Dianne Wood and Bonnie McCorkle are two happy campers.
|
Dianne Wood and Bonnie McCorkle (right) decorate a tree in their Washington Road store.
Jason B. Smith
|
The co-owners of the Washington Road gift shop Peacock Hill were awarded with the Thomson-McDuffie Chamber of Commerce's Small Business of the Year Award last week at one of the chamber's quarterly After Hours get-togethers.
"It was so exciting for us," said Mrs. Wood. "We didn't expect it because we are so small -- it's just the two of us. I guess if you're going to call anyone small business, we are."
Mrs. McCorkle and Mrs. Wood started Peacock Hill about 10 years ago, and since then have been extremely active both in the community and with the chamber.
"We work so hard, and we try to give 110 percent to everybody because we try to do what we can to work with the chamber and volunteer as much as we can to the county. I would think most small businesses, I would hope, would strive to give something back, because it's the people here who keep us in business," said Mrs. Wood.
The award is decided by a chamber committee and based on a number of qualifications. Chamber Director Carolyn Gilbert said that Peacock Hill exemplified everything that a small business should be.
|
Jason B. Smith
|
"They are very gracious, and they've done so much for the community. Both (Mrs. McCorkle and Mrs. Wood) have served on the Board of Directors, and they've been very instrumental in chamber programs and promoting the chamber," she said.
The final After Hours of 2003 was held at Lovelace Jewelers. Chamber officials liked the way the quarterly networking events worked so much this year, that in 2004 they plan to have them monthly.
"Business After Hours is a good networking opportunity for all chamber members," said Mrs. Gilbert. "It's one of the really good reasons to belong to the chamber. It's a good way to socialize and meet people."
The next After Hours is scheduled for January at Freedom Ford.
