Iredell Living Magazine July issue by Oasis Publishing, Inc.

Complimentary July 2012

Living the Good Life

Urgent Care Medicine at Piedmont HeathCare:

Competent, Compassionate Care In a Timely Manner IREDELL LIVING â&#x20AC;˘ JULY 2012

IREDELL LIVING • JULY 2012

from the publisher

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Iredell

Welcome to the July issue. We celebrate the birth of our nation this July 4th. Independence Day is steeped in tradition and marked by parades, cookouts, fireworks, baseball games and other fun activities. In all the hoopla and celebration, I hope folks will remember the real reason we celebrate is because of our hard fought freedom won from the British.

Living the Good Life

July 2012

Mailing Address - 1670 E. Broad Street, Suite #195 Statesville, NC 28625 704-873-7307 E-mail - IredellLiving@gmail.com

Many local communities throughout our area will have some type of Independence day celebration. Please check the July 4th article on page 8 in this issue for parades, fireworks, etc. in your area. July is also National Parks Month. There are several parks and historical sites within a short drive. One of these is Carl Sandburg's home, “Connemara” which is located near Hendersonville. This is a great time of year to get out and discover the beauty that lies within our fabulous state.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kristie Darling • Kirk Ballard • David Bradley Meredith Collins • Linda B. Wilson Grace Moore • April Dellinger • Jamie Venable

Thank you for reading the July issue of Iredell Living Magazine!

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Shane Greene Photography COVER STORY Piedmont HealthCare Urgent Care Stock photography, unless otherwise noted, is from ThinkStock.com

Myron Gough

Publisher, Iredell Living

W W W. I R E D E L L L I V I N G M AG A Z I N E . C O M Myron T. Gough Publisher/Owner

Kathy Wheeler Art Director/Sales

Linda B. Wilson Sales

myronlivingmagazine@gmail.com (704) 873-7307

kathylivingmagazine@gmail.com (828) 238-3224

lindalivingmagazine@gmail.com (704) 657-0237

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tamilivingmagazine@gmail.com (704) 873-7307

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Iredell Living reserves the right to deny any advertisement or listing. Submissions are welcome, but unsolicited materials are not guaranteed to be returned. Iredell Living assumes no responsibility for information, products, services or statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. 4

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content

July 2012 12 • Urgent Care Medicine At Piedmont HealthCare, Competent, Compassionate Care In A Timely Manner 16 • Take A Day For Some Family Fun 18 • Daly Family Law Firm 20 • Pick Me-Pick Me-No, Pick Me Pleeeeeze 22 • Summer Time Wines– Alternatives To The Season's Usual Suspects 24 • A Word From The Statesville Chamber: Moments To Remember 26 • A Word From The Mooresville-South Iredell Chamber: Chamber Of Commerce–A Portal For Information Thank you for viewing our online version of Iredell Living Magazine. We invite you to read this month's cover story and browse through our advertisers. You can pick up the full version of the magazine at one of our many distribution locations. You will find a list on our website where you can get your free copy today! Thank you for reading Iredell Living Magazine! 6

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cover story

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Urgent Care Medicine at

Competent, Compassionate Care In a Timely Manner Written by Kristie Darling Photos by Shane Greene Photography

It’s Saturday afternoon. The family reunion has been planned for months. Everyone is enjoying the sunshine, the playground, and the lake. All the cousins have started a game of horseshoes when you hear screaming from down the hill. No one really understood how to throw a horseshoe, and now the littlest one’s head is covered with blood; everybody is hovering around her. Some of the kids are crying. What do you do? In Iredell County you have excellent options besides the emergency room, where a long wait and a big bill are likely. At Piedmont HealthCare’s two Urgent Care clinics, physicians who specialize in non-life-threatening injuries, diseases, exams, testing and treatments are available at extended office hours. In the case of our injured child, an examination can be done, cleaning and suturing the wound managed, and the parents can be assured they don’t need to worry about a concussion. They will be told how to care for her over the next couple of days. When the stitches need to come out, a quick visit to Urgent Care will be all that’s needed. “Most health issues can be evaluated and treated here, especially if you need to be seen after hours 12

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or when you can’t get an immediate appointment with your primary care physician,” Dr. Robert Kimball told me in his Statesville office. “Often, a visit to Urgent Care can keep people out of the hospital’s emergency room. Many specialists in the community refer folks to us when their schedules are full.” Dr. Kimball is medical director of Piedmont HealthCare’s Urgent Care program.

