'If it is supplied by WIX, it's the best you can buy'

Vision Voice

What's inside:Business profile: Gaston Veterinary

Hospital PAGE 3

The Chamber Ribbon Cuttings

PAGE 6-7

Business profile: Good Will Publishing

PAGE 8

Business profile: Wix Filters

PAGE 9

Small BusinessSmartsPAGE 10

GASTON REGIONAL CHAMBER NEWS

WIX FILTERS

‘If it is supplied by WIX, it’s the best you can buy’

Celebrating 75 years in business. PAGE 9

THIRD QUARTER | 2014

601 W. Franklin Blvd.Gastonia, NC 28052

p 704.864.2621f 704.854.8723

GastonChamber.com

&

2 Gaston Regional Chamber • Third Quarter • 201437

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Birds, cows, elephants, tigers, dogs, cats and snakes? Check! Providing care to those creatures is a walk in the park for Dr. Dan Suggs.

Rats, you ask? “On the dairy farm, rats were

our nemeses,” Suggs said as he chuckled. “I still don’t like them to this very day – nope, not too crazy about them!”

However – thanks to readily-available anesthetics, of course – rats are still welcome at Gaston Veterinary Hospital & Carolina Cat Clinic, where Suggs and his dedicated staff have been providing services since 1976 to all of their two- and four-legged (no-legged ones, too, depending on the circumstances) feathered, filigreed and furry friends.

Suggs earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1971 from Pfeiffer University and graduated with a Doctor in Veterinary Medicine four years later from Tuskeegee University in Alabama.

Suggs joined the practice in 1976, then purchased it from Dr. Ben Dawsey in the late-’80s, expanding it as veterinary needs in the community have dictated. Suggs grew the 900-square foot building into a now-thriving 5,000-square-foot practice, which is conveniently located on Franklin Boulevard in Gastonia.

While the once-booming need for farm animals’ care has waned in the last couple of decades, Suggs and his crew still find time to provide top-notch service to all animals that require everything from behavioral medicine to dental care and nutritional counseling to vaccinations.

The clinic provides a wide of surgical services for its patients, too – including spaying, neutering and emergency cases – and prides itself on patient safety, pain management and employing the most current surgical practices designed to exceed a pet owner’s expectations and put their concerns to rest. In addition, the clinic’s well-stocked pharmacy maintains a large inventory of veterinary

pharmaceutical products and medications, including flea, tick and heartworm preventive products. Hospice and euthanasia services are also available to address the always-difficult end-of-life situations, which the staff handles with utmost compassion and professionalism.

Three additional doctors – Dr. Kathy Pearman Barbee, Dr. Jason Habel and Dr. Kayla Cristobal – help Suggs handle the caseload; Suggs, who will turn 66 in January, sees his retirement in the not-so-distant future, and plans to pass the reigns to Barbee, his current business partner.

What’s the oddest case he’s ever seen? “Years ago when circus came to town, over at the

old Spindale City fairgrounds (located on the now-Gaston Christian School property), I had to go out and treat the elephant for diarrhea.”

And if he could pick a favorite? Somehow, it always seems to come back to “man’s best friend.”

“The Italian Mastiff,” Suggs said quietly. “They’re so endearing and definitely hold a special place in my heart.”

CAREER EXPOThe Advanced Manufacturing Industry

partners and Gaston County Schools will host a career expo for high school students to learn about manufacturing careers and employment opportunities in Gaston and Lincoln Counties. The Career Expo: Discover the New Face of Manufacturing will be held on Friday, October 3, 2014 from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm at the Gaston College Myers Center Multipurpose Auditorium, 201 Hwy. 321 South, Dallas, North Carolina. The event is open to Gaston County high school students from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM and to local college students from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM.

The event is sponsored by the Gaston Regional Chamber, Gaston Career Climb, Gaston College, Gaston College Foundation, Gaston County Schools, and local businesses.

For more information on Exhibitor participation, please contact Cindy Easterday, co-chairman of the Logistics Committee at 704.951.2443 or [email protected].

