Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/74678
Aeromodelers Share Joy with the Community by TALICIA SMITH Excitement spreads across the face of a young boy as his mother hands him a used remote-control car she found at a local yard sale. It wasn't just any remote control car, it was identical to one he had recently lost when their home caught on fi re. The Piedmont Aeromodlers Flying Club also knows the joy of remote controls. The club builds and fl ies all types of model aircraft. On July 28 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., you can join in the joy and wonder of fl ying as the Cliffdale Regional Branch, Library hosts the Radio Controlled Static Airplane Show. Radio- controlled static airplanes are scale modeled airplanes. The aircraft are normally built by the fl yer, but can be purchased and are controlled by a transmitter. Radio signals are transmitted through the controller, which the pilot operates, to a receiver inside the aircraft. The airplane show will feature various types of model aircrafts, and showcase fl ying masterpieces and their builders. Some of the builders have been fl ying model aircraft for more than 37 years. Aircraft fl own will be controlled from a small box (remote control) and vary in wing span from 24 to 120 inches. These fl ying wonders will delight the hearts of all ages. A fl ight simulator will also be at the library during the show where visitors can experience fl ying a simulated aircraft. This show is just one of the exciting features that the Piedmont Aeromodlers Flying club brings to the Cumberland County area. Located off of Haywood Road, this club is a high fl yer when it comes to charities and local fundraisers. The airplane show will feature various types of model aircrafts, and showcase flying masterpieces and their builders. They have participated in supporting the Falcon's Children's home, Toys for Tots and other local fundraisers. Flight instruction is also available for children at the Academy of Model Aeronautics. Each year, three main events are held by the club. These events are: the Aerobatic Contest, the Fun Flyers and the Scale War Bird, all of which are open to the public. Novices as well as experienced model fl yers are encouraged to attend. The Aerobatic contest spurs interest from Florida all the way to Pennsylvania, the Fun Flyer's event is normally held in the spring and features larger model aircraft, and around November, the Scale War Bird event features military or war related planes. For information regarding the Flying Club, go to www. piedmontaeromodelers.com. If you are interested in modeling airplanes, intrigued by aircraft, or simply fascinated about aeronautics, take off to the air show. The pilots who have so caringly and carefully crafted these models would be delighted to see you there. Perhaps as they share their love of fl ying and model aircrafts you would be inspired to start a modeling hobby of your own. Or perhaps you may be inspired to soar in your life, to take fl ight past the blowing winds and demands and gain control. If nothing else you will have a chance to experience some outstanding fl ying works of art. TALICIA SMITH, Contributing Writer. COMMENTS? Editor@ upandcomingweekly.com. A Sign of Good Times for Fast Signs by KAREN POPPELE The new building is the culmination of hard work, fl exibility and, as Pittman acknowledges, meeting the customer's needs, noting that the military, builders and real estate businesses are important FASTSIGNS clients in a very competitive business fi eld. "Fort Bragg keeps us busy," said Pittman. "Why do we get so much military business? Our reputation. Customer service. We know everyone says that. We consistently get very high marks. We survey our customers by email. We send them a little three-question survey. We've always done that, and we get really good scores. We've won 'Best of Fayetteville' two years in a row." A quick visit to the website, www.fastsigns.com/243-fayetteville-nc, reveals WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM As a CPA searching more than four years for a franchise opportunity that provided business-to-business services, Jim Pittman really didn't know much about making signs. Nor did his wife, Dellmarie, with her background in marketing and banking. Yet that little detail did not prevent them from opening a FASTSIGNS® center on Raeford Road in Fayetteville more than16 years ago. Starting with one employee, two computers that didn't talk to one another and a small plotter, the Pittmans have successfully grown their business – and outgrown their storefront. So at a time when other businesses may be downsizing or even contemplating closing up shop, Pittman and his wife will soon put up new signage at their new and larger location, just down the street from their present center. Pittman grew up in Goldsboro and met his wife, who was from Shallotte, at Carolina. They moved to Fayetteville in 1987, and after leaving their respective fi rst careers, partnered in their FASTSIGNS franchise. When the center fi rst opened, Dellmarie directed outside sales. After the birth of their third child, she decided to stay at home, but remains active in the business. offerings from signs and graphics to interactive and digital product solutions. But Pittman explains that FASTSIGNS is more than just a sign shop. "We want a relationship for a long time. We're a service provider. We're not a sign shop. We're a sign center. Our new tagline just came out in April. 'More than fast. More than signs.™'" Fast Signs is looking to build new relationships as the business expands. to fi nd a retail building for sale, Pittman is pleased with the location. "All of our good customers are literally right around the corner," Pittman said. "It gives us the ability to expand into new areas. It gives us more room, more parking and easy access. Most of our business is other businesses. Visibility is important. You want your customers to be able to fi nd you." Noting that it was not easy plenty of space for the Pittmans and their staff, which has grown to 10 full- and part-time employees. "It's 6,700 square feet," said Pittman. "We're taking 4,600 feet of it and leasing out 2,100. It's basically twice as big as our center is now." The Pittmans' success with a franchise business in which they had no previous experience or knowledge is no doubt the result of their absolute commitment to customer service and long-term relationships with clients, as well as an advantageous business environment with close ties to Fort Bragg and the military community. Would he, looking back, make such a decision again? "Absolutely! I'd have done it quicker!" FASTSIGNS is currently located at 2703 Raeford Rd. The new center at 2807 Raeford Rd., is expected to open its doors this summer. For more information, call (910) 678-8111 or visit their website. And the increased size of the new location will provide KAREN POPPELE, Contributing Writer. COMMENTS? Editor@ upandcomingweekly.com. JULY 18-24, 2012 UCW 11