copy of September-October 2015

BOARD MEMBERS 2015

OFFICERS
Bob Buchanan, President
Irma Mitchell, Vice President
Teresa Sheets, Secretary
Robin McCann, Treasurer

BOARD MEMBERS
Junior Boothe
Jennifer Boyd
Chief Dewitt Cooper
Larry Davidson
Sharon Gemmell
George Hayes
Travis Roberts
Regina Sayers
Richard Weaver
Susan Weaver
Dorothy White
Sara White

STAFF
Pam Meade, Executive Director

CHAMBER HOURS
Monday-Friday
10:00 am – 4:00 pm

 

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS - JULY & AUGUST

David Bailey Associates
David Bailey
Website
dbailey@capitolsquare.com
Join Date: 07/14/2015

Donut Diva
Susan Carr
Website
donutdiva14@gmail.com
Join Date: 07/15/2015

Regency Real Estate
Eddie Pauley
Website
eddie@regencypauley.com
Join Date: 08/14/2015
 

THANK YOU, RENEWING MEMBERS - JULY & AUGUST

Bettie Byrd St. Clair
Member Since: 04/06/1991
Renewed On: 07/01/2015

Century 21 Prime Properties
Sandy Adair
Website
sandy.adair@century21.com
Member Since: 02/01/1992
Renewed On: 07/07/2015

BB&T
Chris Bivens
Website
cbivens@bbandt.com
Member Since: 05/01/1998
Renewed On: 07/01/2015

Elene Combs
emc318@verizon.net
Member Since: 02/03/1992
Renewed On: 07/01/2015

Southwest Virginia Community College
Mark Estepp
Website
mark.estepp@sw.edu
Member Since: 02/03/1992
Renewed On: 07/20/2015

Boxley Concrete Products
Sammy Geso
Website
sgeso@boxley.com
Member Since: 03/01/1991
Renewed On: 07/15/2015

Brown, Edwards & Company, LLP
Kristie Hancock-Clifton
Website
khancock@becpas.com
Member Since: 06/17/1996
Renewed On: 07/31/2015

Dr. Ronald Householder DDS
Lisa Householder
ronhouseholderdds@gmail.com
Member Since: 01/02/1991
Renewed On: 07/01/2015

Stanley Steemer
Daniel Ingram
Website
henry.ingram@steemer.com
Member Since: 02/03/2011
Renewed On: 07/01/2015

SATIRA
Sharon Kitts
satiracoalition@gmail.com
Member Since: 01/30/2012
Renewed On: 07/01/2015

CBS 59
Steven Lawhorn
Website
slawhorn@wvnstv.com
Member Since: 10/01/1997
Renewed On: 07/31/2015

Grant's Supermarket
Ron Martin
Website
grantstaz@richl.twcbc.com
Member Since: 05/14/2006
Renewed On: 07/01/2015

Tazewell Community Health
Gail Mullins
Website
gmullins@svchs.com
Member Since: 02/01/2007
Renewed On: 07/01/2015

Southwest Virginia Workforce Investment Board
Rachel Patton
Website
r.patton@swvaworks.com
Member Since: 08/13/2014
Renewed On: 08/10/2015

BVU Authority
George Pickard
Website
gpickard@bvua.com
Member Since: 07/02/2014
Renewed On: 07/01/2015

Second Chance Learning Center
Erik Robinson
Website
erikr@secondchancelearning.com
Member Since: 02/08/2008
Renewed On: 07/01/2015

Pizza Plus of North Tazewell
Melissa Saunders
Website
pizzaplusinc@aol.com
Member Since: 01/01/1999
Renewed On: 07/01/2015

Clinch Valley News
Jim Talbert
Website
jtalbert@richlands-news-press.com
Member Since: 11/10/1991
Renewed On: 08/10/2015

Hurst-Scott Funeral Home
Christine Thompson
Website
hsfhtaz@roadrunner.com
Member Since: 03/14/1995
Renewed On: 07/01/2015

