On Tuesday, October 4, the Haywood Chamber of Commerce celebrated a ground breaking ceremony with Preston and Taylor Gregg officially launching construction on the family property that will soon be home to Chestnut Ridge, a timeless style wedding venue in Canton, North Carolina. The Gregg’s were the winners of the 2016 Business Start-Up Competition.
“The Chamber community was thrilled to celebrate this next step in Chestnut Ridge’s story,” says CeCe Hipps, Chamber president. “The Chamber and our economic development arm are dedicated to fostering the spirit of entrepreneurship among aspiring business owners who choose to locate their business in our community.”
For the ground breaking, family, friends and community leaders gathered atop a beautiful knoll just off Turnpike Road. “Today we can feel the love that so many will display here,” said Taylor. “We are fortunate to be surrounded by our gorgeous mountains and the rich legacy of home…and we’re so excited to share that with the world.” The ground ceremony took place at the very site Preston and Taylor pledged their lives to one another in 2009.
The groundbreaking ceremony drew the support of local businesses, tourism agencies, and town and county leaders, all of whom the couple says have poured out their time and energy working toward this day. In addition, Danny Wingate of Haywood Builders Supply provided gold shovels. Guests at the ground breaking enjoyed sweet treats from Nettie’s Bakery and fall floral décor from Becky’s Florist.
Once up and running, Chestnut Ridge will benefit many local businesses by employing them as vendors, which makes the Greggs stand out entrepreneurs. “Small businesses are not possible without a community of people coming together to make them work,” Preston said. Taylor agreed, adding, “We are forever indebted to those who dedicated their skills, vision, and dollars to this first step in our journey, who also stood alongside us as we broke ground.”