November 11, 2018
The Chamber office will be closed on Monday. Nov. 12th in honor of our veterans.
Thank you to all who have served our country!
A Moment with Mike
Member Benefits
Exploring Commuter Rail
Nov 15 | 2pm

Johnston Health Medical Mall
Auditorium
514 N. Brightleaf Blvd.
Smithfield, NC 27577

As a member of the Smithfield-Selma Chamber of Commerce, you are a part of an organization that promotes economic development in our region. Register for this month's Smart Growth Summit to learn more about the opportunities coming to Johnston County. Guest Speaker Scott Saylor, President of the North Carolina Railroad Company will be leading a conversation about bringing commuter rail to Johnston County. Admission is free but seats are limited. Reserve your spot today and add your voice to the discussion!
Our Celebration of Leadership
On November 8, the Smithfield-Selma Chamber of Commerce’s CWBN (Chamber Women’s Business Network) hosted the ATHENA International Leadership Award luncheon. The ATHENA Leadership Award is presented to an individual who has achieved the highest level of professional excellence, contributed time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community, and has actively assisted others, particularly women, in realizing their full leadership potential.
 
The luncheon, held at the Johnston County Agricultural Center, was attended by over one-hundred local business leaders and community supporters. Ms. Allison London Brown, CEO of UVision360, was the keynote speaker. She shared her own story of learning to succeed as a woman in the medical and science fields, encouraging the audience to be bold in their own journeys of personal growth and leadership.  

Eleven phenomenal Johnston County women were nominated for this year’s award. The nominees included: Mrs. Evelyn Aranda (Tutoring For Success), Mrs. Michelle Ball ( Johnston County Clerk of Court), Mrs. Cindy Brookshire (Selma Development Partnership), Mrs. Joy Callahan (Johnston Community College), Mrs. Shanna Capps (Johnston Now Magazine), Mrs. Meredith Fordham (Junior Women’s League of Smithfield/Johnston County Public Schools), Mrs. Barbara King (A Travel Odyssey) , Dr. Marilyn Pearson (Johnston County Public Health Department), Dr. Twyla Wells (Johnston Community College Foundation), Rep. Donna White (NC House of Representatives), and Mrs. Dana Wooten (Clayton Chamber of Commerce).

The 2018 ATHENA International Leadership Award was presented to Dr. Twyla Wells, Executive Director of the Johnston Community College Foundation. Her work with the JCC Foundation, Smithfield-Selma Chamber, and Leadership Johnston is cultivating an environment of positive leadership and commitment to education that positively impacts Johnston County now and for years to come. 

Pictured Above. First Row, Left to Right: Mr. Michael L. Mancuso (Smithfield-Selma Chamber of Commerce), Dr. Twyla Wells (2018 ATHENA Award Recipient), Mrs. Dana Wooten, Representative Donna White, Mrs. Meredith Fordham 
Second Row, Left to Right: Mrs. Kitty Johnson (CWBN), Mrs. Kelly Wallace (Smithfield-Selma Chamber of Commerce), Mrs. Michelle Ball, Mrs. Cindy Brookshire, Mrs. Shanna Capps, Dr. Marilyn Pearson, Mrs. Katie Crowder (CWBN)
Upcoming Events
Friday, November 16th

8:00-9:30 am

Simple Twist Tap Room
228 E Market St./Smithfield

Sponsored By
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Education News
Area Teachers Honored As Semester Superstars
On November 5th, 2018, the Smithfield-Selma Chamber of Commerce hosted Semester Superstars at the Partnership for Children of Johnston County in Selma, NC. This celebration is held bi-annually in the spring and fall, respectively honoring middle/high school and elementary school teachers. The Smithfield-Selma Chamber’s Education Committee invites area principals to nominate a teacher that has shown extraordinary initiative and dedication to their students.  

Local business leaders, representatives from the Johnston County Public School Board, and community members gathered to celebrate the selected elementary teachers for their vitally important work. Each principal was given time to share the special qualities of their nominee, highlighting the amazing impact these educators are having in their classrooms. Seven teachers were honored and presented with the Semester Superstars award, along with gifts generously donated by area businesses. 

The Fall 2018 Semester Superstars are: (from left to right, as pictured) Jocelyn Brown-Holmes (West Smithfield Elementary), Diana Pogoada (Selma Elementary), Brittany Watkins (South Smithfield Elementary), Patty Selah (Wilson’s Mills Elementary), Abigail Stephenson (Pine Level Elementary), Denise Fields (Princeton Elementary), and Jennifer Cade (Neuse Charter School).

Hurricane Relief
The Chamber has partnered with the American Red Cross to collect donations for our area affected by Hurricane Florence.
You can also donate to the N.C. Disaster Relief Fund , which is operated by the state. https://governor.nc.gov/donate-florence-recovery .
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