With approximately 23.2 million military veterans in the United States, the Clinton-Sampson Chamber of Commerce is honored to partner with the Sampson County Veterans Council and the Sampson County Agri-Exposition Center to host the annual Veterans Day celebration.

We encourage you to join us Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. at the Sampson County Exposition Center (414 Warsaw Road in Clinton). No tickets or reservations are required.

This year’s musical program will be presented by “The Celebration Choir,” a community choir made up of individuals from across Sampson County who share a love of music and community spirit. Phyllis Stallings, Musical Director of Grove Park Baptist Church, has volunteered to lead and direct the choir for this year’s patriotic celebration.

We would like to extend an invitation to the members of your church to join us in honoring our veterans by becoming a member of “The Celebration Choir.” We encourage participation from all that would like to contribute their talents in this special program honoring Sampson County veterans. If any member of your choir and/or church is interested and would like to join the choir or would like additional information, please call the Chamber of Commerce office at 592-6177. The next rehearsal dates are scheduled for Monday, Oct. 26 and Nov. 2 at 6:30 p.m. at Grove Park Baptist Church located on 609 Northeast Blvd. in Clinton.

Also, don’t forget to clean out your closet for the 2015 Chamber Coat Closet Project. We will be collecting coats starting Nov. 1. Drop off your new or gently used coats at one of the drop off sites located throughout Sampson County. To find a drop off site closest to you, visit www.clintonsampsonchamber.org.

Lastly, we are currently accepting applications for the 2015 Christmas in Clinton Parade. This year’s parade will be on Dec. 12 in Downtown Clinton. We are also accepting applications for the new Chamber Grant Program. If you have been a Chamber member for at least 2 years and are in need of façade improvements or a capital equipment purchase that could help grow your business, check out this new Chamber Member grant. The grant application is due Nov. 30. For both applications, visit the Chamber’s website at www.clintonsampsonchamber.org.

I hope each of you has a wonderful weekend and I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, Nov. 11 at the Veterans Day celebration. For more information about the Clinton-Sampson Chamber of Commerce, call 910-592-6177.

Laura Deans is executive director of the Clinton-Sampson Chamber of Commerce.

By Laura Deans

Contributing columnist

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