iredelllivingdec13web

IREDELL LIVING • DECEMBER 2013 1

ComplimentaryD

ecember 2013

Living the Good Life

Protecting What is Important

ALARMSOUTH®

2 IREDELL LIVING • DECEMBER 2013

December 2013

Iredell Living the Good Life


LIVNG

I from the publisher

Myron T. GoughPublisher, Iredell Living

Welcome to the December issue.

In my November comments I wrote this was the month to

give thanks. As we come to the end of another fabulous

year of publishing Iredell Living, I feel like this is a perfect

time to say thanks all over again.

A special thank you to all of our staff. It is such a great

pleasure for me to work with so many talented and

professional people each and every month. They make my

job easy.

Thanks to our readers and our advertisers. We work hard

each month to publish a magazine that you will want to

read and advertise in. We seem to be doing just that

based on the feedback and response we get from you.

My wish for all of you this Christmas season is that you take

a moment to truly enjoy all that you have. I hope all your

dreams come true!

Merry Christmas and thank you for reading the December

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 • Kathy WheelerLinda B. Wilson

COVER PHOTOGRAPHYShane Greene Photography

COVER STORYAlarm South

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

To advertise, please call one of Iredell Living Magazine's sales representatives or

contact us at (704) 873-7307.

Iredell

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



LIVNG

I content

December 2013

22

18

8 • Decorating For The Holidays

12 • Alarm South: Protecting What Is Important

18 • Firm Foundation Martial Arts: Teaching Leadership Life Skills In A Christ-Centered Environment

20 • The Nutcracker: A Timeless Christmas Tradition

25 • What's Cooking?! Ho, Ho, Holiday Treats

26 • A Word From The Statesville Chamber: Thank You To Those Who Rarely Receive Credit

28 • A Word From The Mooresville- South Iredell Chamber: Holiday Sales Successes

25holiday | food | home | local business


By Kathy Wheeler

Decorating For The Holidays

Decorating can be an overwhelming task for some, but have no fear; you can create a space that looks beautifully put

together with a few general tips.

It can be tempting to use all of the decorations you have collected over the years, but refrain from temptation! Instead choose a color scheme of about three colors and only use those orna-ments and decor that fit your scheme.

Repeat color, ribbon and ornaments throughout your spaces for a cohesive

look.

Keep it simple and don't fill every available space–maybe a large

tree in the great room and dress up the mantel; a cen-terpiece on the dining table or some mixed greenery

draped on the light fixture with ribbon and berries tucked in. Move furniture

if necessary to keep rooms open and airy. Lighted houses

and villages are per-fect for placing on top

of kitchen cabi-nets, and provide mood lighting at night. No coun-

tertop real estate is lost and the extention cord can be hidden between cabinets with

a simple DIY proj-ect using an electri-

cal plug repair kit.

When using a centerpiece on the dining table, don't block the view of people sitting at the table. Either move the cen-terpiece to your buffet or keep your cen-terpiece low so people can see over it.

Consider switching to LED lights over incandescent. LEDs require a more costly investment initially, but use 85% less power than traditional holiday lights. They don't generate much heat, making them safer, and last 10 times longer. All LEDs are not made equal. If you want LEDs that look similar to the traditional lights, purchase the warm white. They also make a cool white, which has a blue tint to them, and a pure white, which is white without the warm cast to it. Super Bright LEDs generate more light than regular LEDs. If using outdoors, make sure the strand is rated for outdoor use.

By layering different types of greenery, with plenty of ribbon, lights and orna-ments, your decorations will provide a warm holiday glow for you and your guests to enjoy throughout the season.

©Jill Chen | iStockphoto


LIVNG

I cover story

By Kristie Darling | Photos by Shane Greene Photography

I love a good building-something-from-

nothing entrepreneur story, so when

Courtney Brown shared the humble

beginnings of his family’s business, I

listened. “My dad, Ralph Brown, was

a dairy farmer in Mooresville. In the

early 60s, he moved to Statesville and

worked for FCX. Many a night after

dinner, I’d ride with my brother, Jay,

and my dad in his truck around Lake

Norman,” Courtney explained. “This

was when Lake Norman was attract-

ing nice new homes, many of them

second homes. Dad’s part-time busi-

ness involved him checking doors and

windows all around the lake, flashlight

in hand, to make sure his custom-

ers’ homes were secure. I waited in

the truck.” Flash forward fifty years,

and you will find that Lake Norman

Security Patrol, Inc. is now the parent

company of one of the nation’s largest

independent and most successful secu-

rity solutions businesses: Alarm South

and its nationwide central station alarm

monitoring facility, Security Central.

