-submitted by Ann Ward

The Tyrrell County Chamber of Commerce’s BUY LOCAL Campaign winner for the month of March was Mrs. Clara Mae Rhodes.  The drawing was held at the March meeting of the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.  The gift was donated by Pledger Hardware and included an array of gardening tools and seeds.

The winner’s name for the April Buy Local gift was Mrs. Lucy Bateman.  The drawing was held at the Annual Banquet which took place at the Old Salt Oyster Bar on April 29.  The prize was donated by Elements Café and was a mug and box of teas.

“Both ladies were very excited about winning,” states Ann Ward, Chamber of Commerce President.  “When I delivered the gifts both Clara Mae and Lucy commented they thought that was the first thing they had ever won,” says Ward. “It is very nice to see the smiles from the people who win and the Chamber greatly appreciates the support of our local business community in making this happen.”

Any business who is interested in donating a gift for one of the monthly Buy Local drawings can contact the Chamber of Commerce and they will gladly pick up the gift.  The phone number for the Chamber is 252-796-1996.

The Buy Local program encourages all Tyrrell County residents to buy all you can within Tyrrell County to support local businesses and the health of our county’s economy. Each month a drawing is held at the regular Chamber meeting.  The prizes are donated by local businesses.     All Tyrrell County residents are welcome to participate in the BUY LOCAL Campaign drawing.  Collect 5 receipts for at least $5.00 each from purchases within Tyrrell County.  Envelopes and drop boxes are placed around Columbia for convenient drop off of your 5 receipts.  Locations of drop boxes include:  the Visitor Center, Tyrrell County Library, Town of Columbia offices, Tyrrell County Water Department office, and the Senior Center.  Be sure to put your name and contact information on the envelope!  Envelopes are collected each month for the drawings.   “Buy Local” and we all win!!!!”, encourages Ms. Ward.