2011 Business Extravaganza

STOKES COUNTY
Economic Development Commission

MEDIA RELEASE

For Release: Immediately

Contact: Alan Wood, Director, Stokes County EDC, 335-593-2496

January 3, 2011
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RE: Stokes County Business Extravaganza II

The second annual Stokes County Business Extravaganza is scheduled to take place January 20, 2011 at YMCA Camp Hanes, 1225 Camp Hanes Rd. King NC. The “Extravaganza” is designed as a showcase for local businesses and is open to all business owners in Stokes County. Over 35 booths have been reserved by local businesses and more than 650 invitations have been mailed for the event, which promises to be even bigger than last year. The event is being hosted by the Stokes County Economic Development Commission and is made possible by corporate event sponsor NewBridge Bank.
Last years event, which was attended by over 200, was a light-hearted affair, with lots of laughs, good food, plenty of door prizes, networking and more. This year’s event is expected to be even larger and its “Tropical” theme is being developed to help remove some of the chill from a cold January evening.
The “Extravaganza” is an informal event centered abound the businesses that are participating at the affair. It is scheduled to begin at 5:30 and last until 8:00 PM. Music for the event will be provided by Josh Shelton and the food is being prepared by Stephen Doran and the Camp Hanes Staff. Door prizes will be announced all through the evening and the grand prize will be awarded just before the event ends at 8:00 PM. All guests are invited to come early and stay as long as they would like.
Bruce Younts, Chairman of the Stokes County EDC believes this event is extremely important to Stokes County and its continuing efforts to build an identity within its business community. “We have several challenges in the county, including a mountain
PO Box 20 Danbury, NC 27016 336-593-2496 adwood@co.stokes.nc.us



range that divides us geographically. It is important for our business leaders and county officials to have an opportunity to meet face to face in a relaxed atmosphere, where they can share ideas and plan for the future. This event provides such an opportunity.”
Alan Wood, CEcD, Director of the Stokes County EDC, believes that the economic development efforts in the county must take a “holistic” approach, paying particular attention to existing businesses, nurturing start-ups and developing infrastructure for new and expanding ventures. “The “Business Extravaganza” is a centerpiece of the ongoing efforts of the Stokes County Economic Development Commission to reach out to the business community. The EDC has worked directly with over 70 businesses in the last year. This includes assistance with web building, marketing, searching for grant funding, assistance with business plan development and many other activities. The only way we can continue to help our businesses grow is by having open lines of communication. That is what this event designed to do. I also want to send out a special thanks to NewBridge Bank for sponsoring this event. They are a great partner and we anticipate their continuing support as we move ahead.
Mr. Wood asks that anyone who would like to attend RSVP by Monday, January 10—either by email to: adwood@co.stokes.nc.us or by phone at 336- 593-2496. Although the goal is a serious one, the atmosphere of the Extravaganza will be casual. Hors d’oeuvres, free of charge, will be served the entire time, and a significant number of door prizes will be given away, perhaps as often as every 15 minutes. Winners must attend but do not have to be present to claim their prize.

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