Three Artists Featured at Clayton Center

The work of three area artists--Fiber Artist Valarie Jean Bailey and Painters Marriott Little and Cherri Sterling--is on exhibition at the Clayton Center during March. The exhibition is free and open to the public. A "meet-the-artists" reception, sponsored by Clayton Visual Arts, is scheduled Thursday at 6 pm at the Center and all are invited to attend.

Bailey, a Clayton resident for more than a decade, has been designing, exhibiting and teaching the art of traditional and contemporary quilts and folk crafts for more than 35 years. She says she finds inspiration "from the flowers and trees that are abundant in Clayton."

Little, a Raleigh native who began painting at the age of 10, has won more than 50 awards for her watercolor, oil, pastels and acrylic paintings. Her work ranges from traditional subjects to more intuitive and subjective abstraction.

Sterling, who lives in Pikeville, has the unusual ability to draw and paint with both hands simultaneously. Her techniques were developed by working on her own over the years, without the benefit of an art lesson.

Town Praised at "State of Clayton" Seminar

Nearly 200 of the area's leaders in business, industry and government came together here Friday to explore the moves and decisions that have turned Clayton from a sleepy southern village into one of the strongest and most desirable small towns in America.

They wanted to know how, during an economic downturn, a small town can continue luring multiple new industries to town, continue spending millions on infrastructure while trimming its operating budget, get credit rating upgrades from both of the country's leading bond rating institutions and get ranked in the nation's top 10 for affordability and quality of schools.

"What makes Clayton so successful?," asked NC Dept. of Commerce Asst. Sec. Katharine Neal. "I'll tell you. Communities have to have the basics in place. Clayton has all the pieces. You have to have the things in place that Clayton has worked hard to have in place." (full story)

VIDEO CLIPS OF SPEAKERS (in order of appearance):
Wanda Markuson, President, Clayton Area Chamber of Commerce
Jody McLeod, Mayor, Town of Clayton
Leo John, Special Reports Editor, Triangle Business Journal

Steve Biggs, Town Manager, Clayton
Jackie Ring, Johnston Medical Center
Tim Hamm, Talecris Biotherapeutics
Bobby Lewis, NC DOT
Katharine Neal, NC Department of Commerce

The "State of Clayton" Special Section was published in the Triangle Business Journal's February 26 edition.

From The Flipside

Lunch

5$ burger with L.T.and O choice of cheese and reg. F.F.

8$ Buffalo Tilapia-8oz.tilapia fillet battered and fried then tossed in our house buffalo sauce. Served on a kaiser with lettuce, tomato, onion and choice of sauce and choice of side.

Soup of the day
Southwestern style chicken soup with corn, tomato, red onion, green onion, sweet bell peppers, in a broth style soup.

Dinner
Sweet and spicy Asian chicken-Tender white meat chicken cut into bite size pieces lightly dusted with flour then sauteed in olive oil and tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce served with rice and fresh steamed brocolli.

Pasta of the day
Feta and spinach linguini-in a white wine broth.served with bread and side salad.
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Tuesday & Wednesday

Early Bird Special - 5:00 to 6:30
15% off any entree or dinner feature

Wednesdays
1/2 price wine by the glass...all day!

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Tonight: Open Mic with JB & Jason hosting
Thursday: Karaoke with KJ Greg
Wednesday: Jodi wants to show a movie.....
Friday: The Rick Keene Trio
Saturday: Great Big Gone

408 E Second Street in downtown Clayton
Hey, want to host a private party? Or maybe you are planning a special gathering. We can set you up here, or cater the occasion. Give us a call....553-0123

Steady Progress in Downtown - Editorial

An editorial from the February 24, 2010 edition of the Clayton News Star:

The town’s recent announcement that Clayton has been selected to host the N.C. Main Street Conference in January 2012 is further confirmation that downtown revitalization efforts have come a long way in the past few years. (more)

JCC Holds Free Business Seminars in March

From Losing My Job to Owning My Job
This seminar is a hands-on way to learn more entrepreneurship. It encourages participants to think like an entrepreneur while learning about small business management. By the end of the seminar each participant will have created a plan for how to pursue their entrepreneurial goals.
Course Code: SBC 3601 25P Dates/Days: March, 01, 2010 (M)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Workforce Development Center 2024A

The ABC’s of Starting a Business
Starting your own business may seem like an overwhelming task, but it really is not that hard if you take it step by step. This workshop is an in-depth walk through on the mechanics of developing a business concept, feasibility, licensing, and the written plan, plus the financial projections by line item. This workshop is a must for those starting their own business.
Course Code: SBC 3601 14P Dates/Days: March, 02, 2010 (T)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Workforce Development Center 2024B

How to Write a Business Plan
Fail to plan and you plan to fail. This workshop covers the basics you need to put together a business plan that will assist you with start up and funding your business.
Course Code: SBC 3601 09P Dates/Days: March, 08, 2010 (M)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Workforce Development Center 1032

