North Carolina Rink Owner Recognized for Pandemic Response

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. - EntSun -- A North Carolina Businesswoman was honored at a ceremony in Orlando, Florida this past week, in recognition of exemplary and innovative accomplishment within the roller-skating industry. The Roller Skating Association (RSA) presented the Al Kish Attaway Award for Achievement to Denise Watkins, co-owner of Sky-Vue Skateland because of her diligence in learning and sharing COVID safety protocols with other rink owners, and urging the state government to allow rinks to re-open.

"It was my pleasure to serve as the spokesperson for the North Carolina operators for we joined together in petitioning our officials and succeeded in reopening our skating rinks," she said when accepting the award at the RSA's National Convention and Trade Show.

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In March of 2020, when businesses were initially shut down for COVID-19, it was unclear when roller skating rinks could reopen. State legislatures across the country were defining safety measures for other businesses, such as health clubs and restaurants, but roller roller rink owners found themselves in a bit of a quandary as to where they fit in and how to reopen as quickly as possible, without jeopardizing the health and safety of customers.

Denise jumped into action and began monitoring the Governor's press conferences and kept other Carolina rink operators abreast of the mandates. Additionally, she, along with other rink operators set up protocols for pandemic procedures in roller skating rinks. Denise then petitioned the Governor's office and the NC Department of Health and Human Services to hear her case. She also lobbied Senators and Representatives on the Legislature's Opening Day about the virtues of roller skating.

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Nationally, Denise is a certified instructor and member of the Society of Roller-Skating Teachers of America. Additionally, she has served as Secretary and Vice President in Section 12 of the RSA. Locally, Denise represents Sky-Vue Skateland at the Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Small Business Committee. She values networking with Rocky Mount Business Builders.

Sky-Vue Skateland is serving third and fourth generations with roller skating for families, tweens, and teens. Providing safe, family friendly entertainment has been their focus since 1958. All communities need a safe space for youth to gather and socialize with their friends. Chip Turner, a small business owner who enjoyed Sky-Vue as a boy, commented on her innovation by saying, "Denise keeps up with all the latest technology to provide old school values."  Visit http://www.skyvueskateland.com to learn more about the local icon.