Text Box: 2009 Chamber Officers, Directors:   Chairman  Mark Hudson   Chair-Elect  Shannon Kennedy   Secretary Allen Langley   Treasurer Kitty Hoyle   Past Chairman Steve Padgett   Board of Directors Suzanne Amos Martha Bivins Dr. Bruce Boyles Cameron Corder Larry Corry Darlene Davis Larry Hamrick Jr. Eddie Holbrook Charlie Holtzclaw Dr. Linda Hopper Michael Johnson Debbie Kale Rick Murphrey David Schweppe Seth Stevens Sandy Tallant Dr. Steve Thornburg Rick Washburn John Young

Text Box: InterAction Text Box: Tourism Update   Visitor Information Distribution Report:   November December January Brochures Distributed 981 1030 5358 Tourism Website Visits 675 581 997 Online Brochure Downloads 713 700 649     The Visitor Information Center just completed an order for 350 visitor information packets to be distributed at a reunion held in Cleveland County this month.  We have a current order for 1,500 visitor information packets which will be distributed at the AAU Tournaments that will be held here in May.  We also are fulfilling a request for 80 packets for the State Police K-9 Unit Trials that will be held here in Cleveland County this summer.     The Visitor Information Center fulfills requests for travel information for groups coming to Cleveland County for events, reunions, weddings, etc.  We also send visitor information on an individual basis as people request information from our website, through our media advertising and by walking in.    National Tourism Trends “AIG Effect” Tones Down Lavish Business Events – Today, "practical" has replaced "memorable" as the buzzword in high-end business circles.  Companies are canceling splashy events and lavish business dinners or revamping the way they plan them.  The new mood means drastic changes for employees who've come to expect five-star treatment, as well as hoteliers and travel planners who base their businesses on such meetings and incentive travel trips.  They've even coined a new phrase for the trend: "the AIG effect."  It comes from the embarrassing disclosure last fall that struggling insurance giant American International Group had spent about $400,000 on a retreat at a luxurious St. Regis resort and spa after taking an $85 billion federal bailout.  After that, hoteliers saw mass cancellations or postponements of previously booked upscale trips and meetings.  Businesses usually cut back on luxury travel spending in tough times, but new image concerns raise additional worries.  To find out more, visit http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2009-01-26-aig-effect_N.htm.   February Events Printed calendar of events may be picked up at the Chamber office on Lafayette Street or the Visitor Information Center at the Cleveland Mall on Highway 74.  The website, www.TourClevelandCounty.com offers the most up-to-date information on current events. Carrousel Winter Schedule Hours are Friday & Saturday 1 pm – 5 pm and Sundays 1:30 pm – 5 pm.  Shelby City Park, 850 W. Sumter St., Shelby, 704-484-6476, www.CityOfShelby.com/Parks Thru 2/6      Gardner-Webb Art Exhibit Explores Timeless Mysteries & Ourselves Opening reception on Thursday, 1/22 4-6 pm.  The unique artwork of English explores kinetic forms (involving or producing movement), wind pollution, and the relationship of man and the environment in much of his artwork.  His work is generally presented in the forms of sculpture, photography and video. Communication Studies Hall Gallery on the campus of GWU, 110 South Main Street, Boiling Springs, 704-406-4340.  www.jesseenglish.mosaicglobe.com. Thru 3/19     Gardner-Webb University Art Exhibit Communication Studies Hall Gallery on the campus of GWU, 110 South Main Street, Boiling Springs, 704-406-4340.  www.jesseenglish.mosaicglobe.com. Thru 4/25     Cleveland County’s History: What you need to know Sun. 1-4 pm, Tues-Sat 10 am-4 pm. Kings Mountain Historical Museum, located one block south of King Street, Highway 74 Business, on the corner of South Piedmont Ave. and East Mountain Street.  