Text Box: 2008 Chamber Officers, Directors:   Chairman  Steve Padgett   Chair-Elect  Mark Hudson   Secretary Larry Fox   Treasurer Shannon Kennedy   Past Chairman Roger Holland   Board of Directors Ted Alexander Suzanne Amos Janet Berry Martha Bivins Dr. Bruce Boyles Larry Corry Darlene Davis Charlie Holtzclaw Dr. Linda Hopper Kitty Hoyle Mark Hudson Allen Langley David Schweppe Seth Stevens Sandy Tallant Dr. Steve Thornburg Rick Washburn John Young

Text Box: InterAction Text Box: Tourism Update The new Visitor Information Center located at the mall has been greeting people since February 1.  The center is averaging about 6 guests a day during the hours of 8:30 am-5:00 pm on weekdays.  A smaller brochure rack is being purchased for display outside the Visitor Information Center, in order to maximize the amount of tourist information distributed by the center after hours.  Chamber members who sponsored the display inside the Visitor Information Center will have preferential space available on this smaller rack.  Remaining space will be designated for local lodging, dining and attraction information.  This will allow Cleveland County guests to get local tourism information 7 days a week during mall hours, even when the Visitor Information Center is closed.    The smaller brochure rack is expected to be installed at the mall location mid-April.    Travel Council The next Travel Council meeting will be April 29 at Hallelujah Acres at noon and lunch will be provided by our host.  Travel Council serves as the “round table” for all the organizations, attractions and event coordinators of Cleveland County.  Everyone shares a meal together and updates the other groups about each organizations plans, events and issues.  Having a council where everyone has the same goals in mind and can share ideas, frustrations and build partnerships is a wonderful asset for Cleveland County.  July 29 –Harvest Works, lunch sponsorship opportunity available October 28 – J. Oliver’s Coffee Shop in Kings Mountain, lunch sponsorship opportunity available   Lunch is sponsored by Chamber member businesses and is always from a food service member in the county.  Sponsorship is $200 and interested organizations should contact Jackie at Jackie@ClevelandChamber.org or (704) 487-8521.    National Tourism Trends More Chic Than Cheap - With gas prices raising everyone in the travel industry is already feeling the crunch.  Surveys conducted and released at the 2008 NC Governor’s Conference on Tourism show that travelers are still planning to travel, but make smarter choices.  This is good news for Cleveland County!  Studies show that even with the high cost of fuel people are still planning to take their vacations but are more likely to save on lodging and food to make up the difference.    A recent article in USA Today explains the upgrade trend in traditionally inexpensive lodging to lure travelers to their chain.  “More chic than cheap,” That might be the new motto of Motel 6, which aims to redefine what it means to stay in an inexpensive roadside motel.  Think flat-screen TVs, granite bathroom countertops and other amenities not commonly associated with budget chains.  And don't be surprised to see low-price competitors do likewise.  At least two, Super 8 and Red Roof Inns, have similar plans in the works.  Gone will be the busy, vividly colored bedspread.  Bedding in sophisticated tones such as cinnamon or olive will complement an accent wall.  In the new bathroom, a white vessel sink will set atop black granite.  Room carpets will be replaced by wood-look flooring, and new, contemporary furnishings will resemble something from the pages of a West Elm or IKEA catalog.  To find out more, visit http://www.usatoday.com/travel/hotels/2008-03-20-motel-6_N.htm.   Tourists Search For The Authentic – Geotourists want to return home not just refreshed, but also enriched.  Experience-driven vacations or "geo-savvy" travel is gaining popularity, according to the Travel Industry Association.  Nearly 55 million Americans are labeled geotourists, travelers with a distinct preference for culturally or socially-related travel.  About 30 million people have taken a trip to learn or improve a skill, sport or hobby in the past three years.  Industry leaders aim to fulfill the demand because in many instances it generates tourism dollars in areas far off the beaten path.  To find out more, visit http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2008/mar/23/tourists-search-for-the-authentic/.   I-85 Tourism Day You are invited to attend National Tourism Day (Discover Great American Traditions) and the 40th Anniversary on Friday, May 16 from 8:30 am until 2:30 pm.  North Carolina Welcome Center, 5 Northbound I-85, Kings Mountain, NC  28086, 704-937-786.   The local community and surrounding counties are always involved in this special event.  This is a great opportunity to participate and introduce yourself, because we have over one million travelers coming through our welcome center each year.  This is an excellent marketing event for you at no expense.   You will need to bring a chair, table, and depending on the weather, possibly a large umbrella or canopy,since this will be held outdoors, any promotional materials or treats you would want to pass on the travelers.   As always, we will furnish lunch for participants, there we need an RSVP by May 1, 2008.   