Vance Graphics and Printing
Matthew Vance
Website
matthew@vancegraphics.com
Member Since: 07/28/2014
Renewed On: 07/10/2015

Historic Crab Orchard Museum
Charlotte Whitted
Website
cwhitted@craborchardmuseum.com
Member Since: 09/23/2002
Renewed On: 08/21/2015
 

EVENTS CALENDAR

Tazewell High Football Team Event
09/10/2015
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Tazewell County Public Library
310 East Main Street
Tazewell, VA 24651

Join us at the Tazewell Library on Thursday, September 10th at 7:00pm to celebrate the history of the Tazewell High School Football Team Authors Terry Mullins, Don Necessary, and Tony O’Quinn authors of the book “Tazewell High School Bulldogs: Football through the Years” will present a brief history of Tazewell High School football and give a book signing afterwards.

Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Tazewell County Public Library.

Free Event.


Open House - Parsonage Guest House
09/10/2015
12 Noon - 2 PM

You are cordially invited to an Open House on September 10, 2015 from 12 Noon to 2 PM at The Parsonage Guest House in Burke's Garden, Virginia.  Located at 7322 Burkes Garden Road, we will be introducing our new accommodation to the area community with light refreshments and tours of the facilities.   The Parsonage is in the center of Burkes Garden, a yellow Victorian style house, the third door past the intersection of Burkes Garden Road and West End Road (the Pepsi sign).
For more information visit Vacation Rental By Owner (VRBO.com) and search Burkes Garden, VA or #749443.  Call at 276-970-6862
Email:  lgreever@bgtco.net
 


Crab Orchard Corn Maze & Pisgah Pumpkin Patch
09/11/2015- 11/01/2015
Crab Orchard Museum
CRAB ORCHARD CORN MAZE & PISGAH PUMPKIN PATCH
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1ST

Public hours for the corn maze are Fridays 4:00 – 10:00 p.m., Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. and Sundays 1:00 – dusk.  Admission to the maze is $10 for adults, $5 for kids 7-12, free for 6 and under with an accompanying adult.  Wagon rides are $2 for ages 7 and up, free for 6 and under with an accompanying adult. 
For more information – 276-988-6755
 


Bluefield Virginia Autumn Jamboree
09/12/2015
8:00 am - 10:00 pm
Bluefield, VA - Downtown
This 36th annual event is being held September 12th in downtown Bluefield, VA.  Vendors set up with crafts, food, and fun.  You will find plenty of activity and events for big and small.



Business over Brunch - "BOB"
09/16/2015
12:00 Noon - 1:00 p.m.
AMERICAN LEGION BUILDING

Speakers from Heartland Rehabilitation

 

Music on Main & Cruise-In
09/19/2015
4:00 p.m.
Main Street

The Town of Tazewell will sponsor the Music on Main & Cruise-In May through September in 2015.  The events are scheduled for the 3rd Saturday May through September except July which will be the 4th Saturday to co-inside with Main Street Moments featuring Summerfest.
Main Street will close at 4 p.m.  A Cruise-In Parade will begin at 4:30 with line up beginning at 3:45 at the old Ramey Ford location (910 E Fincastle Turnpike).  The vehicles will cruise to Main Street where they will line the street.  All types of vehicles including Fast and Furious, Motorcycles, Street Rods, Classic and Muscle Cars are welcome to participate.



Cedar Bluff Heritage Festival
09/19/2015
9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Town of Cedar Bluff
The historical Town of Cedar Bluff. 
There will be vendors, exhibitors, entertainment and more.



Eighth Annual Jason Elswick Memorial Scholarship 5K Challenge
09/19/2015
8:00 a.m.
Bluefield College

Bluefield College will host its Eighth Annual Jason Elswick Memorial Scholarship 5K Challenge, Saturday, September 19, and when the athletes hit the road for the 5K Run/Walk they’ll be sprinting for more than just awards and accolades. They’ll be running for scholarships and to preserve the memory of a local college student who lost his life before fulfilling his dream of becoming a teacher.
For more information contact Mark Hipes 276-326-4208 or mhipes@bluefield.edu.