100 East Mountain Street, Kings Mountain, 704-739-1019, www.kingsmountainmuseum.org Thru 6/22       Servants & Service in the Age Antebellum - An underground discovery: Step underground into the cold darkness of the servant’s quarters in an 1879 mansion built by Civil War Confederate Surgeon, Doctor Alfred Frederick Hambright. See the life of a Butler, Head Housekeeper and Estate Chef from yesteryear while touring the full White House holdings in our collections of 24k gold plates and more. Tours for buses, groups and families anytime - otherwise open Saturdays at 1 p.m. The Presidential Culinary Museum, 301 Cleveland Avenue, The historic Hambright Mansion, Grover, Located at NC exit 2 or SC exit 106 on I-85. 704-937-2940 www.theinnofthepatriots.com 2/2            Williams Observatory Open House Opens at sunset.  Astronomy presentations and special telescope viewings.  Gardner-Webb University campus in Boiling Springs, NC. 704-406-3804, www.gardner-webb.edu/astro          2/4            Gardner Webb University Men’s Basketball 7 pm. vs. Liberty, Paul Porter Arena, Lutz Yelton Convocation Center on the campus of Gardner-Webb University, 110 South Main Street, Boiling Springs, 704-406-4340 www.GWUSports.com 2/5-3/12           14th Annual “Treasures of the Earth” Pottery Show and Sale Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm. Opening reception February 7 (5:30pm-7:30pm) In its 14th year, this promises to be the best show yet with the works of over 25 local and regional artists. This is a must see show. Cleveland County Arts Council, 111 S. Washington St., Uptown Shelby, 704-484-2787, www.ccartscouncil.org 2/5, 12, 19 & 26     Toddler Physical Education & Crafts 10-11am (30 min gym, 30 min crafts).  $15 for all 4 weeks.  Registration by Feb. 3. A parent/guardian must be present during class.  Shelby City Park, 850 W. Sumter Street, Shelby 704-484-6811 www.cityofshelby.com/parks 2/5            Gardner-Webb University Distinguished Artist Series 8 pm. Dover Auditorium on the Gardner Webb University Campus in Boiling Springs, NC 704-406-4448 2/6-7          Greater Shelby Community Theatre Presents – “The Mystery of Irma Vep” A definitive spoof of Gothic melodrama, The Mystery of Irma Vep is a quick-change marathon in which two actors play all the roles.  A sympathetic werewolf, a vampire and an Egyptian princess are brought to life when her tomb is opened.  Performances at Cleveland Community College, 137 S. Post Road, Shelby, 704-480-8495, www.gsct.org 2/7            For the Love of Chocolate 1-5 pm.  $10.  Sample local chocolate creations.  Cleveland County Red Cross, 1333 Fallston Rd., HW 18 N. Shelby, 704-487-8594 2/7            The Bear Facts 11 am.  How dangerous are black bears?  Can we coexist?  Why are black bears so unique?  What should I do if I see a black bear?  South Mountains State Park, 3001 South Mountains Park Avenue, Connelly Springs, NC  28612. (South Mountains State Park is located south of Morganton off of old Highway 18) 828-433-4772 www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/somo 2/7            Gardner Webb University Women’s Basketball 7 pm. vs. Radford, Paul Porter Arena, Lutz Yelton Convocation Center on the campus of Gardner-Webb University, 110 South Main Street, Boiling Springs, 704-406-4340 www.GWUSports.com 2/7 & 15      Skulls & Skins 2-3 pm.  Look for Park Ranger Michael Eisch and his interesting display of skulls and skins at the Visitor Center. South Mountains State Park, 3001 South Mountains Park Avenue, Connelly Springs, NC  28612. (South Mountains State Park is located south of Morganton off of old Highway 18) 828-433-4772 www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/somo 2/8            Caddisfly Cases 2 pm. Kids are introduced to the life cycle of an aquatic insect and its adaptation as they construct their own caddisfly cases.  Meet at the Visitor Center.  South Mountains State Park, 3001 South Mountains Park Avenue, Connelly Springs, NC  28612. (South Mountains State Park is located south of Morganton off of old Highway 18) 828-433-4772 www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/somo 2/9            Veggie Lovers Group 7 pm.  $15 includes a light meal.  You do not have to be a Vegetarian to join the Group.  Just someone interested in Healthy Eating.  Group Meets on the second and fourth Monday nights.  