The regular Elizabethtown – White Lake area Chamber of Commerce lunch was held Tuesday, at the Cape Fear Farmer’s Market and the agenda was full with Lisa Bryd, CEO of Cape Fear Valley/Bladen Healthcare as the guest speaker.
Before she introduced the speaker, Ashley Dowless, Director of Bladen County Hospital Foundation announced the foundation’s “A Red Affair” gala on Saturday, February 27th, 2015 at Lu Mil Vineyard. Ashley said, “Proceeds from the Gala will be used to aid in the hospital’s mission to provide exceptional healthcare to all of our patients.”
The deadline for sponsorship commitments is December 19th, 2015.
The guest speaker, Lisa Bryd, CEO of Bladen Healthcare, then took the floor and told those in attendance since 2010 there have been 10 rural hospitals that have closed and two of those closed this year were in North Carolina.
“Fortunately we are part of Cape Fear Valley,” Lisa said.
She explained to those attendance about the opportunities Bladen Healthcare has to offer our community as well as goals for the future growth. New services, facilities and community events were just a few of the items Lisa went over.
According to Lisa, Bladen County Hospital is now offering sepsis services and they are the only critical access hospital in the United States to have a sepsis service. “A lot of people don’t know they are septic until it’s too late, and now we can help these people,” Lisa said.
Bladen Healthcare now has a new facility in Dublin offering six rooms. The ribbon cutting ceremony will take place after the parking lot work is done according to Lisa.
Along with those new announcements Lisa explained the healthcare goals are to grow their Cardiology, OBGYN and mental health services. Cape Fear Valley is now trying to recruit new team members.
Lisa did touch a little on a new facility for Bladen County Hospital. She mentioned the new facility still being in the planning stages. Lisa said she and Ashley Dowless will be working on some fundraising events. She expounded by saying, “It does cost money and we are in trying times. I’m excited we are still in business. Our community needs to use our services so we can fund some of the things we need.”
Lisa encouraged everyone to give any feedback they could offer about the hospital and the healthcare services Cape Fear Valley/ Bladen County Healthcare provides in our community.
Chamber member, Vicky Taylor with Lu Mil Vineyard and Taylor Manufacturing, stood up and said, “We are fortunate you are here. I would have lost a relative because of an insect bite if you wouldn’t have been here.”
Commissioner Arthur Bullock stood and gave praises for the healthcare services Cape Fear Valley offers our community as well.
Lisa ended by saying, “I need your feedback. I need your support.”
If you would like information about Cape Fear Valley/Bladen County Healthcare or information about the Bladen County Hospital Foundation’s Gala, you may contact them at 910-862-1206.
Other items of discussion at the lunch meeting:
Bladen Community College is now offering collectible ornaments for the holiday season. Business owners may purchase the ornaments and resale them in their stores according to Tiina Mundy with Bladen Community College. Anyone interested may purchase their ornament at the college for $5.
The Chamber Office has been moved temporarily due to maintenance issues in the current office. Brochures and information may still be collected at the same location, however, Dawn Maynard, Executive Director will be working out of an office down the hall from the office. The new office is right across from Global Realty and right beside Fowler’s Jewelry.
Chamber’s Holiday Window/Store Display Contest is now taking place. Any Chamber of Commerce member wanting to participate in the contest may register with the chamber before Nov. 17th to be entered in the contest. For more information see a Chamber board member of contact Dawn Maynard for a registration form.
Empty Stocking Fund- The Elizabethtown – White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce is joining forces with the Bladen Journal’s Empty Stocking Fund fundraising efforts. Business owners are encouraged to donate to help local children have a better holiday season. For more information contact Dawn Maynard at the Chamber office.
Early Voting – Starts Oct. 22nd through October 31st at the Bladen County Library in Elizabethtown.
United Way Color Run will be help October 24th at the Industrial Park at 9 am. You may still register, more information may be found on BladenOnline.com’s News page.
Bladenboro Beast Fest and 5K will be on October 31st. More information may be found on BladenOnline.com’s news page.
November 10th the Chamber lunch will be at 12:30 instead of noon to give folks time to attend both the Veteran’s Day Program and the monthly lunch meeting with the Chamber of Commerce.
5th Annual Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade will be Saturday, Nov. 29th at 3 pm. Applications to participate in the parade are now available at the Chamber office.
New Vision Statement and goals for the Elizabethtown – White Lake Chamber of Commerce were presented at the meeting as well.
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