Affordable Care When You Need It When Piedmont HealthCare established its Urgent Care program in 1997, the intention was to

provide an adjunct clinic for its patients that would operate as if it were a primary care office. They didn’t realize this service would be used by everyone, not just Piedmont HealthCare patients. The resulting benefit to anyone in our community is immediate medical treatment at primary care prices. The clinics work with all health insurance programs, and offer a 25% prompt pay discount for self-paying patients. Walk-ins are always welcome. “The Urgent Care clinics are a good point of entry into our health care system. We are available to anyone. We see new residents, those without

a primary care physician or those who need to be seen immediately. About 20% of our patients are children,” Dr. Kimball shared. “The cost of ancillary services, such as x-rays, CT scans, MRIs and cardiograms is less than at the ER. However, when a patient comes into Urgent Care who should really be seen in the emergency room–those with life-threatening conditions, such as heart attack or stroke–we can stabilize them and have them transferred to the hospital immediately. We saw a patient recently with chest pain who was at Iredell Memorial, on the operating table, having their stent put in within 45 minutes. Of course, we encourage this type of patient to go directly to the ER.”

Two Convenient Locations, Many Treatment Options At Lake Norman Urgent Care in Mooresville (Highway 150 at I-77 Exit 36), and at Statesville Urgent Care (619 Sullivan Road at I-40 Exit 151), there is always an onsite physician supported by experienced clinical staff who are trained in non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses. “Because we diagnose and treat so many conditions, our entire clinical team receives ongoing training and continuing education,” says Debra Welch, site manager at Lake Norman Urgent Care. “Your health is so important, and the excellent care our staff provides is based upon everyone working together efficiently to follow

Photos: On the cover–Nancy Montz, MD, and Frederick Vorwald, MD, are both full time physicians at Lake Norman Urgent Care. Opposite page– Dr. Montz, Dr. Vorwald and Dr. Robert Kimball shown at Piedmont HealthCare's Lake Norman Urgent Care facility Above, left–Allison Copeland, x-ray tech, prepares a patient for an arm x-ray. Above, right–Pam Woodard, ultrasound tech Below, left–Patient receiving a bone density scan Below, right– Joy Summitt, CT tech, monitors a patient in the CT Unit

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doctors’ orders. I think of our staff as family, and we treat our patients that way, too.” Dr. Fred Vorwald has been with Piedmont HealthCare since 1995, and has been lead physician at Lake Norman Urgent Care for three years. He also heads the onsite occupational medicine department there. “We are ideally suited to provide medical services for conditions which are not life threatening, yet need immediate attention,” Dr. Vorwald explained. “We treat patients with sore throat, earache, sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, COPD, hypertension, urinary tract infections, low back pain, sprains, strains, fractures, lacerations, wounds, burns, foreign body of the eye or soft tissues, skin infections such as boils and abscesses, STDs, rashes such as poison ivy, dermatitis, hemorrhoids, constipation and gastroenteritis.” Each Urgent Care location has medical equipment (X-ray, CT scan, ultrasound and bone density), labs for blood work and testing, and exam and treatment rooms to support diagnosis and medical/surgical care for patients of all ages. The Statesville location has an MRI facility and Lake Norman has an ultraviolet light therapy machine for treating certain skin conditions.

Occupational Medicine: Safety First Treatment of injuries at work, employment related physicals and return to work exams, health screenings, exams for DOT drivers, worker’s compensation care, and drug/alcohol testing are some of the services employers can request at either Urgent Care facility. Sports physicals and school entry immunizations are also offered. Statesville’s occupational medicine office keeps regular business hours, 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. At Lake Norman Urgent Care no appointment is needed for work related services during their extended hours, Monday to Friday 7:30am to 7:30pm; Saturday and Sunday 8am to 6pm.

