GRANVILLE COUNTY ADMINISTRATION: Did you know that for every five families with infants or toddlers there is only one licensed childcare space in North Carolina? A lack of affordable and high-quality licensed childcare centers in North Carolina makes our state a childcare desert, which hinders the ability to grow and expand the local economy as workers face difficult childcare decisions and this critical step in early childhood education is often missed.

Granville County Government encourages attendance at the upcoming childcare forum scheduled for Thursday, May 23 at the Days Inn and Suites “Grand at Oxford” located at 913 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, Oxford. The event will consist of two sessions; the first beginning at 1:00 p.m. for those interested in starting or expanding a childcare site and a second session beginning at 6:00 p.m. for the general public. The event is hosted by Representative Frank Sossamon, who represents Granville and Vance counties in the North Carolina General Assembly.

Having affordable and high-quality childcare centers is critical to the economic development of Granville County as well as the well-being of its residents. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provided subsidies and funding for childcare centers that allowed them to stay open and profitable, allowing local workers to stay on the job. That funding has now lapsed and many childcare centers across North Carolina are faced with the need to either raise prices, making their services unaffordable for the average person, or close entirely. The May 23 forum will provide information on resources available in Granville County for childcare providers and those seeking childcare services.

“Initially, businesses may be intimidated by the thought of starting or expanding a childcare center, but this venture actually has the potential to boost morale, substantially reduce vacancies, reduce absenteeism and help with the pressing childcare shortage in our community,” according to Rep. Sossamon. “There are tools out there that are readily available to assist in the process and we want to be sure local businesses know how to utilize them.”

Forum partners include the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Franklin Granville Vance Smart Start, Granville County Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Center at Vance-Granville Community College, Granville County Department of Social Services, Childcare Services Association, and local child-care centers.

For more information, contact the Office of Rep. Frank Sossamon at 919-733-5824 or Clai.Keel@ncleg.gov.

At the U.S. Open SpiritsChampionship, Oxford Oaks Distillery proudly shares the Grand National Champion's Trophy with Dayton Barrel Works Artisan Distillery from Dayton, Ohio. Both distilleries secured three gold medals in this section of the competition, solidifying their status as leaders in the spirits industry nationally.

Oxford Oaks Distillery clinched gold in the Vodka, Flavored Vodka (Black Pepper), and Rum categories, showcasing their dedication to crafting exceptional spirits with unmatched quality and flavor. Oxford Oaks Distillery also was awarded a gold medal for their 86 proof Carolina Whiskey in the whiskey spirits section of the competition.

"This recognition is a testament to our relentless pursuit of excellence and commitment to producing and distributing spirits of the highest caliber," said Matthew McLain, Master Distiller of Oxford Oaks Distillery. "We are honored to be recognized among the best distilleries in the US and proud to represent North Carolina on a national stage. Having our Vodkas recognized also shines a light on the North Carolina farming community and we are proud to be producing spirits from locally sourced grains and returning those used products back to the farmers as feed."

The judging process at the U.S. Open Spirits Championship is rigorous and impartial, with blind tastings ensuring fairness. The initial round of judging took place at "The Barn" in Oxford, Ohio, with the final round held in Niagara Falls, New York, in collaboration with the Niagara College Teaching Distillery in Ontario. A panel of judges, including instructors from Niagara College and industry experts, stringently evaluated each entry to determine the winners across various categories.

For a full list of winners, visit https://usopenwhiskey.com/2024-u-s-open-whiskey-medals-winners/. "We are incredibly proud of our team at Oxford Oaks Distillery for their outstanding achievement at the U.S. Open Spirits Championship. Winning four gold medals and sharing the Grand National Champion's Trophy is a testament to our unwavering commitment to distributing only top quality spirits and the production of unique liquors like our Black Pepper Vodka. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on driving sustainable business growth and delivering long-term value to our investors and community," commented Founding Partner and Investor Relations Director Dr. Peter Johnson.

For information on Oxford Oaks Distillery award-winning spirits, visit www.oxfordoaksdisitllery.com.

About Oxford Oaks Distillery Oxford Oaks Distillery is Granville County’s first craft distillery featuring a specialty cocktail bar and upscale Verdigris restaurant where the community can gather and enjoy fine spirits, elevated cocktails and delicious cuisine located in the heart of downtown Oxford, North Carolina. Contact: Pierre Gingue, Managing Partner – info@oxfordoaksdistillery.com