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Buy Local - Success Story
Congratulations to the Madison County Farmers Market in completing its third successful season. Gail Lunsford, Market Manager, praised all the vendors for their efforts and thanks all the customers who supported the market this year. The market features produce, fruit, baked goods, crafts and other products that are either grown or made by Madison County residents. If you are interested in the Farmers Market, which opens again in April 2002, contact Gail or Steve Bardwell at 683-2902.
They Keep Comin'
Visitors from across the country continue to stop at the Madison County Visitors Center for information, directions, and material about Madison County and your businesses. The season has slowed down, but the Center hasn't. It has been getting a new look. We have more display space thanks to more racks and a new ceiling in the brochure room. The festive decorations inside and outside greet visitors for the season. Visitation in 2001 should exceed the 6306 visitors in 2000. With 620 mailings so far this year we will exceed last year's number and telephone referrals for the chamber are already at 409 compared to 276 last year. …and they love our web site! In eleven months we have had a total of 163,110 hits! And the Business Directory is the most popular page they go to on our site - another good reason to be a Chamber member. People are definitely interested in what businesses and services we have in Madison County.
Parade Time
The Chamber of Commerce was well represented this year in the annual Christmas Parades in Madison County. In Marshall Chamber President, Larry Peek and his son rode in the Marshall Parade. Thanks to Ruth Boylan for loaning us her car and to Gail Lunsford who donated candy canes distributed to parade watchers. In the Mars Hill parade O'Neal Shelton drove his car with Larry Peek representing the Chamber. In Hot springs Bob Jackson, Vice-President, represented the Chamber. Thanks to everyone who helped demonstrate to the public the holiday spirit of the Chamber.
Madison Business Mega-Merger!
Three Madison County real estate businesses have merged together to better represent the real estate market in this region. The merger included New Horizons, Hoffman & Associates, and Ivy Realty. These businesses believe the merger will better serve the needs of clients, strengthen Madison County's business and economy. By combining resources they feel they will be a more effective real estate team for their buyers and sellers through more effective advertising and listing services. The merger combines years of experience and diversified skills in the new group which is New Horizons Realty located in Mars Hill. Hoffman and Associates will still operate out of their existing office in Mars Hill and Lee and Jeanne Hoffman can still reached at their office at 689-4599.
Bill Ekstadt is broker in charge of the new company which is New Horizons. He can be reached at 689-9113. Ivy Realty agents can be reached at the New Horizons office.
Jeanne Hoffman says “this merger enables better service, more agent attention, greater visibility for clients, and increased personal assistance. We can offer rapid turnover of property and improved internet access and visibility”.
Visit New Horizons at www.new-horizonsrealty.com
They're Back - the Rock!
The Rock Café in Marshall has reopened…again. It is now under the ownership of Larbi Malajati. Larbi was previously the chef for Chartwells at Mars Hill College. Going to the Court House? Just come next door for lunch and do your business there. They are do catering for your special events and take out orders. Call 649-1566.
Businesses of the Month
2001
January Thompson Plumbing Company, Marshall
February Aunt T's, Hot Springs
March ValuePrint, Mars Hill
April Frank Kirkland Electric, Marshall
May Pizza Roma, Mars Hill
June Whitt's Towing, Mars Hill
July Country Stone Lodge, Mars Hill
August USA Rafting Company, Marshall
September Service Excellence, Marshall
October Yellow Book, Asheville
November Jane's Rx Drugs, Mars Hill
December J.W.Penland Company, Marshall
A special thank you to all of these businesses that have demonstrated the importance of service to our communities.
Student Board Member
Justin English, a junior at Madison High School, is the 2001-02 student Chamber Board Member. He represents youth in the county and makes important contributions to board discussions from a student's perspective.
Chamber Officers 2001-02
President Larry Peek
Vice-President Bob Jackson
Treasurer Sue Byers
Secretary Ruth Boylan
Newsletter Editor Rick Morgan
Winning Photographs
Got any great pictures of Madison County? We are always looking for photographs for the Chamber web site. Attractive shots of our scenery, your town, or business can always be used to help web site visitors better “see” our county and our economy. Contact Jennifer Hott at 689-9351.
Community Christmas Celebration
The Chamber was well represented at the Community Christmas Celebration this year. Over 20 Chamber members attended a community gathering which featured seasonal presentations by several community organizations. Our “Chamber Music” was warmly received by the audience who appreciated the Chanters All program.
Business Seminars
Once again A-B Tech and the Chamber will sponsor business education programs. We plan to offer seminars in Basic Accounting and Record Keeping and the Basics of Beginning a Small Business. The first seminar will be “Accounting Questions for Small Businesses” on January 21st from 6:00pm to 8:30pm by Leon Murphy CPA in Mars Hill.
For information and registration contact Dr. Connie Buckner A-B Tech at 649-2947.
Business Education Seminar
“Accounting Questions for Small Businesses”
January 21st, 6-8:30pm
A-B Tech Madison Campus
Call 649-2947 to register (no costs)
Business Education
Several education courses are available at A-B Tech Madison Campus during the spring 2002 semester. Evening classes include Introduction to Business, Business Law, and several Computer Science classes to upgrade your business skills. Contact Dr. Connie Buckner at 649-2947.
Holiday Gifts
Give a gift that keeps giving this holiday season. When you make a donation(tax deductible) to the Chamber Education Endowment Fund you are helping future generations of young people. Send a check to the chamber now or with your dues.
Season's Greetings…
..from the Treasurer!
Ho! Ho! The Treasurer will be sending you her annual holiday greetings. Yes, it's already that time of year again when dues notices are sent out. So just think of it as a contribution to helping improve our economy and helping your business in 2002. Feel better? Ok, send in your dues early and make Ruth's job easier in 2002.
Stocking Stuffers
Wondering what to put in the stockings hung with care? Easy! Put a Business Directory in everyone's stocking this year. They will be amazed at all the goods and services they can find right here at home. No need to get “malled” ..stay right in your community and shop at home and support local businesses this holiday season.
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