Things and Stuff: 12/23/02

Notes from our business community
- and everywhere else

THIS NEWSPAPER...

will publish early again next week. All news and advertising submissions for our Jan. 2 edition are due this Friday, Dec. 27, at noon. As always, we appreciate the cooperation of our readers and advertisers as we scramble to meet holiday printing schedules.

LOCAL MERCHANTS....

have offered holiday wishes to their customers and friends in The Sylva Herald's annual Christmas greetings section. This year's edition, published with this week's newspaper, includes a number of features designed to enhance your understanding of Christmas traditions and legends. Several of the pieces were selected with our youngest readers in mind, so take time to share with your children the joy of a new puppy or the notion of the Three Little Kittens going caroling.

THE JACKSON COUNTY...

Home Builders Association recently adopted a mission statement: "The Jackson County Home Builders Association exists to promote professional, successful and ethical business practices in the building industry while providing high quality, affordable housing to the community." The group also elected new officers: Susanne Moore of Moore Construction Services, president; Michael Kunz of Kunz Construction, vice president; and Dorothy Orton of Builders FirstSource, treasurer. Directors are Glen Cone, Freeman Gas; Mike Hooper, Southwestern Seamless Guttering; Clair Knapp, Whiteside Builders; Gary Marguart, R.C. Ward Builders; Gary Marrone, Action Building; Roger Pierce, Pierce Services; Joel Smilack, Glenville Plumbing; and Brandy Sullivan, Sullbark Builders.

The association's next meeting will be Monday, Jan. 6, at Bella Roma restaurant in Sylva. For more information, call Carol Adams, executive officer, at 743-0278.

THE BETTER BUSINESS...

Bureau has issued an alert warning high school and college students and other young people not to fall victim to pitches from modeling/talent agents during the coming weeks. During this season young people at shopping malls may be approached by "modeling agents" or "talent scouts." Or, as they seek to earn extra money, many are tempted to respond to enticing ads promising a glamorous career as a model or actress. Some students and their parents report having spent more than $1,000 in pursuit of "stardom."

The BBB urges parents, educators and youth group leaders to join the agency in educating teens about the potential pitfalls of such offers. Before paying any fees, call your local BBB at 1-800-452-2882.

EDWARD JONES...

has been ranked first for the 10th straight year in Registered Representative magazine's annual survey of the nation's eight largest financial-services firms. Sylva's Edward Jones office can be reached at 586-2292.