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 Allen Langley David Schweppe Seth Stevens Sandy Tallant Dr. Steve Thornburg Rick Washburn John Young

Text Box: InterAction Text Box: Tourism Update The Tourism Division has been very busy since our move to the Visitor Information Center at the mall.  The channel letter, lighted sign has arrived and is awaiting installation.  This will over the door and identify the Visitor Center.  The City of Shelby is assisting with highway signage and way-finding in the mall parking lot to direct traffic to the correct entrance of the mall.  We are in the approval process with the mall owners for the signs that will go on the mall property.    Visitor information and brochures are flying out of the Visitor Center.  Here are the numbers for visitor’s guides and brochures: April – 1,265 May – 1,089 June – 1,517   Numbers from the Chamber's Website are in for May: 12,163 unique visitors Downloads include: 748 Visitors Guides, 314 Shelby Walking Tour Brochures, and 82 Artists Maps   We would also like to welcome intern Laurell Bell of University of North Carolina Greensboro who is a tourism major.  Laurell has been assisting with brochure distribution, office duties and will be helping the Shelby City Park plan for their October 4th Textile Heritage Days.    New Projects In preparation for the American Legion World Series the Tourism Division is designing a tear-off map of the Uptown Shelby area.  There are 20 advertising spots available at $55 each.  Uptown businesses will have the right to first refusal on the available ad space.  Those businesses should receive an information packet in the mail within the new few days.  If there are remaining spaces other businesses in the area will be contacted.    American Legion girls t-shirts are now available at Keeter Stadium as well as the Visitor Information Center and the Chamber for $15.    The Tourism Committee is in the brainstorming stage of designing the marketing campaign for “Make the Scene on Route 18” to show the diversification of Cleveland County from top to bottom.  If you are interested in learning more about this and other projects of the Tourism Division contact Jackie Sibley at Jackie@ClevelandChamber.org or Tourism Division Chair, Charlie Holtzclaw at charlie.holtzclaw@cityofshelby.com   Movie News Filming of “Blood Done Sign My Name” has officially rapped!  Here a note I received from Tim Tyson, author.  As I sit here in teeth-gritting withdrawal from my excellent adventures in Movieland, dying to see the finished product, well, here is ONE finished product, a little two-minute film made by Duke News Service about "Blood Done Sign My Name" and our visit from Dr. John Hope Franklin.  It's a pale substitute for your company, but what can I say.  I hope all of you are well.  See you at the premiere, Lord willing and the creek don't rise, as they say.  Take good care. Tim The video can be viewed at YouTube, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAtiUI_67v0 Travel Council The next Travel Council meeting will be July29 at Harvest Works at noon and lunch will be provided by our host.  Harvest Works is a non-profit organization that provides vocational opportunities for handicapped.  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.  RSVP is necessary by July 22 to Jackie@ClevelandChamber.org or 704-482-7882.   Next Travel Council: 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 The North Carolina Division of Tourism has re-launched its multi-media program to boost in-state visitation in response to rising gas prices and a changing economy. North Carolinians historically represent one third of the state’s visitors with nearly two thirds of total visitors coming from drive markets in a radius reaching the Atlanta and Washington, D.C. metro areas.   “Our goal is to strengthen the state’s tourism industry by reminding North Carolinians of the fuel-saving vacation alternatives that lie within a short drive of their homes,” said Lynn Minges, Executive Director of the North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development. “We always work hard to boost in-state travel, but this year we are putting even more effort into local and regional markets. Our research shows that this is a crucial time to reach out and motivate people to travel this summer.”    While also monitoring national research panels, the Division recently conducted a telephone survey of 400 North Carolina residents to further assess prospects for summer travel. Among the findings:     *When compared to 2007, North Carolinians do not appear to be reducing their plans to travel within the state for a weekend or longer, but do appear to be planning less travel out of state, less travel by air and fewer weeklong vacations to any destination. While this may be an encouraging sign for resident travel, this also supports concerns regarding inbound travel to NC from out-of-state markets.     *Overall, nearly half expect to travel the same amount this summer as last year; 36 percent said they will travel less and 15 percent will travel more.     *Among the 36 percent who said they would travel less this summer, more than half cited gas prices as a primary reason.      *More than half of all respondents said the price of gas will have some impact on their summer travel plans and the actions most likely to be taken as a result of higher gas prices include:                         spending less on vacation shopping (69 percent) taking fewer vacation trips (61 percent) spending less on meals/entertainment (53 percent) traveling a shorter distance for vacation than usual (52 percent)     *Nearly two thirds of respondents plan to take an overnight summer trip in North Carolina.   To view a complete copy of the research findings, go to www.nccommerce.com/en/TourismServices/PromoteTravelAndTourismIndustry/TourismResearch.   The Division of Tourism is taking several steps to increase its travel marketing to potential visitors within the state or within easy driving distance of the state. The updated program includes:     *New print, radio, television and online creative for instate promotional efforts with the North Carolina Press Foundation and the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters will remind residents they don’t have to travel far for a great vacation or getaway. Last year’s $180,000 investment in this partnership yielded more than $3 million in placements. To see and hear this new creative, www.visitnc.com/industry_advertising.asp       *The Division will increase its summer presence in important and competitive neighbor markets including the Atlanta and Washington, D.C. metro areas. Radio spots debuted in these markets in June. Online advertising and e-blasts are scheduled for North Carolina and neighbor states.     *Public relations efforts include additional North Carolina-themed press releases as well as custom pitching to in-state and regional editors and feature writers for print, online and broadcast media. For updates on what’s happening in local markets across the state (updated at least twice weekly), visit “partners news” on the VisitNC.com press room at www.visitnc.com/press_room_travelpartnernews.asp.     *Promotion of the Division’s new golf travel site, golf.visitnc.com, included a recently completed radio media tour of 16 markets that reached many North Carolina and close-in markets. The site also includes golf travel packages and discounts. (www.golf.visitnc.com/search_results.php?SearchType=Offers)     *Fun summer escapes and popular itineraries are featured on VisitNC.com. Traffic to VisitNC.com has set monthly records three consecutive months beginning in March. www.visitnc.com/what_to_do_itineraries.asp     *Collaborative media relations campaign with the North Carolina Wine & Grape Council continues to spark visits to wineries and nearby accommodations and attractions. Almost every North Carolina resident lives within 100 miles of a winery. The Division is inviting residents to pack a picnic and explore. www.visitncwine.com   “We are working with every media outlet in the state to help tell the story of North Carolina’s rich travel experiences,” Minges said. “If you live in North Carolina and you are looking for a great place to take your vacation, you’re there.”   July Events: 07/01                South Mountain State Park Summer Kids Club  11am.  Hey kids, join a Park Ranger this summer to learn all sorts of fun stuff about water critters, trees, animals, and fish just to name a few.  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/main.php   07/01                The Inn of the Patriots Grand Opening – 11am.  Cannon firing, statue dedication and historical figures present an event to remember.  Keynote speaker, John Quincy Adams.  Also meet Benjamin Franklin and historic musician Zach Lemhouse.  301 Cleveland Ave. Grover.  704-937-2940.  www.TheInnOfThePatriots.com 07/02              Foothill’s Farmers Market 8am-1pm. Come join us on Washington St. in Uptown Shelby on the Court square and buy some certified locally grown produce from our own area farmers. Uptown Shelby Association 704-484-3100 www.FoothillsFarmersMarket.com 07/03                South Mountain State Park Summer Kids Club  2 pm.  Hey kids, join a Park Ranger this summer to learn all sorts of fun stuff about water critters, trees, animals, and fish just to name a few.  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/main.php   07/03                Happy Birthday America at Cleveland Mall Live music from Juke Joint performing in the Plaza from 6pm til 9:30pm featuring Southern Rock and the Blues. Fireworks at 9:30pm!  Cleveland Mall, 2001 East Dixon Blvd, Shelby. 704.484.2001 www.shopclevelandmall.com   07/04                Lattimore 4th of July Parade   Festivities begin at 9am. Join us on Main Street in Lattimore for some hometown fun.  For information contact Alton Beal abeal@ambassaadors.edu. 07/04                Kings Mountain Fabulous 4th 6-10pm Meet at the walking track next to the Jake Early Sports Complex @ YMCA. City of Kings Mountainwww.cityofkm.com  07/05              Foothill’s Farmers Market 8am-1pm Come join us on Washington St. in Uptown Shelby on the Court square and buy some certified locally grown produce from our own area farmers. Uptown Shelby Association 704-484-3100 www.FoothillsFarmersMarket.com  07/05                Downtown Kings Mountain Farmers Market.  