Viewing life through a different lens

Chris Hailey, 2016 Lake Norman Chamber Diversity Chair and Chamber President Bill Russell

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I am an avid football fan. On any given Saturday or Sunday, I’m usually sitting back watching games when I see a real bone-headed play that leaves me thinking, “What was that all about?”

Granted the play has been stopped, we know the result and, in many instances, we watch replays over and over from every angle. Knowing the outcome, many of us become sports geniuses — hence the term “armchair quarterbacks.”

Several years ago, I had the opportunity, through our Leadership Lake Norman program, to tour the Criminal Justice Center at the Central Piedmont Community College Merancas Campus in Huntersville. There I was allowed to participate in a firearms simulation on which our law enforcement officers are required to train. Participants are provided a firearm equipped with a laser that registers actual hits and misses in a simulated environment.

In some situations, subjects in the video are innocent bystanders. In others, in the blink of an eye, the bystander became an armed assailant. The actual time you as a law enforcement officer have to ascertain the threat and act are mere seconds. My simulation involved terrorists who had taken hostages on a passenger jet in flight. I laughed it off and went home after I hit an assailant, a bystander and the fuselage of the plane perhaps dooming all of the passengers. For me, in that room with that make-believe gun in a simulated environment, it was little more than a video game.

Out on the streets, it’s anything but.

The last few days in Charlotte, and last few months nationwide, have seen tensions between law enforcement and the public reach a precipice. As I personally struggle to understand why we have reached this point, my good friend and the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce Diversity Chairman Chris Hailey asked me to “step back away from my ‘whiteness’ and see the world through a different lens — that of an African-American man.”

What some of us may see as a single incident is for many a tipping point of years of frustration, anxiety and fear. While there can be no excuse for looting, violence and lawlessness, there must be a way to confront the feelings many minorities are experiencing.

On Wednesday, Oct. 5, the Lake Norman Chamber Diversity Council will host a Lunch & Learn session at the CPCC Merancas Campus with Brandi Riggins from Charter Communications. She will discuss race relations and how we can continue to come together as a community. The Diversity Council will also host another community forum later in the month.

In the meantime, the Lake Norman Chamber will salute our public safety officers who put their lives on the line for us each and every day — our police, fire and EMS officers along with the Crime Stopper of the Year. That event takes place Thursday, Oct. 20, at NorthStone Country Club.

Unlike football, our police officers have no instant replay and no way to truly know what’s in the mind of the person they stop or try to apprehend. They have no ability to look back on what they could or should have done. They have only the moment. It’s real time.

One thing I do know for certain: none of our officers are out there looking for confrontation. They simply want to serve and go home safe at the end of the day to their families.

My friend Chris asked me to see life though a different lens. The reality is I’m not sure I ever really can. But I do know, I need to try. I pray to God that we all try.

Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce Honors Local Public Safety Officers

The Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce saluted the men and women who work tirelessly to protect and serve the families and businesses of the Lake Norman region at a Public Safety Luncheon held at the Peninsula Club in Cornelius.  The eighth annual event was keynoted by Tamara Williams, Dean of Central Piedmont Community College – Merancas Campus. Dean Williams shared the role CPCC plays in training public safety officers and first responders.   Chamber president Bill Russell, emceed the event and spoke to the critical role the police, fire, and first responders play in making the community a great place to live, work, and visit.  Russell and 2013 Chamber Chairman of the Board Wendy Moran, presented awards to the most outstanding officer from each North Mecklenburg department, selected by their respective chief.

The awards program was presented by Wells Fargo Bank and sponsored by Lake Norman Publications, Central Piedmont Community College, and the Peninsula Club.     The Lake Norman Chamber Public Service Award recipients for 2013 included: Officer Joseph Squashic – Cornelius Police Department, Officer Phillip E. Geiger, Jr – Davidson Police Department, Detective Jennifer Sprague – Huntersville Police Department, Firefighter Bill Shick  – Cornelius Fire Department, Deputy Chief Ryan Monteith  – Davidson Fire Department, Firefighter Bill Suthard  – Huntersville Fire Department, and Brandy N. Lankford  – North Mecklenburg Rescue Squad, Inc.     The Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce represents approximately 1,000 businesses in the Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, and greater Lake Norman region.  For more information about the Chamber visit LakeNormanChamber.org.

