1-23-2012

From the Chair

Thank you to all our members who have already sent in their 2012 dues and have returned the membership survey. We are going to compile the surveys and pass along the feedback sometime in the next couple of months. We would like to give our members plenty of opportunity to respond.

The Annual Meeting Dinner Dance will be on Friday, March 30th at the Officer's Club at Fort Pickett. The theme for this year is "Choose Your Decade" so start thinking now about what you would like to wear.

We will pass along details as we have them. It is sure to be an enjoyable evening and we are looking forward to seeing everyone there.

Don't forget to send along your event information so that we can include it on the Community Calendar.

Grace McDonald

From the Executive Director

The next Network Luncheon is scheduled for February 8, 2012 at Noon at The Blackstone Retreat and Conference Center (VUMAC)

The speakers will be:
Abigail Low, U.S. General Services Administration
Chuck Raderstorf, U.S. Dept. of State
John Bernard, U.S. Dept. of State The Topic: The U.S. Dept. of State Foreign Affairs Security Training Center at Ft. Pickett Cost $10 per person. Please RSVP to me at the Chamber Office

Ellett's Embroidery (formerly Just Sew) would like to let our members know that they are located at 1437 S. Main Street in Farmville.

Phone: 434-392-2290 and e-mail address:bellett@centurylink.net. They still have on file all logos used by Just Sew and Mary Lou's Embroidery.

Upcoming Member Events

Sullivans Tavern presents "David Cooler in Concert"
Sat. January 21, 2012 at 9 p.m.
Tickets: $20 in advance/ $25 at the Door Age 21 years old and older only!

Kim Moody at "Trend" would like to let everyone know that they have many Valentine's Day items and offer free gift wrapping. That special day will be here before you know it!

The Division of Workforce Development at Southside Virginia Community
College has many classes offered: Food Safety Training, Resume
Writing, Interview Skills, Grant Writing Workshops and many more.For more information contact: Debra Smiley, SVCC Christanna Campus

SPOTLIGHT BUSINESS

Every month we will draw for our "Spotlight Business" that will also appear on the Chamber Website. This month Citizens Community Bank was chosen! Congratulations!

CCB Sets the Standard for Customer Service in the Lake Country region Every good business person knows customer service is key to success, but CCB's extraordinary commitment to deliver personal service to each and every customer has earned it an enviable reputation in the Lake Country region. Extending beyond the standard "customer is always right" positioning to personally interact with and advocate for its clients as individuals, CCB staff members are dedicated not only to developing strong relationships with their customers, but going the extra mile in customer service. Couple that with the newly-rejuvenated color palette, graphic identity, and tagline… CCB is reaching new heights.

From the kindergarten piggy-bank saver to the first-time homebuyer, from the entrepreneur to the retiree, each person's needs are assessed and managed individually. The bank offers a full complement of personal and business banking services, and its staff prides themselves on proactively assisting clients as their needs change through the various phases of their life. Since most financial institutions offer a similar menu of services, convenience often is one of the primary reasons people select a particular bank. And convenient they are. A top-notch website, drive-up ATMs, extended hours, and four branches in the region -- three in Virginia and one in North Carolina – all to service customers where they live and work, or most importantly – in whichever way they prefer.

But convenience alone isn't enough to retain clients, especially when it involves their money. Strong core values intertwine the bank's primary purpose with a commitment to honor and support each of the communities it serves. From Little League team endorsements to Chamber of Commerce outing sponsorships, the bank is a viable partner in a variety of programs and special events throughout the region.

Not content to simply sponsor local events, CCB management and staff also regularly volunteer at area shelters, outreach organizations, community boards, libraries and schools. Each spring, members of CCB management visit local elementary classrooms in each of their communities as part of the American Bankers Association's "Teach Children To Save Day” to conduct interactive lessons on how to manage spending and learn to save for the future. It is exactly these types of personal involvement that have made relationship-building feel like second nature for CCB staff.

Now celebrating more than a decade of providing superior customer service, CCB continues to roll out the red carpet for its clients every day. Stepping into the Gasburg branch is reminiscent of an episode of "Cheers," the pub where everybody knows your name. Clients who frequent the Roanoke Rapids branch can't get enough of Lisa’s southern drawl as she greets them with a smile. And Vin has been with CCB's South Hill headquarters branch since they opened their doors in 1999; his jovial attitude, a fixture on the main floor.

With an unfaltering vision to be recognized as the Lake Country region's premier community bank, CCB's continued commitment to superior customer service standards and active community relations ensures its future success for generations to come. Perhaps it’s the reason their new tagline was so easily adopted in 2010 – because they say with certainty, “You’ll Love Banking Here!”

Jane S. Barnes
Executive Director
Blackstone Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 295
Blackstone VA 23824
(434) 292-1677