Teamwork For Excellence

Photos: Above, top to bottom– • Debra Welch, site manager and Sherry Johnson, lab technician, review lab notes. • Dr. Kimball and Dr. Vorwald confer on a patient’s test results. 14

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Piedmont HealthCare’s focus is on excellence of patient care. In every office and clinic, medical teams work in partnership with their supporting staff to provide consistent, top quality care for you and your family. Urgent Care is equally dedicated to assuring that you are treated in a timely fashion with the best treatment and service possible. The Urgent Care team is comprised of two full time physicians at Lake Norman, Dr. Nancy Montz and Dr. Fred Vorwald, and part-time physician Dr. Cheryl Navarro; five physicians at the Statesville location, Dr. Robert Kimball, Dr. William Blackley, Dr. Trevor Craig, Dr. John Nicholson

Photos: Above, left to right– • Dr. Vorwald and Debra discuss weekend staffing. • Clinical station at Lake Norman Urgent Care • Piedmont HealthCare’s Statesville Urgent Care facility and Dr. Frank Spence; the combined medical team of nurse practitioners Lana Hill, Kelly Boone, Sharon Setzer, Amy Kester, Jennifer King, and Carol Lynn Latorre, and physician assistants Lori Sumner, Bethany Scaggs, Burgo Hill, and Tad Edwards; site managers Marian Kimball in Statesville and Debra Welch in Mooresville; and a full complement of supporting office staff. All physicians at Urgent Care are board certified; full bios for all Piedmont HealthCare physicians can be found at www.piedmonthealthcare.com “At our Urgent Care clinics, we have the advantage of our entire Piedmont HealthCare medical team,” Dr. Kimball told me. “I can call on any of our specialists to consult on treatment planning. All of our patients’ medical records are available to us electronically, so we are

up-to-date and aware of histories and medications. This system is linked to Iredell Memorial’s medical records, as well.” If needed, the Urgent Care team can provide necessary paperwork and set up an admission to Iredell Memorial Hospital or Lake Norman Medical Center. When life comes at you too fast, and you or someone in your family needs to see a doctor right away, consider visiting a Piedmont HealthCare Urgent Care office. From bee stings to broken bones and all manner of situations in between, you will feel better and be on your way, knowing you have been treated by a skilled, compassionate team of medical professionals dedicated to your health and wellbeing.

Statesville Urgent Care 619 Sullivan Road Statesville, NC 28677 704-924-9111 Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm Saturday 9am - 5pm Sunday 11am - 5pm

Lake Norman Urgent Care 125 Days Inn Drive Mooresville, NC 28117 704-660-9111 Monday to Friday 7:30am - 7:30pm Saturday & Sunday 8am - 6pm IREDELL LIVING • JULY 2012

By April Dellinge

s summer approaches, finding cost-friendly family activities can be a difficult task. Luckily, Iredell County and the Hickory metro areas offer stimulating venues for enjoyment, relaxation and family togetherness without the hefty cost and travel distance of many vacation areas. Here are just a few fun ideas for local family field trips that require little travel:

South Mountains State Park Located between Hickory and Morganton in Connelly Springs, NC, this state park offers twenty backpack campsites within a 1.4mile to 5.4-mile hiking distance. You can walk the trail one mile across river terrain to visit the 80-foot tall High Shoals Falls. If you have small children and prefer accessible camping and hiking, then South Mountains’ 11 primitive family campsites are available to guests, as well as a child and handicapped friendly nature trail that follows Jacob Fork River through the forest. Summer Kid’s Club, presented by park rangers each Tuesday and Thursday in July, teaches children about various aspects of the outdoors. Visit their website for more information: www. ncparks.gov.

Zootastic Park For families without the time to travel roughly two hours to visit the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, Zootastic Park in Troutman can quench your desire to view a wide array of wild animals. Admission for adults is $8 and $6 for children, ages two to 11. Snakes, camels, tigers, kangaroos, emus and ostriches can all be observed at Zootastic Park. It is a hands-on adventure for children and adults of all ages. 16

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Family Fun! Lazy 5 Ranch Those closer to Mooresville may be interested in Lazy 5 Ranch’s interactive petting zoo. The ranch offers buckets of animal feed for $3 a pail, and families can drive their vehicles through a 3.5-mile safari trail to view over 750 exotic animals from six continents. Fees are $8.50 per adult and $5.50 per child, ages two to 11. Horse drawn wagon rides are $13.50 for adults and $8.50 for children. Giraffes, rhinos, llamas, porcupines, lemurs, zebra and much more can be viewed–some of them fed from the comfort of your car.

