News and Updates

Chamber News Announcement

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Dear Chamber Family & Friends:

I've known for a while this day was approaching, but that doesn't make it easier to share with you news that I will be retiring this year.

The announcement was made this morning at a regular monthly meeting of the Chamber Board of Directors, and it will be made public today soon after you receive this message. (The press release below provides more information.)

A heart attack that struck without warning two years ago and celebration of my 70th birthday last year contributed to this decision. I've loved every minute of the almost 15 years I've served in this position. But I'm no longer able to give the 100-percent effort I demand of myself and our Chamber deserves and needs.

We've come far, but our best days are ahead. As this region continues to grow, so will our Chamber, and I know this is the right time for new leadership.

I will continue in the position until a new president is appointed. A committee of past Board chairs and other officers has been charged with finding the right person to lead our Chamber into its bright future. When that happens, I will become an active member and a vigorous advocate for and supporter of the Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce.

This is not goodbye. I look forward to seeing you Thursday at Network After Work and at many more Chamber events.

Sincerely,

Ted B. Hall

President

FOR RELEASE

Feb. 11, 2020

Montcross Area Chamber president

announces plans to retire this year

After almost 15 years in a position he thought would be part-time and temporary, Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce President Ted Hall has announced plans to retire.

Hall notified the Chamber Board of Directors of his decision at a meeting this morning. He plans to continue in the position until a new president is named.

Chamber Board Chair Heath Jenkins said a search committee that includes six former board chairs has been appointed and will begin work immediately.

Hall, 70, suffered a surprise heart attack in January 2018, but returned to work within two weeks and hasn’t experienced further health problems. He credits the cardiac rehab program at CaroMont Health with helping him modify his diet, lose weight and adopt a regular exercise regimen.

“My wife, Freda, and I have considered this decision for the past two years, and we agree this is the right time,” he said.

“While my health is good, my stamina and energy levels are diminished,” he told the Chamber Board. “It has been a struggle in recent months to perform at the level required for our dynamic and growing organization.”

It was announced at the Chamber’s recent 60^th annual celebration that an all-time record membership of 538 had been achieved. The Chamber had 84 members when Hall became the part-time executive director in April 2005.

“Words cannot begin to express our gratitude to Ted, said Chamber Board Chair Heath Jenkins of the Town of Stanley. “His leadership as president of the Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce has helped bring about positive economic growth, a spirit of cooperation among local governments and small businesses, and has ignited a spark of entrepreneurship that continues to spread throughout Gaston County. Ted will be missed, and we look forward to continuing the momentum that he created as we begin a search for our next president.”

Hall’s career stretches 48 years since he graduated from the school of journalism at UNC Chapel Hill and accepted a position in public relations in Durham with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. He worked 21 years in the newspaper business, including 13 as editor and later publisher at the Shelby Star. He was self-employed in consulting and management recruiting for 10 years before moving to Belmont and beginning his career in Chamber work.

“My years with the Chamber have been the most fulfilling of my career,” Hall said. “The exciting growth of the Montcross Area Chamber, along with the tremendous economic progress of the businesses and the cities and towns we serve in Gaston County, have made every day fun and challenging.”

He said the people with whom he’s worked, including his fellow Chamber employees and hundreds of volunteers and members, have been the secret to the success of the organization.

“I love everyone who has shared this journey with me,” he said, “but I give thanks daily for the years I’ve worked arm in arm with Teresa Rankin and Elizabeth Atterberry.”

Vice President Teresa Rankin became the Chamber’s second staff member in 2007, and she continues in the post today.

“Teresa’s experience in Chamber work combined with her vast knowledge of Gaston County and its people and her irresistible personality enabled her to play a major role in the success and growth of the organization,” Hall said.

“Liz became a volunteer for the Chamber on the first day after Freda and I moved to Belmont, and she has been a partner in every achievement the Chamber has accomplished in the years since,” he said.

Hall and his family plan to remain in Belmont, where his wife, daughter, son and son-in-law operate Belmont Realty. After some time to rest, and a short vacation without a work phone or a computer, he vows to continue supporting the Chamber as an active member.