 


A Walk to Remember
09/24/2015
6:00 p.m.
SVCC Walking Track

Sponsored by Clinch Valley Community Action.  Join us to honor, celebrate, recognize & remember those who have experienced domestic violence and sexual assault. This event will be held at the Walking Track at SVCC. Registration begins at 5:00 P.M. and the Walk begins at 6:00 P.M. This event is neither timed nor is there a specified distance to walk. Participants can walk at whatever pace they choose. Immediately following the walk, we will hear from several survivors who will share their stories, followed by a closing candlelight ceremony.  There isn’t a cost for this event, but T-shirts are for sale.  We are encouraging groups to walk in this event….co-workers, church members, friends, etc.
For more information call Jennifer Bourne 276-988-5583
 


28th Annual Burkes Garden Festival
09/26/2015
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Burkes Garden, VA

Produce, crafts, food, art
Plus live music, children's activities, Molly Tynes ride
 


Glo'Worm 5K Road Race
09/26/2015
7:30 p.m.
Cedar Bluff Elementary

Online Registration: https://register.chronotrack.com/reg/form?eventID=15555
www.werunevents.com
Experience the craziness of running through strobe lights and black lights while sporting your favorite storybook/movie character costume, glowing and wearing your swag. Participant perks: glo' shirts, glow in the dark bracelet/necklace
 


Community Foundation of the Virginias Annual Dinner
10/06/2015
6:00 p.m.
Fincastle on the Mountain

Social time 6:00 p.m.
Dinner 7:00 p.m.



Tazewell Area Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting
10/06/2015
6:00 p.m.
Chamber Boardroom
165 Chamber Drive
Tazewell, VA

 

Coach Bill Mitchell Scholarship Fall Festival
10/10/2015
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Nuckoll's Hall - Tazewell County Fairgrounds



Business over Brunch
10/21/2015
12 Noon - 1:00 PM

More information will follow



Business to Business Showcase
10/22/2015- 10/23/2015
Tazewell County Fairgrounds

More information will follow.



Meet the Candidates
10/28/2015
Tazewell Middle School

Information coming soon



Tazewell Area Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting
11/03/2015
6:00 p.m.
Chamber Boardroom
165 Chamber Drive
Tazewell, VA

 

1st Annual ATV Rodeo & Expo
11/07/2015
Noon
Tazewell County Fairgrounds
515 Fairgrounds Road

$5.00 Gate Admission - Kids Under 48" Admitted Free
$15.00 Entry Fee per ATV
Registration starts at 9:00 a.m.
Challenging course with Mud/Water, Whooptie Duos, Barrels and Fast Finish to the Finish Line
Limited exhibitor and vendor spaces availabe for $200.00, this includes 10x20 space and Sponsorship Banner.
For more informaiton call 276-988-7300
Proceeds benefit the Tazewell County Fair Association



Veteran's Day Parade
11/08/2015

Information coming soon



QuickBooks Class
11/11/2015
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
American Legion Building

The Tazewell Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a QuickBooks class.  
Tuition:
$50.00 for Chamber Members
$75.00 for Non-Members
 
To register please contact Pam Meade at 276-988-5091 or e-mail info@tazewellchamber.org.
 
 
 

Chamber Invitation
11/12/2015
6:00 p.m.
American Legion Building

Join us on Thursday, November 12th at 6:00 P.M., American Legion Building for hors d’oeuvres and fellowship.
 
The Chamber is actively supporting your opinions concerning the type of community we are striving for.  You will be given ample opportunity to tell the Chamber how the Tazewell area can be improved and what we can do to help you and your business.
 
 

Tazewell Christmas Parade
12/05/2015

More information will follow.



