By Susan Tolley

Staff Reporter

At the suggestion of John Willingham, chairman of the Yadkin County Chamber of Commerce, the quarterly “Business After Hours” event had a bit of a different personality Tuesday evening. The chamber hosts this event 4 to 5 times a year to bring awareness and insight to the various businesses in the county. Typically, one business is chosen as the host site for business personnel to meet, mingle and share ideas about how to grow business in the area. Tuesday’s event had the same purpose, however; five businesses in the JF Business Complex opened their doors as participants flowed in and out of their facilities. Office personnel were on-hand at each stop to lead groups through their business, provide information about their respective business, and answer questions.

“We really feel like having multiple businesses to visit in one evening was a success. We weren’t sure how it would go over but it went well. Having the business complex with businesses so close together made it work great,” said Jamie Johnston, administrative assistant at the Yadkin County Chamber of Commerce.

Johnston estimates that more than 60 people participated in visiting New Horizon’s Home Care, Indera Mills, Nanotech Labs, Rayco Safety and Carolina Wine Supply.

Sheila Jones, chamber member and director of development with Mountain Valley Hospice, said,

“I really enjoyed the entire event. I didn’t know most of those businesses even existed and I wasn’t aware of that business complex in Yadkinville so it was a learning experience for me. I enjoyed meeting people and the fellowship too.”

The last stop of the evening ended with hors d’ oeuvres and wines from the area served at Carolina Wine Supply where members gathered for a relaxing time of business talk and socializing.