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Caromont opens new medical practice in Cramerton

Monday, February 10, 2020

Cramerton Mayor Will Cauthen ready to cut the ribbon at CaroMont Health's new family medical office in Cramerton, with Town Commissioner Susan Neeley and Town Manager David Pugh , CaroMont officials and Chamber representatives.

Town of Cramerton goes large with its first medical practice

Cramerton landed its long-sought medical practice and CaroMont Health opened its newest family medicine office with the snip of a red ribbon by Dr. M. “Jay” Petruska on Feb. 10, 2020 at 4235 South New Hope Road in Gastonia. The Montcross Area Chamber partnered with CaroMont Health on the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The 15,493-square-foot facility near Cramerton Middle School is the first to be built in the commercial section of the Villages at Cramerton Mills community.

Executive Vice President of CaroMont Health Dr. Costa Andreou welcomed friends, employees, elected officials and members of the community to the ceremony. Other speakers were CaroMont Health Board Chairman Donnie Loftis, Cramerton Mayor Will Cauthen and Montcross Area Chamber Board Chair Heath Jenkins of the Town of Stanley.

“I can’t tell you what it means to our citizens,” said Mayor Cauthen. “CaroMont Health’s willingness to partner with us on this project has been incredible. We are so proud of everything happening here.”

Dr. Petruska and Dr. Cristian Pantea, are relocating their CaroMont Family Medicine practice in Belmont to the new facility in Cramerton. They will be joined by Ann Marie Watts, RN, MSN, FNP-BC and Kani Smith, FNP-BC. The new practice includes 18 exam rooms; three procedure rooms and on-site x-ray and laboratory services, including point of care testing.

The practice is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. To make an appointment, call 704.825.4750.

Watch the video.

See more photos on Facebook.

Dr. Jay Petruska cut the first ribbon to applause and cheers at the grand opening of the new CaroMont Health primary care practice in Carmerton on Monday, Feb. 10, 2020.

ROAR Business Services grand opening at TechWorks

Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Representing ROAR are, from the left, Rick and Gerda Arcia and their daughters Olivia Talley (cutting the ribbon), Anne Arcia and Julia Arcia. Also enjoying the celebration are grandchildren Saskia, Wolfgang (the bearded one) and Konrad. Holding the ribbon are, at left, Chamber board member Robert Aldrich of Aldrich CFO Services and Board Chair-Elect Gordon Quarles of Blue Harbor Bank. In the photos below, the grandchildren having fun at the celebration with Oliva Talley modeling the Batman costume. (Photos by Chase Photography)

ROAR's business partners show support at ribbon cutting

At the grand opening of his offices in the TechWorks of Gaston County innovation center in Belmont on Feb. 5, 2020, ROAR Business Services powered by Proforma owner Rick Arcia organized a trade show exhibition featuring several of his business partner companies and involved the entire Arcia family. Rick's wife Gerda and their three daughters and four grandchildren participated in the celebration.

ROAR Business Services is a full-service marketing solutions provider for printing, promotional products, ecommerce and packaging solutions.

Chamber members and other guests qualified for prizes by visiting all of the trade show exhibits and learning about their products and services ranging from promotional apparel and printing to 3-D printing of promotional items from small custom nightlights to life-size action figure costumes.

For more on ROAR Business Services, call 980.550.3016, or visit www.roarbebold.com.

Watch the video

See more photos on Facebook

Rick Arcia speaking at grand opening, supported by his wife Gerda and daughters, Olivia Talley and Anne and Julia Arcia.

Elite Spine Center celebrates grand opening

Friday, January 31, 2020

Dr Walker ready to cut the ribbon with Dr. Pate (above) and talking with Chamber guests below. (Photos by Chase Photography)

Welcome Dr. Ed Pate and Dr. Chelsey Walker to the Chamber

Elite Spine Center has new owners and a new location at 6021 Wilkinson Boulevard in Belmont.

Owners Dr. Ed Pate and Dr. Chelsey Walker celebrated their grand opening with a Chamber ribbon cutting on Jan. 31, 2020. Another Chamber member Belmont Executive Offices, owned by J.C. and Maria Vargas, purchased and remodeled the building, which was home to radio station WCGC.