Tazewell Community Dinner
12/05/2015

More information will follow.

CONTACT INFORMATION

The Tazewell Area Chamber of Commerce advances and promotes the interests of businesses in the Tazewell, Virginia area through the development of civic, commercial, agriculture, educational and cultural life of the community.  Any individual, association, company, estate or firm residing in Tazewell County or doing business here is welcome to join!  Our office is located just off 460 at Exit #2 near the Magic Mart Department store.  Our web site is www.tazewellchamber.com.  You may contact us by e-mail                           info@tazewellchamber.org or 276-988-5091.

OUR MAILING ADDRESS HAS CHANGED 
P O BOX 672, TAZEWELL, VA  24651


-------------------------------
We are looking for content from Chamber members about your industry that would be interesting to others.  If you would like to contribute an article of 150-500 words about important things happening in your field or share knowledge that would be of benefit to the membership and community, please contact Pam Meade at info@tazewellchamber.org.

 

A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT

Sadly, summer is nearing an end.  Our summer events - the July 4th Celebration, Fiddlers’ Convention at Crab Orchard Museum and Summerfest featuring Main Street Moments -are quickly becoming fading memories.
 
Our children are back in school and are anxiously looking forward to the many new things that they will be learning in their new school year.
 
Autumn also means that football is at hand.  A new season for the county high school teams, local colleges and regional professional teams give the fans a renewed hope that this will be the season to “win it all”.
 
It’s exciting to have that level of anticipation. Maybe we all can learn from our children and sports enthusiasts and be excited and hopeful that the next elections can bring positive change to our communities.  We need to be attentive to the local election to determine that the candidates understand the problems that the citizens of Tazewell County face daily.  Our Chamber is planning a “Meet the Candidates” forum in October.  Please come out and support the Chamber and hear what the candidates have to say.
 
The Chamber’s annual meeting is coming up in January. We are looking for board members who are passionate about the Tazewell area and support our local businesses.  All our businesses have been affected by the slowdown in the coal and gas industries. The Chamber and chamber members must be supportive of all our local businesses.  If you are interested in serving on the Chamber Board, please contact our Chamber Director, Pam Meade at 276-988-5091.
 
 

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

The Business Spotlight was on Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital in August.  CTCH is dedicated to community, history and family, as exemplified through memorials and tributes throughout the hospital. Local artists‘ works decorate the halls and the “Tree of Love,” located in the West Wing, shares the legacy of those who have contributed to the hospital‘s expansion fund over the years. Wellness and community education programs and support groups are offered to help promote healthy lifestyles and a healthy community. CTCH was the only hospital in Virginia to achieve a five-star rating for patient satisfaction and one of only 251 hospitals nationwide to receive the distinction.  (See article below).
CTCH also received three 5-Star awards from PRC (Professional Research Consultants, Inc.)
Staff Responsiveness
Discharge Information
Communication of Medication.

 

CARILION TAZEWELL COMMUNITY RECEIVES FIVE-STAR RATING

Supervisor Mike Hymes presented a plaque to Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital on behalf of the Board of Supervisors for the hospital's achievement of a five-star rating.  The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently released a new rating for hospitals and TCH was among the top seven percent of hospitals in the nation and the only hospital in Virginia to achieve a five-star rating in patient satisfaction.  "Our doctors and nurses are focused on delivering the best care for our patients and our community," said Kathren Dowdy, CTCH Senior Director.  "This is a strong endorsement that we're offering the care our patients expect and need." Pictured are Supervisor Mike Hymes; Kathren Dowdy, Senior Director, CNO; Bill Flattery, Vice President for Carilion Clinic-Western District Region; and Dr. Steven Rinehart, Tazewell Community Hospital Board Member.

RIBBON CUTTING - DAWG POUND DINER

DAWG POUND DINER
Located at 619 E Riverside Drive (former Subway location) had a ribbon cutting and grand opening on Thursday, July 16th.
Dawg Pound Diner has homemade Southern cooking with a twist of character to represent the Tazewell Bulldogs! Their menu features hamburgers, hotdogs, soup, salads, sides, great desserts and breakfast all day.

