Brad Johnson, Director of the Bladen Community College Small Business Center Speaking at the chamber meeting.
Featured in the photo above is Brad Johnson, Director of the Bladen Community College Small Business Center, speaking at the chamber meeting.
By Charlotte Smith
The Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce convened this morning at the Cape Fear Farmer’s Market in Elizabethtown with a delightful breakfast provided by Burney’s Sweets & More. Among the attendees was Brad Johnson, Director of the Bladen Community College Small Business Center, who served as the featured speaker for this month’s gathering.
Johnson explained the vital role of the Bladen Community College Small Business Center in the growth of local entrepreneurship. The center is a hub for aspiring business owners and established entrepreneurs, offering free seminars, counseling services, resources, and networking opportunities. He outlined the statewide impact of the Small Business Center Network, boasting 58 centers across North Carolina dedicated to fostering business development through training, counseling, and resource dissemination.
Johnson announced an upcoming webinar titled “Learn to Love LinkedIn,” scheduled for February 22 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Hosted by the Bladen Community College Small Business Center online simulator, the webinar promises valuable insights into leveraging LinkedIn for professional growth and networking. Interested individuals can register by contacting Brad Johnson at 910-879-5572 or via email at jbjohnson@bladencc.edu. Registration is also available online through the center’s website.
Transitioning to community introductions, Amy Hudson, the newly appointed Chamber Manager, welcomed Mark DeLap, the new Editor and General Manager of the Bladen Journal. Hailing originally from Wisconsin, DeLap and his wife, Thecia DeLap, are excited to contribute significantly to the local community. Mark’s expertise spans writing, photography, and music, while Thecia brings a wealth of knowledge in high-level finance.
Hudson introduced Sarah Beyer with First Bank as the newest member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors.
Denise Taylor Bridgers from Lu Mil Vineyard shared exciting updates on upcoming events. April 13, Lu Mil Wine 5k Run will take place at 10 a.m. Registration is $30 prior to March 1 and $60 afterward. The course is a scenic route around the winery. Proceeds benefit the Dublin Peanut Festival. Then, on May 4, the vineyard will hold the annual May Day Jamboree: 2-8 p.m., Lu Mil Vineyard, 438 Suggs-Taylor Road, Elizabethtown. The event will hold music, free wine tasting, food trucks, a bounce house, and fishing. Admission is free. Lu Mil Vineyard is 438 Suggs-Taylor Road, Elizabethtown.
In addition, *Johnathan Langston reminded attendees about Harmony Hall Village’s upcoming event on February 24. The event, celebrating Black History Month, will feature Marcia Herman-Giddens, author of “Unloose My Heart: A Personal Reckoning with the Twisted Roots of My Southern Family Tree.” Held at Harmony Hall, this promises to be a compelling exploration of Southern history and heritage. The historic Harmony Hall Village is located at 1615 River Road in White Oak, NC.
The future looks bright for the Elizabethtown-White Lake area.
*Johnathan Langston was mistaken for someone else’s name when first published.
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