Raeford-Hoke Museum is a non-profit organization created to preserve and educate its community about their history and culture. Additionally, this unique venue can be booked for special events and groups to rent.
Raeford began its development as an area because of the Raeford Institute, an early secondary school founded by Dr. A. P. Dickson and the McLauchlin family.
Membership
Membership in a chamber of commerce can help businesses save money and enhance their credibility, but many small business owners are wary to join due to cost or unfamiliarity. This guide explores the benefits of chamber membership while offering insight into fees and options available for businesses owners.
Chambers are membership-based organizations with an elected board of directors that govern daily affairs and policies, employ employees for marketing tasks and track finances, offer discounts to members, access facilities as well as consulting on topics like security and accounting. A chamber can also offer various other services such as discounts or discounted membership fees to its members.
Chambers of commerce often provide committees that help achieve its goals, like economic development or education committees. Members can volunteer for these positions to gain experience and broaden their networks; additionally, chambers can sponsor local events and programs.
Kurt Posey has been an integral member of the Raeford/Hoke Chamber of Commerce for eleven years and owns W.J. Wright Realty located in downtown Raeford. A native of Hoke County, his passion is revitalization of our downtown district; using his background in both real estate and hospitality industry to assist clients while simultaneously promoting Raeford city itself.
Business Directory
A business directory is available to businesses to help them connect with local residents. It provides a detailed listing of all businesses, with contact details, photos and maps for each location; links directly to websites of each business; as well as categories listing products or services provided.
Raeford is located in central Hoke County and lies along Rockfish Creek, an east-flowing tributary of Cape Fear River. Its southern portion drains into Toneys Creek which feeds into Lumber River-Pee Dee River-Waccamaw Watershed. U.S. Route 401 runs through its northern and western sections leading to Fayetteville in 22 miles (35 km) distance or Laurinburg 20 miles (32 km) further southwest.
Three seats on the city council are up for election this year, and nine candidates have registered to run. By Monday afternoon, Cathy Brown, Jackie McLean, Ricky Sandy and Shelley Wilburn had submitted their candidacies. Josh Bain and David Conoly filed their papers by Tuesday just prior to The News-Journal’s print deadline.
Kurt Posey moved from Florida eleven years ago and has become a significant presence in Raeford ever since. As executive vice president/director/Trustee of Sun Path Products he also serves on Kiwanis Fall Festival board and was recently honored as employee of the year by Raeford Chamber of Commerce.
Expo
Hosted by the chamber of commerce, this event provides locals an opportunity to discover what businesses in their county do. Chamber members can set up booths offering information or providing freebies or advertising job vacancies according to Chamber Director Liz McNeill. Due to pandemic concerns, however, the event was put on pause but will return in May.
Each month a different chamber member hosts the Business After Hours networking event, providing them with the chance to promote their business/organization while meeting prospective clients/customers and business associates. Attendance at this free event is welcome; additionally, the chamber offers an Economic Outlook Dinner each year.
Economic Outlook Dinner
This year, the chamber will host several events throughout Georgia to provide business and community leaders with crucial economic insight. These networking lunches and presentations feature research from University of Georgia economists; all are open to Chamber members residing across the state.
This annual event takes place at the Robert A Wright Hoke County Agricultural Center and features a catered dinner provided by Logan’s Roadhouse. Hoke County Sheriff Roderick Virgil will be our special guest speaker this year; admission costs $10 per person with businesses not affiliated with the Chamber being welcome to set up information booths for $25 fee.
At the Chamber’s Expo, guests can network with local companies, government agencies and employment service providers. Following an absence during the pandemic period, it will return on Saturday May 14. Job seekers and employers can connect directly to discuss hiring opportunities or potential business partnerships; there will also be business exhibits as well as workshops/panel discussions on topics like forestry restoration, civic stewardship and longleaf pine regeneration.
The Economic Outlook Dinner features a panel of experts discussing their perspectives on the economy for 2019. Attendees will hear views regarding local, national and global economies – making for a memorable evening co-hosted by Bloomington Rotary Club and Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce.