Picture: (From right to left) First row: Cornelius Fire Chief Jim Barbee, Officer Joseph Squashic – Cornelius Police Department, Davidson Police Officer Phillip E. Geiger, Jr.,  Deputy Chief Ryan Monteith  – Davidson Fire Department, and Chamber Chairman of the Board Wendy Moran.  Second Row: Lake Norman Chamber President Bill Russell, Huntersville Police Department Deputy Chief Michael Kee, Huntersville Fire Chief Larry Irvin,  Deputy Chief Ryan Monteith  – Davidson Fire Department, Cornelius Police Department Major Kevin Black, Davidson Police Chief Jeanne Miller, Davidson Town Manager Leamon Brice, and North Mecklenburg Rescue Squad Chief John Stroup  Photo courtesy of Patrick Nicholson

Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce President’s Message

Lake Norman Chamber Members and Stakeholders:                                                    

Chamber Backs Bonds
The Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has voted to endorse several bond packages before North Mecklenburg voters on November 5th.  The Chamber is encouraging its members to VOTE YES for the Charlotte Mecklenburg School Bonds and the Central Piedmont Community College Bonds before Mecklenburg County voters in the upcoming referendum.  Chamber members who are registered voters in the Town of Cornelius are also encouraged to vote for the three municipal bonds on the ballot.  These bonds will be the topic of the next Focus Friday on October 18th at the Chamber.  Current CMS school board representative Rhonda Lennon (District #1) and Carrie Kester, Chair at Community of Huntersville Education Collaborative will provide more information regarding the bonds.   Read more about the Bonds and the Chamber’s position here. 

Forums held in Davidson and Huntersville give voters a chance to meet the candidates
The Chamber will host a candidate forum in Davidson and Huntersville next week.  A forum was held in Cornelius October 1st.  The two-hour forum will be held at the respective town halls. The forum for Davidson is Tuesday, October 15th and Huntersville, Thursday Oct 17th. All forums are 7:00 – 9:00 pm. The events are moderated by Jerry Hancock, General Partner of Alexander Hancock Associates. Hancock is well known in Charlotte as a guest commentator on “All Things Considered,” National Public Radio, and the publishing of numerous journal articles. For over 25 years he hosted programs on public television including FINAL EDITION on Channel 42, a weekly roundtable discussion of current news topics with local reporters.

The forum in Davidson is co-sponsored by Davidsonnews.net and the Huntersville Forum is co-sponsored by the Lake Norman Political Association.  For more information, read about it here.

Public Safety Luncheon Salutes our First Responders
The Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce will host the eighth annual salute to North Mecklenburg Public Safety officers and volunteers at a special luncheon Thursday, October 17th at noon at the Peninsula Club (19101 Peninsula Club Drive) in Cornelius. The event, Presented by Wells Fargo Bank, is sponsored by Central Piedmont Community College – Merancas Campus and The Herald Newspaper. An officer from the Cornelius, Davidson, and the Huntersville Police Departments will be honored as well as members of the North Meck Rescue, and the local fire departments.

In addition to honoring the officers, the Guest Speaker will be Tamara Williams, the new Dean of Central Piedmont Community College – Merancas Campus. Dean Williams will touch on the role CPCC plays in training public safety officers and first responders.
Join us as we salute our first responders!  RSVP by calling the Chamber at 704-892-1922 or online.  The cost is $16 for Chamber members.  Read more about this event here.

Final Thoughts
While the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce is a non-partisan organization and we do not endorse candidates for elected office, we do believe in the principles of good government.  We strongly encourage our members to actively engage themselves in the political debate in their local community, state, and nation.  It is a shame that typically, only 13% of the electorate turn out to select elected leaders which will govern our communities and schools.

The Lake Norman Chamber encourages you to get to know the candidates running for office at all levels and vote for those who best represent your values and that of your business.  We would also ask that if you are a Mecklenburg County voter, you Vote FOR the CMS and CPCC Bonds.  If a Cornelius resident, Vote to SUPPORT all three Cornelius Town Bonds.  These important bonds will provide the financial resources for our roads, school, and quality of life and will be critical components for our economic development efforts and the business growth of our region.

Perhaps Abraham Lincoln put it best when he said, “Elections belong to the people. It’s their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.”

Let’s all hope looking back from the days ahead, we don’t regret the community and region we could have been simply because we didn’t take time to be informed and take advantage of our right to vote on election day.

Bill

W.E. “Bill” Russell, CCE, IOM
President & CEO
Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce
704-892-1922 (o)

http://www.lakenormanchamber.org

Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce to host “Best Small Business Practices”

Sharon Simpson, publisher of CURRENTS Magazine will join Ronnie Caldwell of Innovative Pest Management as a featured panelist for “Best Business Practices” Tuesday, June 11 at the Lake Norman Chamber. Pictured with Simpson is: Bill Russell, Hilary Broadway, Wendy Moran, and CURRENTS Staff members Cindy Gleason, sales associate, and Trevor Burton, wine columnist.