Catawba Science Center The Catawba Science Center in Hickory features the “Dinosaurs” exhibit this summer through September 2. Visitors are sent back in time to the late Permian, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, where they can see robotic dinosaurs varying from the thunderous, carnivorous Tyrannosaurus Rex to the herbivorous Apatosaurus (Brontosaurus). The paleo-research camp is open for fossil discovery to the mini-paleontologist within. Outside the featured exhibit, the center also offers exhibits about rotation, infectious diseases, salt and fresh water dwellers, energy, astronomy and more. The cost of admission varies between $7 to $8 for adults and $5 to $6 for children over three.

Swimming and Recreation Centers • Iredell County YMCA, Statesville, NC • Statesville East KOA, Statesville, NC • Statesville Fitness and Activity Center, Statesville, NC • YMCA of Catawba Valley, Hickory, NC • Kool Park Pool, Hickory, NC • Hky JC Club House, Hickory, NC • Granite Falls Parks and Recreation, Granite Falls, NC • Lake Norman • Lake Hickory

Summer Camps for Children • Camp Iredell for ages five to 11, Statesville and Mooresville, NC • Camp Iredell Adventures ages 11 to 13, Statesville and Mooresville, NC • Hickory Museum of Art, Hickory, NC • Summerscapes Camp CVCC, Hickory, NC Before you plan to travel out of town this summer and spend money on hotels, rentals and other expenses, remember to check your local visitor’s center for new, innovative summer hot spots in your own area.

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business spotlight

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Daly Family Law Firm Your Attorneys For Today’s Family By Meredith Collins Photos by Shane Greene Photography

Attorneys Molly Anthony and Judith Daly

s the only law firm in Iredell County dedicated solely to the practice of family law and family related issues, Daly Family Law offers a specialized expertise like none other in our area. They don’t handle any traffic violations or crimes, just family related issues including divorce, property division, child support and custody, separation agreements, estate administration, and wills. Judith Daly, a North Carolina board certified specialist in Family Law, and Molly Anthony are the two attorneys at Daly Family Law who counsel and represent clients as they go through these processes. While getting her degree from DePaul University College of Law, Daly knew she wanted to specialize in family law due to her own divorce experience. She was not happy with the convoluted legal process. “I knew it didn’t have to be that difficult,” Daly said. She decided then she could make the burden easier for families already going through a trying time.

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Daly and Anthony work with clients to assess their goals and develop a plan to reach the best outcome. “While working toward our client’s goal, we make an effort to preserve their resources,” Daly said. “We want to move clients who are at a difficult point in their life through this event with the least amount of financial, emotional and time damage.”

an agreement. If mediation is unsuccessful, then the attorneys work with clients on litigation. Daly says they certainly won’t compromise a client’s wishes, but many times it’s better for the clients to come to an agreement versus going before a judge to have an uncertain outcome, not to mention the time and money involved. “Multiple trials can really cause a lot

Right–At Daly Family Law Firm, you will find a group of professionals who are dedicated to helping you achieve your desired outcome. Pictured left to right, Office Manager Kathy Coffey, Paralegal Terri McKesson, Attorney Judith Daly, Attorney Molly Anthony and Paralegal Hannah Speaks.

The firm’s process is to start with negotiation to see if they can reach terms for separation that both parties can agree on. If this cannot be done, they suggest using mediation to reach

of emotional and financial hardship,” Daly said. “You can spend all your time doing that, and sometimes it’s not reasonable. We don’t believe litigation should be the first step; it is a last

resort. It can overwhelm and exhaust people and can sometimes take two to three years to finalize everything.” When litigation is necessary, Daly and Anthony take the time to review the process with their clients to prepare them for court.

goals and will prepare and counsel you each step along the way!

“I take time to prepare clients for trial, and they are really grateful to know what to expect,” Daly said. “Together we review a list of information the client has told me that I want to be sure the client will recollect on the witness stand. I know the law, and I know what the judge will consider important. We’ve got to get the facts before the judge so he or she understands my client’s position.”

