We value and appreciate the continued support of all our members. As the cost of doing business increases, we continue to find ways to economize so that we can keep fees as low as possible. If your membership is past due, please help us continue to offer you and all members a great value for their membership by renewing today. Payment plans for renewal memberships are available. Please contact us to discuss the various options we can offer:Terry Grillo or Terri Andress at 910-383-0553 or nbchamber@nbchamber.net.

Strictly Business with Sea-Comm Media ( www.sea-comm.com ) returns to Antonio's of Leland to benefit the North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce. You will have the opportunity to win one of many prizes like these :
Business Spotlight Live Segment on The Big Talker FM
A Twosome Round of Golf from Beau Rivage Golf and Resort
Dinner for two at Antonio’s Pizza and Pasta, and many more !Raffle tickets at Strictly Business are $1 each or 7 tickets for $5. Our thanks to Sea - Comm Media,( http://www.sea-comm.com ) and Antonio's ( http://www.antoniospizzaandpasta.com ) - this raffle benefits the North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce. Join us at this premier networking event!

All Chamber members are invited to attend a fun, relaxed, and informative luncheon seminar on Wednesday, February 24. Bruce Brown, author of 31 Days to Relationship Marketing Mastery...Grow Your Business in Just One Month, will discuss the power, types, and styles of relationship marketing as well as strategies you can use immediately in your business. The luncheon will be held in the banquet room of Antonio's Restaurant in Leland from Noon to 1:30PM. Your only cost is for your lunch, whatever you order from the standard menu. In addition to the business seminar, the presentation will include a SendOutCards video and demonstration on how to use SendOutCards to grow your business relationships. Contact Marge Brown at 910-431-1508 for details on the North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce SendOutCards program ( www.sendoutcards.com/71950 ).
For complete details, click here: http://relmarmastlelandfeb2010.eventbrite.com/

Let's join our friends with First Federal Bank , ( http://www.firstfederal.com ) located at 503 Olde Waterford Way, Suite 104 in Waterford, for a Business After Hours Event. An enjoyable evening is planned with lots of surprises and the perfect opportunity to network with other Chamber members and guests from the community. We will be drawing for the April Featured Member spot and you must be present to win so be sure to bring a lot of business cards to share . As a courtesy to our hosts, please RSVP to the Chamber office by responding to this MMB or calling 910-383-0553.

Interested in playing golf on the hottest new course in Southeastern North Carolina AND benefit the North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce? During the month of February Cape Fear National Golf Course in Brunswick Forest will give back $10 to the North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce on presentation of a special voucher. You can download the voucher directly from here: http://www.box.net/shared/b02juoxxi0
Printed copies are also available at the NBCC office during regular business hours. This voucher applies to regular rate rounds of golf only, not to Brunswick Forest resident or accompanied guest rounds.

All Chamber members are invited to an informational luncheon February 23 at 11:45AM at 161 Poole Rd, Suite C, Leland. Learn about the upcoming workshop on : The Accounting Cycle and How it Ties Into QuickBooks. Any business owner who would like to gain knowledge of the Accounting Cycle and QuickBooks transactions should plan to attend. For more information or to RSVP, call 910-232-2531 or Monica Clark at 910-232-2527. You can also send an email to: maclark27@gmail.com .

The internationally-acclaimed Harlem Ambassadors will be visiting Leland for a game against the Brunswick Bad Boys at North Brunswick High School’s Gym on Tuesday, March 9, 2010, at 7:00 PM.The Harlem Ambassadors offer a unique brand of Harlem-style basketball, featuring high-flying slam dunks, dazzling ball-handling tricks, and hilarious comedy routines.
Tickets are now on sale at convenient Leland locations: the North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce, Thunder Alley Family Entertainment Center, Closer Walk Methodist Church, Coldwell Banker Seacoast Realty and MacGrooder’s Restaurant. Advance ticket are $5 for students, $6 for seniors (over 55) and $8 adults.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Lions work with the blind and visually impaired, as well as, other community projects.

Applications are now available for the 2010 Coastal Entrepreneur Awards. You can apply or nominate a business on line : http://www.wilmingtonbiz.com/cea . Applications are also available from the Chamber office or we can email a file to you. The 10 category winners and Chamber winners will be featured in the April 30 issue of the Greater Wilmington Business Journal and honored at the May 21 awards breakfast at UNCW's Burney Center. The application deadline is March 8. Please consider nominating an organization or business from the North Brunswick Chamber. If you would like to be part of the committee that reviews and selects the winners, please contact the chamber office by replying to this newsletter or send an e-mail to: nbchamber@nbchamber.net.

Boys and Girls Homes of NC utilize these special gifts to safely transport children to doctors’ appointments, visitations with family members, and other necessary adventures. We are looking for safe and dependable vehicles in good condition, with plenty of miles left to drive. They currently serve children from 23 counties in NC. If you have a car, mini van, or truck available , please contact:Loren Soft, Vice President of Support Services ,(910) 646-3083 or loren.soft@bghnc.org . Contributions are Tax Deductible.

