Posts by Amber Clement

Caldwell County Economic Development Celebrates Industry at Banquet  LENOIR, NC — At this year’s Industry Appreciation Banquet, local leaders, businesses, and partners were recognized for their contributions to economic growth, community advancement, and workforce development. Herman Anderson Award The Herman Anderson Award was presented to Alan Merck for his long-standing impact on economic development and infrastructure improvement in the region.…

7 Ways to Capture Tax Refund Dollars This Month Tax refund season creates a short spending window. The IRS writes that most refunds are issued within 21 days, and people can start checking status shortly after e-filing through the IRS refund tracker. In other words, your future customers are getting a little breathing room in…

How Real Stories Are Boosting Business Sales Social media is filled with perfect lives—you don’t see the dirty dishes in the sink, or the tears shed. You see the wins and the brags. The same is true of many social media accounts for business. As business owners we want to show our best selves. Anything…

Community-Led Growth: The Secret Sauce Smart Businesses Are Using to Scale Small businesses everywhere are realizing that success isn’t just about how good your product is—it’s about how connected your customers feel to you and each other. The new growth model that’s gaining serious traction? Community-led growth. This approach focuses on creating value and shared…

7 Things You Should Do Before Hiring for the Summer It’s getting to be that time of year again—the summer scramble for capable employees. Colleges are about to go on break. High schools will finish up soon there after, and eager summer employees are looking for jobs now. In the past, you probably posted a…

The Old Way To Sell Sponsorships Is Dead. Here’s What Replaced It There was a time when a sponsor could write a check to the chamber, show up at the golf tournament, and call it a good year. Their boss understood. The community mattered. The logo on the banner was enough.That time is over and…

12 Easy Newsletter Formats to Keep Your Business Top of Mind Simple Formats That Keep Your Customers Reading (and Buying) Most marketers will tell you the money is in your e-mail list. One of the easiest ways to create an e-mail list is by offering a giveaway that someone receives in exchange for their e-mail…

How to Stop Being the Best-Kept Secret in Town If you ask a small business owner where most of their opportunities come from, you’ll usually hear some version of the same answer: referrals, word of mouth, “someone who knew someone.” Behind nearly every thriving local business is an invisible network of relationships quietly moving opportunities…

Outdated Business Practices Are Costing You More Than You Think Hello. 1999 is calling. They want their business practices back. If you’re old enough, that line may remind you of the classic 90s sitcom Seinfeld. But sadly, many offices are still running the same way that Elaine and George experienced way back when. Why? Because…

6 Ways Your Chamber Can Help You Win in 2026 The start of a new year begs for reflection and plans. We make promises and resolutions and say things like, “This year will be THE year.” But unless you win the lottery, making this year radically different requires work and change. Those two things aren’t…