Business Expo, Job Fair was success

Travis Kimsey, chef in training at Brother's Restaurant holds up a cucumber cup filled with gazpacho, a cold summer tomato base soup.

The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, Cherokee County Economic Deveopment, NC JobLink and Tri- County Community College (TCCC), worked together to bring the community the 7th Business Expo and Job Fair on Friday, September 19 and Saturday, September 20 at TCCC. The event was another huge success thanks to the chamber staff and board members; TCCC staff; NC JobLink staff; and the TCCC Early College students.

Cherokee County Schools coordinated the 11th- grade student visitation on Friday morning for 11th graders in Cherokee and Clay counties. The purpose of opening the show to students is to introduce them to businesses in the community and job opportunities.

Chamber Champion - the Tennessee Valley Authority - once again stepped up with a much needed contribution, to make this year's event a professional venue to showcase chamber businesses and industry members.

We are grateful to the patrons - Blue Ridge Mountain EMC, Cherokee Scout/Andrews Journal, , Murphy Medical Center, Murphy Power Board and The Sentinel Newspapers.

Sponsors this year were Allen Capital Group, Appalachian Community Bank, Farley Insurance, Industrial Opportunities Inc., NC Employment Security Commission/JobLink and Snap-on.

Big thanks to all the exhibitors, agencies and others who participated by showcasing their services, products and employment opportunities to the community.

A big thank you is extended to Ed Cloud of Cloudhaven Recording Studio, Andrews, for serving as emcee.

About 500 or more people came out to enjoy the free show and pick up a variety of promotional items. Some people won door prizes and hopefully everyone enjoyed seeing the new and long established businesses. 2008 participants included: Arbonne International, Blood Assurance, Brother's Restaurant, Carolina Home Watchers, Carolina Farm Credit, Cellular Expressions, Cherokee County, Cherokee County Schools, Colonial Life, NC Department of Labor, Dr. Edie Spence, Edward Jones Investments, Indian Hills Spring Water, Kountry Kupboards, McDonald's, Miller Well Drilling, MOOG Components Group, Native Touch Trading Post, REACH Thrift Shop, Rocks to Roses, Small Business & Technology Development Center, Tri-County Community College Foundation, United First Financial, United Way of Cherokee & Clay Counties, US Army, WNC Engine & Rebuilding Machine and Ye Ole Goat Farm.

Non-profit organizations were invited to make up the food court. There included: REACH of Cherokee County, David's House Ministries, The Learning Center and 4-H.

It takes a lot of minds, hands and hearts to pull events together such as the 7th Business Expo & Job Fair. The coordinating team is so proud of everyone for the hard work and support.

Pam Dickey,

Sande Kimball

Paul Worley

Pam Dickey is the Assistant Manager, Murphy office NC Employment Security Commission, Murphy; Kimball is the Executive Director of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and Worley is Project Manager, TCCC.