Elite Spine Center offers the newest in technology and therapy combined with a chiropractic approach to individuals seeking non-surgical alternatives to neck, back, leg and arm pain.

In the photo, Dr. Pate and Dr. Walker are about to cut the ribbon along with staff members, friends and Chamber members. Holding the ribbon are Johanna Giese of Mary Kay Cosmetics and Scot Hughes of Brightway Insurance. For more on Elite Spine Center, call 704-829-1002 or visit www.elitespinecenter.com.

Watch the video.

See more photos on Facebook.

Tessa Chiropractic open in downtown Belmont

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Dr. Tessa Harlow has just cut the ribbon with Belmont Mayor Charlie Martin, her mom Melanie Harlow, boyfriend Sami Mehovic, Chamber members and friends. Holding the ribbon are Candace Nichols (left) of Today's Daily Bread and Chamber Board member Andrea Sipka of Schooley Mitchell.

On second floor of former bank building at 32 N. Main Street

Chamber members and friends enjoyed celebrating the ribbon cutting of Tessa Chiropractic on Jan. 27, 2020. Belmont Mayor Charlie Martin welcomed everyone to the grand opening. Dr. Tessa Harlow works with families and athletes of all ages on traditional chiropractic care as well as specialty therapies such as e-slim, laser, cupping and KT tapping. Tessa Chiropractic is located at 32 N. Main Street Suite 204 & 206 in downtown Belmont. For more information on how Dr. Tessa can help you call 704-736-5929.

Chamber awards presented at 60th Celebration

Thursday, January 23, 2020

PHOTOS BY BILL WARD PHOTOGRAPHY

Janet Sarn of South State Bank presents the award to Natasha and Tony Gilbert.

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Chick-fil-A Belmont

Sponsored by South State Bank

Presented by Janet Sarn

(Read the presentation for Chick-fil-A Belmont)

EPIC AWARD

Chronicle Millworks

John & Jennifer Church and Brian Hackett

Sponsored by Duke Energy

Presented by Angie Bittle

(Read the presentation for Chronicle Millworks)

HARLEY B. GASTON, JR.PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD

Larry Capps

Sponsored by Creative Solutions Special Events

Presented by Brad Thomas

(Presentation for Larry Capps)

Heath Jenkins accepts gavel as 2020 Chamber Board Chair

Thursday, January 23, 2020

Photos By Bill Ward Photography

Montcross Area Chamber officers for this year are: From left, Treasurer Wil Neumann of Gaston Capital Partners, Board Chair Heath Jenkins of the Town of Stanley, Past Chair Shannon Thomas of Creative Solutions Special Events and Secretary Nicole Flowers of Wilbert Plastic Services. Chair-Elect Gordon Quarles of Blue Harbor Bank was unable to attend.

New record high in membership of 538 announced

Stanley Town Manager Heath Jenkins was elected to lead the Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for the next year during the Chamber's 60th Annual Celebration and General Membership Meeting on Jan. 23, 2020, in the Mount Holly Grand Hall. A full house of more than 275 attended the gala, for which the presenting sponsor was CaroMont Health.

Outgoing Board Chair Shannon Thomas announced a new record high membership level of 538 for the Chamber during her 2019 in review comments.

Other officers elected were: Chair-elect Gordon Quarles of Blue Harbor Bank, Treasurer Wil Neumann of Gaston Capital Partners, Secretary Nicole Flowers of Wilbert Plastic Services; and Past-Chair Shannon Thomas of Creative Solutions Special Events.

Guests enjoyed a reception sponsored by H&M Catering and a Silent Auction sponsored by Wilbert Plastic Services before a dinner served by Jim 'N Nicks Catering. ATG Entertainment was the sound and video sponsor.

Awards presented during the program included: EPIC Award to Chronicle Millworks, sponsored by Duke Energy; Harley B. Gaston, Jr. Public Service Award to Larry Capps, president of Piedmont Area Wildlife Stewards (PAWS), sponsored by Creative Solutions Special Events; and Business of the Year Award to Chick-fil-A Belmont, sponsored by South State Bank.

Also elected to their first term of service on the Chamber Board were: