Business community works to restart Grifton chamber

GRIFTON — Members of the local business community are in the process of re-establishing a chamber of commerce to promote the town’s merchant culture and help it grow.

Denise Pugh is leading the effort as chairwoman of the organizing board, while Waldo Alicea is serving as the vice chair.

Pugh is the owner and operator of NewGround Restoration Life Center, which she said is a multi-business that has worship services on Sundays, Fun Night every third Friday for school children, as well as seminars for enhancing education and learning.

Alicea owns Pro Roofing and Restoration and said he has done a considerable amount of roofing in Grifton, and it all started through word of mouth.

“Everyone knows who we are, and that has started realistically by networking,” said Alicea. “It started with one roof, and I am so busy now because one roof went up, then the calls and referrals kept coming in, and that’s what’s built our business.”

They had their first meeting in April at the Grifton Public Library to put out feelers, a second meeting near the end of May, and they said that they were happy to have good interest both times.

“We were excited about the numbers that we had at the first meeting in April, we had about 12 to 15 people that came out, which was way more than what we expected. But we did discuss getting the chamber back together, and of course we went over old articles and documents and things of that nature,” said Pugh.

After looking through older documents from 1992, organizers said they want to be a more regional chamber instead of just a town chamber, which would be inclusive of all businesses and community members that want to participate.

“So, we want to extend the invitation to brick-and-mortar business owners, other entrepreneurs, as well as businesses right outside of town in both Pitt and Lenoir Counties,” said Alicea.

Pugh said that they want to bring forward and help promote existing businesses in Grifton, providing them with more exposure so people will know what is in the community, as well as what they have to offer, and to also have more businesses to come in and partner with those that are existing.

“Having a chamber of commerce is very important,” said Alicea. “That’s how the town will grow, through unity, networking, and taking care of each other.”

The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. on July 25 at 7 p.m. at Grifton Mission Ministries, 5578 N.C. 11 North, where Pugh said that they will be introducing their mission and vision, establishing membership fees, determining whether they will file for 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) nonprofit status, and they are welcoming anyone to come join.