iredellliving14julyonline

IREDELL LIVING • JULY 2014 1

ComplimentaryJuly 2014

Living the Good Life

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Tilley’s Dance Academy27 Years Creating Stars!

2 IREDELL LIVING • JULY 2014

July 2014

Iredell Living the Good Life


LIVNG

I from the publisher

Myron T. GoughPublisher, Iredell Living

Welcome to the July issue. With summer in full swing, it's time to hit the lake, beach, or

your favorite destination for a little R & R. Nothing is quite as

cool and refreshing as a relaxing dip in the water to beat the

summer heat. Be sure to apply plenty of sunscreen and don't

stay out in the sun too long.

Several communities in our area will be celebrating July 4th

festivities with fireworks, food and fun! The Lowes YMCA in

Mooresville will be having their annual Summer Celebration

on the evening of July 3rd. Take the family out to enjoy all this special holiday–America's birthday–has to offer.

A special thank you to our veterans from all wars for making

this Independence Day possible. Those who have worn the

uniform know firsthand what duty, honor and country mean.

We salute you and thank you for your service.

Have a happy and safe Fourth, and thank you for reading the

July issue of Iredell Living Magazine!

Follow us on facebook–IredellLivingMagazinehttp://twitter.com/IredellLiving

W W W . I R E D E L L L I V I N G M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Mailing Address - 1670 E. Broad Street, Suite #195 Statesville, NC 28625 704-873-7307E-mail - [email protected]

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSKristie Darling • Kirk Ballard • David Bradley

Meredith Collins • Stacey K. HinmanApril Dellinger • Janet Harriman

COVER PHOTOGRAPHYShane Greene Photography

COVER STORYTilley's Dance Academy

Editorial stock photography, unless otherwise noted, is from ThinkStock.com

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.

Myron T. GoughPublisher/[email protected](704) 873-7307

Kathy WheelerArt Director/[email protected](828) 238-3224

Bob [email protected](336) 686-7271

Linda B. [email protected](704) 657-0237

Heather [email protected](704) 962-8080

“Uncle” Jim [email protected](980) 722-2861

Iredell

Follow us on facebook–IredellLivingMagazinehttp://twitter.com/IredellLiving



LIVNG

I content

July 2014

23

18

8 • Flying Old Glory

12 • Tilley’s Dance Academy 27 Years Creating Stars!

18 • KM Electrical Heating And A/C Taking Customer Satisfaction To The Highest Degree

21 • Tuning In For Teachable Moments

23 • What's Cooking?! Grilled Skewers And Ice Cream Pies

25 • ElderCenter Home Away From Home

26 • A Word From The Statesville Chamber Register Your Team For The Davis Regional Amazing Race!

28 • A Word From The Mooresville- South Iredell Chamber The Chamber–The Front Porch Of Mooresville-South Iredell21

holiday | family | food | local business


As the 4th of July holiday nears, American flags begin to

make an increased appearance in honor of the birth of

our nation. Flagpoles are dressed in red, white, and blue

and driveways are lined with undulating Stars and Stripes. But

what does our nation's flag represent, and how do we care for

and uphold the tradition with proper formality?

When the official flag was adopted in 1777, the colors bore no

significance. The flag simply mimicked the colors of its former

design, which was derived from the British Union flag. It was

not until 1782, when the American seal was created, that the

red, white, and blue established a higher meaning. Red came to

symbolize hardiness and valor, white represented purity and in-

nocence, and blue signified vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

Horizontal stripes were the first American addition to its own

flag. These, like today, were the 13 original colonies. Stars were

added in place of the British Union design in 1777. The stars

were to represent "a new constellation," white in a blue field. The

United States House of Representatives wrote:

By April Dellinger

Flying

Old Glory

"The star is a symbol of the heavens and the divine goal

to which man has aspired from time immemorial; the

stripe is symbolic of the rays of light emanating from the

sun."

Just as the founding fathers of the United States put a copi-

ous amount of thought into the design of what is now our

national flag, it is important to keep in mind that Old Glory

is not a mere piece of decoration and should not be treated

as such.

Knowledge of flag etiquette is essential to anyone who

chooses to own and fly the Stars and Stripes. It is not for

general decor. If you intend to use the flag to decorate this

July, remember that bunting should be used on homes or

tables with the blue stripe at the top. It is customary for

the flag to be lit at all times by sunlight during the day and

illuminated by a light source at night, so be sure to do so

appropriately.