Daly Family Law Firm

Call them today for a free 30-minute consultation to assess your individual circumstances and discuss how they can help you achieve your desired outcome.

111 West Broad Street, Suite D Statesville, NC 28677 704-878-2365 info@dalyfamilylaw.com www.dalyfamilylaw.com

Above–Paralegal Hannah Speaks assists Ms. Daly. Below–Paralegal Terri McKesson works with Ms. Anthony. Left–Kathy Coffey, office manager, keeps the office running smoothly.

With Daly Family Law Firm, you can know the attorneys will work with you to develop a plan to reach your end

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Pick Me – Pick Me – No, Pick Me

Pleeeeeze

Article and photography by Linda B. Wilson

Some of my family’s most beloved pets were adopted from shelters and rescue groups. They are always friendly and thankful for a good home. In Iredell County we have a new animal shelter which opened last July and offers a modern facility to temporarily house stray and homeless animals.

MUCH NEEDED SPACE Christina Royal is the director of Iredell County Animal Services & Control. “They seem to know that you are giving them a second chance,” she says. “I have four at home.” Chris says the new facility is an asset to the county. “We have 23 dog pens, and they are always full. There are so many unwanted pets, purebreds as well.” The new facility has space for a spay/neuter operation room, inside drive through rabies clinic, visi20

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tation rooms, and separate rooms for strays and cats. “We were bursting out of the old building, and we just love all the space and the options the new facility offers,” Chris says. Construction has begun on the new six-stall barn for equine rescue and one half of the fencing is already up. “We just adopted out the last horse we had in our care, and hopefully we’ll be equipped to handle more when the need is there,” she adds.

THE BEST DEAL IN TOWN There isn’t a better deal than a pet who needs a home and will only cost you $80 for a dog, or $65 for a cat. The fees include spay/neuter, all vaccinations and deworming. And, you can take your new pet home the same day you adopt. Most of the pets at the shelter are already spayed or neutered before they are put up for adoption. “At present, Faith Veterinary Care in Mooresville spay/neuters our dogs and Scotts Creek Animal Hospital in Statesville does our spay/neuter for cats,” Chris shares. “The spay/neuters are usually done before adoption, but if that isn’t the case, the owner just has to take cats to Scotts Creek. Dogs are brought back

to the animal shelter and picked up the next day. Spay/neuter is taken care of as part of their adoption,” Chris says. When the shelter hosts rabies clinics the cost is only $6, and you don’t even have to leave your car. There is an inside drive through station to keep you dry if it is raining.

A GOOD VARIETY The day I visited the shelter, there were so many cuties vying for my attention. There were tall, short haired dogs in all colors, petite, curly haired dogs with long noses, short noses and some with almost no nose at all. Each pet is cute and wants to be loved and give back unconditional love to their new owners. Then I went to the cat room and saw a beautiful ragdoll mix with sky blue eyes, several playful kittens, and a

irector Christina Royal holds one of

the beautiful adoptable cats, Lucy, a Ragdoll mix; and Gizmo, who is also up for adoption.

few mature cats who would be happy to slumber on your lap all day. It was difficult for me (a known animal lover) to focus on the job more than the pets. The only reason I didn’t leave with one or two is probably because I couldn’t decide which one or two to adopt. The Iredell County Animal Shelter

sometimes has other domestic pets available–hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, goats and horses. Visiting hours are Monday through Friday, 10:30 to 5 pm and Saturday, 10 am to 2 pm. If you are interested in a particular pet, call ahead to check (704-8785424) or check out the pictures on PetHarbor.com or PetFinder.com.

If you or your family would like to make a donation for the animals at the shelter, they always need pet shampoos (flea, plain and medicated), scoopable cat litter, nail trimmers, large dog leads, cardboard cat carriers, brushes, stainless steel buckets, dog treats and Kong toys. Call to ask about other donations you might want to make.

