JCC Holds Free Business Seminars in March

From Losing My Job to Owning My Job
This seminar is a hands-on way to learn more entrepreneurship. It encourages participants to think like an entrepreneur while learning about small business management. By the end of the seminar each participant will have created a plan for how to pursue their entrepreneurial goals.
Course Code: SBC 3601 25P Dates/Days: March, 01, 2010 (M)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Workforce Development Center 2024A

The ABC’s of Starting a Business
Starting your own business may seem like an overwhelming task, but it really is not that hard if you take it step by step. This workshop is an in-depth walk through on the mechanics of developing a business concept, feasibility, licensing, and the written plan, plus the financial projections by line item. This workshop is a must for those starting their own business.
Course Code: SBC 3601 14P Dates/Days: March, 02, 2010 (T)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Workforce Development Center 2024B

How to Write a Business Plan
Fail to plan and you plan to fail. This workshop covers the basics you need to put together a business plan that will assist you with start up and funding your business.
Course Code: SBC 3601 09P Dates/Days: March, 08, 2010 (M)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Workforce Development Center 1032

Sell to the Federal Government Now!
Do you want a share of over $5 billion in military and other federal purchases in North Carolina every year? Your existing business can sell to federal government agencies including military installations, EPA, Agriculture, Coast Guard, VA and others right here in North Carolina and across the country. Federal business is booming. It's for you; you can do it, and the Military Business Center (NCMBC) can help! Learn how the government buys and where your business fits!
Course Code: SBC 3601 26P Dates/Days: March, 10, 2010 (W)
Course Times: 10:00am - 12:00pm Location: Workforce Development Center 1032

10 Steps to Starting Your Own Business
This workshop will give you an overall understanding of the steps you need to take to make your dream venture a reality.
Course Code: SBC 3601 27P Dates/Days: March, 15, 2010 (M)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Cleveland Center 008

Using Social Media to Market Your Business
Are you looking for a new marketing strategy for your business? Have ever though about using social media tools like Facebook, MySpace, Linkedin, or Twitter in your marketing efforts? Don’t miss this power packed session designed to get your social media traffic kick-started -don’t waste another moment online without a strategy!
Course Code: SBC 3601 28P Dates/Days: March, 17, 2010 (W)
Course Times: 11:00am - 2:00pm Location: Cleveland Center 008
Registration Fee: $20.00 This seminar is co-sponsored with the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce. Lunch is included. To register for the session, call the Chamber at 919-773-8448.

Web to English Translation: Effectively Communicating with your Web Developer
Does talking to your web developer leave you questioning whether they learned English in high school? Are you left unsure of whether the language barrier challenges will eliminate any hope of getting the online image you are hoping for? Get familiar with some of the common terms and concepts in the web design industry. Learn where to find answers to become an educated consumer of these services. Explore some of the different types of web sites and marketing approaches used online and how these can be aligned with your business plan.
Course Code: SBC 3601 29P Dates/Days: March, 18, 2010 (Th)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Workforce Development Center 2012

Tax Implications for Starting Your Small Business
Get your business off on the right foot by complying with North Carolina tax laws from the beginning. Learn about topics ranging from the proper registration of your business to how to handle complicated withholding challenges to how to pay the right amount of property taxes. This seminar, taught by the NC Department of Revenue, will give you all the information you need on your state tax obligations, freeing up your time to focus on growing the business.
Course Code: SBC 3601 30P Dates/Days: March, 22, 2010 (M)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 8:00pm Location: Workforce Development Center 2024A


Taking the Guesswork Out of Recognizing Substance Abuse in the Workplace
Are you observing dilated or contracted pupils, slurring of speech, or behaviors that previously have not been exhibited by an employee? If so, drugs and/or alcohol may be involved. Take the guess work out of suspecting an employee with a drug or alcohol problem. Learn the warning signs of substance abuse and the signs of impairment. Learn the appropriate approach to act on your suspicions and how to prevent substance abuse in the workplace. This is a great session for managers, supervisors, human resource professionals, safety officials, and designated employer representatives.
Course Code: SBC 3601 31P Dates/Days: March, 24, 2010 (W)
Course Times: 9:00am - 12:00pm Location: Workforce Development Center 1032