If your flag becomes tattered or torn in such a way that it

is unfit for display, it should be destroyed by burning in

a dignified manner unless it can be salvaged by mending.

You can wash the flag if it is in need of cleaning, but it must

be lowered from hanging slowly, never touching the ground

or any object other than waiting hands and arms where it

can be folded neatly and ceremoniously. With this in mind,

your flag should never be used for holding or delivery of

any object at your holiday festivities nor should its design

be impressed on things that will be discarded after use. This

includes napkins, plates, and cups.

Etiquette and symbolism of Old Glory should not be forgot-

ten in the midst of our holiday celebrations. Just as our pa-

triotism shines, so should our representation of our beloved

national emblem for liberty and justice for all.

Barn Quilt ToursTour Guide for Bus Groups or

Passenger VansChurches • Civic Groups • Schools

Group Coordinators Tour FREE

Reserve Your Date Today!(704) 500-2713

TapestryToursNC.com

©Matchefoto | iStock | Thinkstock


LIVNG

I

Article by Kristie DarlingPhotos by Shane Greene Photography


Photos: On the cover and pictured here–Staff of Tilley's Dance Academy, from left to right–Cortney Toothaker, office man-ager; Denise LeVan, owner and instruc-tor; Laura Hanson, instructor; and Amy Brookshire, instructor

cover storyTilley’s

Dance Academy27 Years Creating Stars!

Tilley’s Dance Academy27 Years Creating Stars!


Article by Kristie DarlingPhotos by Shane Greene Photography

Dancing With the Stars has nothing on Tilley’s Dance Academy!

Just take a peek into the studios on North Center Street, or flip

through recital programs, and you will see that dance is alive

and well at Tilley’s. “I love dance, my instructors all love dance...

it’s that simple,” Owner Denise Tilley LeVan shared. “My sister,

Donna, and I started dance lessons when we were little, like in

kindergarten, and I started teaching after high school. With my

mom’s help, I opened Tilley’s Dance Academy when I was 24. It’s

been a wonderful whirlwind ever since!”

MORE THAN DANCING

“I love when parents bring their children to Tilley’s,” Denise

continued. “We have little ones as young as three and moms

and grandmothers dance, too. It’s wonderful seeing little girls

develop, not only their dancing or tumbling talents, but also

confidence, self-esteem, and creativity. I get to watch little girls

blossom into beautiful young women ready to face the world.

It’s the best job!” Denise explained that for the youngest dancers,

there’s more than dance steps to learn. They learn how to put on

and tie their shoes, how to pack their bag and take care of their

things. They listen and follow instructions. They’re motivated to

do well. Parents often introduce their five-year-old as “my shy

child,” but after a year or two of dance, she’s ready to get out

there in front and be the leader! When dance students get older,

they learn to help the little ones. It’s like a big family growing up

together.

DANCING, TUMBLING, GYMNASTICS!

Denise has about 215 students enrolled at the academy and

another 65 at Tilley’s Too Cheer & Gymnastics, west of States-

ville on Hickory Highway. Registration and open house for

2014-2015 classes are July 28th (returning students), July 29th

(new and returning), and July 31st for Tilley’s Too Cheer &

Gymnastics. “New students enjoy open house–they see what it’s

all about,” Instructor Amy Brookshire shared. “They meet the

teachers; we have refreshments and they meet up with friends.

Visiting the studio helps children decide if they want to do this,

especially the little ones.” Students can be fitted and order shoes

in the retail dance shop, which also sells dance apparel and

accessories. It’s convenient for students and open to the public.

Classes begin after Labor Day and continue through May. The

menu of classes is extensive:

Preschool classes (4 & 5 year olds) teach creative movement,

ballet, tap, jazz, and gymnastics. Three-year-olds take the same

classes with other three-year-olds.

Combination class (6 & up) covers ballet, tap, and jazz.

Photos, top to bottom:• Owner/Instructor Denise LeVan assisting two of her

advanced preschool students.• Chase assists one of his state games students on her

bar routine.• A customer making a purchase from the retail store.

Tilley's Dance Academy's store carries all of your dancewear needs!


Hip-Hop classes (7 & up) introduce

hip-hop moves (age-appropriate dances

and edited music).