Gaston Veterinary Hospital

2180 E . Frank l in B lvd . , Gaston ia , NC 28054 | 704-864-5739 | gas tonvet . com

Dr. Kathy Pearman Barbee and Dr. Daniel L. Suggs, Practice Owner

3Gaston Regional Chamber • Third Quarter • 2014


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225 Market Street •Cramerton,NCwww.nextgenerationinteriors.net

Next GenerationInteriors of Bakers

When Floyd “Red” Baker’s wife, Flora, wanted a new bedroom suit, hewent to Hickory to buy one. He came back with four. Flora pickedhers, her husband sold the others, and Bakers Furniturenwas born.Sixty-five years later, the Cramerton furniture store is run by the third

generation – Baker’s grandson, Greg Van Pelt, as well as his sister, Holly Hite. Theirmom and dad, Jim and Sandra Van Pelt (Floyd and Flora’s daughter) retired a fewyears ago. The store has adapted to modern market demands, Greg Van Pelt said.

“Ten or 15 years ago, we expanded our store from 20,000 square-feet tob50,000. Vendors wanted more floor space. But the landscape has changed dramat-ically,” he said. “Not overwhelming the consumer is very important now. It’s better tostick with a smaller amount of manufacturers and hammer home a better relation-ship, with the companies and with the customers. “They become more important toyou, and you become more important to them.”

Today, Next Generation Interiors is 25,000 square feet, with 8,500 reserved as aBassett Design Center. Music plays. Customers are offered coffee and water. Thestore holds products from about 10 companies. “We used to rep 50 to 75,” Van Peltsaid. “But I think a simplified process really helps the buying process. They wantsomething easy for the mind to take in. We want to make sure they come in andhave choices, but not be overwhelmed with too many.”

The Bassett Design Center displays dining, home office and home entertainmentproducts in a casual setting, with custom upholstery and room-planning help avail-able.

Other areas have bedding and mattresses, and all types of sofas – reclining,sectionals, theatre seating, loveseats and sleepers. The store also sells accessories– lamps, mirrors, rugs. Many products are manufactured in North Carolina.

“It’s more of a gallery concept, where price meets value,” Van Pelt said. “Wefocus on building lasting relationships, one room at a time. We’re moving toward thefuture with experience from the past.”

He has two on-staff interior decorators, Tammy Taylor and Anna McMahan.Brothers Sid and Roddy Ellis will deliver purchases to customers’ homes. And TrudyWilson is onboard to work a new consignment shop.

Opening by Labor Day, Next Chance Consignment & Boutique will have its ownentrance and offer bedding, furniture and vintage quilts, clocks, jewelry and an-tiques.

Next Generation has a “Wall of Fame” for honors and awards – includingan article from “Furniture Today” magazine naming it a Top 100 furniturecompany nationwide. It’s all about taking care of the customer, Van Pelt said.

“The main thing is, we’re changing our philosophy and format, with thedemographics and where we are with the industry. Quality has to meet price,and that’s what we’re trying to provide in a very soothing atmosphere,” hesaid. “We’re not as interested in chasing their pocketbook around as we arein forming a relationship and getting repeat business. The sale doesn’t end atthe checkout counter.

Sunday Closed – Monday 10-5pm - Tuesday thru Friday 10am-7pm - Saturday 10am-5pm

225 Market Street •Cramerton,NC

704-824-1208www.nextgenerationinteriors.net


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Mission, Vision and CommitmentsMary Craft:New Business Development. Media Solutions Specialist.

MissionA 30-year veteran to the newspaper industry, Mary is no stranger to assisting businesses develop solid,strategic solutions to their continued need to have a leading edge on advertising.

Vision for the FutureLike the Chamber, her history is characterized by a fierce belief in the power of educating business ownerson the importance of branding with an unwavering focus on engaging consumers with the businesses aroundthem. She understands the necessity to be responsive to the needs of each business individually, partneredwith an enduring commitment to envision their goals.

Nobody deliverslike we do.CommitmentsPartnered with The Gaston Gazette, Mary is dedicated to providingeach client with results-oriented advertising, public relations, andtotal marketing support. She is committed to providing products andservices that benefit each and every client her paper serves andbecoming a marketing partner within our community.

Schedule a Free Consultation by September 30and receive 20% Off any Digital Services.CALL TODAY 704.869.1754. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DIGITAL DIRECT MAIL • GOOGLE AD WORDS (SEARCH) • WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT • MOBILE

LaunchPad 2.0

Launch Pad 2.0 is a business plan competition, sponsored by the Gaston Regional & Montcross Area Chambers of Commerce, designed to encourage, reward, support and celebrate entrepreneurship and create jobs in Gaston County.