The Lake Norman Chamber will host a small business panel discussion on “Best Business Practices” Tuesday, June 11 8:30 to 10 am.  The presentation will take place at the Chamber’s Board Room 19900 West Catawba Avenue in Cornelius.  Sharon Simpson, publisher of CURRENTS Magazine, the 2013 Small Business of the Year and Ronnie Caldwell, owner of Innovative Pest Management, 2013 Runner Up will be the featured speakers.

Sweet Dreams Mattress and Furniture, Deborah Young Studios, Innovative Pest Management, Rural Hill, The Range at Lake Norman, Ferrucci’s Old Tyme Italian Market, and LKN Savings were also cited as outstanding small businesses and a few of the businesses are expected to have representatives present to discuss effective management and marketing tips.

Simpson and Caldwell will share with the attendees what management, marketing, employee, and overall operational practices have made their business successful.  Audience members will have the ability to interact with the panel, asking questions which assist them in growing their business.   For more information, visit the Chamber’s website at www.LakeNormanChamber.org.

Picture caption: Sharon Simpson, publisher of CURRENTS Magazine will join Ronnie Caldwell of Innovative Pest Management as a featured panelist for “Best Business Practices” Tuesday, June 11 at the Lake Norman Chamber.  Pictured with Simpson is: Bill Russell, Hilary Broadway, Wendy Moran, and CURRENTS Staff members Cindy Gleason, sales associate, and Trevor Burton, wine columnist.

Lake Norman Chamber’s “Torcher Chamber” Wins Heats at Asian Dragon Boat Races

Pictured Left to right. 1st Row: Sabrena Fernandez, Julia Holyfield, Susan Gresham, Ann Garrity; 2nd Row: Tom Hansen, Natalie Reid, Sunny Yates, Gail Scurry, Jennifer Spence, Melissa Polce,: 3rd Row: Frank Joseph, Alex Crenshaw, Kent Lowe, Al Posadas, Andrew Carlsen, Gabe Libutti

For the last two years, the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce’s Diversity Council has gathered various members of the community to participate on a Dragon Boat Race team as part of the annual Asian Festival held at Ramsey Creek Park.  Although the team dynamics and weather conditions varied, what remained constant was the “fun” that was had by all.

Team members practiced together at Morningstar Marina up to two times to prepare for “Race Day”.  It’s always amazing to see how the team bonds together as the competitive juices start flowing.  In fact, the Lake Norman Chamber team which has been named “Torcher Chamber” won their first two heats, and while they did not clinch their division title, they were within several seconds from the medal winners in the final Championship race.  This is pretty impressive given there were only 16 crew in the boat (a full boat has 20).

A big thanks goes to the team captain, Susan Gresham for coordinating this effort and to the team’s steerer, Brian Tarle who has invited everyone to Saturday practices in preparation for next year’s race.  As we continue each year to gain experienced dragon boat participants around our community, we look forward to the Diversity Council’s continued support of this event!

Lake Norman Chamber celebrates Small Business with week of seminars and networking events May 13-17

The Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce will host a week-long series of seminars and networking events to celebrate Small Business Week May 13-17, 2013.  The celebration kicks off with a “Lunch & Learn” program on the Secrets of Business Growth for Small Business Owners.  The seminar will be held at the Peninsula Club in Cornelius and includes lunch at no charge for attendees.  However, interested individuals must RSVP to the Lake Norman Chamber at 704-892-1922.

Panelists for the program include Joe Vagnone – Small Business Adviser, Business Broker (Carolina Business Academy); David Gilroy – Managing Partner, Scale Finance and Cornelius Town Commissioner; Sharon Simpson – Publisher: Lake Norman CURRENTS, Today’s Charlotte Woman, Little Ones magazines; Paul Dorsey – General Manager & President, Jantize America; Ginger E. Griffin – Principal, Ginger Griffin Marketing and Design; and a  Special Legal Q&A with  Robert McIntosh, McIntosh Law Firm, & Jesse Jones, LKN Attorney-at-Law.