Lyrical classes (7 & up) teach contem-

porary, modern, and lyrical dance.

Adult classes include tap and jazz, hip-

hop, Zumba and fitness.

Summer Dance Camp is about to begin.

Parents can call any time to sign up–

your child doesn’t need to be a regular

academy student. Three-year-old classes

have finished for this summer, but

classes for seven and up begin July 7th.

For students who have developed expe-

rience and skill, auditions are held for

junior and senior dance companies, the

hip-hop crews, and lyrical dance com-

pany. The performance dance companies

tour and have traveled to New York City,

the Bahamas, and Orlando in years past

and performed at Macy’s Parade, Disney

World, Universal Studios, and several

cruise ships.

RECITALS, PERFORMING AND

TOURING

Denise has held the hands of thousands

of young girls and a good number of

boys over almost three decades while

getting ready for recital. It’s an exciting

time. “We showcase all our students at

recital,” she said. “They get to perform

on stage at Mac Gray Auditorium. They

get all made-up and look beautiful in

sparkling costumes and hairdos, and

everyone comes to applaud them. It’s

the culmination of a year of hard work,

dedication, and fun!”

Dancers, past and present, are every-

where. “Some days I feel like I know

everybody in town,” Denise smiled. “I

have past dancers who now bring their

kids and grandkids to class. Everywhere

I go in town, young women tell me they

took dance at Tilley’s for ten, twelve

years, or more. It’s a gift knowing we

impact children’s lives during this criti-

cal part of their growing up...I feel very

blessed.”

Trophies are awarded to all students at

their awards day at the studio celebrat-

ing their years of class, starting with

minis, petites, juniors, seniors, adults,

hip-hop, and lyrical, a combination of

jazz and ballet. Several of Tilley’s stu-

dents have chosen dance as a possible

career. Krystalyn Gill, a 15-year student

at Tilley’s and a Miss North Carolina

contestant in 2013, received a full schol-

arship in dance to East Carolina Univer-

sity. Her sister, Ashtin Gill, studies dance

at Elon College, and Lauren Turbeville

dances at UNC-Charlotte.

Tilley’s dance companies compete and

travel throughout the year, and last year

Photos, clockwise:• Laura Hanson helping one of her senior ballet stu-

dents.• Ballet Instructor Laura Hanson with the senior

dance company in their ballet technique class.• Instructor Amy Brookshire with her little competi-

tion hip hop class, getting ready for their national competition!


the academy’s teams brought home 28 first place trophies! Visit

the studio, and you’ll see this year was not unusual–trophies line

the walls! Brittany Gibson, a 10-year former student, told me,

“The best thing about taking dance at Tilley’s was working with

other dancers. Our teachers all had a positive attitude, and they

encouraged us to be our best.” Brittany was accepted into the Vi-

sual and Performing Arts Center at Statesville High School. She

thinks about continuing dance after she graduates.

SOMETHING TO CHEER ABOUT

“We opened the gym as an expansion of the dance studio,

because we had lots of kids who wanted to improve in gymnas-

tics,” Denise remembered. “We have kids from three-years-old

to 18, and we teach everything from tumbling for preschoolers

to gymnastics and power tumbling for cheerleaders. With little

ones, we start by holding them up to the bar to see if they can

hold themselves up. From there, it’s lots of fun for everyone!”

The gym has a tumble track–a really long trampoline that every-

one loves. Students start on the low floor beam, and learn paral-

lel bars, vault, and floor. While Denise doesn’t train students

for high-level competition (it’s all recreational), a handful of her

older, advanced gymnasts went to the NC State Games at KPAC

last month.

DANCE TEACHERS ARE EXCELLENT ROLE MODELS

Amy Brookshire has been teaching dance for 18 years. She has

been a National Dance Championship Teacher for 11 years. “I

started dance when I was four,” she noted, “and I teach a little

bit of everything. I love working here, it’s not like a job at all!”

Laura Hanson trained at the Royal Ballet School in London and

has eight years’ professional dance experience. Denise is certi-

fied at various levels, and with 31 years teaching experience, her

students are the beneficiaries of her expertise, dedication and

caring nature. The skill and talent of her faculty is outstanding.