We are looking for small businesses or entrepreneurs who have a desire to further develop their existing business or start a new business in Gaston County. If you believe you have one of the best new entrepreneurial ideas in Gaston County for 2014, please visit www.LaunchPadGC.com to submit your application for consideration by September 30, 2014.

You will compete with other entrepreneurs and small business owners for an economic incentive of $24,500 in cash ($12,500 1st place, $7,500 2nd place, $3,500 3rd place & $1,000 bonus for the best pitch) at a LIVE competition held on November 20 at 6:00 PM at Gaston College!

Want to learn more? There will be “help sessions” which applicants may attend to review the application and ask any questions: Wednesday, September 17, Gaston Regional Chamber (601 W. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia) 6 PM - 7 PM, and Monday, September 22, Hive (127 W. Main Ave., Gastonia) 6 PM - 7 PM.


On July 11, the Gaston Regional Chamber held a Ribbon Cutting for Tijuana Flats, located at 2272 E. Franklin Blvd, Gastonia.Tijuana Flats is a Tex Mex restaurant featuring individually made items using the freshest ingredients.Plus, they have a full “sauce bar” to add more fresh flavor to your meal.Pictured is the store manager, CJ Bausum (holding scissors) along with the employees, Chamber Ambassadors and board members.

The Gaston Regional Chamber held a Ribbon Cutting for Cake Me Away Bakery on July 3, 2014, located at 103 South Marietta St. in Gastonia. This newest bakery in Gastonia serves delicious cupcakes, dessert cakes, cheesecakes, cookies, bars and more. Custom orders available for wedding, specialty, 3D, birthday and special occasion cakes plus cupcakes and cookies. Pictured L-R:Erin Argo, DiBella Chiropractic; Geanina Neal, Community One Bank; Salina Mason, Cake Me Away; Carter Mason, Cake Me Away; Hannah Locke, Cake Me Away; Shareen Guyer, Cake Me Away; Kali Mobley, Cake Me Away; Brittany Pressler, Cake Me Away; Sean Reed, Cake Me Away; Wayne Grubaugh, Type G Engineered Development; Kimberly Moore-Craft, Burger Island; Jessica Hughes-Queen, Burger Island.Cake Me Away can be contacted at (704) 860-5135.

The Gaston Regional Chamber held a Ribbon Cutting for Least of These Gaston on June 10, 2014, located at 2020 Remount Road, Suite G100, Gastonia. Least of These Gaston is an organization that assists the more than 200 children in foster care in Gaston County with physical, emotional and spiritual needs through an effort with local churches, businesses and individuals. They may be contacted at www.leastofthesegaston.org, or at 704-215-4344.

Launch Pad2.0Gaston County’s Entrepreneurial Challenge

FOCUS SUMMIT

Public PolicyOur quarterly Focus Summits presented

by CaroMont Health, highlight specific areas which impact business and economic development. On September 26, join us for Public Policy: How General Assembly changes in the 2014 short session may affect your business. This informative Summit will feature panelists discussing issues ranging from economic development, education policies and workplace issues.

PanelistsSusan Fleetwood, director of Business & Industry Development, NC Department of CommerceUpdate on the economic development initiatives and the new partnership within the department

Representative John TorbettUpdate on the new Strategic Mobility Formula and an update from the Department of Transportation

Sue Breckenridge, executive director, North Carolina Business Committee for EducationUpdate on Education, Common Core, teacher pay and more

Jake Cashion, director of Governmental Affairs, North Carolina ChamberDiscuss Business issues such as workplace issues, regulatory reform, healthcare, taxes and more

Event DetailsSeptember 26 from 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.CaroMont Health Regional Medical Center2525 Court Dr., GastoniaCost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members

Includes breakfast


On July 15, 2014, the Gaston Regional Chamber held a Ribbon Cutting for Nutrishop, located at 208 South New Hope Rd. inGastonia.Nutrishop carries all the top brands and has the guaranteed lowest prices on the latest cutting edge supplements and provides unparalleled customer service, which includes meal planning.Call them at (980) 320-1079.