Do More with Less: Improving Your Efficiency with Computer Shortcuts
Ever wonder how some people get so much done on a computer while others seem to endlessly hunt for the right menu, toolbar button, or key on the keyboard? Become one of the tech-savvy individuals who let the computer improve their efficiency and speed up their work. You will learn keyboard shortcuts, multiple methods for navigating Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office applications, and simple configuration and process changes that can make your life with a computer much more rewarding! Don’t miss these tips!!
Course Code: SBC 3601 32P Dates/Days: March, 25, 2010 (Th)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Workforce Development Center 2012

Fifteen Common Mistakes That Will Undermine Any Business
Opening and operating a small business normally involves a great deal of time and a substantial financial investment. During this two-hour seminar, you will learn the fifteen most common mistakes made by entrepreneurs that ultimately undermine their business. Regardless of whether you are opening or operating a business, this seminar will prove to be invaluable in helping you form a legal, profitable, and growing business!
Course Code: SBC 3601 33P Dates/Days: March, 29, 2010 (M)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 8:00pm Location: Public Safety Services Complex J1210

The Perfect Workday
What would be a perfect workday for you? Can you describe it? If you could set and meet your priorities, work more effectively with the people around you and move closer to a balanced life, wouldn’t that come close to a perfect workday? Join us to understand how much time you really have; plan on purpose and plan with a purpose; set and track priorities; confront and handle the information avalanche; and get it done and still have a life!
Course Code: SBC 3601 34P Dates/Days: March, 31, 2010 (W)
Course Times: 11:00am - 2:00pm Location: Workforce Development Center 1032

To register for these seminars, contact Rosa Andrews at 919-209-2015 or rsandrews@johnstoncc.edu or register through the SBC website at http://www.johnstoncc.edu/sbcregistration.aspx

Downtown Clayton Gateway Sign Nearly Complete

You  may have noticed something happening as you turn onto E Main Street from US 70 Bus lately. The makings of a gateway sign for downtown Clayton is slowly coming into formation. The Downtown Development Association's Design Committee developed the final concept about six months ago

And following various testing to determine the best place to put the sign, construction began about 6 weeks ago with the footings, and then the columns

and then the sign frame:

and now the stone columns:

 

Some lighting will be installed, and then The Sign! The DDA and Town of Clayton will have an unveiling and everyone will be invited, so stay tuned!  

From The Flipside...

Weekend Dinner Features


Fillet of snapper with a vodka citrus cream sauce. Served with basmati rice and fresh steamed brocolli

Fillet of red snapper with crab meat crumbles, baked to perfection and served with basmati veggie rice and fresh steamed brocolli

Filet mignon Oscar - perpared with crab meat and Hollandaise sauce and with fresh steamed asparagus and heirloom potatoes

Filet Mignon with a shitake mushroom demi glaze and served with fresh steamed brocolli and heirloom potatoes

Pasta of the Day - Southwestern Style mac & cheese with pepperjack cheese, cheddar cheese, scallions and cherry tomatoes. Served with a side salad and bread.

Tonight
Mistard Mustard
classic acoustic rock from the 60's & 70's
www.myspace.com/themustardjar

Saturday night:
Bomb Sniffin Dawgs
classic rock n' roll
www.myspace.com/bombsniffindawgs

We can cater your next special event or host a private party. Give us a call: 553-0123 or morgone@mindspring.com

The Flipside
408 E Second Street
Clayton, NC     (919) 553-0123

NC Main Street Center Names Clayton Host City for 2012 Annual Conference

Clayton has been selected to host the North Carolina Main Street Conference January 25-27, 2012. The announcement by Liz Parham, Director of the Office of Urban Development and the North Carolina Main Street Center, was made at the closing session of the 2010 annual conference in New Bern.