8am-12pm every Saturday through September 27th! Come early! Historically, we sell out by 11am. Mountaineer Partnership, Inc., Downtown Kings Mountain.  704-730-0283. www.mtnparnership.com    07/08                South Mountain State Park Summer Kids Club  11am.  Hey kids, join a Park Ranger this summer to learn all sorts of fun stuff about water critters, trees, animals, and fish just to name a few.  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/main.php   07/09              Foothill’s Farmers Market 8am-1pm Come join us on Washington St. in Uptown Shelby on the Court square and buy some certified locally grown produce from our own area farmers. Uptown Shelby Association 704-484-3100 www.FoothillsFarmersMarket.com  07/10                South Mountain State Park Summer Kids Club  2pm.  Hey kids, join a Park Ranger this summer to learn all sorts of fun stuff about water critters, trees, animals, and fish just to name a few.  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/main.php   07/10                Alive After Five CLEVELAND COUNTY IDOL. 5:30-9pm. Listen to the music of hometown talent and see if you agree with the judge’s decision. Free concert on the Court Square in Uptown Shelby. Uptown Shelby Association 704-484-3100 www.Uptownshelby.org.  07/10                Foothills Farmers Market Special Edition!  4-7 pm.  Located on the grassy areas of the square across from the '5 East' restaurant.  People will have a chance to shop on their way home from work, as well as during the Alive After Five event.  An added treat for those of you who are interested in local anthology, the group that has worked to publish the book  "Fire Flies and June Bugs"  will be on hand for a book signing.  The first printing has sold out, but they anticipate that the second printing will be ready and available for sale at the July 10th event.  As an added bonus, 5 East’s Chef Hunter will be doing a cooking demonstration using items from the Farmers Market.    07/10-08/26      Baseball as Art Exhibit M-F 9am-5:30pm Opening reception 7/10 5:30-7:30pm.  $500 purchase award for 1ST place in this juried exhibit which coincides with the 2008 American Legion World Series held in Shelby. Cleveland County Arts Council, 111 S. Washington St., Uptown Shelby704-484-2787 www.ccartscouncil.org  07/11-13           Miss Nelson Is Missing 07/11 & 12 7: 7:30 pm and 07/13 2:30 pm The Greater Shelby Community Theatre will perform this classic children’s musical that all ages are sure to enjoy.  Mildred H. Keeter Auditorium at Cleveland Community College 137 S. Post Road, Shelby, 704-480-8495. www.GSCT.org  07/11 & 18        Miss Nelson is Missing 9am & 2 pm.  Greater Shelby Community Theatre will present 4 exclusive, 1-hour musical performances of Miss Nelson Is Missing for area childcare groups! The performances will be held in the Mildred H. Keeter Auditorium at Cleveland Community College.  137 South Post Road, Shelby 704-480-8495. www.GSCT.org 07/12              Foothill’s Farmers Market 8am-1pm Come join us on Washington St. in Uptown Shelby on the Court square and buy some certified locally grown produce from our own area farmers. Uptown Shelby Association 704-484-3100 www.FoothillsFarmersMarket.com 07/12                Kingstown Founders Day Celebration 11 am - ?  Everyone is welcome to this celebration.  Live entertainment, food, giveaways, games and expos of area businesses.  Free hotdogs will be given out.  2014 Kingston Road, Kingstown.  704-484-9776 07/12                Downtown Kings Mountain Farmers Market.  8am-2pm every Saturday through September 27th! Come early! Historically, we sell out by 11am. Mountaineer Partnership, Inc., Downtown Kings Mountain.  704-730-0283. www.mtnparnership.com    07/15                South Mountain State Park Summer Kids Club  11am.  Hey kids, join a Park Ranger this summer to learn all sorts of fun stuff about water critters, trees, animals, and fish just to name a few.  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/main.php 07/16              Foothill’s Farmers Market 8am-1pm Come join us on Washington St. in Uptown Shelby on the Court square and buy some certified locally grown produce from our own area farmers. Uptown Shelby Association 704-484-3100 www.FoothillsFarmersMarket.com 07/17                South Mountain State Park Summer Kids Club  2pm.  Hey kids, join a Park Ranger this summer to learn all sorts of fun stuff about water critters, trees, animals, and fish just to name a few.  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/main.php   07/19                GRABBLIN’ at the River 2-4pm Meet under the 150 Bridge Join three generations of the Jones family and learn about this particular fishing skill. Wear Closed Toe Shoes that can be worn in the river. Broad River Greenway 126 Broad River Drive, Boiling Springs, NC 704-434-2357 www.Broadrivergreenway.com 07/19              Foothill’s Farmers Market 8am-1pm Come join us on Washington St. in Uptown Shelby on the Court square and buy some certified locally grown produce from our own area farmers. Uptown Shelby Association 704-484-3100 www.FoothillsFarmersMarket.com 07/19                Downtown Kings Mountain Farmers Market.  