On July 17, 2014, the Gaston Regional Chamber held a Ribbon Cutting for Thrifty Chic’s, located at 124 East Central Ave. in Mount Holly. They have a variety of designer clothing, jewelry and accessories at great prices. Also included in their offerings are furniture and household decor. Call them at 704-497-7099.

The Gaston Regional Chamber held a Ribbon Cutting for the National League of Junior Cotillions on August 14.This organization builds self-confidence and character and helps set boundaries of behavior for children.They teach etiquette and ballroom dancing.The National League of Junior Cotillions, Gaston County Chapter can be reached at 704-301-7035 or www.nljc.com.

The Gaston Regional Chamber held a Ribbon cutting on July 24 at Lendmark Financial Services.Located at 3916 E Franklin Boulevard, Suite 130, this is their 115th branch opened.They offer personal loans, automobile loans, debt consolidation loans and merchant retail sales financing services.They can be contacted at (704) 899-5427.

In 1938, E.F. Gallagher and his son, E.F. “Bud” Gal-lagher, Jr., started a direct sales company distributing Bibles under the name of Good Will Distributors. The father-son team gradually expanded their operation and, in the 1950s, became the largest distributor of Bibles in the country with sales organizations in every region.

The once door-to-door sales operation – which netted about a dollar a week in sales – has expansive reach throughout the country, and now employs about 85 sales professionals who offer a variety of unique and dignified public relations’ programs to community-minded sponsors.

Now in its 76th year, Good Will Publishers oversees three primary companies under its Group of Companies umbrella: Sponsorship Companies, Corporate and Organizational Companies and Catho-lic Publishing and Distributing Compa-nies. The Sponsorship Companies division is managed by Bud Gallagher’s son-in-law, Billy Schifiano, who has served as Vice President of Marketing since 2006.

“In the late-’60s, the Gallaghers figured out that they needed to do something to grow the business as the door-to-door sales were drying up, especially as more women entered the workforce,” Schifiano said. “They designed a family Bible for new-lyweds and began selling them to local businesses that would send them to couples who celebrated a church wedding. The idea took off.”

There are four sponsorship divisions under the Sponsorship Companies umbrella, which Schifiano oversees. The Heritage Company works with local funeral homes in designing, publishing and distribut-ing volumes created to offer comfort, consolation and hope to grieving families. The Ambassador Company generally used community elementary schools as the

channel of distribution and sends to them for their first and fourth grade students beautifully illustrated vol-umes designed to help develop good character. Family Business Services offers a public relations program to business owners that reaches out to newlyweds and their parents as well as those couples celebrating hall-mark wedding anniversaries. Lastly, the Public Rela-tions Institute distributes special spiritual volumes for children of pre-school and child care programs, which are reflective of Judeo-Christian principles.

For almost 60 years, Good Will Publishers has been situated at the corner of South York Road and South 321. Schifiano said it used to be one of two buildings in the area (aside from retail stores) that had air-conditioning, making it a draw for female employees. The other was AB Carter.

“Our company is fully committed to grow and develop and expand its business entities,” Schifiano said. “We are cogni-zant of planning and development and what that means to our cus-tomers and we come alongside them. We’ve been very healthy and strong after 76 years and we are looking

ahead to the next 76.”Good Will Publishers is always recruiting new tal-

ent, and also takes a very high degree of interest in its employees and community as it expands its reach, according to Schifiano.

“We enjoy focusing on activities that will help improve others’ well being,” he said. “Participation in events at Hope for Gaston, the YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, Belmont Abbey … and encouraging our employ-ees to give back to their community, as well. We strive to be a company that continues to make a positive mark in other people’s lives.”

JUNIOR LEADERSHIP GASTON CLASS OF 2015

The Gaston Regional Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the Junior Leadership Gaston Class of 2015. Thank you to GSM Services for sponsoring the Junior Leadership Gaston class.

Junior Leadership Gaston is an exciting program for high school juniors designed to develop informed, committed, and qualified young people capable of providing dynamic leadership in their schools and in Gaston County as they grow and mature into adulthood. Participants spent a day each month beginning in August 2014, and ending in April 2014, learning about pertinent topics as designed by the Leadership Gaston Advisory Board.

Every Gaston County public high school, private

school, and charter school were invited to submit applications for participation in the Junior Leadership Gaston program. The selection committee included members of the Leadership Gaston Advisory Board and community business leaders.

The following are the Junior

Leadership Gaston Class of 2015:Matthew Baker .....................North Gaston High SchoolBen Barger .......................................Gaston Day SchoolGage Beam ................................ Cherryville High SchoolScarlett Bethune.................. Stuart Cramer High SchoolRoss Boyd .................................. Forestview High SchoolPreston Bullock ..........................Ashbrook High SchoolE.G. Coble .....................Mountain Island Charter SchoolSolomon Collins..........................Ashbrook High SchoolMalcolm Dorsey ....................North Gaston High SchoolZak Hamam .......................... Stuart Cramer High SchoolBianca Hanafin.........................South Point High SchoolBrandon Hostetler ...................Gaston Christian SchoolBrianna Jenkins ......................Hunter Huss High SchoolLinnea Jurs ................................ Forestview High SchoolCiara Kranzler ............... Highland School of TechnologySamantha Levine ...................... Cherryville High SchoolBek Manning ...........................Hunter Huss High SchoolHolly McIntosh............................Ashbrook High SchoolMatt Noles .................... Highland School of TechnologyAshlen Rowe ....................................Gaston Day SchoolGrace Russell ...........................South Point High SchoolElle Sudderth ...........................South Point High SchoolKayla Viana ................... Highland School of TechnologyKhadijah Watson ....................Hunter Huss High School

Good Will Publishing

1520 S. York Road, Gaston ia , NC 28052 | 704-865-1256 | goodwi l lpub l i shers. com

Cutline


LEADERSHIP GASTON ’15Dr. Rachel Wruble, chair of Leadership Gaston

Advisory Board is pleased to announce the Leadership Gaston Class of 2015 presented by CaroMont Health and Pinnix General Contractors. “Leadership Gaston has a long and vibrant tradition of equipping emerging leaders in the community,” stated Wruble. “Whether in executive offices or corporate and foundation boardrooms, the impact of this program is seen everyday through the leadership and service of Leadership Gaston alumni.” Formed in 1979, Leadership Gaston is a program to develop the leaders of tomorrow. Since its inception, the program’s intent has been to develop and enhance volunteer community leadership.

“Participants are challenged to see their community

as they never have before and to be actively engaged in ways to strengthen Gaston County,” stated Alison Cookson, Gaston Regional Chamber interim president and CEO. Participants spend one day each month beginning in August 2014 and ending in May 2015, where the focus is on a particular area or field. This format provides exposure to various aspects of leadership.

The Leadership Gaston Class of 2015 is:Shelly Alman ................................................... Gaston CollegeDonyel Barber .....................Family Promise of Gaston CountyTravis Brittain ...................City of Gastonia Police DepartmentGwen Bush .....................................WIX Filtration CorporationElaine Dimeo .................................... Liberty Mutual InsuranceSamantha Dye ............ Gaston County Health/Human ServicesBonnie Faust ................................................CaroMont HealthJarrett Friday ................................................CaroMont HealthKenneth Gehrig ................Partners Behavioral Health Mngmt.Jennifer Gibson ................................. Carolinas RehabilitationCheryl Godbout ....................................Gaston Memorial ParkJennifer Grant ...........................United Way of Gaston CountyTricia Griffin ......................Schiele Museum of Natural HistoryKimberly Hawkins ..........................WIX Filtration CorporationJimmy Holler ....................... City of Gastonia Fire DepartmentDavid Johnson .................................Firestone Fibers & TextilesMadeline Keeter ...........................................CaroMont HealthMadeleine Kirlin .................... Gaston Foot & Ankle Associates Rebecca Lamphiear .... Gaston County Health/Human ServicesJoan Martin ...................................................Covenant VillageDavid McDonald .........................................Gastonia GrizzliesTodd Mingus ...................................................................PSNCSarah Norris ............... Gaston County Health/Human ServicesAndrea Schrift ................................Gaston Regional ChamberEli Witherspoon .............................Pinnix General Contractors

WIX Filters was founded in an old cotton mill in Gastonia by Jack Wicks and his partner, Paul Cren-shaw, who needed an inexhaustible supply of pure white cotton thread waste for the filtering media of their new company. At the time, Gastonia and Gaston County produced more combed cotton yarn than anywhere else in the world.