Tuesday (May 14) the Chamber hosts a Small Business Accounting Workshop facilitated by Adam Boatsman, Owner, Boatsman Gillmore Wagner PLLC and Greg Hart, Partner and CFO at Scale Finance, LLC. The event will be held from 8:30-10:00 am at the Chamber.  Attendees of the program will examine how to develop a budget and a forecast to earn what you need as well as what you would like to make;  learn how to turn bookkeeping and accounting from a nightmare into something useful for making decisions; determine what a business owner should always be looking at each week and month to determine health; and discover how to structure a business in a way to minimize income taxes. There is no charge for chamber members and $25 for non-members.

Wednesday the 15^th there are two events: a Coffee Connections networking event at the Donut King, 9905-A Rose Commons Drive in Huntersville and a Social Media and Internet Marketing seminar at the Chamber of Commerce by McBryde Website Design at 3:00 pm.

Thursday the Chamber will join the Mooresville South Iredell and Lincolnton Lincoln County Chambers of Commerce in the Tri-Chamber Regional Business AfterHours held at the McGuire Energy Explorium 5:00 – 7:00 pm at 13339 Hagers Ferry Road in Huntersville.

The week culminates with a speed networking event at the Chamber Friday, May 17^th at 8:00 and the annual Small Business of the Year Reception at 4 pm at Fireside Bar and Grill 19930 West Catawba Avenue in Cornelius.  For more information on these events and seminars, visit the Chamber’s website at LakeNormanChamber.org. Non-members who wish to attend any of these programs or events are encouraged to contact the Lake Norman Chamber at 704-892-1922.

 

NC Senator Jeff Tarte to address local business leaders at monthly Focus Friday

 

N.C. Sen Jeff Tarte

North Carolina Senator Jeff Tarte, District #41, will give a Legislative Update to Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce members at the monthly Focus Friday, this Friday, April 26, 2013.  The event will take place at 8:30 to 10 am in the Randy Marion Board Room located at 19900 West Catawba Avenue in Cornelius.  Focus Friday is sponsored by DavidsonNews.net and CorneliusNews.net.

 

Senator Tarte is expected to touch on issues ranging from I-77 widening to tax reform.  Tarte will also speak on a local bill he recently introduced to give the lake municipalities jurisdiction to enforce ordinances on Lake Norman.  Senator Tarte who is serving his first term in the Senate is a Cornelius resident and former Cornelius Mayor (Serving three terms).  He is Vice Chair of the Senate Health Care Committee and a member of six other committees including Commerce and Finance.

 

Bill Russell, president of the 950-member chamber, stated the business organization looked forward to hosting the Senator, providing local businesses an opportunity to engage in dialogue on a variety of business and community issues.  “Specifically Gov. McCrory recently announced a new plan for prioritizing and paying for transportation projects. The “strategic mobility formula” would select projects based on objective data and local input.  We would like to hear Senator Tarte’s perspective on that program as well as tax reform which would include SB394-Lower Tax Rates for a Stronger NC Economy and SB363-Business Tax Reductions & Reforms.”  Russell cited both bills were recently a point of discussion at the Chamber’s recent Board of Directors meetings.

 

While the meeting is intended for Lake Norman Chamber members, it is open to the public.  Guests are encouraged to RSVP with the Chamber at 704-892-1922.  For more information about this event or the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce visit www.lakenormanchamber.org.

National economist to speak at Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce luncheon

Thursday, April 18 noon at Northstone Country Club in Huntersville

Mark Vitner, Managing Director and Senior Economist at Wells Fargo

Mark Vitner, managing director and senior economist at Wells Fargo, will provide an in-depth analysis of the United States economy in terms of  the current regional market and national economy when he presents: “Finally, We Have a Real Recovery.”  Vitner will discuss recent economic developments including sequestration, the budget, as well as fiscal and monetary policy. Mark will also share his insights into the current and future economic condition of North Carolina and the greater Charlotte region.

The luncheon will be held at Northstone Country Club, 15801 Northstone Drive in Huntersville Thursday, April 18^th at noon.  The cost is $16 for Chamber members and $20 for non-members.  RSVP to the Lake Norman Chamber at 704-892-1922.  Chamber members can also register online.  The luncheon is sponsored by Hyde Park Storage Suites, Bauerle Financial, Inc, and Business Today.

Mark Vitner is responsible for tracking U.S. and regional economic trends for Wells Fargo. Based in Charlotte, he also writes for the company’s Monthly Economic Outlook report, the Weekly Economic & Financial Commentary, and provides regular updates on the housing markets, commercial real estate, regional economies, and inflation..

Mark joined Wachovia (then First Union) in 1993.  Before that, he spent nine years as an economist for Barnett Banks in Jacksonville, Fla.

