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
Chairman 2026
Bob Ballard
ECMD
Past Chairman 2025
Fred Costello
Costello Realty & Development
Chair Elect 2026
Stephen Patton
Financial Advisor Edward Jones
Treasurer
Jonathan Lubkemann
Truist
Past Chair 2024
Chad Brown
Atrium Health-Wilkes Medical Center
Assistant Treasurer
Alice Blankenship
Piedmont Federal Bank
VP Membership
Chad Treadway
Cube Creative Design
VP Leadership Wilkes
Landon House
VP Small Business
Laurie Brintle-Jarvis
Wilkes Community College
VP Government Affairs
Keith Deveraux
VP Wilkes Women
in Leadership
Jamie Wyatt
Samaritan's Purse
Executive Committee at Large
Joe Connelly
Carolina West Wireless
Board of Directors
Keith Huffman
Rock Creek IGA
Mike Lipford
CrossRoads Harley Davidson
Austen DeMott
Tyson Foods
2026 Board Member
Denna Parsons
North Wilkesboro Speedway/ SMI
2026 Board Member
Shandra Gentry
LP Building Solutions
2026 Board Member
Zach Luffman
Window World, Inc.
2026 Board Member
Brian Lane
NC Works
2026 Board Member
Kristen Macemore
Wilkes Community College
2026 Board Member
Lucas Brooks
Gardner Glass Products, Inc.
2027 Board Member
Hank Forester
C S Forester Benefits Group
2027 Board Member
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
President
cthompson@wilkesnc.org
Terrian Carter
Membership Director
tcarter@wilkesnc.org
Cindy Meredith
Director of Finance & HR
cmeredith@wilkesnc.org
Malaya Cowles
Marketing & Event Coordinator
mcowles@wilkesnc.org