Williams at Cornelius Today, 704-895-1335.

Mark Your Calendar!!!

The 2013 Lake Norman Chamber Business Expo
Friday, March 8, 2013
Davidson College Belk Arena

Presented by
Lake Norman Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram
Randy Marion Automotive

Gold Sponsors
Lake Norman Magazine, MI Connection
Presbyterian Hospital Huntersville

Silver Sponsors
The Herald Weekly, Piedmont Natural Gas, Carolinas Healthcare System

Bronze Sponsors
Advanced Disposal * Alphagraphics Lake Norman* Aquesta Bank & Ins.
Ballas Chiropractic * blueharbor bank * Business Today / Cornelius Today
Capital Advisory Group * Cool Breeze Cyclery * Currents Magazine
Davidson News, LLC * Eastern Roof Technologies
Energy Explorium at McGuire Nuclear Station * EnergyUnited
Fogle Insurance Group * Griffin Brothers Tires Wheels Auto Repair
J.J. Wade & Associates * Joseph Mott Insurance Group, Inc * KS Audio
Lake Norman Citizen * Little Wood Flooring  * Massage Envy Spa              Huntersville *  Newport Properties  *   North Meck Soccer Club  *  Park Avenue Properties * Raymer – Kempner Funeral Home * Redblue, Inc. * Sandler Sales Institute * Sign Innovations * The McIntosh Law Firm * The Range at Lake Norman * Vein Center of Lake Norman * Visit Lake Norman

Sponsors as of January 3, 2013.  Sponsorships are still available by calling Bill Russell 704-892-1922

Corporate Executives Examine Workplace Learning

Lake Norman corporate executives received a briefing this month from representatives of the North Carolina Department of Labor and Central Piedmont Community College. The Executive RoundTable, sponsored by the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce and the Lake Norman Regional Economic Development Commission, brought together approximately 24 area executives.

Jerry Broadway – Lake Norman EDC, Pamela McGimpsey, Apprenticeship Consultant with NCDOL, Mike McGee, with CPCC’s Corporate Learning Center, and Bill Russell with the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce.

Mike McGee, with CPCC’s Corporate Learning Center spoke about Apprenticeship Charlotte and specifically what employers can do to create a talent pipeline of productive employees.  Joining McGee was Pamela McGimpsey, Apprenticeship Consultant with NCDOL. McGimpsey pointed out that the Apprentice and Training Bureau works to promote the development, registration and completion of apprenticeship and on-the-job training programs providing N.C. employers with quality trained and highly skilled workers.

Michael Arcidiacono, Manufacturing Manager for Max Daetwyler Corporation, was a participant in the forum. Daetwyler, a Huntersville firm, has a very active and recognized apprenticeship program. Arcidiacono told those in attendance, “At Daetwyler, our goal is to meet our customer’s needs and keep our employees’ ahead of the technology curve. Skilled individuals are hard to find to fit specific needs. Apprenticeship2000 allows us to grow an experienced workforce from within. Our company culture, standards and ideals are all part of the training. The program not only teaches our apprentices to be responsible students and employees but excellent stewards for the program. Graduates in their respective fields have the ability to design, machine, document and assemble parts on demand.”

Arcidiacono added, “ This makes each person and the company much more flexible to changes in trends and ever changing market conditions. The apprenticeship program allows us the time to expose our employees to every facet of our business so they can be useful in any area and they understand every aspect of how to meet the customers’ requirements.”

Earth Fare, located at 14021 Boren Street in Huntersville, was the Breakfast Sponsor of the event. For more information and the presentation itself, visit the Lake Norman Chamber’s website at www.lakenormanchamber.org.

Additional Links

Apprenticeship Brochure

Veterans Brochure