Helping businesses flourish
Published 4:08 pm Tuesday, June 10, 2025
- Northampton County Chamber of Commerce Director Judy Collier presented the 2025 Corporate Business of the Year award to Clements Mechanical. Accepting on behalf of the company are, from left, Keith Carter, Randall Hobbs, and JC Pittman. Staff Photo by Holly Taylor
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JACKSON – Northampton County’s annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet was held on Thursday, June 5, bringing together local businesses for an evening of networking, food, and fun.
Judy Collier presents the Small Business of Year award to Richard Vaughan of Rich & Rich Auctioneers. Staff Photo by Holly Taylor
SaRatta Murphy, Director of the Small Business Center at Roanoke-Chowan Community College, was the keynote speaker for the event. She shared information on what kinds of services the Small Business Center provides.
“We make sure that we bring the resources to you in any way we can,” Murphy explained.
The center, located on the RCCC campus in Ahoskie, serves not only Hertford County, but Northampton and Bertie counties as well.
Murphy said she talks to business owners about how to find grants that are available or how to secure a business loan for the first time. She can also provide information on how to budget to reinvest in your business.
The Small Business Center hosts webinars on a variety of topics, and they also host networking events to help business leaders connect with the community.
Garysburg Mayor Roy Bell was presented with a plaque, recognizing his support for the Northampton Chamber of Commerce for the past three decades. Bell has served as mayor of Garysburg for 32 years and will be retiring at the end of his current term in November. Staff Photo by Holly Taylor
“We want to help promote you,” said Murphy, who has a background in marketing along with experience running her own small businesses. “At the end of the day, we want to make sure people in Ahoskie know about things happening here in Jackson, and vice versa. I would love for my counties to be connected.”
In addition to helping existing businesses, the Small Business Center also helps people looking to start a business for the first time.
“The first thing I tell most small business owners is to make sure your business is viable in the area you’re in,” Murphy emphasized.
People starting a business also need to consider how they want to structure their business and plan out ways for it to persist long-term.
“That’s what we’re here for,” Murphy continued. “To talk you through all those great things.”
She encouraged people to reach out to the Small Business Center any time for more information.
The Chamber Banquet also featured special recognitions and awards.
Chamber Director Judy Collier presented Garysburg Mayor Roy Bell with a plaque, recognizing his support for the Chamber for the past three decades. Collier noted that the town joined the Chamber in 1995, and has been active in Chamber events ever since.
SaRatta Murphy, Director of the Small Business Center at Roanoke-Chowan Community College, served as the keynote speaker at last week’s annual Northampton County Chamber of Commerce banquet held in Jackson. Staff Photo by Holly Taylor
Bell has served as mayor of Garysburg for 32 years, and will be retiring at the end of his term in November.
The Small Business of Year Award was presented to Richard Vaughan of Rich & Rich Auctioneers, located in Lasker.
Clements Mechanical, headquartered in Garysburg, was recognized as Corporate Business of the Year.
New Chamber members were also recognized during Thursday’s event, and the Chamber Board elected new officers to serve for the upcoming year.
Attendees were treated to a meal catered by Jeffrey’s Kitchen, and enjoyed entertainment provided by Johnny Ruffin, Jr.
