Belk is celebrating its first anniversary at Barrow Crossing, and the Barrow County Chamber of Commerce helped to celebrate at a recent Business After Hours event.

"The community has been very good to us," said Human Resources Manager Terry Casper. "Corporate is very happy with us."

Casper urges everyone to shop Barrow County, especially during these economic times when keeping sales tax dollars at home is crucial.

On March 20, a special Spring Fling for Charity will be held at Belk to assist local charities to raise awareness and money as they begin to sell Charity Day coupons for the May 1 Charity Day event at Belk.

Cosmetic makeovers and sales will be offered that weekend.

"This will be the kickoff of those sales," said Casper. The $5 coupons mean money for the charity selling the coupon which means discounts for shoppers.

Winners of special drawings were Terrell Duck and Lisa Nash, each winning $100 in shoes while Danny Rampey and Brenda Lee won the $200 shopping spree in men’s and women’s departments, respectively. Kathy Robinson won the pot of gold drawing, receiving $150.