The Chick-fil-A Leadercast Event is a world wide event that is simulcast from Atlanta, Georgia to locations all around the globe.  This year’s event will feature speakers such as Tim Tebow, NFL quarterback, Soledad O’Brien, special news correspondent for CNN, John Maxwell, internationally renowned leadership expert and author, Patrick Lencioni, best selling author and in-demand speaker, and several others.  This years’ event will be on Friday, May 4th at the Family Worship Center.  In addition to being able to hear and learn from these speakers, you will be able to get CEU credit hours for several different areas. Tickets are only $49 per person or for groups of 10 or more (before April 1st), after April 1st price per ticket will be $55. 

The 9th Annual First National Bank Chamber Golf  Classic- The date for this event is May 23rd at Fairway Golf Course in Wheatley, Kentucky.  Shotgun start at 8:00 a.m., lunch, a chance for a million dollars, and more are just some of the exciting details for this event.  Contact the office if you would like to have a team, or would like to sponsor a hole..  It’s a great way to network and have fun at the same time! 

2nd Annual Racefest-

 Join the Carroll CountyChamber as we host the second annual Race Fest in downtown Carrollton, on Wednesday, June 27th 2012.  This is the official kick party in Carroll County for the races at Kentucky Speedway on June 28th, 29th, and 30th. 

This years event will feature live music, karaoke, race cars, a classic car cruise in, motorcycle show, food, drinks, a racing simulator, vendor booths, and a corn-hole tournament.  There will also be activities and inflatables for the kids.  You can keep up to date with all the latest information on our exclusive Race Fest website, www.racefest.com

The 2011 award recipients were:                   

Down on Main Street Restaurant- Beautification

Craig’s Do It Center- 50 year Business Hall of Fame

McNeal’s Hardware- Community Impact Award

Greg Goff- Raymond Ray Community Service Award

This year, we also added a new award category “Friend of the Chamber”

The recipients included:

 Lisa Brown, Walmart manager, for her help during the 2011 Inagural Sprint Cup race week, and for obtaining a $3500 grant to use towards promoting Carroll County during this event.

Jesse Harris, communications director for Kentucky Speedway, who took our chamber under his wing and introduced us to several opportunities available at the speedway for our chamber and the community.

 Jimmy Supplee, who was instrumental in introducing us to the directors at Kentucky Speedway, and guided us through the process of what we should do to attract visitors to Carrollton during the races. 

Nancy Jo Grobmyer- was recognized for 34 years of service to the Carrollton City Council, and for being the first woman on council. 

Bret Calhoun, the chamber’s administrative assistant, was presented with three awards from the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives, for Outstanding Membership Retention, Outstanding Membership Growth, and Outstanding e-newsletter. 

The banquet was held at the Old English Schoolhouse, in English, Kentucky and entertainment was provided by Elvis tribute artist Todd Bodenheimer.  He is an award winning performer that kept the crowd entertained throughout the evening.  He sang different songs, handed out scarves to the ladies, and posed for pictures.  A buffet dinner was served to guests as well, and was catered by the staff of the school house.  Students from Carroll County FBLA, and the high school football team were there to volunteer by refilling drinks, offering desserts, and cleaning up afterward.  The Kentucky Kruizers brought in old cars to kick-off the evening with music and entertainment as guests arrived. 

You are just three easy steps away from reserving these exclusive savings and enjoying a weekend of unique entertainment:                                         

1. Visit www.kentuckyspeedway.com/tickets
2. Select the event you want to attend
3. Enter the discount code “Carroll” at the top of the page and continue through checkout. 

But act now, this offer expires on September 21st, 2011!  See you at the races.

Nominations are open for our annual awards, and they include:

• Beautification Award- Presented to a business who continually improves the quality of their business through landscaping, renovation, expansion, facade improvements, signage, and other “curb appeal” projects to enhance the appearance of their property.
• Community Impact Award- Given to a business/industry/organization that has contributed to the quality of life for the residents of Carroll County.  The contribution to the community may be a business expansion, programs offered, funds donated, or a combination of these.
• Raymond Ray Community Service Award- Named in memory of Raymond Ray, whose volunteer hours contributed to the success of several community organizations and events.  His tireless efforts created a positive quality of life for the citizens of Carroll County.
• Business Hall of Fame- This award is given to a business that has been open for fifty (50) years or more, under the same ownership. 

New this year, we would like to recognize individuals who have received awards within their own industry.  So please make us aware of  any special awards you have received from others! 

Nominations must be received by September 15th, so we can send out ballots for everyone to vote.

Race Fest was planned to entice race fans who come in early, to come to downtown Carrollton and enjoy it’s small town charm.  The News Democrat published a special section to the newspaper that was distributed to all the campgrounds at Kentucky Speedway as the guests checked in.  It was also place in surrounding hotels, and convenience stores in the area. 

Special thanks to Mayor Gene McMurry and Judge Harold “Shorty” Tomlinson for their help from the City of Carrollton and the county.  We also want to thank Kentucky Speedway directors, especially Jesse Harris, for his support and direction to our efforts.  Walmart manager Lisa Brown and Kroger manager John Royse also dedicated their time and efforts to ensure the success of the event.  This truly was a community effort that would not have succeeded with everyone’s help!  We hope race fans enjoyed their experience in Carrollton.  Several comments were made from out of town guests, and employees at Kentucky Speedway who were helping out from Charlotte, North Carolina, about how friendly the people are.

How do you get this discount?

Photo by Jimmy Supplee

1. Visit www.kentuckyspeedway.com/tickets
2. Click the event you want to attend
3. Enter the promo code Carroll in the box near the top of the page

It’s that simple.  If you want to purchase tickets for groups of 50 or more, contact Jesse Harris at the Kentucky Speedway (859)578-2868.  He can also help you with hospitality tents, corporate suites, pit road club, and advertising. 

See you at the races!!

Photo by Dennis Neal

As the Inaugural Sprint Cup race weekend nears at Kentucky Speedway, the people of Carrollton are gearing up for an exciting week.  The Quaker State 400 will be on Saturday, July 9th, but the NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will also be racing on Thursday and Friday. 

Race Fest 2011

The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce and Carroll County Tourism are teaming up for a kick-off event in downtown Carrollton on July 6th, from 5-11 p.m.!  There will be live music, with three bands performing that night,  food, drinks, games, remote control race cars from Radical Circle Track, a NASCAR Sprint Car, inflatables for the kids and a Lego building station, and much more. T’Kay’s Blues & more will host a bike show and will be awarding plaques to the winning motorcycles. 

Walmart and Kroger are also planning to get in on the action that entire week.  They will have race cars, NASCAR simulators, food, and of course, groceries and supplies for all the fans.  McDonalds and KFC have also stated that they are getting geared up and ready! 

We will keep you updated as more events unfold!  Stay tuned.