This year, as WIX Filters celebrates in 75th an-niversary, its message is as clear as ever: “If it is supplied by WIX, it’s the best you can buy.” With almost eight decades of growth and innovation under its belt, the name “WIX Filters” is synonymous with a rich tradition of excellence.

Dave McColley joined WIX Filters in 1979 when it was still under the ownership of Dana Corporation. Now an Affinia Group com-pany that spans the globe – WIX has 11 facilities in eight countries and more than 3,500 employees globally, includ-ing 1,500 in the Gastonia area – WIX Filters continues to grow by adhering to foundational principles and values, says McColley, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales,

“We take care of our people, our customers – and they know they can count on us for a superior product,” McColley said.

In 1997, McColley assumed the role of National Sales Manager for the NAPA brand and, in 2006, accepted a position as Vice President of Marketing & Product Management. An April 2014 promotion landed him in his current position. Now responsible for all marketing programs, promotions and product management for North America, McColley still be-lieves in the quality product and consumer loyalty that continue to push the company forward.

“Through our transition (from Dana to Affinia), I

believe it’s fair to say that the WIX filtration busi-ness really was the mainstay of it all,” McColley said. “The filtration business, on a broad level, is a pretty big marketplace. Our primary focus contin-ues to be there; however, the industrial market is an area we want to expand in.”

The industrial marketplace is not off-limits to WIX, and areas such as marine- and energy-related machinery and equipment continue to offer innu-

merable ways for the company to expand its reach. Surpris-

ing to some are the heavy-duty filters’

sales in areas like construc-

tion, farming and mining equipment, all of which provide between 65 and 70

percent of revenue to

WIX, according to McColley.

And let’s not forget NASCAR. WIX Filters still

holds the No. 1 spot in motorsports, including drag racing teams, cup series cars and grassroots racers, also known fondly as Team WIX or “gearheads,” McColley said.

For more than 75 years, WIX has revolutionized the filtration industry its way – with quality and innovation. WIX’ focus today is the same as when the company was founded in 1939: to provide its customers with premium quality filters designed to exceed their performance demands.

Despite its worldwide reach, WIX Filters is still viewed as a community cornerstone and has secured its pres-

ence in Gaston County.“The Affinia Corporation headquarters are in

Gastonia now and WIX has a long-term com-mitment to its community. We’re here to stay,” McColley said. “There’s always been a community spirit of involvement in this area. It’s our desire to continue to be a part of it.”

WIX Filters

1 Wix Way, Gaston ia , NC 28054 | 704-869-3300 | w ix f i l te r s. com

Dave McColleySenior VP of

Marketing and Sales


Small business owners, we encourage you to take time out of your busy day to attend Small Business Smarts, a series of seminars held at the Chamber, focusing on matters that impact your business and can help you run your operation more effectively!

The first seminar will be held on September 18, when we welcome Mason Alexander with Fisher & Phillips for HR for Small Business: What you don’t know that you should know. After the seminar there will be time to network with attendees and talk one-one-one with the speaker over light refreshments.

At the second seminar on October 23, we welcome Kenny Colbert with the Employers Association for Best Practices for Dealing with Employees. After the seminar we encourage you

to attend Business After Hours at Southeast Chiropractic for some great networking!

The final seminar, takes place on November 19. Join us as we welcome Tony Marder with ActionCOACH for Delivering

Great Customer Service: How it can give your business an edge over your competitor. After

the seminar there will be time to network with attendees and talk one-one-one with the speaker over light refreshments.

Small Business Smarts takes place at the Gaston Regional Chamber from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Cost is $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Please register to attend at gastonchamber.com.


