“I have really enjoyed my partnership with The Chamber. I fully believe that being involved with Chamber events can help any business establish themselves in the community. One of my goals when I started my business was not only to be successful as a business owner but to be involved with my local community. I feel like The Chamber provides businesses with many opportunities to be involved and network through netgiving.”
Genise Rabb
Owner, Bark & Purr Pet Sitting, LLC
“VERY active Chamber compared to most I’ve been associated with. I was a real estate agent years ago and it was always hard finding a Chamber that actually had worthwhile events. This one is great!.”
Kevin Stavlo
General Manager, Dive Bar Hickory
“Through its developed relationships with resources in the state government and through it’s strong alliances with local government partners, The Chamber offers a strong ally for its partners. We have utilized its partnerships with local groups to provide services including the HKY4Vets program-a way to connect local employers with transitioning military and military spouse talent from North Carolina’s military installations. Another service that we have used and benefitted from is the local Wage and Benefit Survey that has been conducted annually. This allows us to benchmark our pay and benefits to our local industry peers. Our employees have experienced the benefits of both Leadership Catawba and the Women’s Leadership Conference. We are thankful for the services and partnerships The Chamber offers.”
Steven W. Pennell
VP, Human Resources, US Conec, Ltd.
“The Chamber of Catawba County has been so supportive of our small, family-owned business. We love being a part of this Chamber and participating in the events they hold.”
Erin & Eric Perez
Co-Owners, Sun-Kool Window Tinting
“The Chamber of Catawba County is one of the best organizations, not only in Catawba County, but in the State of NC. We’re proud to be members and vendors with involvement in a lot of their events. Their events and services are current, relevant and great for supporting local businesses and the community. If you’re in Catawba County or a business within reach, you should be here.”
Ryan Gilbert
Owner, RYGID AV
“I have worked closely with The Chamber of Catawba County for over seven years. My husband and I started our own restaurant and The Chamber provided ideas, support, resources, community connections and networking events that helped us become more involved with our community and other entrepreneurs. Everyone is friendly and helps connect our businesses within our community. We were very fortunate to have their support and resources during the start-up of our restaurant and during COVID. They truly care about our community and businesses! We were so pleased with The Chamber that I joined as an Ambassador this year to help give back to our community. We highly recommend The Chamber of Catawba County to anyone looking for business ideas, support or resources.”
Erica Boustead
Owner at FOURK
“The Chamber is a powerful way to establish and nurture business relationships. Through networking events, we’ve been able to grow our organization and serve more people in need of serious illness care.”
Dana Killian
President & CEO
Carolina Caring
“The Chamber of Catawba County is forward-thinking, engaged, energetic and truly makes a difference in our community.”
Scott & Julie Owens
Owners
Taste Full Beans Coffee, Tea & Cafe
“I truly believe in the work that The Chamber does on behalf of businesses in our community and in the benefits of membership. Their staff is top notch, and the networking opportunities are endless. I’ve been amazed that I’m continually meeting new people and learning about new and existing businesses in Catawba County. Sometimes you don’t even realize you’re not up to date with current events or trends until you’re willing to put yourself out there and learn. There are so many people doing amazing things right here in our own backyard. I’ve personally and professionally benefitted directly over the past three years from being a Chamber member through connections to new mentors, even during the pandemic. It’s reassuring knowing The Chamber is there, advocating on behalf of business in Catawba County, and leading the way to a brighter future today and tomorrow.”
Tracey Paul
Mentoring Program Coordinator
Council on Adolescents
“My business, Guest Interiors, has benefited for years from being a member of this organization. I have grown personally and professionally by connecting with other businesses, attending conferences, lunch and learns, leads groups, networking events and other things that The Chamber of Catawba County provides.”
Susan Guest
Owner
Guest Interiors, LLC
“The Chamber has been a HUGE investment for me! I would say that at least 85% of my patient base have been Chamber referrals which is amazing! I’m soo glad to be apart of this organization because not only is it one of the most active groups and one of the most fun groups; it also cares and has a passion for its members and it shows. That is why I joined. I want to help support people that support each other and want to do whatever they can to help the community grow and thrive in these dark times. The Chamber helped me tremendously with my business and I want to do what I can to help. I’m the same. Small businesses make the world go around!”
Dr. Matt Kirkland, D.C, C.C.E.P.