Sell to the Federal Government Now!
Do you want a share of over $5 billion in military and other federal purchases in North Carolina every year? Your existing business can sell to federal government agencies including military installations, EPA, Agriculture, Coast Guard, VA and others right here in North Carolina and across the country. Federal business is booming. It's for you; you can do it, and the Military Business Center (NCMBC) can help! Learn how the government buys and where your business fits!
Course Code: SBC 3601 26P Dates/Days: March, 10, 2010 (W)
Course Times: 10:00am - 12:00pm Location: Workforce Development Center 1032

10 Steps to Starting Your Own Business
This workshop will give you an overall understanding of the steps you need to take to make your dream venture a reality.
Course Code: SBC 3601 27P Dates/Days: March, 15, 2010 (M)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Cleveland Center 008

Using Social Media to Market Your Business
Are you looking for a new marketing strategy for your business? Have ever though about using social media tools like Facebook, MySpace, Linkedin, or Twitter in your marketing efforts? Don’t miss this power packed session designed to get your social media traffic kick-started -don’t waste another moment online without a strategy!
Course Code: SBC 3601 28P Dates/Days: March, 17, 2010 (W)
Course Times: 11:00am - 2:00pm Location: Cleveland Center 008
Registration Fee: $20.00 This seminar is co-sponsored with the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce. Lunch is included. To register for the session, call the Chamber at 919-773-8448.

Web to English Translation: Effectively Communicating with your Web Developer
Does talking to your web developer leave you questioning whether they learned English in high school? Are you left unsure of whether the language barrier challenges will eliminate any hope of getting the online image you are hoping for? Get familiar with some of the common terms and concepts in the web design industry. Learn where to find answers to become an educated consumer of these services. Explore some of the different types of web sites and marketing approaches used online and how these can be aligned with your business plan.
Course Code: SBC 3601 29P Dates/Days: March, 18, 2010 (Th)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Workforce Development Center 2012

Tax Implications for Starting Your Small Business
Get your business off on the right foot by complying with North Carolina tax laws from the beginning. Learn about topics ranging from the proper registration of your business to how to handle complicated withholding challenges to how to pay the right amount of property taxes. This seminar, taught by the NC Department of Revenue, will give you all the information you need on your state tax obligations, freeing up your time to focus on growing the business.
Course Code: SBC 3601 30P Dates/Days: March, 22, 2010 (M)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 8:00pm Location: Workforce Development Center 2024A


Taking the Guesswork Out of Recognizing Substance Abuse in the Workplace
Are you observing dilated or contracted pupils, slurring of speech, or behaviors that previously have not been exhibited by an employee? If so, drugs and/or alcohol may be involved. Take the guess work out of suspecting an employee with a drug or alcohol problem. Learn the warning signs of substance abuse and the signs of impairment. Learn the appropriate approach to act on your suspicions and how to prevent substance abuse in the workplace. This is a great session for managers, supervisors, human resource professionals, safety officials, and designated employer representatives.
Course Code: SBC 3601 31P Dates/Days: March, 24, 2010 (W)
Course Times: 9:00am - 12:00pm Location: Workforce Development Center 1032

Do More with Less: Improving Your Efficiency with Computer Shortcuts
Ever wonder how some people get so much done on a computer while others seem to endlessly hunt for the right menu, toolbar button, or key on the keyboard? Become one of the tech-savvy individuals who let the computer improve their efficiency and speed up their work. You will learn keyboard shortcuts, multiple methods for navigating Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office applications, and simple configuration and process changes that can make your life with a computer much more rewarding! Don’t miss these tips!!
Course Code: SBC 3601 32P Dates/Days: March, 25, 2010 (Th)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Workforce Development Center 2012

Fifteen Common Mistakes That Will Undermine Any Business
Opening and operating a small business normally involves a great deal of time and a substantial financial investment. During this two-hour seminar, you will learn the fifteen most common mistakes made by entrepreneurs that ultimately undermine their business. Regardless of whether you are opening or operating a business, this seminar will prove to be invaluable in helping you form a legal, profitable, and growing business!
Course Code: SBC 3601 33P Dates/Days: March, 29, 2010 (M)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 8:00pm Location: Public Safety Services Complex J1210

The Perfect Workday
What would be a perfect workday for you? Can you describe it? If you could set and meet your priorities, work more effectively with the people around you and move closer to a balanced life, wouldn’t that come close to a perfect workday? Join us to understand how much time you really have; plan on purpose and plan with a purpose; set and track priorities; confront and handle the information avalanche; and get it done and still have a life!
Course Code: SBC 3601 34P Dates/Days: March, 31, 2010 (W)
Course Times: 11:00am - 2:00pm Location: Workforce Development Center 1032

To register for these seminars, contact Rosa Andrews at 919-209-2015 or rsandrews@johnstoncc.edu or register through the SBC website at http://www.johnstoncc.edu/sbcregistration.aspx

Downtown Clayton Gateway Sign Nearly Complete

You  may have noticed something happening as you turn onto E Main Street from US 70 Bus lately. The makings of a gateway sign for downtown Clayton is slowly coming into formation. The Downtown Development Association's Design Committee developed the final concept about six months ago

And following various testing to determine the best place to put the sign, construction began about 6 weeks ago with the footings, and then the columns

and then the sign frame:

and now the stone columns:

 

Some lighting will be installed, and then The Sign! The DDA and Town of Clayton will have an unveiling and everyone will be invited, so stay tuned!  