”We are honored and delighted that Clayton was chosen to host this important conference in 2012,” said Ed Knight, President, Clayton Downtown Development Association. ”This will be an opportunity to show that downtown and all of Clayton is a great place to invest.”

Clayton Mayor Jody McLeod agreed. “The conference is a huge opportunity for Clayton and we will be calling on numerous groups to make it a positive and memorable experience for attendees, businesses and citizens alike,” he said.

Clayton Downtown Development Association had submitted a proposal in the competitive process to secure the conference that involves educational and recognition events for the 61 Main Street towns and cities, as well as the 28 Small Town Main Street communities across North Carolina. The 2011 conference will be held in Shelby, NC.

Most of the conference activities in 2012 will be held at The Clayton Center, a historic complex housing a performing arts auditorium and meeting facilities, located in the heart of downtown Clayton. Attendees will also have plenty of opportunity to tour, shop and dine in Clayton’s vibrant downtown as well as visit other area attractions.

The 2010 NC Main Street Conference explored the theme of ”Downtown: The Key to Recovery” with 20 different presentations on a variety of topics that have been tested in different communities. More than 400 registered attendees came from organizations like the Clayton Downtown Development Association, as well as from private firms and local governments.

Based on economic revitalization within the context of historic preservation, the Main Street program was created by the National Trust for Historic Preservation to share an effective downtown revitalization strategy which they had developed for smaller towns. Since the program began in 1980 with 5 communities, combined public and private investment in North Carolina Main Street downtowns totals more than $1.4 billion dollars. Clayton has been a Main Street community since 2006.

The North Carolina Main Street Program provides technical assistance, education and networking opportunities to its communities. The program is part of the Department of Commerce’s Division of Community Assistance.

The Clayton Downtown Development Association is a non-profit organization formed to coordinate revitalization work in the historic downtown district. The Clayton DDA organizes several special events, including the Town Square Concert Series, Oktoberfest, and the Christmas Village & Tree Lighting, administers incentives for downtown improvements, and advocates and provides business improvement services in the downtown district.

STATE OF CLAYTON EVENT: What Does a Fast-Growing Town Do During an Economic Slowdown?

What does a fast-growing town do during an economic slowdown?" That's the theme of the Triangle Business Journal event at The Clayton Center on February 26 from 8-9:30 am.  (register here)

Clayton has chosen to double down on public infrastructure spending. This 14,000-resident town is spending millions on parks, street improvements and public facilities. Will those investments pay off? Is Talecris Biotherapeutics' $250 million expansion only a first of many new additions?

The State of Clayton event will explore that and other business and economic development issues at this panel event.

* Friday, February 26, 2010

* The Clayton Center, 111 E. Second Street, Clayton, 27520

* 7:30 AM registration and continental breakfast

* 8:00 - 9:30 AM program

* Cost: $25

Panelists:
* Steve Biggs, Town Manager

* Jackie Ring, Chief Operating Officer, Johnston Medical Center, Clayton

* Mary Kuhn, Executive Vice President of Operations, Talecris Biotherapeutics

* Bobby Lewis, Division 4 Engineer, North Carolina Department of Transportation

* Katharine Neal, Assistant Secretary, NC Department of Commerce

Have an interest in Clayton? Or simply looking for new business opportunities? This event could inject some fresh ideas. So, go ahead and sign up. REGISTRATION

From "The Flipside"....

Friday Night - a great time with FULL MOON PIE


______________________________________

Join us on Saturday Feb. 13th for a special Valentine's Day dining experience.

