An update of Caswell Chamber Member information & announcements
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GRANT OPPORTUNITY for CASWELL BUSINESSES
The Dan River Region Entrepreneur Ecosystem was awarded a $50,000 grant to help local businesses in Caswell County, Pittsylvania County and the City of Danville who have experienced losses during the COVID-19 Pandemic. This funding is being made possible with support from the Community Foundation of the Dan River Region and the Danville Regional Foundation.
If you have questions or need to speak with someone regarding the application please contact Cori Lindsay, Caswell Economic Development
clindsay@caswellcountync.gov or 336-514-0427.
Applications are being accepted now so please apply quickly, as the funds are limited.
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NEW AND REVISED GUIDANCE ON THE PPP (Paycheck Protection Program)
Earlier this month, new and revised guidelines were included in the Paycheck Protection Program. Find summary article click
here. Some of the changes include:
- Application Deadline Extended
- Loan Use Time Extended
- Change to Rehiring Employees Requirements
- Payback Period Extended
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Tips & Guidelines
Resources for reopening businesses are availalbe at the The NC Chamber of Commerce website.
For a listing click
here..
Stay tuned for an awareness program for
Caswell County coming soon.
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Well, now it’s summer. The kids will all be home from school and it’s time to figure out what activities to do. Oh wait, the kids have been “home from school” for months now due to COVID-19 and now they don’t even have classwork to do. Wait, what’s a parent to do?
Take advantage of 4-H Virtual Summer Opportunities
. 4-H Agents across North Carolina have collaborated to create free, self-directed programming for all ages of youth. Check out these topics:
Back to the Basics
– sewing, cooking, table etiquette, baking, and financial management
Plant Geeks Unite
– dig into soils, marvel at and grow plants with wild abandon and say hello to creeping, crawling, diving, and flying friends and so much more
STEM
– Youth learn STEM from their kitchen to their backyard and everywhere in between
Log on to Leadership
– develop time-management, goal setting, conflict management, and public speaking skills
Down on the Farm
– learn about animals even if you aren’t raised on a farm
Explore Outdoors
–learn about the environment right in your own nature patch. Meet scientists and add your discoveries to a real environmental science database!
4-H Healthy Habits Family
– designed to guide a caregiver and elementary-aged youth through fun and engaging garden-based activities.
Youth who register will receive an email with information on how to log into each program. They are FREE so sign up for as many as you would like to learn about Registration is open until August 1, so log on and explore at your own pace. All modules have hands-on activities to do at home, virtual components, and personal interaction with others. Some have face-to-face visits, live tours, and interviews, while others have connections to worldwide science projects and challenges for youth to earn badges, stickers and other prizes. Find your perfect fit for the whole family.
You can also participate in the NC 4-H Summer 2020 Campout
– a virtual experience for youth ages 5-12+. Residential summer camps are shut down this summer but 4-H is offering a great alternative. Virtual camp activities including arts & crafts, Cherokee culture, shark’s teeth, mindfulness, astronomy, an evening campfire and a Friday night Campout. Join us June 22 – 26. Find more information about this free activity by searching online for NC 4-H virtual campout.
336-694-4158 Ext. 3
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New Patient Registration
Caswell Medical Center has made it easier for our community to register for care during this pandemic. You can now register online and visit with your provider of choice via telehealth services. It's quick and easy registration with the same excellent patient-centered care on which our patients have come to depend. Click for
more details
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The Caswell County Chamber of COmmerce and The Caswell Messenger have partnered to feature the stories of business in the county. If you woudl liek to share your businesses story, please contact the Chamber of Commerce and we will be happy to connect wiht you to do so. Thank you to The Caswell Messenger for thier support in buislign our business community.
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Family Owned, Fine Tuned
You may know them as Caswell Tire Service. Since 1963 the establishment has been a steadfast location on Main Street in Yanceyville that beckons those with vehicle trouble or needs to stop in. As with many of the places I have had the chance to visit, providing a snap shot of our local businesses, this one aligns with what I believe is a common thread to those of us raised
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here or nearby, often taught to be humble and don’t brag. So not wanting to be in the spotlight, but so pleased of the life decisions their children are making, owners Jerry and Jenny Potter agreed to be featured. Given the stress COVID-19 has had on our small businesses, it is good to hear the stories of our core businesses and the Chamber is honored to be able to spotlight this within our community.
Did you know that the Potter family has very deep seeded roots in the automotive industry? In the 1940s, the late Lee Potter owned a garage in Leasburg and developed a reputation as an A-1 mechanic. In the early 1960’s the lineage continued when the late, Carl Potter and Lee Potter jointly owned and operated the North End Esso gas station and garage in Reidsville. In the mid 1960’s Carl Potter operated Potter’s Garage in Blanch.
The bug to be in the automotive business clearly comes naturally. When Jerry and Jenny decided to purchase Caswell Tire Service in 2006, Jerry had a flourishing career in the automotive engineering sector but knew how important it was to live in an area where the family could be surrounded by family and a community that would help to keep them grounded.
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Speaking with Jerry and Jenny it is clear how proud they are of their children. You may have met their oldest daughter Becky smiling at the front desk at Caswell Tire before she chose to pursue a career in the medical field. Becky went on to graduate from the Watts School of Nursing. Eldest son, Joe, after college, wanted to return to work alongside his dad, but Jerry insisted that Joe make it on his own for a few years and then if he decided working in the family business was what he wanted, then so be it. And just last year, Joe did return as a diagnostician after making a name for himself as a diesel technician. In fact, Joe holds multiple certifications for diesel engines and ASE certifications as well. Joe has been recognized numerous times for his knowledge and accomplishments since entering a diesel career.
Jerry and Jenny’s next son, David, is currently in college majoring in mechanical engineering with a specialization in motor sports and spends time working alongside the family when he can. David has consistently met the criteria for the Chancellor’s list. Carl, the third son has put his talents to work as a technician at the shop and is currently pursuing an education in diesel technologies. You can also find their youngest son, John working alongside his family to learn their strong work principles and learn the family business.
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With the new blood in the business, the future is certainly bright for this family of auto techs. Together they have brainstormed about the business’ future, how to be more present in the community and are in the process of rebranding the business overall. You may have already seen their new name, Caswell Auto & Diesel.
Many exciting opportunities for growth are here as the new helm of Potters make their mark. I would venture to guess that there will be some exciting things happening here in the future. With our county on the way between the motorsports areas in region and the economic development projects both here and in Danville, the opportunity for an organization like this to flourish in Caswell has never been better.
And to give the ladies of the family equal time, in the midst of the COVID 19 crisis Jenny has just graduated with a degree in nursing. This has been one of her lifelong goals and she will soon begin her career as a nurse at Duke University Hospital. What a great example of showing your children it is never too late to pursue your dreams. And not to be left out, there is one more Potter daughter at home, Katie. My bet is that she will be a big catalyst in keeping all the boys in check!
Written by AHodges, Caswell County Chamber of Commerce.
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Did you know?
Being a Chamber Member provides you the benefit of reduced cost services at Piedmont Health?
Read more below:
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To be the lead catalyst for positive change in the community by meeting educational, networking, marketing and advocacy needs of our businesses, farms and entrepreneurs creating the best community in which to live, work and do business
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Annual Bronze Level Sponsor
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Annual Gold Level Sponsor
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