Chiropractor
New Directions Chiropractic
“I have been building my Mary Kay business for 23 years. I joined the Chamber I believe 4 or 5 years ago and it has been such a huge benefit to me both personally and professionally. It has connected me with other local business owners which has helped me grow a new network in which to build my clientele and I’ve developed so many new friendships! It has also given me the opportunity to connect people I meet with the resources they need in the area. It feels really good to be able to support other local businesses. The support I’ve received from the Chamber staff has been amazing. They truly care about each business represented and go out of their way to support you.”
Jill Adair,
Mary Kay Cosmetics
“The Chamber of Catawba County has been a wonderful conduit between our school system and the various ‘wheels’ that move our great country forward. The Chamber Team is supportive and leverages every available resource and utilizes collective voices for the benefit of the county’s constituents. There is a strong and focused advocacy for the businesses and education systems in this county.”
Dr. Aron Gabriel
Superintendent
Newton-Conover City Schools
“I have worked with The Chamber of Catawba County for many years. I find that they are very in touch with the business community’s needs and innovative in their programming. They work as a partner with our other community organizations to strategically position Catawba County for growth.”
Joanna Shere
President/CEO
Steele Rubber Products
“Joining this amazing institution was the best thing I could have done. They are forward thinking, problem solving, decision making leaders that engage with the community and other community partners such as the SBC, SBTDC, EDC and more to make life in Catawba County even better. Every day, they are looking for ways to grow our businesses, grow the local economy and beautify our surroundings to make this a destination to live and work in and to put Catawba County on the map. I have made many lifelong friends as well as a plethora of professional relationships from within The Chamber and I highly recommend you reach out and contact them today.”
Karen Tonks
Owner
Time Genies
“Great way to connect and build relationships with other business partners.”
Phyllis Lloyd
Co-Owner
CertaPro Painters of Hickory/Catawba Valley
“Our Insurance Brokerage has been a member of The Chamber of Catawba County since we opened 4 years ago. We’ve had nothing but good experiences from the staff! They are always eager to help connect businesses together to help build relationships.”
Tammie Williams
Licensed Agent
Romeo Heatherly Insurance Services, LLC
“I have been involved in some capacity with our local Chamber of Commerce since 2007. The Chamber has been a great partner over the years by networking with other business professionals and also helping me grow my business reach. I am forever grateful for the connections I have made over the years.”
Mike Kelly
Broker/Owner
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Foothills
“I have been a member of The Chamber of Catawba County for several years. They have been a great resource in connecting me with other professionals in the community, with whom I have made lasting relationships.”
AJ Kerley
Director of Professional Relations
Pace@Home
“I feel so blessed to be a part of a community that has such a proactive and generous Chamber with excellent programming and services for businesses. I started a business 3 years ago and have seen it flourish thanks to help from The Chamber but my involvement with The Chamber predates my venture into business ownership. I also had the honor of going through the Leadership Catawba program which was an opportunity of growth and learning of immeasurable value.”
Sabrina P. Cook
Owner
Sabrina P. Cook, CPA
“Having just moved all the way across the United States, the very first thing I did was join The Chamber of Catawba County. It was the best thing I could have ever done. The Chamber connected me to all of the right people in order to develop my business which was just in the infancy stages upon arrival to North Carolina. Each and every member of The Chamber has been nurturing and helpful anyway they can. I have only been here a year but it feels like much longer because of the wonderful connections I have made. I am beyond grateful!”
Catherine Lundberg
Founder/Life Coach
Clarity Life Coaching
What The Chamber has done for AGV/AzG:
A few years ago, Shuford Abernethy got a call from a friend and business associate telling him that our name was in the Kiplinger Paper. We were mentioned by Mike Kelley, Hickory Real Estate Group, about our 55 and older Town Home Village. We were very honored that Mike mentioned us. We got that recognition because of the Friday Leads Group that I attend each Friday.
We get a lot of information from the Friday Morning Leads Group. We are not only business associates, that we connect with, but we are a great group of friends.
First Friday Morning Brew has been very advantageous. I connect with folks that have beneficial information that I can share with folks at Abingdon Glen and Azalea Glen. We invite our homeowners to join us for a presentation of these companies. I am excited to kick off the opening of the Village Clubhouse so we can get this information to our Homeowners.
Thanks to an energetic Chamber Staff for their support of the Catawba Valley!
Judy Trainum
Assistant Manager, Abingdon Glen and Azalea Glen Villages