Protecting What is Important

ALARMSOUTH®

Photos:On the cover–Courtney, Caroline

and Ralph Brown represent three

generations of the Brown's family

business – Alarm South.

Pictured above–The Brown Family,

Ralph and Christine Brown, owners,

along with their three children,

Courtney, Ellen, & Jay


ALARM SOUTH

If you live or work in the Carolinas, you’ve seen

Alarm South’s fleet of trucks at homes and busi-

nesses. With 35 technicians on call and over

45 dispatchers on line 24/7, 365 days a year,

Alarm South has grown to become one of the

largest and most reliable security companies

in the Southeast. “Dad had a vision,” Courtney

continued. “His business plan was always simply

to provide the best security possible, and our

family is still doing just that, but in so many dif-

ferent ways. Our cutting-edge technology today

was the stuff of science fiction back in 1963.”

PROTECTION AT HOME AND BUSINESS

In September, the FBI reported that there were

over 2.1 million burglaries nationwide, with

two-thirds of those daytime, residential break-

ins. Burglaries at businesses occur most often at

night. The good news is that monitored security

systems deter burglary attempts. Fire damage,

injury or death can be reduced, as well, with

properly installed and monitored smoke detec-

tors and fire alarms. “About 70% of the security

and monitoring systems we install are residen-

tial,” Courtney said. “Ten years ago everything

was done through phone lines, but today we

monitor with phone, cellular transmission and

Internet connections. We can design and install

a system for your specific needs, where you can

do anything, on-site or remotely. Turn lights on

and off, lock or unlock doors, adjust your HVAC

system, and send monitoring video to your

phone or computer wherever you are.” Your

entire security system can be controlled by direct

link to your PC, Internet-capable mobile phone,

or other device. You can instantly see what’s go-

ing on at home or at your business.

Wireless systems are a good choice for new and

older homes. Wireless offers a broad range of

features utilizing the latest trends in technology

for those who want home automation systems.

Customers can use video monitoring for what-

ever they want, such as: checking on the baby;

children who are home alone or elderly parents;

monitoring someone who works in your home;

your pets; keeping an eye on the pool or all the

Photos: Top–Courtney, Ellen, and Jay now operate their father’s business.Bottom, left–Ralph and Christine Brown, proud owners of Alarm SouthRight–The father-daughter duo, Caroline and Courtney, work to-gether to grow the family business.


Photos, top to bottom:• Security Central’s IT department works on receivers, which handle alarm signals. • The alarm monitoring center, Security Central, handles all incoming alarm signals.• Lane Hooks, Angela Clontz, and Dale Waugh of Alarm South go over plans for their next commercial install.

doors and entryways. Fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide

alerts, intercom systems, surveillance systems with instant

text notification, and home theatre installation are among

many security and convenience services available. Monitor-

ing, video surveillance and recording, and a full menu of

cutting-edge technologies are invaluable in a business or

industrial setting to ensure life and property safety, security,

and productivity.

SECURITY CENTRAL

Security Central provides monitoring and dispatch ser-

vices to over 1,500 security companies with 330,000

accounts in 47 states. Approximately 125,000 inquiry and

emergency calls are received each day. Alarm monitoring

takes place in Security Central’s highly rated UL facilities

in Statesville and Hickory. Racks and racks of advanced

communications technology, connected with miles of

cable, are securely housed primarily in three environment-

controlled computer rooms named Apollo, Hermes, and

Zeus. “Everything we do and everything we have, includ-

ing two diesel and natural gas emergency generators that

could keep us running for two weeks–absolutely all of our

systems–have redundant backups. Everything is recorded

and emergency alarms are sent immediately,” Courtney

explained as he gave me a tour of the incredible facilities.

“There is never a busy signal, and all calls are answered not

only by a real person, but by a professional who has been

thoroughly trained in emergency dispatch, with real-time,

online information about the alarm, even the weather

situation where the alarm has occurred.” Security Central

dispatchers are fully informed to make the appropriate

response quickly and securely. As a long-time Alarm South

very satisfied customer, I watched and listened as operators

managed emergency calls signaling immediate and appro-

priate law enforcement, fire, or medical emergency alerts. I

was amazed!