8am-12pm every Saturday through September 27th! Come early! Historically, we sell out by 11am. Mountaineer Partnership, Inc., Downtown Kings Mountain.  704-730-0283. www.mtnparnership.com    07/18-20           MISS NELSON IS MISSING 07/18, 19 7:30PM and 07/20 2:30pm The Greater Shelby Community Theatre will perform this classic children’s musical that all ages are sure to enjoy.  Mildred H. Keeter Auditorium at Cleveland Community College 137 S. Post Road, Shelby, 704-480-8495. www.GSCT.org  07/19                2008 BEACHBLAST in Kings Mountain 10am-10pm Meet at the Gazebo in Patriots Park City of Kings Mountainwww.cityofkm.com  07/20-21           International Rodeo Sanctioned Polkville Rodeo 6pm festivities start, Rodeo begins at 8pm.  Bareback bronc riding, calf roping, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, team roping and bull riding.  Advance tickets are $9/adults and $5 children.  Tickets at the gate $10/adults and $6/children.  Mintz Arena, Highway 226, Polkville (behind Polkville Baptist Church). 704-538-7464. www.PolkvilleBaptist.com/rodeo  07/22                South Mountain State Park Summer Kids Club  11am.  Hey kids, join a Park Ranger this summer to learn all sorts of fun stuff about water critters, trees, animals, and fish just to name a few.  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/main.php   07/23-26           Real to Reel Film Festival 7pm $20 for a 4-night pass. This is the 9th annual film and video festival held in The Joy Performance Center in Kings Mountain. This forum for independent film artists gives them an opportunity to showcase their talents and gives us an opportunity to see world-class talent.  For complete information contact www.realtoreelfest.com or Cleveland County Arts Council, 111 S. Washington St., Uptown Shelby 704-484-2787 www.ccartscouncil.org 07/23              Foothill’s Farmers Market 8am-1pm Come join us on Washington St. in Uptown Shelby on the Court square and buy some certified locally grown produce from our own area farmers. Uptown Shelby Association 704-484-3100 www.FoothillsFarmersMarket.com 07/24                South Mountain State Park Summer Kids Club  2pm.  Hey kids, join a Park Ranger this summer to learn all sorts of fun stuff about water critters, trees, animals, and fish just to name a few.  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/main.php 07/24                Art, History & Wine Trolley Tour 9am-4pm Take a guided tour of Shelby’s art studios and galleries and visit the historic Banker’s House.  Also included on the tour is a visit to the fully restored 1919 Carrousel and Owl’s Eye Winery. $48 per person includes lunch and souvenir wine glass from Owl’s Eye Winery.  Reservations must be made in advance at Trolley Lynx, 2001 East Dixon Blvd, inside the Cleveland Mall, Shelby 704-482-9077 www.travellynxtours.com. 07/24                Alive After Five 5:30-pm Plumhollar Band Bluegrass music for everyone to enjoy.  Free concert on the Court Square in Uptown Shelby. Uptown Shelby Association 704-484-3100 www.Uptownshelby.org.                        07/25                Movies a la Mode 8-10pm.  Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and enjoy Shelby’s outdoor movie event, Bee Movie.  Movie location is Warren Street in Uptown Shelby, NC Uptown Shelby Association 704-484-3100 www.Uptownshelby.org. 07/26              Foothill’s Farmers Market 8am-1pm Come join us on Washington St. in Uptown Shelby on the Court square and buy some certified locally grown produce from our own area farmers. Uptown Shelby Association 704-484-3100 www.FoothillsFarmersMarket.com 07/26                Downtown Kings Mountain Farmers Market.  8am-12pm every Saturday through September 27th! Come early! Historically, we sell out by 11am. Mountaineer Partnership, Inc., Downtown Kings Mountain.  704-730-0283. www.mtnparnership.com   07/29                South Mountain State Park Summer Kids Club  11am.  Hey kids, join a Park Ranger this summer to learn all sorts of fun stuff about water critters, trees, animals, and fish just to name a few.  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/main.php   07/30              Foothill’s Farmers Market 8am-1pm Come join us on Washington St. in Uptown Shelby on the Court square and buy some certified locally grown produce from our own area farmers. Uptown Shelby Association 704-484-3100 www.FoothillsFarmersMarket.com 07/31                South Mountain State Park Summer Kids Club  2pm.  Hey kids, join a Park Ranger this summer to learn all sorts of fun stuff about water critters, trees, animals, and fish just to name a few.  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/main.php                    

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