Hive127 W. Main Ave.Gastonia, NC 28052704-860-5010hivegastonia.com

Firehouse Subs2290 E. Franklin Blvd., Suite 100Gastonia, NC 28054980-888-0927firehousesubs.com

Thrifty Chic’s124 East Central Ave.Mount Holly, NC 28120704-497-7099

Carolina Home Care Solutions600 Windy Hill Dr.Gastonia, NC 28052704-691-7354

Cake Me Away Bakery103 South Marietta St.Gastonia, NC 28052704-860-5135cakemeawaygastonia.com

Nutrishop208 South New Hope Rd.Gastonia, NC 28054980-320-1079nutrishopusa.com

Johnson Insurance Group1905 East Garrison Blvd.Gastonia, NC 28054704-854-8646johnsoninsgroupinc.com

Tijuana Flats Tex Mex2272 E. Franklin Blvd., Suite 110Gastonia, NC 28054704-626-5770tijuanaflats.com

Gaston Memorial Park1200 S. New Hope Rd.Gastonia, NC 28054704-865-9521dignitymemorial.com/gaston-memorial-park

Lendmark Financial3916 E. Franklin Blvd.Gastonia, NC 28056704-899-5427

Pathway 2 Employment1556-B Union RdGastonia, NC 28054704-861-8331

Jenny’s Yoga1124 E. Hudson Blvd.Gastonia, NC 28054704-998-7935

PFS Investments10150 Mallard Creek Rd., Suite 208Charlotte, NC 28262864-608-2407

E Corps Expeditions, Inc.604 S. Main St.Mount Holly, NC 28120704-601-5083e-corps.org

On Tap Event Service1501 Lomax Ave.Charlotte, NC 28211315-289-7070qcontap.com

Classroom Central2116 Wilkinson Blvd.Charlotte, NC 28208412-849-2363classroomcentral.org

C12 Group31530 Villa Terr.Fort Mill, SC 29707770-335-1822c12greatercharlotte.com

Loray Mill Lofts300 S. Firestone St., Suite 200 AGastonia, NC 28052855-372-4695loraymilllofts.com

Brad Parkes State Farm330 S. York St.Gastonia, NC 28052704-867-0731sfcarolina.com

National League of Junior Cotillions Gaston CountyP. O. Box 1237Belmont, NC 28013704-301-7035nljc.com/chapter/gastonnc

City of Belmont115 N. Main St.Belmont, NC 28012704-825-5586cityofbelmont.org

Gastonia Pediatric Dentistry1367 E. Garrison Blvd., Suite BGastonia, NC 28054980-320-8479destdental.com

Filta Environmental Kitchen SolutionsP. O. Box 356Lowell, NC 28098704-898-5270gofilta.com

Western & Southen Financial Group7400 Camel Executive Park Dr., Suite 110Charlotte, NC 28226704-264-3323

Massage Envy Spa Gastonia2290 E. Franklin Blvd., Suite 110Gastonia, NC 28054704-867-2290massageenvy.com/clinics/NC/Gastonia

GreerWalker LLP

227 W. Trade St., Suite 1100

Charlotte, NC 28202

704-353-8280

www.greerwalker.com

River Wind Apartments

1232 E. Hudson Blvd.

Gastonia, NC 28054

704-865-0303

Small Business Smarts

NEW MEMBERS


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BUSINESS

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WATSON INSURANCEThe Gaston Regional Chamber congratulates Watson Insurance as they celebrate 80 years in business! They have also been active members of the Chamber since 1936. Pictured are Rob Watson, Tom Watson, Jr. and Craig Watson. Congratulations!

InsideNext Issue:

Launch Pad 2.0 Entrepreneurial

Challange

Small Business Smarts

Member Spotlights


VETERANSOn August 14, 2014, at the Gaston Regional Chamber Board meeting, Rick Houser, board chair, and Alison Cookson, interim president & CEO, signed a statement of support, provided by Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) NC Committee volunteer Kevin Spalding. The statement of support recognizes that the Guard and Reserve are essential to the strength of our nation and the well-being of our communities and pledges that:• We fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).• We will provide our managers and supervisors with the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.• We appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills Service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to employ Guardsmen, Reservists, and Veterans.• We will continually recognize and support our country’s Service members and their families in peace, in crisis and in war.The Chamber encourages all employers to sign a statement of support. For more information contact Stephanie Vojvoda at ESGR [email protected]

PROSPECTS PIPELINEChris Kennedy (standing), Kennedy Business Solutions, welcomes John Lowery (far right) of Wealthplan Financial Partners-Lowery Financial Group to Prospects Pipeline. Lowery discussed how to develop trust in the business community. Prospects Pipeline is a group dedicated to expanding business opportunities for members and assisting each other in methods that work to grow their business.

'If it is supplied by WIX, it's the best you can buy'

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Transcript of 'If it is supplied by WIX, it's the best you can buy'