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Chamber

Connect. Grow. Get Seen.

Our Mission

Strengthening businesses to grow lasting community impact.

Our Vision

Strong businesses. Strong community. One shared future.

Your Business Has a Story. We're Here to Help You Write the Next Chapter.

Running a business isn't easy. Every day brings new challenges, changing markets, and more competition for customers, talent, and visibility. You shouldn't have to navigate that journey alone.

At the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce, we believe every business deserves the opportunity to grow, be seen, and make a meaningful impact in our community. That's why we connect local businesses with the people, partnerships, resources, and advocacy they need to move forward with confidence.

Membership is more than a listing in a directory. it's an INVESTMENT in your business and in the future of Wilkes County. Whether you're looking to build relationships, increase your visibility, develop your team, stay informed, or influence the future of our local business community, the Chamber is your partner every step of the way.

When our members succeed, our community grows stronger. Together, we create new opportunities, support local businesses, and build an economy where everyone has the chance to thrive.

Connect. Grow. Get Seen.

Because business is better when we move forward together.

Executive Committee of the Board of Directors

Bob Ballard

Chairman 2026

Bob Ballard
ECMD

Fred Costello

Past Chairman 2025

Fred Costello
Costello Realty & Development

Stephen Patton

Chair Elect 2026

Stephen Patton
Financial Advisor Edward Jones

Jonathan Lubkemann

Treasurer

Jonathan Lubkemann
Truist

Chad Brown

Past Chair 2024

Chad Brown
Atrium Health-Wilkes Medical Center

Alice Blankenship

Assistant Treasurer

Alice Blankenship
Piedmont Federal Bank

Chad Treadway

VP Membership

Chad Treadway
Cube Creative Design

Landon House

VP Leadership Wilkes

Landon House

Laurie Brintle-Jarvis

VP Small Business

Laurie Brintle-Jarvis
Wilkes Community College

Keith Deveraux

VP Government Affairs

Keith Deveraux

Jamie Wyatt

VP Wilkes Women
in Leadership

Jamie Wyatt
Samaritan's Purse

Joe Connelly

Executive Committee at Large

Joe Connelly
Carolina West Wireless

Board of Directors

Keith Huffman

Keith Huffman

Rock Creek IGA

Mike Lipford

Mike Lipford

CrossRoads Harley Davidson

Austen DeMott

Austen DeMott

Tyson Foods
2026 Board Member

Denna Parsons

Denna Parsons

North Wilkesboro Speedway/ SMI
2026 Board Member

Shandra Gentry

Shandra Gentry

LP Building Solutions
2026 Board Member

Zach Luffman

Zach Luffman

Window World, Inc.
2026 Board Member

Brian Lane

Brian Lane

NC Works
2026 Board Member

Kristen Macemore

Kristen Macemore

Wilkes Community College
2026 Board Member

Lucas Brooks

Lucas Brooks

Gardner Glass Products, Inc.
2027 Board Member

Hank Forester

Hank Forester

C S Forester Benefits Group
2027 Board Member

Dr Michael Rodgers

Dr. Michael Rodgers

Wilkes Community College
2027 Board Member

Ex-Officio

John Cothren, County of Wilkes

Randy Huffman, Town of North Wilkesboro

Eddie Holland, Town Manager - North Wilkesboro

Dale Isom, Town of Wilkesboro

LeeAnn Nixon, Wilkes Economic Development Corporation

Halee Ratcliff, Town Manager-Wilkesboro

Jesa McNeill-Valle, Wilkesboro Tourism Development Authority

John Yates, County of Wilkes

Meet Your Chamber of Commerce Staff

Cindy Thompson

Cindy Thompson

President
cthompson@wilkesnc.org

Terrian Carter

Terrian Carter

Membership Director
tcarter@wilkesnc.org

Cindy Headshot

Cindy Meredith

Director of Finance & HR
cmeredith@wilkesnc.org

ChatGPT Image Aug 7, 2026, 08_49_48 AM

Malaya Cowles

Marketing & Event Coordinator
mcowles@wilkesnc.org

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