Intensive training is essential to the dispatcher’s job. Don

Childers is the company’s national training director. Ellen

Meihaus, Courtney’s sister and CEO, told me that Don

is the most sought after trainer in the security indus-

try. “With 22-years’ experience, Don brings a lot to this

company,” she shared. “He is one of only 100 NICET level

four instructors in the United States. Competitors around

the country contract with Alarm South to bring Don in to

conduct their training. He makes this somewhat mundane

topic entertaining and relevant.”


THE TEAM PROTECTING LIFE AND PROPERTY

Ellen and Courtney take pride in the exceptional qual-

ity of service provided by all of their 254 employees.

Sam Jordan started installing alarm systems when he

was 16-years-old; he’s been with the company 44 years.

Cathy McBride began as a dispatcher over 20 years ago

and is now HR director. “We have very little employee

turnover among our amazing team of hard working,

dedicated professionals,” Ellen said. “Our employees

get specific feedback on the work they do. We want

them to know how they have made a difference, some-

times a life saving difference, in someone’s life.”

PERSONAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Reliant Medical Alert is a new division of Alarm South

designed to keep individuals safe and secure with

just the touch of a button. Wearing a speakerphone

pendant anywhere within five acres of the base station,

you can immediately speak directly with a trained

operator at any time. “We heard from one Reliant

customer, a widow, who told us with tears in her eyes,

‘Now I can go outside!’” There’s always a professional

to answer your call, and you can request they call a

neighbor, family member or emergency services. Reli-

ant Medical Alert is affordable, and there are no con-

tracts or installation fees. “If we don’t do the job you

want,” Courtney explained, “you can quit anytime.

We’ve been working on this for years, and our primary

focus is on excellent service and customer safety.”

FAMILY OWNED, OPERATED, AND

GUARANTEED

Courtney, his sister, Ellen, and brother, Jay, along with

third-generation granddaughter, Caroline, continue a

long-established code of ethics that was initiated by

their father 50 years ago when he patrolled the roads

around Lake Norman. “Ever since Dad started install-

ing alarm systems so he wouldn’t have to drive around

the lake everyday shaking the doors and windows,

this business has had one primary mission,” Courtney

recalled, “and that is to provide families and businesses

with security products that meet their unique needs

and professional, personalized monitoring to safeguard

their families, businesses, and property. Even with all

the newest equipment and technology that we invest

in each year, it is still that simple–making sure that our

team is prepared to protect you and yours.”

Photos, top to bottom:• Warehouse Manager Mike Millsaps stocking shelves for the technicians at Alarm South.• Security Central’s state-of-the-art training room used for new employee training, software testing, and outside classes.

ALARMSOUTH®

311 Security Drive Statesville, NC 28687

704-872-9856www.alarmsouth.com


At Firm Foundation Martial Arts Acad-emy (FFMAA) in Mooresville, the focus is on more than the physical aspect of martial arts. Establishing a strong foun-dation in leadership and citizenship is just as important.

Owner Jeff Blake is a fourth degree black belt who has been practic-ing Tae Kwon Do since 1997. He has taught martial arts for 11 years and

started FFMAA in 2004. He has won numerous titles and world champion-ships. For Jeff, it goes beyond the belts, titles and championships. Before begin-ning FFMAA, he worked as a creative director and was happy and successful in his career. Just before his dad passed away in 2004, he saw a video of his son teaching martial arts and told him he was so proud of him for teaching and helping kids. That life event caused Jeff’s career to take a turn, and he devoted himself to teaching martial arts full-time and cultivating strong values in today’s youth.

FFMAA teaches basic leadership skills like goal setting, respect, perseverance, integrity, attitude, team building and the importance of community. “My phi-losophy is to teach my students to be leaders, not followers,” Jeff says. “You can’t just let it happen, you’ve got to

make it happen.” FFMAA is a Christian martial arts school offering faith-based training in a family friendly environ-ment. They welcome all denominations and religions.

Jeff focuses more on the positive than the negative. Jeff explains: “We don’t ever yell at kids. I’ve been a student at other martial arts schools where they want to rebuild you. I believe in giving a child everything they need to succeed and building them up to their poten-tial. We don’t just teach them to fight, but give them the firm foundation they need to face life’s challenges.”

Jeff acknowledges that parents make a huge difference, and encourages

families to get involved. Once a month FFMAA has family night pizza parties, picnics, holiday celebrations or other fun events. They also participate in various community events and raise money for breast cancer awareness and the American Heart Association.