 

RIBBON CUTTING - A BEAUTIFUL MESS

A BEAUTIFUL MESS
Located at 623C E. Riverside Drive (near El Mariachi) had a ribbon cutting and grand opening on Thursday, July 16th.
A Beautiful Mess is a new antique and vintage shop.

TAZEWELL TRAIN STATION APPROVED FOR GRANT

On July 2, 2015, the Town of Tazewell announced that the Commonwealth Transportation Board approved a grant for the Tazewell Train Station in the amount of $323,927.00. The funds will be available to the Tazewell Train Station as of October 1, 2015, to begin the restoration and repurposing projects. The station is one of only two still standing on the original Clinch Valley line of Norfolk Southern.  The Tazewell Depot was entered into the National Register of Historic Places.  The property was listed by the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, on February 17, 2015.
 

13th ANNUAL TAZEWELL CO. OLD TIME & BLUEGRASS FIDDLERS' CONVENTION



The 13th Annual Fiddlers' Convention was held  at Crab Orchard Museum  on July 10th – 12th.   It was a great weekend of traditional mountain music, flat foot dancing,  talented instrument and band competitions.  The results are posted on the website:
www.craborchardmuseum.com
 
Join us next year for the 14th Annual Fiddlers’ Convention
July 8 – 10, 2016
 

SUMMERFEST featuring MAIN STREET MOMENTS

Main Street in historic Tazewell was buzzing with excitement and activities offered during the Annual Summerfest featuring Main Street Moments Festival.  Thursday night was the 3rd Breaking Down the Walls hosted by Gary Riddle. The event began at 6:00 p.m. in the Mini-Park on Main Street on Thursday featuring local artists Josh Branch, Patricia Spriggs Smith and the Main Street Methodist Praise Group.  Rev. Hairston from First Baptist Church was the guest speaker.  On Friday the entertainment shifted to Tazewell High School where the Band of Oz from Raleigh, North Carolina returned to Tazewell.  On Saturday there were a variety of vendors, children’s inflatables, bike show, quilt show, flower show, bingo, plus great live entertainment throughout the day.  The VFW Post #7136 had the opening presentation at 9:00 a.m. with Kelsey Yates leading in the national anthem to begin the festival.  The mini-park had live entertainment all day featuring Delmer Presley, Joyce & Jerry Jude, Rev. James Short, Davina Hieatt, Darrell Agee, Shirley Moody, Shelia Smith, First Baptist Church Gospel Choir and Scott Spivey.  There was more entertainment at Altizer stage:  Dog Training show by Krieger Haus K-9, Mark Lippard, Tae Kwon Do, and Randy Lamb's Bluefield Dance Theatre.  The kids enjoyed potato crafts, inflatables and a mist tent.
Tazewell County Historical Society sponsored Historic Tazewell & Vicinity tours during the day and Tazewell Train Station and Historical Society had an Open House.  The entertainment continued after the festival with the Music on Main & Cruise-In that featured the JC/BC band.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
Cargo Oil
Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital
Clinch Mountain Amish Furniture & More
Clinch Valley Printing
First Community Bank
First Sentinel Bank
Harry Enterprises
Harry Rentals
Hawg Pit Cycles
Kidd Tire & Auto Parts
LaFiesta Fresh Mexican Grill & Cantina
National Bank
New Peoples Bank
Olde Virginia Pharmacy
Peery & St. Clair Funeral Home
Pyott Boone
Ramey Auto Group
Tazewell County
Tazewell Lions Club
Thompson & Litton
Town of Tazewell
WVVA
Your Grate Escape

 

TAZEWELL COUNTY FAIR




Tazewell County Fair, one of Virginia's largest old-fashioned county fairs, was held on July 31st - Aug 8th.  Some of the events included Farm and Livestock Shows and Exhibits, Competitions, Christian and Southern Rock - Country Music Shows, Kids' Day, Seniors' Day, Tazewell County Day, Figure 8 Derby, the Demolition Derby, Lawn Mower Racing, Horse Pull, Tractor Pull, Youth Horse Show, Carnival Rides and much more.