We will have two seatings 5:30 and 7:30

We have booked live music for Valentine's Day Dinner on Sat. night

12 string guiartist Uriah Nash will be performing from 6-9

Please call for reservations: 553-0123

MENU

Includes : your choice of appetizer, entree, and dessert

Appetizers: Scallop Brochettes over a green bean salad-scewered sea scallops tossed in a herbed olive oil & seared. Served over a chilled green bean & bacon salad

Spicy Bruschetta-crustinis with peppered fresh mozzarella & roasted red pepper bruschetta

Seared Hamachi Salad-sesame seed crusted 6 oz. yellow fin tuna steak seared & served over a romaine lettuce salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, & country croutons with asian dressing

Entrees:
Mandrian orange sherry cream snapper-8 oz. snapper fillet baked ina mandrian orange sherry cream sauce served with basmati rice & fresh steamed asparagus

Apricot brie stuffed chicken breast-8 oz. chicken breast stuffed with apricots, brie cheese, & shallots. Baked to perfection & served with basmati rice & fresh steamed asparagus

Wild Mushroom ravioli with asparagus cream sauce-served with side salad

Filet Mignon- with horseradish crust-8 oz filet mignon topped with a blend of butter, fresh horseradish, & bread crumbs. Cooked to your liking & served with a blend of tri-colored fingerlings & sweet potatoes with fresh steamed asparagus with shitake mushrooms demi glaze-

8 oz. filet mignon cooked to your liking & topped with a shitake mushroom cabernet demi glaze served with served with a blend of tri-colored fingerlings & sweet potatoes with fresh steamed asparagus
with brie-

8 oz. filet mignon spiced with our roasted garlic pepper & cooked to your liking then topped with melted brie cheese. Served with a blend of tri-colored fingerlings & sweet potatoes with fresh steamed asparagus

Desserts:

Old Fashioned Strawberry Shortcake-a three layer pound cake with real whip cream & strawberry filling between each layer

Swiss Chocolate Chalet Cake-Swiss chocolate cheesecake, a layer of white chocolate mousse & then a layer of chocolate cake

Carrot Cake-six layers of incredibly moist carrot cake with smooth cream cheese icing studded with pecans & fresh coconut

Make this Valentine's Day special!!         Please call for reservations: 553-0123

Clayton Farm & Community Market Has A Website!

The Clayton Farm & Community Market has a new website and email address: info@clayton-farmers-market.org

Opening Day for Season 2 is April 10, 2010!!

Create a Special Valentine's Day Memory

Celebrate Valentine's Day with dinner and a show. The romantic music of the Destino Tenors is the perfect complement to dinner on the town. Downtown restaurants as well as Skylines Cafe in Southern Village Shopping Center will be open with Valentine specials before the show this Saturday, Feb. 13. Skylines also is offering a special Valentine's package: Dinner for two PLUS two tickets to see Destino for $99 (does not include gratuity). Limited availability--call Skylines at 919-550-7619 to reserve your package!

After dinner, head to The Clayton Center to listen to the music of Canadian classical crossover sensation Destino. The international tenor trio performs their unique blend of operatic classics and contemporary soft pop as part of the 2009-2010 Palladian Series. Great seats are still available, so it's not too late to treat your loved one. Tickets, $22 plus service fees.

Youth Theater Presents PIPPIN Feb. 19, 20

The Clayton Youth Theater has scheduled three performances of its winter musical, PIPPIN, at The Clayton Center in February. The first performance will be Friday, February 19 at 7:30 pm, followed by two performances Saturday, February 20 at 2 pm and 7:30 pm.

PIPPIN is the story of a young prince who longs to discover the secret of true happiness and fulfillment. He seeks it in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh, and the intrigues of political power, but ultimately finds it in a most unlikely place. A fairy tale with a twist, PIPPIN will leave audiences pondering their own "corner of the sky."

Led by Director Nikki Dyke, Music Director Ann Meigs and Choreographer Dawn Dees, the cast and crew consists of 26 area students in grades 7-12, representing 8 public schools and the homeschool community--Clayton High School, West Johnston High School, Garner Magnet High School, Cardinal Gibbons High School, Smithfield-Selma High School, Clayton Middle School, Riverwood Middle School and Cooper Elementary.