No membership required but reservations are necessary. Healing Connection Wellness Center, 323 S. Washington Street, Shelby 704-487-4727 2/9            Women, Daughters & Sons Self Defense  (No Men Allowed In Classroom)  Every Monday for 8 weeks, 6-8 pm.  $30. Please sign-up ASAP to ensure your spot in this Defensive Tactics Training Class. The deadline for sign-up will be Friday, January 30th by 5:30pm.  This class is open to women, daughters and sons(No men allowed in class). This training is great for Rape Prevention, Date Rape and Self Defense. Shelby City Park, 850 W. Sumter Street, Shelby 704-484-6839 www.cityofshelby.com/govt/dept_parks_rec 2/9            Gardner Webb University Women’s Basketball 7 pm. vs. Liberty, Paul Porter Arena, Lutz Yelton Convocation Center on the campus of Gardner-Webb University, 110 South Main Street, Boiling Springs, 704-406-4340 www.GWUSports.com 2/10           Gardner-Webb University Distinguished Artist Series 8 pm. Dover Auditorium on the Gardner Webb University Campus in Boiling Springs, NC 704-406-4448 2/11-15       WoodMill Winery Wine and Chocolate Week 2 pm. Bring your Valentine to WoodMill and experience exquisite wine and chocolate parings.  WoodMill Winery, 1350 WoodMill Winery Lane, Vale, NC  28168 704-276-9911 www.woodmillwinery.com 2/13           Valentines Day Lunch at the Carrousel 11:30-1:30 pm. $11 per person.  Reservations required by Feb. 11.   A catered lunch provided by Dressing On The Side includes,  a delicious bowl of hearty homemade vegetable soup, your choice of a freshly made deli sandwich, a side of broccoli romaine salad tossed with a homemade sweet and sour dressing with a crunchy topping,  fresh seasonal fruit, a scrumptious dessert bar and warm cider or tea.  Carrousel open for rides from 1 – 5 pm. Music by Ray Ledford.  Flowers by Holly's Flowers.  Anne Dover Bailey Pavilion, Shelby City Park. 704 484-6476 www.cityofshelby.com/parks 2/14           Valentine’s Dinner at WoodMill Winery 7 pm. Limited seating, reservations required.  WoodMill Winery, 1350 WoodMill Winery Lane, Vale, NC  28168 704-276-9911 www.woodmillwinery.com 2/14           Valentine’s Dinner at Owl’s Eye Vineyard & Winery 1414 Metcalf Road, Shelby 704-471-9196 www.OwlsEyeVineyard.com 2/14               Inn of the Patriots Valentines Dinner Limited space, reservations required.  BYOB Champagne and Wine, we shall provide Belgian White and Dark chocolate covered strawberries, two dozen red roses and two embroidered "White House Guest" - Lincoln Bedroom, robes in your room to take and bring back home. Accommodations: $395.00 for the evening, Dinner $175.00 per person plus 18% gratuity and tax, Musical recital after dinner in the main parlor with wines and a special toast.  Limousine pickup and drop-off available, white carriage and horse rides with blanket available. His and hers special massages, manicure, pedicure, salon services, facials in the afternoon, evening or next day optional, extra.  Private battlefield guide tours the next day, optional, extra. The Presidential Culinary Museum, 301 Cleveland Avenue, Grover, 704-937-2940 www.theinnofthepatriots.com 2/14           Gardner Webb University Men’s Basketball 8 pm. vs. High Point University, Paul Porter Arena, Lutz Yelton Convocation Center on the campus of Gardner-Webb University, 110 South Main Street, Boiling Springs, 704-406-4340 www.GWUSports.com 2/14           Streamside Hike 11 am. Join Park Ranger Michael Eisch at the Jacob Fork Parking Area at 11:00 am for a streamside hike along the Jacob Fork River.  Watersheds, flora and fauna, and water quality will be the focus of this approximately 1.0 mile walk. South Mountains State Park, 3001 South Mountains Park Avenue, Connelly Springs, NC  28612. (South Mountains State Park is located south of Morganton off of old Highway 18) 828-433-4772 www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/somo 2/14           Birds, the Good, the Bad and the Funny 2 pm.  Indoor program and a short hike to identify and count birds for the Great Backyard Bird Count Event.  