Originally from Atlanta, Mark earned his B.B.A. in economics from the University of Georgia, an M.B.A. from the University of North Florida, and has completed further graduate work in economics at the University of Florida. He also completed the National Association of Business Economics (NABE) Advanced Training in Economics program at Carnegie Mellon University.

For more information contact the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce at 704-892-1922 or visit www.lakenormanchamber.org.

Don’t Miss Lake Norman’s Premier Business Trade Show – Biz Expo Friday March 8, 2013

Chamber Business Expo Friday, March 8^th 11 am until 5 pm

Davidson College Belk Arena

The Lake Norman Chamber’s signature event, the 2013 Business Expo, will be held Friday, March 8^th at the Davidson College Belk Arena from 11 am until 5 pm.  The Expo is presented by Lake Norman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Randy Marion Automotive.  Gold Sponsors include Lake Norman Magazine, MI Connection, and Presbyterian Hospital Huntersville.  Silver Sponsors are The Herald Weekly, Carolinas Healthcare System, and Piedmont Natural Gas.  Admission is free and the public is encouraged to attend. A full listing of sponsors can be found in this newsletter and on the Chamber’s website.

To encourage public participation, KS Audio Video in Cornelius has donated a 39″ Hisense Flat Panel 1080p LCD television.  Guests will be encouraged to play Chamber BINGO visiting exhibitor’s booths for a chance to win. This year, it will not require signatures from the vendors but contestants will still have to visit the booths!

More than 2,000 people are expected to attend with approximately 130 businesses and 20 non-profits exhibited in what has become the Charlotte region’s largest business trade show.  Lunch will be provided by three Lake Norman restaurants: Alton’s Kitchen and Cocktails, Fox and the Hound Birkdale, and the Honey Baked Ham Company & Café will serve meals for $8 including beverage.  Tickets can be purchased at the Expo or in advance at the Chamber.  The restaurant menu can be found at www.lakenormanchamber.org.

Bill Russell, president of the Chamber said, “The Business Expo, now in its twelfth year, is an excellent opportunity for local businesses and non-profits to showcase their products, services, and organizations to the community.  It has also become a tremendous networking opportunity as we re-establish old friendships and create new relationships.

For a complete listing of sponsors and exhibitors, directions, and other information see the Expo website at www.lakenormanchamber.org or call the Chamber for more information at 704-892-1922.

Boatsman Gillmore Wagner PLLC Recognized with Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award from the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce

 

Pictured left to right: Bill Russell, Larry Wagner, Adam Boatsman, Jack Salzman, and Susan Medlin

The accounting firm of Boatsman Gillmore Wagner PLLC has been selected with the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce’s first Sprit of Entrepreneurship Award at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting January 24^th at the Havana Banquet and Ballroom.  Founding partners Adam Boatsman and Larry Wagner were on hand to receive the award which was presented by Susan Medlin, former Mayor Pro-tem of Cornelius and founder of Vintage Marketing, 2013 Chamber Chairman Jack Salzman, and Chamber President Bill Russell.  Wagner Noble & Co. recently merged with Boatsman Gillmore PLLC to combine their accounting, tax and advisory practices into one firm with offices in Charlotte and Huntersville.

Adam Boatsman credited the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce for helping the original office of Boatsman Gillmore PLLC to establish itself in the Lake Norman market.  Boatsman stated, “Dale Gillmore and I conducted initial market research using the Lake Norman Chamber’s website and determined that there was a market that we could service – namely growth oriented companies in the Lake Norman community that were utilizing either out-of-state or Uptown Charlotte based CPA firms.  We quickly bought into the live-work-play mindset and largely credit the chamber for assistance in launching the original CPA practice.”

Interestingly, its founder, Larry Wagner, started his firm at about the same age and point in his career as Boatsman and Gillmore.  Similar to his partner’s story, Wagner identified an underserved niche in the market and created one of the most well respected audit practices in the Charlotte area.

Today Boatsman Gillmore Wagner PLLC is one of the largest locally owned accounting firms in the Charlotte region. The firm has a talented team of 40 accounting and business professionals and revenues of approximately $5 million. In addition, the partners have plans to double in size and expand into other markets.

Boatsman added, “The Chamber was integral to the success of launching our firm and gave us the platform to meet other professionals and business leaders in the community.  The Chamber doesn’t necessarily bring anyone business, but it does provide an environment where if you want to help yourself and grow, you can.”

For more information on the Lake Norman Chamber visit www.lakenormanchamber.org.