CAST
LEADING PLAYER - Jordan Clifton
PIPPIN - Justin Ryals
CATHERINE - Ashlyn Biggers
CHARLES - Ian Garnish
FASTRADA - Jordyn Johnson
LEWIS - Kibre Ethridge
BERTHE - Victoria Callus
THEO - Nicholas Kraft - Friday and Saturday evening shows
THEO - Luke Parkis - Saturday matinee

BAND OF PLAYERS
Kristen Bagley
Alexis Crocker
Michael Marshall
Jordan Monk
Jessica Rogers
Jonathan Royal
Brandon Spencer
Hailey Spencer
Amelia Ubinas
Sydney Williams

CREW
Hannah Craig
Denim Patrowice
Muhammad Amin
Padmanabh Phadke
Victoria Peach
Tiffany Ryan

Tickets can be purchased by calling The Clayton Center box office at 919-553-1737 or visiting http://www.theclaytoncenter.com/.

The Youth Theater's work is supported by the Town of Clayton through a recent $10,000 grant from the Cultural Arts Grant Committee. The CYT also received funding help for PIPPIN from the Johnston County Visitors Bureau.

Founded by Dyke in 2007, and adopted by the Clayton Cultural Arts Foundation, the Clayton Youth Theater was established to showcase the talents of area middle school and high school students, while bringing high quality productions to the community. The CYT presented its inaugural production, Little Shop of Horrors, in the summer of 2007. PIPPIN is the theater’s fifth production.

“The Clayton Youth Theater is small, but mighty," Dyke said. "We need more kids to get involved, we need larger audiences, and we need contributions from businesses and individuals to fuel our growth. Clayton is ready for this.”

For further information about the Clayton Youth Theater, please visit http://www.claytonyouththeater.com/.

Film Festival Organizers Offer New Twist on ‘Dinner and a Movie’

Independent film aficionados who don’t get their fill of the discussion scheduled to follow the third annual Short Circuit Traveling Film Festival at The Clayton Center on Saturday, Feb. 6, can continue the conversation over dinner at a local restaurant with the filmmaker panelists appearing at the festival.

Film festival organizers have arranged for interested audience members to join the panelists for an informal dinner in the café at Mulberry on Main immediately following the film screenings and discussion. Diners can purchase their meals from the restaurant’s regular menu and enjoy the company of the panelists and other film enthusiasts.

Heidi Stump, executive director of The Clayton Center, which is presenting the film festival along with the Ava Gardner Museum of Smithfield, said, “We thought local patrons would enjoy talking with professional independent filmmakers in a more informal setting than the question and answer discussion will provide. We hope that people will take advantage of this opportunity to get to know the panelists.”

Three contemporary independent filmmakers are scheduled to participate in the panel discussion. They are K. James Peterson, Todd Tinkham and Camden Watts.

The 2009-10 Short Circuit Film Festival is sponsored by the Southern Arts Federation and spotlights 12 films by filmmakers from Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Tennessee. The featured films span the genres of animation, narrative, experimental and documentary.

Tickets for film festival are $2.50, plus service fees. Tickets may be purchased at The Clayton Center Box Office located at 111 E. Second Street in downtown Clayton, by calling 919-553-1737, ext. 2, or online at http://www.theclaytoncenter.com/.

The Southern Arts Federation (SAF) is a non-profit regional arts organization founded in 1975. SAF creates partnerships and collaborations; assists in the development of artists, arts professionals and arts organizations; presents, promotes and produces Southern arts and cultural programming; and advocates for the arts and arts education. The organization works in partnership with the state arts agencies of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. For more information on the Southern Arts Federation and its programs visit http://www.southarts.org/.

Jones' Lunch Featured on "Tarheel Traveler"

Jones' Lunch Cafe, 415 E Main Street, was featured on WRAL TV's "Tarheel Traveler" last week. Check it out here. Way to go, Curtis!!