From The Flipside...

Weekend Dinner Features


Fillet of snapper with a vodka citrus cream sauce. Served with basmati rice and fresh steamed brocolli

Fillet of red snapper with crab meat crumbles, baked to perfection and served with basmati veggie rice and fresh steamed brocolli

Filet mignon Oscar - perpared with crab meat and Hollandaise sauce and with fresh steamed asparagus and heirloom potatoes

Filet Mignon with a shitake mushroom demi glaze and served with fresh steamed brocolli and heirloom potatoes

Pasta of the Day - Southwestern Style mac & cheese with pepperjack cheese, cheddar cheese, scallions and cherry tomatoes. Served with a side salad and bread.

Tonight
Mistard Mustard
classic acoustic rock from the 60's & 70's
www.myspace.com/themustardjar

Saturday night:
Bomb Sniffin Dawgs
classic rock n' roll
www.myspace.com/bombsniffindawgs

We can cater your next special event or host a private party. Give us a call: 553-0123 or morgone@mindspring.com

The Flipside
408 E Second Street
Clayton, NC     (919) 553-0123

NC Main Street Center Names Clayton Host City for 2012 Annual Conference

Clayton has been selected to host the North Carolina Main Street Conference January 25-27, 2012. The announcement by Liz Parham, Director of the Office of Urban Development and the North Carolina Main Street Center, was made at the closing session of the 2010 annual conference in New Bern.

”We are honored and delighted that Clayton was chosen to host this important conference in 2012,” said Ed Knight, President, Clayton Downtown Development Association. ”This will be an opportunity to show that downtown and all of Clayton is a great place to invest.”

Clayton Mayor Jody McLeod agreed. “The conference is a huge opportunity for Clayton and we will be calling on numerous groups to make it a positive and memorable experience for attendees, businesses and citizens alike,” he said.

Clayton Downtown Development Association had submitted a proposal in the competitive process to secure the conference that involves educational and recognition events for the 61 Main Street towns and cities, as well as the 28 Small Town Main Street communities across North Carolina. The 2011 conference will be held in Shelby, NC.

Most of the conference activities in 2012 will be held at The Clayton Center, a historic complex housing a performing arts auditorium and meeting facilities, located in the heart of downtown Clayton. Attendees will also have plenty of opportunity to tour, shop and dine in Clayton’s vibrant downtown as well as visit other area attractions.

The 2010 NC Main Street Conference explored the theme of ”Downtown: The Key to Recovery” with 20 different presentations on a variety of topics that have been tested in different communities. More than 400 registered attendees came from organizations like the Clayton Downtown Development Association, as well as from private firms and local governments.

Based on economic revitalization within the context of historic preservation, the Main Street program was created by the National Trust for Historic Preservation to share an effective downtown revitalization strategy which they had developed for smaller towns. Since the program began in 1980 with 5 communities, combined public and private investment in North Carolina Main Street downtowns totals more than $1.4 billion dollars. Clayton has been a Main Street community since 2006.

The North Carolina Main Street Program provides technical assistance, education and networking opportunities to its communities. The program is part of the Department of Commerce’s Division of Community Assistance.

The Clayton Downtown Development Association is a non-profit organization formed to coordinate revitalization work in the historic downtown district. The Clayton DDA organizes several special events, including the Town Square Concert Series, Oktoberfest, and the Christmas Village & Tree Lighting, administers incentives for downtown improvements, and advocates and provides business improvement services in the downtown district.

STATE OF CLAYTON EVENT: What Does a Fast-Growing Town Do During an Economic Slowdown?

What does a fast-growing town do during an economic slowdown?" That's the theme of the Triangle Business Journal event at The Clayton Center on February 26 from 8-9:30 am.  (register here)

Clayton has chosen to double down on public infrastructure spending. This 14,000-resident town is spending millions on parks, street improvements and public facilities. Will those investments pay off? Is Talecris Biotherapeutics' $250 million expansion only a first of many new additions?

The State of Clayton event will explore that and other business and economic development issues at this panel event.

* Friday, February 26, 2010

* The Clayton Center, 111 E. Second Street, Clayton, 27520

* 7:30 AM registration and continental breakfast

* 8:00 - 9:30 AM program

* Cost: $25

Panelists:
* Steve Biggs, Town Manager

* Jackie Ring, Chief Operating Officer, Johnston Medical Center, Clayton

* Mary Kuhn, Executive Vice President of Operations, Talecris Biotherapeutics

* Bobby Lewis, Division 4 Engineer, North Carolina Department of Transportation

* Katharine Neal, Assistant Secretary, NC Department of Commerce

Have an interest in Clayton? Or simply looking for new business opportunities? This event could inject some fresh ideas. So, go ahead and sign up. REGISTRATION