Families are invited to participate in classes together. Classes are not catego-rized by age, but students from three to adult take classes together. Self defense and safety are a big focus for Jeff, and he says it helps to have a range of ages in one class to teach it effectively. “We teach hard core self defense,” Jeff explains. “Our three and four-year-olds may not be able to physically defend themselves against an adult, but they

By Meredith Collins | Photos by Shane Greene Photography

Teaching Leadership Life Skills in a Christ-Centered Environment


know what to say or do. They know how to be more aware of their surroundings and to speak up. At the end of the day, my goal is to be sure people get home safely.”

Firm Foundation Martial Arts Academy611 N. Main Street, Mooresville

Just a mile north of downtown, in the Court City Shopping Center

www.ffmaa.net 704-662-9537

Call for Holiday Gift Certificates!

Above–Jeff Blake, fourth degree black belt, chief instructor, ownerRight, top–Firm Foundation is a family oriented martial arts school where all ages train together.

There is more to being a martial artist than kicks and punches. Firm Foundation builds leaders, not bullies.

Studying Leadership Life Skills


Nutcracker HistoryWritten during the classical period of ballet, The Nutcracker is based on E.T.A. Hoffman's book, “The Nutcracker and the King of Mice.” The music was written in the 1890s by Russian composer Peter Tchaikovsky. First performed in Russia in 1892, with an American premiere of the complete production in 1944, the ballet utilizes various characters and a large number of children. Regional ballet companies stage their own produc-tions of this festive tradition each year at Christmas. It has been almost 60 years since the first performance in New York City. Choreographer George Balanchine changed a few characters, and it is his version that is mostly performed today.

The story opens in the Stahlbaum's German home. Clara and Fritz are the children in the home, and during their annual Christmas Eve party, Clara receives a beautiful and unusual Nut-cracker that she falls asleep holding after everyone has gone home. In her dream, the toys surrounding the Christmas tree spring to life, and the Nutcracker's toy soldiers battle with the Mouse King's army. The Nutcracker transforms into Clara's magical prince, and they go on a journey to the land of sweets where the Sugar Plum Fairy greets them. At the end of the dream, the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier’s dance has become known as the most famous pas de deux in ballet.

A Christmas GiftThe Academy of Dance and Fine Arts (ADFA) in Mooresville has performed The Nutcracker for years. Five years ago, Artistic Director Sadie Roberts-Doughten decided to donate some of the proceeds from their performances to the community. In 2012, Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) received a dona-tion, and this year the funds will go to Ace and T.J.'s Grin Kids, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of terminally ill and handicapped young children by sending them and their families on a trip to Disney World. In the past, morning show personali-ties Ace & T.J. have sent 262 families to Disney World.

Mix, Mingle and Chat Over a Cup of TeaLast year a group of parents formed a committee to help with fund raising. Jamie Woods and Wendy Watkins, with the help of other parents, organized a Nutcracker Tea to raise more money for charity. “Our tea was a huge suc-cess,” Tina Kennedy, ADFA Nutcracker board member says. “This year we had the same success; all three teas sold out fast.”

The Nutcracker Tea is held in Novem-ber. It is for children and their parents who want interaction with the dancers in costumes. The tea provides a setting to mix, mingle, and chat with perform-

ers. Dancers share the story through dance, narration, and

techniques with guests. Aspiring ballerinas get

to enjoy a short performance that is perfect for chil-dren too young to sit through an entire produc-tion, while having some tea or lem-onade with Nutcracker sweets.

“This year, as well as last year, Johnson Carriage House and Meadows has graciously allowed us to use their beautiful facility for our tea,” Tina Kennedy says. “It is the perfect setting for the tea. Our parents work

Accomplished ballet dancers rehearse for months to perform the timeless tale of The Nutcracker each Christmas season. Many of us have grown up watching the magical set and props come alive when the music begins, and Clara, the Nutcracker, the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Prince effortlessly enchant us with the aura of ballet.

By Linda B. Wilson

NutcrackerTHE

A TIMELESS CHRISTMAS TRADITION


so hard setting the most unique tables and serving a variety of treats from the land of sweets. This year we were able to accommodate more people, and all the proceeds went to Ace and T.J.'s Grin Kids.”

Local Talent - Creating the MagicFrom the beginning plié to the lovely pirouette, the students of ADFA are accomplished young dancers who create The Nutcracker's timeless magic. They give us a little grande jeté – a big jump – into the Christmas season while learning to perfect their talents and give back to their community. Miss Sadie's dancers not only have become accomplished balleri-nas, they surpass in the art of gracious hostesses.