Raffle tickets are available at the Chamber office - $5 each or 5 tickets for $20. You can WIN one of the following prizes donated by BB&T at Brunswick Forest ( http://www.bbt.com ) :

32 inch HD TV - 10 inch Lap Top Computer - One of Two Annual Family Memberships to the North Carolina Aquariums and Zoo

All proceeds benefit the North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce.

Bob Jenkins (http://www.BobtheTeacher.com), professional trainer and consultant to the Internet marketing industry, has created a small business training conference attracting speakers and attendees from all over the world to be held at the Hilton Wilmington Riverside. Jenkins’ School for Information Marketing Profits – Live Event, or SIMPLE (http://www.SIMPLE10K.com), is designed for service professionals and independent business owners. In addition to Jenkins, the three-day conference features training sessions by Adam Urbanski, Felicia Slattery, Jacqueline Wales, and Lon Naylor. Click on this link for a special invite and offer to attend:http://www.SIMPLE10K.com

Pastor Jay and Diane Merritt of Victory Church (http://vfwbc.org) will be heading to Haiti on March 1st. They will be traveling with Impulse Missions (http://impulsemissions.com) to directly assist the Mountain Faith Mission orphanage (http://www.mountainfaithmission.com/earthquake2010.html). They are collecting medical supplies that can be hand carried in their suitcases. Please continue to pray for Haiti and for the Merritt’s safety as they travel.

The Economic and Workforce Development Department (EWD) offers short-term programs and classes for self-improvement, cultural enrichment, and academic achievement geared towards adults seeking skills for employment, intellectual stimulation, community involvement, and social interaction. Many small business courses are free due to funding from a Small Business Center grant. Seniors, 65 and over, can also take many classes free of charge. Did you know there are approximately 300 classes you can take online from your own home? It’s easy to do. Go to www.ed2go.com/brunswick and sign up today! For a full schedule of classes, go to: www.brunswickcc.edu. Call 910-755-7380 to register.

Help support the Eighth Annual Scorpion Rifle, Raider and Drill meet on February 27. Over 25 schools or about 1000 kids will be at NBHS for a day of spirited competition. The Chamber office is accepting monetary donations to help defray the cost of this event. We are also accepting donations of individually packaged items such as : little Debbie, potato chips,20oz or larger soda, water, drink boxes,popcorn, etc. Donations must be received at the Chamber office by February 24.

Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity’s Homeowner Application Night on Thursday, March 4, 6:30 to 8:00 PM at Brunswick Community College, Assembly Hall . Those interested in learning more about home ownership through Habitat for Humanity are invited to attend. Please RSVP to Brunswick County Habitat for Humanity (910) 454-0007.

Wings of Love Prom Closet is turning Dresses into Dreams. The Chamber office is accepting financial donations, new and used party or long dresses,bridesmaid dresses and all types of accessories. It is the desire and intent of this project of the WHAM Youth Fellowship of Dixon Chapel United Methodist Church to provide clothing to junior and senior Brunswick County students so that they will be able to attend their prom. Questions can be directed to : wingsoflovecloset@yahoo.com or ,Gaye Varnam Fulford(910-620-7164) or Tara Holden(910-619-5055) or Tonya Holden(910-540-4657). Donations will be accepted by March 16 and are tax deductible.

Personalized name badge with your name and organization or company name. Call or email the Chamber office to place your order - $8. Available within 5 - 7 business days after ordered. Excellent to have to wear during Business After Hours or other networking events.

Be one of our fans ( www.Facebook.com/NBChamber ) or follow us on Twitter ( www.twitter.com/NBChamber ).

Listen to Dr. Stephen Greiner discuss the many accomplishments that have taken place at Brunswick Community College and the future plans for the Leland Campus during our monthly Business Luncheon. The buffet line will open at 11:30AM at Antonio's in Cross Creek Commons. Be sure to come hungry, a delicious menu is planned: salad, chicken piccata, whole wheat penne pasta with marinara sauce and beverage for only $9 if paid before December 15(you are encouraged to prepay on line, mail payment or bring it to the office). Payment on December 15 will be $12. As usual, there will be an opportunity to win prizes and network.
Note - If an RSVP is not cancelled 24 hours before the luncheon, you will be billed for your meal. Thank you for your understanding.

Join us along with The Big Talker and the rest of the folks at Sea-Comm Media at this highly successful weekly business networking event. The North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce will be spot lighted and will benefit from this event. There will be lots of prizes to win - including one free small business Chamber membership for a new member or a renewal in 2010 for an existing membership. Other prizes given away in the past have included a radio spot for your business and a variety of gift certificates - so you do not want to miss out! If you would like to donate a prize , contact Terry Grillo (910-383-0553 or nbchamber@nbchamber.net).