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Summer Time Wines– Alternatives to the Season’s Usual Suspects By Jamie Venable

ummer is upon us, and seasonal changes are in full gear. In my world, seasonal change includes redirecting focus on the great global wine list. While I will certainly quaff the can’t miss Cab, the robust Rhone, a sure fire Shiraz, or other rambunctious red with the finest my grill can offer, summer’s warmth instigates my fleeing from the very wines that kept me and a heartier bill of fare toasty through the winter. Summer heat induces a need to jump into the adult pool of reds and whites that provide a lighter touch, at the grill or as a summer sipper on the deck, boat, or beach. The classic summer red is Pinot Noir. Why not, though, wade through great overlooked alternatives such as Italian Valpolicella and Sangiovese, Cru Beau-

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jolais and Chinon from France, Spanish Tempranilla, and North Carolina Chambourcin. All have less weight and a wonderful array of flavors. While Valpolicella has suffered in the past from a false impression of cheap plonk, there are quality producers making wonderful examples of this much lighter little brother to Amarone. Sangiovese is best known as the primary grape in Chianti and fits into the lighter wine concept, but additionally there are lots of tasty, inexpensive non-Chianti Sangiovese with the cherry/berry flavors that make it so enjoyable. Chinon, from France's Loire Valley, is made of Cabernet Franc with the possible addition of a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon, and though it has a wonderful full flavor, is less dense than its California counterpart. From Spain, Tempranilla is the red grape of Rioja, a very full flavored wine, without the heaviness. This is true of wines labeled Crianza, indicating a younger, less oaked wine than the Reserva or Gran Reserva. Chambourcin is a lesser-known hybrid developed in the Loire Valley. Possessing a fungus resistant character, Chamboucin has definitely found a home in North Carolina’s humid climate. I've yet to have a bad example of this wine, which falls somewhere between Pinot Noir and Gamay, the grape of Beaujolais. Speaking of Beaujolais, why wait for the Nouveau of November? There are 10 different Cru Beaujolais–all rela-

tively light wines, with varying degrees of fuller and more complex flavors. Examples include Brouilly, Chiroubles, and my favorite, Morgon. Red wine has its place during summer, however, every white wine glass will be pressed to greater service between Easter and Labor Day. While Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio are no-brainers, there are dozens of great whites to select this summer. Crisp, mildly citrus Austrian Gruner Veltliner, Spanish Albarino, Vinho Verde from Portugal, wonderfully floral Torrontes of Argentina, Verdicchio from central Italy, as well as Gavi, Pecorino, and Verdelho are each lip-smacking, heat-beating, thirst-quenching and delicious. These wines shine when paired with fish, chicken, and other favorite summer dishes. As you vacation this summer from the everyday hustle and bustle, refresh your palate with a break from the vineyards' usual suspects–you may discover a new favorite summer wine. Fine examples of all wines mentioned can be found in the $10 to $15 range. Cin Cin! Jamie Venable, owner of Wine Maestro in Mooresville

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I A WORD FROM

Moments To Remember...

David Bradley President and CEO Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce

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had a conversation in the middle of May with a gentleman who was adamant that he had the best job on the planet. How refreshing to hear someone talk about his work with joy and a bright light in his eye. Many of us spend so much time running on the treadmill of work that we fail to take a refreshing pause to appreciate our position in life. Occasionally, during seemingly benign moments such as the quick dialog with my work-happy friend, I take a snapshot of some of what we do at the Chamber. Through our members, our board of directors, our partner organizations and the staff, we have an opportunity, each day, to build a stronger community. The vast majority of our work, however, goes unnoticed. There are some tasks we undertake everyday: answering relocation inquiries, referring Chamber member businesses to those seeking information, staffing networking meetings, calling on prospects and longtime members, and orchestrating the next event. There is no question that those responsibilities are great, and we take pride in serving the community and our members. Some of our work does go unnoticed even though it can have a dynamic impact. On May 24 at Little Joe’s Chapel on the campus of Barium Springs Home for Children, Chris Snodgrass won the Iredell County Business Plan Competition. His business plan was selected as the best of the six that were entered into the official competition. He received a check for $1000 to help get his business started, but he walked away, as did all of the participants, with something far more valuable–great advice! The Iredell County Business Plan Competition was coordinated, primarily, by Suzanne Wallace with the Small Business Center at Mitchell Community College. Partners included both Chambers in the county, Mountain State University, Centralina Workforce Development, and the