Cailyn Kennedy dances the part of the Sugar Plum Fairy this year. “This is my ninth year in the production,” she states. “I've played a variety of parts from party girl to Clara, and now this is my last year as the Sugar Plum Fairy.” Cai-lyn, a senior at Lake Norman High School, plans to major in dance at Florida State or University of South Carolina next year.

Get caught up in the magic of The Nutcracker at Roland R. Morgan Auditorium, Mooresville Senior High School Friday, December 20 at 7pm; Saturday, December 21 at 1 pm and again at 5pm for the benefit performance and raffle.

Tickets can be purchased at the ADFA Studio, 780 Wil-liamson Road, Mooresville or online at www.adfastudio.com. Adults $12, children 6-11 $10; five and under free.

PHOTOS: Above, left to right–Emmerson Cauthren, Rebecca Klaft, Cailyn Kennedy, Melody Morrow and Molly Ensalaco.

Opposite page–The Nutcracker is performed by students from The Academy of Dance and Fine Arts. Molly Ensalaco holds the Nutcracker and stars as Clara. Photos compliments of Shannon J. Hager, XLM Photography


Add egg and extracts; mix well. Add flour mixture, 1 cup at a time, mixing after each addi-tion. Do not chill dough. Divide dough into 2 balls.

On floured surface, roll each ball into a circle approximately 12 inches in diameter and 1/8 inch thick. Dip cookie cutters in flour before each use. (Wilton has numerous holiday cookie cutter sets such as the “Ho-Ho” Word cookie cutter among others.)

Bake cookies on ungreased cookie sheet 8 to 11 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned. Cool cookies com-pletely.

Outline and fill-in cooled cook-ies with cookie icing. For “Ho-

Ho” cookies, sprinkle with sugars; let set until icing is completely dry. For snowflake cookie, add white cookie icing detail to dried cookie; attach sugar pearls with dots of icing.

Nothing says home for the holidays like the smell of treats baking in the oven and a crowded kitchen filled with loved ones. Whether making decades-old family favorites or starting new holi-day baking traditions, you can create homemade holiday goodies in a ginger snap. Wilton has all sorts of products to help your creativity.

Jolly Santa’s Treat CookiesMakes about 3 dozen cookies.

2¾ cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking powder1 teaspoon salt1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened1½ cups granulated sugar1 egg1½ teaspoons vanilla extract½ teaspoon almond extract Red, green and white cookie icing; red and dark green colored sugars; white sparkling or pearlized sugar; white sugar pearls

DirectionsPreheat oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy.

What's Cooking?!HO, HO, Holiday Treats

Recipe and photo courtesy of Wilton Enter-

prises. For more holiday recipes, visit www.Wilton.com


A W O R D F R O M

Thank YouTo Those

Who RarelyReceive Credit

David BradleyPresident and CEOGreater Statesville

Chamber of Commerce

Have you turned on the

television and listened to an

interview of a professional

athlete or movie star and heard them

say, “Money’s not important?” WHAT?

This is typically said just after they have

renegotiated their contract or held out

for more zeros on the end of their pay-

check. In a weird way, I believe they be-

lieve it, too. Once you have something,

it’s easy to say it’s not that important.

Statesville Mayor Costi Kutteh has often

joined me in touting the old adage,

attributed to numerous people ranging

from Abraham Lincoln to George Bush

that, “There is no limit to what you can

do as long as you don’t care who gets

the credit.” Ironically, we would prob-

ably re-coin that phrase when we are

being given credit for something.

As we close out a year that has been a

needed salve for an economy that has

suffered much, I’d like to use this space

to thank some of those who rarely get

any credit for the work they do to make

this a great place to live, work, and play.

This is a minuscule list that could be,

were it not for space considerations,

larger than this magazine.

• Public Works Department of the

City of Statesville – These folks pro-

vide water, sewer, and sanitation servic-

es for citizens. Everyday we hear from

visitors about how clean and attractive

the city is. Having had the chance to

work with these folks directly during

Carolina BalloonFest and Pumpkin

Fest, I realize how much pride this

department has in their jobs.

• Staff at area service organizations

– There is a tremendous amount of

very notable service work provided

by many area nonprofit organizations.

The executives of these organizations,

including the Chamber, frequently get

recognized, but the real workers–the

service warriors–are the employees

of Fifth Street Ministries, the Boys

and Girls Club, Mi Familia, and the

numerous other agencies in the area.

• Those employed in educational

systems – I must admit that when I

think of schools, my first thought is of

teachers. No doubt, the job they do is

underappreciated, and I am grateful

for them. Sadly, I sometimes overlook

the folks who work behind the scenes.