DEFENSE PURCHASING WEBINAR


The Procurement Technical Assistance Center of Southwest Virginia, in partnership with the Richlands Area Chamber of Commerce, the Tazewell County Economic Development Office, and the Tazewell Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a free webinar entitled “Selling to the Defense Logistics Agency” on August 6th.  The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) spends more than $11.6 billion a year to purchase 5.2 million items to support our men
and women in uniform.  Those attending the seminar were Mike Thompson, Director of Tazewell County Economic Development office; Pam Meade, Executive Director of Tazewell Area Chamber of Commerce; Sean Lester, Blue Wolf, Inc.; Erik Robinson, Lawrence Brothers, Inc.; Pam Necessary, Blue Wolf, Inc.; and Jeff Cline, Blue Wolf, Inc. (not pictured).
Contact SWCC PTAC at 276-964-7533 for further information.

MUSIC ON MAIN AND CRUISE-IN

The Town of Tazewell hosted the Music on Main & Cruise-In on August 15th.   The Beach Nite Band performed at Altizer Stage.   The last Cruise-In of the season is on Saturday, September 19th with a performance by Kids Our Age Band.

MOVIES ON MAIN FEATURES LASSIE


Photos courtesy John Reeves

On Sunday, August 16, 2015, the Town of Tazewell and Tazewell Today sponsored Movies on Main featuring the movie Lassie. Lassie, released in 1994, was filmed primarily in the Tazewell area and features several residents and homes.
 

Tazewell Today is a local initiative to revitalize the Tazewell Main Street community.
For more information, visit their website www.tazewelltoday.com.

 

BUSINESS OVER BRUNCH

Business over Brunch "BOB" was held at the American Legion Building on Wednesday, August 19th.  Jerry McReynolds, General Manager, Tazewell County Airport was the speaker.  Mr. McReynolds gave our general information about the airport and discussed how businesses can take take advantage of services the airport offers. 

Business over Brunch is held monthly on the third Wednesday from 12:00 – 1:00.  This is a good opportunity to learn about other companies and organizations in our own backyard and to get ideas on how to run your business.  Each participant will get a chance to introduce themselves and the business they represent.  This is a great time to bring your business card and marketing materials to distribute.  There will be a speaker at each meeting. Registration is required – there is a $5 charge which includes lunch.

The next "BOB" is on September 16th at the American Legion Building.  The speaker will be from Heartland Rehabilitation.
For more information or to RSVP call 276-988-5091 or info@tazewellchamber.org.

THOMPSON VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER CRAFTERS BAZAAR

Thompson Valley Community Center sponsored their Fall Craft Bazaar on Saturday, August 22nd.  Those who attended enjoyed bingo, cake walks, silent auction, baked goods and the craftsmanship of local artisan's. 

TAZEWELL COUNTY AIRPORT FLY-IN, CRUISE-IN

Tazewell County Airport held the annual Fly-In on Saturday, August 22nd.  Airport Manager Jerry McReynolds was pleased with the turnout and stressed the importance of the airport.  There were helicopter and plane rides, skydivers and many more exciting activities.  A T28 was on display and did a flyover for the crowd. 

CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS



Celebration of the Arts was a huge success.  The festival moved to Main Street this year where Between Friends recently relocated.  There were many events and lots of entertainment and great food. 
 

CHECK OUT DONUT DIVA'S PARTY TRAYS

PERFECT FOR YOUR NEXT BUSINESS MEETING OR SOCIAL EVENT!!
Tazewell Area Chamber of Commerce Layout - copy of September-October 2015