South Mountains State Park, 3001 South Mountains Park Avenue, Connelly Springs, NC  28612. (South Mountains State Park is located south of Morganton off of old Highway 18) 828-433-4772 www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/somo 2/17           Gardner-Webb University Distinguished Artist Series Dover Auditorium on the Gardner Webb University Campus in Boiling Springs, NC 704-406-4448 2/18           Gardner Webb University Men’s Basketball 7 pm. vs. Winthrop, Paul Porter Arena, Lutz Yelton Convocation Center on the campus of Gardner-Webb University, 110 South Main Street, Boiling Springs, 704-406-4340 www.GWUSports.com 2/19-22       Sports Card Show 10 am-9 pm.  Sports and NASCAR items will be on display and for sale.  Cleveland Mall, 2001 E. Dixon Blvd. Shelby, NC, 704-484-2001 www.shopclevelandmall.com 2/20           Gardner Webb University Softball Season Opener 1 pm. vs. Howard, Campus of Gardner-Webb University, 110 South Main Street, Boiling Springs, 704-406-4340 www.GWUSports.com 2/20-21       Gardner Webb University Baseball Season Opener Fri 2:30 pm, Sat 12 pm. vs. Canisius, Masters Field on the campus of Gardner-Webb University, 110 South Main Street, Boiling Springs, 704-406-4340 www.GWUSports.com 2/20-22, 27-28      Steel Magnolias presented by Kings Mountain Little Theatre, Inc. Fri-Sat 7:30 pm and Sun 3 pm.  A heart-warming story of southern ladies that is strong as steel yet soft as magnolias.  Joy Performance Center, 202 S. Railroad Ave, Kings Mountain. 704-730-9408. www.kmlt.org 2/21           Bridal Show at Woodmill Winery 12-3 pm. Fashion show at 2 pm. WoodMill Winery, 1350 WoodMill Winery Lane, Vale, NC  28168 704-276-9911 www.woodmillwinery.com 2/21           Winter Clean Up at the Broad River Greenway 12 pm. Put on your gloves and join us as we help Mother Nature get ready for Spring!  Meet at the Ranger Station, Broad River Greenway, 126 Broad River Drive, Boiling Springs, NC 704-434-2357 www.Broadrivergreenway.com 2/23           Veggie Lovers Group 7 pm.  $15 includes a light meal.  You do not have to be a Vegetarian to join the Group.  Just someone interested in Healthy Eating.  Group Meets on the second and fourth Monday nights.  No membership required but reservations are necessary. Healing Connection Wellness Center, 323 S. Washington Street, Shelby 704-487-4727 2/25   Gardner Webb University Baseball 2 pm. vs. Appalachian State University, Masters Field on the campus of Gardner-Webb University, 110 South Main Street, Boiling Springs, 704-406-4340 www.GWUSports.com 2/25           Gardner Webb University Men’s Basketball 7 pm. vs. Presbyterian, Paul Porter Arena, Lutz Yelton Convocation Center on the campus of Gardner-Webb University, 110 South Main Street, Boiling Springs, 704-406-4340 www.GWUSports.com 2/26           The 8th Annual Bowling for Dollars 11 am-1 pm $15.00, Reservations Required. Join us for lunch as you enjoy a bowl of delicious homemade soup in a beautiful handmade pottery bowl donated by local potters.  You keep the bowl when you pay for the soup. Bread, drink and soup are included. Cleveland County Arts Council, 111 S. Washington St., Uptown Shelby, 704-484-2787, www.ccartscouncil.org 2/28           Tree Cookies 2 pm. Hold the milk please!  Learn how tree rings show patterns of change in a tree’s life as well as changes in the area where it grows.  South Mountains State Park, 3001 South Mountains Park Avenue, Connelly Springs, NC  28612. (South Mountains State Park is located south of Morganton off of old Highway 18) 828-433-4772 www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/somo 2/28           Gardner Webb University Men’s Basketball 7 pm. vs. Charleston Southern, Paul Porter Arena, Lutz Yelton Convocation Center on the campus of Gardner-Webb University, 110 South Main Street, Boiling Springs, 704-406-4340 www.GWUSports.com

Text Box: February 2009

Text Box: Quick Links Text Box: Tourism News

Text Box: In This Issue:

Chamber Homepage

Chamber Calendar

Community Calendar

Business Directory

Member Services

 

Annual Banquet
Letter From the President
Tourism News
Kings Mountain Business Showcase
Chamber Ambassadors
Leadership Cleveland County
Chamber Prize Patrol

Chamber Bids Farewell to Lifelong Icon

Event Pictures
Referral Summary
Thank You Corner

Upcoming Events