SBTDC. The consortium of partners offered seven classes during the first five months of the year devoted to helping create a business plan. Fifty-two people attended the classes, suggesting that in some way, shape or form, they wanted to get well versed in business plan strategies. The fact that we had only six business plans submitted for the competition can be seen as a great accomplishment. Some folks simply might not have been ready to submit a plan. Some folks might never have been interested in a plan but just wanted to get a better understanding of marketing. If, however, we were able to convince some that they needed a little more work before they invested their life savings, and more, into a hope and a dream, the program was an overwhelming success. The power of the presentations of the six competitors in the small meeting room at Barium Springs was palpable. Each participant was passionate, articulate and believed completely in their plan.They were prepared to answer questions from potential investors, veritable Shark Tank imitators. The grilling was intense, but this was/is reality in the business world. Yet the power of the human spirit, the entrepreneurial energy and their real hope for a better tomorrow was something I won’t forget. Plans ranged from two nonprofit organizations to a scaled down micro-brewery to Chris Snodgrass’ Aqui-Flow, a pump manufacturer/supplier. Although we only had one check to go around, the wealth of knowledge and commitment in that one room was impressive. So in retrospect, to my good friend who tried to convince me in May that he had the best job on the planet, I am awfully glad he likes his work, but he is just a little off base. The best job on the planet happens to be working for a Chamber of Commerce in a place where the power of the human spirit is so doggone strong.

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Photo by Captain Gus

T A WORD FROM

Chamber of Commerce– A Portal for Information

Kirk Ballard President and CEO Mooresville - South Iredell Chamber of Commerce 26 28

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he Chamber of Commerce is a portal to town and county organizations. A recent annual review of our web statistics show that people across the community depend on the Chamber to help them connect with a variety of nonprofit and government agencies. Last year, 11,000 people went to the Chamber website looking for various governmental offices. Almost 4,000 times they linked from the Chamber website directly to government websites that they found on our directory. For educational services, individuals came to the Chamber website 7,000 times looking for connections to the Mooresville Graded School District, Iredell Statesville Schools, Mountain State University, Mitchell Community College, Garner Webb University, and the NASCAR Technical Institute. These educational institutions are linked to our website to help share information with the public. Nonprofits within our area are also shown on our website. Agencies like Junior Achievement, Habitat for Humanity, The American Red Cross, The Christian Mission, Mooresville Soup Kitchen, Goodwill Industries, and United Way are just some of the nonprofits that enjoy exposure on our Chamber website. Nonprofits are so vital in our community that these organizations are visited 12,000 times from our website each year. People who need information about health and human services for themselves or family members linked to HealthReach Community Clinic, The South Iredell Senior Center, Hospice & Palliative Care, Dove House Children's Advocacy Center, and Interim Health Care of the Carolinas. In nearly 3,800 visits, people like you have learned more about these important community services just by linking from the Chamber site. An important part of community growth is the development of new leaders. Leadership development classes at the Chamber of Commerce were started in 1995. Since then, we have

graduated 150 new business leaders. An initial project of the very first leadership class was the establishment of the Junior Leadership Program whose mission is to help create young leaders within our high schools. Students from Mooresville Senior High School, Lake Norman High School, and South Iredell High School, as well as homeschoolers, have participated in building this program. 210 junior leaders have graduated in the last 16 years. As an advocate for small business, we work with Mitchell Community College’s Small Business Center to provide additional resources for new and existing businesses. Through that partnership, we are in our second year of the small business planning competition that promotes and encourages job creation. Private, confidential business counseling helps business owners become profitable and sustainable. Expert advice on keeping business plans on track is provided as part of the competition. In the last year, there were over 100 free workshops that provided small businesses with business and technology training. With this increase in focus on businesses and jobs, it is very important to continue the Buy Local Campaign. For every hundred dollars spent locally, $68 are reinvested into the community to help create jobs. Last year local merchants posted 75 jobs on our chamber website; those job postings had 5,200 inquiries. Our town has grown from one ZIP code to two because our population has grown to over 70,000 residents. With this many people, there is a great need for government services, and for those who have fallen through the cracks, there is an even greater need. Often times, people look to the Chamber of Commerce for helpful information. We are glad to be a portal for our community when critical information is needed.

IREDELL LIVING • JULY 2012