We look forward to hearing from you, Sincerely, I-85 South Welcome Center Staff   April Events 04/13                      Sundays on the Square 3:00-6:00 pm. Free family oriented music event on the Court Square in Uptown Shelby.  Bring a lawn chair and just listen or bring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy music outdoors on a Sunday afternoon. Uptown Shelby Association 704-484-3100 www.Uptownshelby.org 04/14-18                 Cleveland County Senior Games  Over 60 athletic and recreational events for senior adults aged 55 and above. Contact the Neal Senior Center for times, locations and a list of events.  704-482-3488 04/18-19                  Mark Woods and Members of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra in Concert 8:00pm Shelby High School Malcolm Brown Auditorium. Electric violinist Mark Wood and his band will be in concert with the Crest and Shelby High School Orchestras and the Shelby High School Chorus. Tickets are $15.00 and preorder is through the website www.clevelandcountyschools.org/markwood. 1-866-305-9973 04/18-19 12th           Annual Kings Mountain Firehouse Barbecue Cook-off. The Walking Track next to the YMCA. Bring a napkin and a hearty appetite and get ready to try some of the best barbecue in this NC State Competition!  Enjoy “Jazz ‘n Que on Friday night featuring the John Alexander Trio.  Saturday will feature a huge Bike Show!  704-734-0555 www.kmfire.com    04/19                      Springs Alive Festival 10:00am-until.  Sponsored by Gardner-Webb University and the Town of Boiling Springs, this fabulous festival is held on the campus of Gardner-Webb University and in downtown Boiling Springs, NC.  Events include inflatables and amusements for children, Tour de Springs Bike Ride, arts and crafts show, tennis clinics for all ages and lots of great food. 704-406-3824 or kadams@gardner-webb.edu. 04/19                      Kings Mountain State Park Arts Fair and Market 10:00am-5:00pm.  Local wood carvers, quilters, jewelry makers and potters will be selling their crafts.  Courtney’s BBQ and great Bluegrass make it a day everyone can enjoy.  $2 for adults and $1 for children (4 and under free). Kings Mountain State Park 1277 Park Road, Blacksburg, SC 29702803-222-3209 www.southcarolinaparks.com 04/21                      Gardner Webb University/Cleveland County Orchestra 8:00 pm                 WORLD PREMIER of Beowulf composed by Seth Huber.  Dover Auditorium on the Gardner Webb University Campus Boiling Springs, North Carolina www.gwu.edu 704-406-4631 04/25                      Movies a la Mode 8:00pm The first of Shelby’s outdoor movie events is part of the Foothills Merry-Go- Round Festival.  Bring a lawn chair or a blanket.  Movie location is Warren Street in Uptown Shelby, NC  Uptown Shelby Association 704-484-3100 www.Uptownshelby.org. 04/26                      Foothills Merry-Go-Round Festival   11:00am-9:00pm.  One of Shelby’s biggest events of the year, this three-day festival includes a home-run derby, a spectacular carnival, live entertainment, a juried art show and a free Uptown outdoor movie. Shuttle available to different locations. Festival headquarters is Shelby City Park 850 West Sumter St. NC  704-484-6476 www.CityOfShelby.com/Parks 04/26                      Arts on the Square 9:00am-4:00pm Juried art show for the exhibition and sale of visual arts. Artisans will compete for a $1000 cash prize and some will be demonstrating their skills during the day. This show is held on the Court Square in Uptown Shelby and in conjunction with the Foothills Merry-Go- Round Festival.  Shelby’s TrollyLynx will provide shuttle service between events. Sponsored by Buffalo Creek Gallery, Ron Mechling, www.ronmechlingwoodturner.com. 04/26                      Opening Day of the Foothill’s Farmers Market 7:00-12:00pm every Wednesday and Saturday.  Come join us in Uptown Shelby on the Courtsquare and buy some certified locally grown produce from our own area farmers. Uptown Shelby Association 704-484-3100 www.Uptownshelby.org 4/28                        Doyle Dykes in Concert 7:00 pm. Taylor Guitars Event. Presented by Shelby Music Center. Shelby Middle School orchestra will join the concert.  Central United Methodist, Shelby, 704-487-7404  www.doyledykes.com 04/29                      Gardner Webb University Symphonic Band 8:00pm                 Join us for a wonderful night of entertainment featuring Overture to Candide among other selections.                 Dover Auditorium on the Gardner Webb University Campus Boiling Springs, North Carolina www.gwu.edu 704-406-4631 04/30-10/25           Foothill’s Farmers Market 7:00 am-noon every Wednesday and Saturday.  Certified locally produced and guaranteed fresh regional tail gate market will feature in season fruits and vegetables, baked goods, canned items, meats and eggs.  On the Historic Court Square in Uptown Shelby on the Washington Street side.  704-482-4365, www.Uptownshelby.org  

Text Box: April 2008

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Chamber Homepage

Chamber Calendar

Community Calendar

Business Directory

Member Services

 

Leadership Cleveland
Business After Hours
Small Business of the Month

Tourism News

Chamber Seminar Series

Banner Ad Sales

Cleveland Women's Network

Community News

Event Pictures

Renewals /
 New Members
Referral Summary
Thank You Corner

Upcoming Events