Maybe they’re in the lunchroom, in

maintenance or grounds. I am thank-

ful for your work to help mold our

future.

• The older gentleman that just

smiled and said hello as I was

walking into my office today. I don’t

know his name, but he had an impact

on my day with that small and under-

valued gesture of acknowledgement.

• Volunteers – Incredibly, there were

over 550 volunteers for Carolina

BalloonFest. Pick any event in our

community, and you will find an

unbelievable number of people who

freely give their time and effort to

ensure the event’s success. What are

those volunteers looking for? More

than acclaim; they want to be part of

something successful.

• Newspaper deliverers – I walk to the

end of the driveway and pick up my

paper every morning. Somebody has

to get up earlier than me and, regard-

less of the weather, has a responsibil-

ity to get that paper to my house in a

timely fashion. Unfortunately, I don’t

appreciate their work until the day my

paper fails to arrive.



New to Lake Norman?We'll help you get acquainted! Call the Welcome Committee at 704-660-1155 for a FREE welcome basket filled with valuable coupons, maps and community information.

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Sometimes we talk about the spirit of a community and its

contribution to the feel of the place. The spirit of a community

is not embodied by an object, a mall, a mountain, or a lake.

The spirit of the community is personified by the people who

go about their day doing their job or giving their time simply

because it is the right thing to do. In the way they carry them-

selves, you can see their pride in themselves, their job, and their

home.

My challenge to you, during this time of holiday celebration, is

to find those people who often don’t get any credit, and thank

them for what they do, big and small, to make your life better.


Pho

to b

y C

apta

in G

us

Kirk BallardPresident and CEO

Mooresville - South IredellChamber of Commerce

Holiday Sales Successes

A WORD FROM

Small businesses have generated 64% of new jobs over the last 15 years. 93% of U.S. consumers

believe it's important to support local, small businesses within their own com-munities. For many small businesses, the holiday season is the largest sales opportunity. The day after Thanksgiv-ing is traditionally considered to be the beginning of the Christmas holiday shopping season. There are several things that small businesses can do to make the holiday season a success for their business. First, create an event to promote small businesses.At the Chamber of Commerce we do this with our Christmas Bazaar. On December 6th, between 2pm and 8pm, the Charles Mack Citizen Center will have over 35 small business booths filled with shopping items, arts and crafts, and holiday gifts. Children from the Mooresville Community Children's Theater will sing traditional Christmas songs in Charles Dickens’ era dress, and dancers will entertain us with their enchanting renditions of The Nutcracker. A gingerbread house contest and free gift-wrapping for shoppers during this special event will make everyone happy.

Engage the whole community, includ-ing the kids!Once again, we are partnering with the Mooresville Downtown Commission’s downtown holiday event that coincides with our Christmas Bazaar on Friday, December 6th. Downtown will be deco-rated with over 75,000 holiday lights, Christmas Tree Lane comes back again, and wagon rides will delight children of all ages. The big guy, Santa, will stop by between 6pm and 8pm.

Make it easy to shop.Extend your business hours to include late shoppers. With everyone’s busy schedules, it's harder to shop nine to five, so make it convenient for those with limited shopping time.

Make it memorable.The Mooresville Downtown Commission and the Chamber of Commerce work to-gether to help dress the town with signs, banners, lights, and beautifully decorated windows–all to help this shopping sea-son become a blockbuster for everyone.

Advertise in the newspaper and get the media involved.Contact our local newspapers, and let them know about the importance of sup-porting small, local businesses during the holiday season. Placing an ad in your lo-cal newspaper shows support, and you'll get supported in return. Local media are always looking for a good story; so let them amplify your message. Social media helps you reach a younger audience, so be sure to post upcoming events on your Facebook page. The more passionate you are about spreading the word, the more others will be doing the same.

Engage other small businesses.Now is the time to reach out to your small business neighbors and bring them on board. You can help them participate in making this the most beneficial and successful holiday shopping season.

Ensure proper inventory is on the shelves.Small businesses should have ample inventory on hand during this peak sales opportunity–ready to satisfy all your customers.

Plan for the unknown.During the holidays, small business owners are focused on running a busi-ness, but what if something unexpected happens? According to a recent traveler survey of small business owners, more than half do not have a written plan to manage an unexpected disaster, like theft, bad weather, or other problems. An emergency could impact your bottom line in a heartbeat. Always be prepared!

Remember, 60% of every dollar spent lo-cally goes back into the local economy.



LIVNG

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