A fun evening is planned to celebrate Christmas with all our friends in the North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce. Join us at Magnolia Greens Clubroom to enjoy a delicious feast from Macgrooders:
Appetizers served during the social time:Scallops wrapped with bacon
Fresh mozzarella with grape tomato & basil pesto
Pigs in the blanket with spicy brown mustard
Swedish meatballs,Assorted cheeses
Main Course:Carved baby beef tenders with au jus
Stuffed Maryland blue crab with lemon cream sauce
Baked rotisserie chicken
Baby Yukon roasted potatoes & Green beans
Dessert:Viennese Table of Cannoli’s, vanilla bean cream puffs, Bailey’s Irish cream cheese cake & double chocolate decadent brownies
Enjoy holiday music played by the NBHS Brass quintet.
A cash bar will offer beer and wine throughout the evening.
We have several payment options: cash or credit card. If you have a PayPal account, request funds be transferred to: northbrunswickchamber@gmail.com. If you do not have a PayPal account, send an email to : northbrunswickchamber@gmail.com requesting an electronic invoice be sent for your dinner fees. Cost is $25.
Our thanks to the following Jingle Bell Sponsors:
BBandT - Brunswick Forest, Drew Roper
House of Wine and Cheese - Linda and Chuck Spittel

There are still sponsor opportunities available:
Joy to the World sponsor - $750 and you will receive 30 days advertising (see the BB&T banner) on the Chamber Website, 4 tickets to the party, logo in the Website business directory and recognition the evening of the party.
The First Noel sponsor - $500 and you receive 4 tickets to the party, your logo in the Website business directory and recognition the evening of the party.
Jingle Bells sponsor - $250 and you receive 2 tickets to the party, your logo in the Website business directory and recognition the evening of the party.
Contact Terry Grillo if you have any questions ( 910-383-0553 or nbchamber@nbchamber.net )

Join Platinum Sponsors SunTrust Bank and Brunswick Electric Corporation at the annual North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce Business Showcase on Saturday, January 30. Sponsorship opportunities and booth rentals can be purchased on line at the Chamber Website (www.nbchamberofcommerce.com). We can also email an application upon request. Booth rentals will be open to non members after December 31.This year's committee has been hard at work for months. You can be sure the Showcase will have great attendance, so register early!

Personalized name badge with your name and organization or company name. Call or email the Chamber office to place your order - $7. Available within 5 - 7 business days after ordered. A great item to have available for the Business Showcase in January!

An informational meeting for those interested in being part of a Brunswick County chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has been set for 6 PM Wednesday, December 16, in the meeting room of Brunswick Electric Membership Cooperative on US 17 in Shallotte.
Craig Lloyd, state executive director for MADD North Carolina, will give a presentation about MADD, its services and programs, and how people in Brunswick County can become involved.
The effort to start a Brunswick County chapter is being spearheaded by Stacey Manning, managing editor of The Brunswick Beacon. Manning’s mother was killed in Kentucky in 2006 after her vehicle was struck head-on by a college student who had been drinking and fell asleep behind the wheel.
For more information about MADD, call Manning at 754-6890 ext. 17, e-mail maddbcnc@gmail.com or become a fan on Facebook by searching for MADD—Brunswick County, NC.

The North Brunswick Lions Club is promoting a family oriented fund raising event with the Harlem Ambassadors Pro Touring Basketball Team on March 9, 2010 in the 900 seat North Brunswick High School Gymnasium. In addition to selling tickets, the Lions Club is seeking sponsorships to defray the base costs of the Ambassadors’ appearance. All proceeds will go for local Lions Club charitable community projects that help the blind and visually impaired through vision screenings, providing glasses and assisting in surgical procedures for those who are in need. Funds will also offset the costs of bringing in the Lions Vision Van annually to provide free vision screenings for children in Brunswick County schools.
North Brunswick Lions Club is working with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Department and the Leland Police Department to field the opposition team known as the “Brunswick Bad Boys” to play the Ambassadors for this fun game/performance the entire family will enjoy. Sponsors at levels of $220 to sponsor a Sheriff’s Deputy or Leland Police Officer are available as are sponsorships at the $500 and $1,000 levels with commensurate sponsor recognition and benefits.
The Harlem Ambassadors team members are all college educated, former collegiate or professional male and female basketball players who provide a stay-in-school, stay-off-drugs message to young people. They are great role models. The star of the Ambassadors is a female who brings the message to young women that they can accomplish anything they want to and put their mind to doing.
To support for this community-wide family event with a sponsorship or for more information please contact Lions Paul Laird at lairdpm@yahoo.com or Diane Merritt at Merrittfamily@juno.com .

Many thanks to the following North Brunswick Chamber Members who are also Town Planner Sponsors. As a result of the following Chamber Members choosing to sponsor the Town Planner for the 2010 Brunswick County Gateway Edition by 8/31/09, we were able to provide Operation Santa Cop with 20 - 13 inch cuddly Teddy Bears dressed in their finest blue police uniforms. In addition, electronic hand held games were also donated. A BIG Thank you to:
Capeside Animal Hospital( www.capesideanimalhospital.com )
Just for Dogs Gourmet( www.capesideanimalhospital.com )
Leland Health Center (Dr. Bradshaw, email :dr.matthewbradshaw@yahoo.com)
RBR Books ( www.rarebargainreaders.com )
San Felipe (email:ozaragozas@aol.com )
Sweet Nectar Florist ( www.sweetnectarsflorist.com )
The UPS Store ( www.sweetnectarsflorist.com )