“My mom, Robinette Tilley, loves dancing–I gave her yet another

dance award this year. She is a huge part of my success. She’s

supported me all these years, from the first tee shirts we handed

out, to our last amazing recital,” Denise shared. “Without our

moms, we might not strive for our full potential or get to follow

our dreams. I want to thank all the moms (and dads!) who bring

their kids week after week for dance lessons. It can change a life.”

www.TilleysDance.com

Photos, top to bottom:• Cortney assisting some of her tumble students• Chase and Heather coaching their students on the

balance beam.• Staff of Tilley’s Too Cheer & Gymnastics, from left

to right–Heather Leazer, coach; Katrina Potts, office; Chase LeVan, coach; Denise LeVan, owner; Cortney Toothaker, office manager and tumble coach

Tilley's Dance Academy

401 N. Center St • Statesville

(704) 872-6438

Tilley's Too

2478 Hickory Hwy • Statesville

(704) 838-1399


By Meredith CollinsPhotos by Shane Greene Photography

KM Electrical Heating & Air Conditioning has a multi-discipline

business strategy to work with many different customers and meet

a spectrum of utility needs. Their three-pronged approach includes

electrical work, heating, and air conditioning. They provide these

services in commercial, industrial, and residential environments.

Established in 1998 by owner Kent Moore, the company has been a

constant in the community that many people depend on for honest,

reliable service. “We still have many of the same customers from 20

to 30 years ago when I was doing part-time work,”

Kent said.

Kent focuses on customer satisfaction and instills this

value in his team of 17 technicians. “Our whole busi-

ness is built around customer satisfaction and refer-

rals,” Kent said. “I know that in order to be successful

we have to keep our existing customers happy.”

The growth of the company has allowed Kent to

delegate more responsibility to the technicians. Many

technicians are state licensed, NATE certified, and

have undergone extensive training specific to their

trade. “We’ve been intentionally growing our compa-

ny at a steady pace so we can keep a control on qual-

ity,” Kent said. “While I can’t physically look at each

job like I did 15 years ago, we are providing the same

quality. I’ve always told the guys, if you are ready to

leave the job at the end of the day and you can’t say

that’s the best looking heat or electrical system you’ve

ever seen, and if it’s not something you’d want to

showcase–redo it.”

Customers from all areas return for more business.

The company provides electrical, heating, and air

services in all environments from restaurants to office

buildings to homes. They install systems from the

ground up in new construction and repair or update

existing systems.

Kent stresses the importance of proper maintenance

for heating and air units to minimize repair costs.

“Heat pumps need to be serviced once or twice a

year,” Kent explained. “Your central air conditioner

needs to be checked in the spring and furnaces in the

fall. It’s important to make sure the air conditioner

unit has been serviced and the outdoor coils have

been cleaned or it won’t perform right.” If your air

conditioner has not been serviced yet for the summer,

now is the time.

Taking Customer Satisfaction to the Highest Degree

Photo:Left–Kent and Vicky Moore, owners of KM Electrical


Energy efficiency is another of the com-

pany’s focus areas, and they work with

customers to find the right system to

decrease their power bill. Another way

to help with energy efficiency is Aero-

seal, a process that seals ductwork so it

can’t leak air. “If your air duct work was

a water pipe, you would see all sorts of

leaks,” Kent said. “This process will seal

your duct work from the inside to the

same tightness that it would need if it

was carrying water.”

Kent and his team are an experienced

and trusted company, ready to meet

your electrical, heating, and air condi-

tioning needs.

KM Electrical Heating & A/C

www.callkm.com

704-876-6279

Photos: Left to right–

• David Craft, service technician,

working on a commercial unit

• Josh Tomlin, service manager and

technician, repairing a commercial

air handler

• Training session for KM Electrical

employees


As parents, we often get busy with the day-to-day chores

of life. But, learning to set aside quality time to connect

with your child is not only crucial for his development, it

will benefit him for years to come. Keep in mind, when

spending time with your child, it’s not necessary to follow

a lesson plan. Often times, everyday activities help rein-

force what your little one is learning in the classroom.

“One of the greatest gifts you can give your child is the

love of learning,” says Dr. Gloria Julius, vice president

of education at Primrose Schools. “By learning at home,

your child is not only connecting with you, but research

shows that it is also benefitting them academically and

socially.”

About the author:

Stacey K. Hinman is the owner of

Primrose School of Lake Norman located

at 173 Raceway Drive, Mooresville. For

more information call 704-658-0460 or

visit primroselakenorman.com

Tuning in for Teachable Moments

By Stacey K. Hinman

Becoming an active part of your child’s learning is simple.

Start by embracing the moments you are already spend-

ing together. Here are five ways you can teach your child

at home:

Observe. Take your child on a walk, exploring

and discussing things you see along the way. Use

this opportunity to teach children about their five

senses by finding things to help demonstrate sight,

sound, taste, smell, and touch.

Read. Reading with children helps their language

and intellectual development. Read stories out loud

and act out the different characters. Ask questions

while reading to help your little one comprehend

the story and make connections between it and real

life situations.

Create. Arts and crafts are not only fun, they

can teach children important skills like identifying

colors, following directions, and thinking outside

the box. Let your child combine paints together to

create new colors, or draw shapes for them to trace.

Calculate. Have your child help you around the

house by counting or measuring items. Incorporate

math lessons into your home by letting your child

help you make a recipe. Have them follow the direc-

tions, measure out the different ingredients, and eat

the final product.

Play. Games are a great way to incorporate fun into

education. Playing games like Cranium, Cariboo

or Zingo teaches players about colors, shapes, and

words. Try having a family game night once a week

so everyone can join in the fun and learning.


© Anatoliy Samara | Hemera | Thinkstock


Mini Ice Cream PiesYield: 10 Mini

2 round pie crusts, thawed1 3 1/2-inch round cookie cutter10 2 to 3-inch scalloped tart shells 3 cups chocolate chips Blue Bunny–Bunny Tracks Ice Cream½ cup chopped peanuts

Directions1. Preheat oven to 425°F. 2. Roll out round pie crusts and use round 3 1/2-inch cookie cutter to cut out circles from pie dough. Round cookie cutter should be slightly larger than top of tart shell. Cut out 5

rounds from each pie crust. 3. Fill cupcake liners about 1/3 full to allow for ice cream.4. Grease tart shells and place pie dough rounds down into tart shells, carefully pressing dough into scal-loped edges and bottom of tart shell. Pierce bottom of tart shell with fork to prevent it from baking too high. Bake tart shells for 8 to 9 min-utes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool before flipping out onto work surface.5. Melt chocolate chips in micro-wave-safe bowl or double broiler. Carefully dip scalloped edges of tart shells into chocolate and flip over to let cool. Scoop mini balls of ice cream into shells. Top with a drizzle of warm, melted chocolate chips and garnish with chopped peanuts.

Create a topping station for more fun! Include items like sprinkles, chocolate chips, nuts, gummie bears and whip cream. The little ones will have a blast mixing different tastes for the perfect sweet combination.

Chicken Skewers with Avocado Cream Dip

Prep time: 30 minutes • Cook time: 10 minutesMakes: 6 appetizer portions

4 (5-ounce) chicken breasts ½ white onion ½ green bell pepper½ red bell pepper6" Skewers

Marinade½ cup orange juice1 ½ teaspoons Tabasco Original Red Sauce1 teaspoon minced garlic1 ½ teaspoons key lime juice2 tablespoons chopped cilantro1 tablespoon Achiote paste1 tablespoon minced white onion2 tablespoons soy sauce1 teaspoon salt

Dip1 medium-sized ripe avocado½ cup sour cream1 tablespoon chopped cilantro1 teaspoon key lime juice1 teaspoon Tabasco ¼ teaspoon salt2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions1. Cut chicken into 1" cubes. Whisk mari-nade ingredients in a large bowl until smooth. Fold in and coat chicken pieces. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour.2. Place all dip ingredients into a food pro-cessor and blend until smooth.3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.4. Cut peppers and onions into 1" square pieces (approximately 12 each). Assemble skewers by threading red pepper, chicken, onion, another piece of chicken, and green pepper. 4. Grill each skewer two minutes on all four sides. Serve with Avocado Cream Dip.

What's Cooking?!Grilled Skewers and Ice Cream Pies

Recipes and photos courtesy of Tabasco and Blue Bunny.


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A Journey of Success


As many of us define and prepare for our golden years, in tandem

we may also find ourselves caring for our aging parents who have reached that horizon. In addition to parental care arrangements, siblings and other beloved family members are sometimes included in adult care plans, too.

Whether unexpected or planned, when senior care becomes a family decision, ElderCenter in Statesville offers adult day care services in a comfortable home environment. Many local families find ElderCenter a solution to avoid prema-ture placement of a loved one into an institution setting.

Upon your arrival at ElderCenter, you’ll view a house complete with white rockers on the front porch to encourage outdoor socializing. You’ll be welcomed through the doors by a friendly, profes-sional staff and find all the nuances of a home: sunlight through the windows and the energy of engaged people. At ElderCenter, loved ones can participate in fellowship and positive stimula-tion rather than be left unattended or homebound. One goal of ElderCenter is to keep seniors as independent and active as possible to foster a comfort-able quality of life.

ElderCenter offers peace of mind and respite to caregivers. Mr. White shares his own family’s affirming experi-ence with ElderCenter, which is now his brother’s home away from home.

“With the death of our mother in 2006, the responsibility for the care of my 55-year-old Down syndrome brother fell to me, my wife, and brother. Since none of us could quit our jobs, we were desperate. Through God and the United Way, we found the Elder-Center. It became his second home, the staff his new family, and the happiest chapter of his life began. He had new friends, learned to dance and sing, play games–and most importantly, he knew he was loved. ElderCenter gave him a new life and made it possible for us to continue ours.”

Over 25 years ago, ElderCenter opened its doors after a study in Iredell re-vealed the biggest need in our county was for supervised adult day care. Committee members of the Iredell Council On Aging initiated a com-munity wide call for resources to meet this senior care void. First Presbyterian Church of Statesville donated $5,000 to encourage other churches to support establishing a local elder care center. Our Department of Social Services (DSS) promptly funded 10 participants, and the state of North Carolina offered a grant. ElderCenter also applied for a United Way venture grant, which was awarded to the new organization.

Today, ElderCenter provides adult day care for persons over 50 in a commu-nity-based setting with transportation, meals, and professional supervision. Daily planned activities help slow the

process of dementia and other illnesses. Activities also nurture participants’ per-sonal independence for social, physi-cal, and emotional wellbeing. In May 2014, ElderCenter celebrated Older American's Month by going out to the Hickory Crawdads baseball game, cooking out, and having an ice cream social/music party on the porch with Bill and Gail Edwards.

ElderCenter depends on private fund-ing sources to manage expenses and services. The 2014 fundraising calen-dar includes the popular pansy sale on October 9, their annual dinner on October 18, and Christmas bazaar on November 1.

Currently, adult day care is available Monday through Friday. Looking for-ward, the five-year vision is to transi-tion from the current social model to a medical model to serve more Iredell County families everyday and offer overnight stays.

ElderCenter welcomes speaking en-gagement opportunities. For additional information and eligibility criteria, con-tact Tammie Money, executive director at 704.873.0720. ElderCenter Inc. is a non-profit organization. Visit their website to donate, volunteer, or apply to participate at:

ElderCenterAdultCare.org. Like them at:

facebook.com/eldercenterinc

ElderCenter – Home Away From HomeArticle and photos by Janet Harriman



A W O R D F R O M

Register Your Team For The

Davis RegionalAmazing Race!

David BradleyPresident and CEOGreater Statesville

Chamber of Commerce

Is it true that younger people don’t

get as engaged in community events

as their predecessors? Sometimes

it seems like that, and it is frustrating!

Organizations like ours have the same

golf tournaments, business after hours,

etc. that we have always had, and those

young guns aren’t coming out. What’s

wrong with them?

Let’s rephrase that…although we have

seen a growing number of younger

adults participating, their level of buy-in

is not quite as deep as those who have

walked before them. We offer the same

golf tournaments, business after hours,

etc. that we have always had, and those

young guns aren’t coming out. What’s

wrong with US?

We had our Flow Automotive Birdies,

Bogies and Business Golf Tournament

last month, and it was very successful.

The average age of the participants was

slightly over 50. In and of itself, that is

not a problem, with the notable excep-

tion that the average age of participa-

tion in golf tournaments doesn’t stay

constant–it rises. Indications are, we’re

not quite connecting with the younger

members.

In September, we bring back the Davis

Regional Amazing Race. This event is

open to teams of four that will chal-

lenge themselves to tackle clues to

make it from one random location to

another throughout Iredell County. At

each destination, they will be required

to compete in some type of challenge,

physical or mental, that lauds team-

work and collective leadership. It is a

multi-tasker’s ideal dream adventure.

We will develop a route with challenges

that set the expected finish line (and

time) to coincide with our September 5

Piedmont HealthCare Friday after Five

concert in downtown Statesville.

Although the race is more than 10

weeks away, teams are being formed

right now. As soon as we receive regis-

tration, your team will be entered into a

pre-race contest utilizing social media.

Pretty simple, really–just take a picture

of your team in whatever way, shape,

or form you desire, and ask all the folks

you know to acknowledge your team as

the one to beat. Each team member re-

ceives a shirt with his/her team name on

it, a car flag for recognizing each other

on the road the day of the race, an op-

portunity to see parts of Iredell County

they have never seen, and a venue from

which some great stories will be told.

So…one might question what does this

race have to do with engagement of

younger adults in community func-

tions? The average age of participants

in the Davis Regional Amazing Race is

near 30–a full 20 years younger than

the average age of participants in our

golf tournament. Both events have

value; there is no question about that. It

takes much more manpower to orches-

trate this event, but if it means getting

younger folks excited about their com-

munity, it is worth it.

To register a team for the Davis Regional

Amazing Race and to share, perhaps,

the most unforgettable experience you’ll

have this year, call our office at

704-873-2892 or go to our website,

www.statesvillechamber.org.



Pho

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Kirk BallardPresident and CEO

Mooresville - South IredellChamber of Commerce

The Chamber–The Front Porch of Mooresville-South

Iredell

A WORD FROM

The Chamber truly is a portal to information and services available to the public. We are

the front porch of Mooresville-South Iredell, where questions are met with direct answers to connect solutions to problems. A recent annual review of our web statistics point out that people across the community looked to the Chamber of Commerce to find a variety of agencies provided through local and county government. Last year over 9,000 people went to the Chamber website looking for various government offices. For educational services, 7,000 individuals came to the Chamber website looking for connec-tions to the Mooresville Graded School District, Iredell-Statesville Schools, Mitchell Community College, Gard-ner-Webb University, and the NASCAR Technical Institute. All of these edu-cational institutions are linked to our website in a continuation of communi-cation to help inform the public.

As an advocate for small business, we partnered with Mitchell Community College’s Small Business Resource Cen-ter, the Centralina Workforce Develop-ment Board, Gardner-Webb University, Mooresville Downtown Commission, the Town of Mooresville, MSI-Eco-nomic Development Corporation, and Mooresville Convention and Visitors Bureau to hold our first Job Fair in 2013. The Job Fair had 38 employer booths with over 500 job seekers in attendance. Mitchell Community Col-lege helped create 88 new resumés, and 25 employees were directly hired from the Job Fair. In the last year, there were over 100 free workshops that provided small businesses with educational and technological training. In the Chamber’s conference room, the Small Business Resource Center holds private, confidential business counsel-ing sessions, imparting advice to help business owners become profitable and sustainable and keep their busi-ness plans on track. With this increase in focus on our local businesses and jobs, it was very important to continue

the Buy Local Campaign. For every hundred dollars spent locally, $68 is reinvested into our community. This helps create more local jobs, and the increased sales tax revenue helps keep property taxes down. An important part of community development is encouraging new and young leaders. Leadership de-velopment classes at the Chamber of Commerce were started in 1995. Since then, we have graduated 158 new business leaders. One of the first proj-ects of the very first leadership class was the creation of the Junior Leader-ship Program. It seeks to build new leaders within the high schools in our area. Mooresville Senior High School, Lake Norman High School, and South Iredell High School students, as well as homeschoolers and charter school students, were all part of establishing this program that has graduated 240 junior leaders since its inception in 1996.

Nonprofits within our area are also shown on our website. Agencies like Junior Achievement, Habitat for Hu-manity, American Red Cross, Christian Mission, Mooresville Soup Kitchen, Goodwill Industries, United Way, Salvation Army, Selma Burke Cen-ter, Dove House and Barium Springs Home for Children are just some of the agencies that enjoy exposure on the Chamber website. These critical organizations are visited 12,000 times annually from our Chamber website.

Our town has grown from one zip code to two because the population has grown to over 70,000 residents. With this many people, there is a great need for government services. For those who have fallen through the cracks, there is an even greater need. Often times, they look to the Chamber of Commerce for information on how to find the help they need. The Cham-ber truly is a portal to information and

services available to all.


IREDELL LIVING • JULY 2014 31IREDELL LIVING • JULY 2014 31

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