The question continues to get asked - "What are the current needs in Western North Carolina?"We have dedicated this week's episode of Mind Your Business to answering that question, with discussion straight from the community leaders that are working in the ever-evolving trenches of Hurricane Helene recovery.This week's panel of guests include:Casey Gilbert, Vice President of Public Policy, Asheville Chamber of CommerceKim Effler, President/CEO, McDowell Chamber of CommerceRobin Morgan, Executive Director, Avery County Chamber of CommerceKitty Honeycutt, Executive Director, Ashe County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center.Panel moderated by David Jackson, President/CEO, Boone Area Chamber of CommerceOur panel will discuss current conditions in each community, silver linings that have developed since the storm, and how can people provide impactful help at this time.Each community is working on local fundrasing initiatives for individual and business support:Asheville Chamber of Commerce: - Mountain Strong Fund for Small Business Recovery McDowell County Chamber of Commerce - Hurricane Helene Business ReliefAvery County Chamber of Commerce - Avery County Business Recovery FundAshe County Chamber of Commerce - Ashe County Advantage ProjectBoone Area Chamber of Commerce - Hurricane Helene Business Resiliency Disaster GrantsMind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The show is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Support the show

So, why not add an election on to the list of "things we are dealing with," in our local economy? Election transition always brings changes that impact our economy, but that is especially magnified when there is change at the top of the ticket.On this week's Mind Your Business, we have our quarterly chat with Jonathan Allen of Allen Wealth Management. We'll discuss the potential economics of a second Trump Presidency, which includes a comparison to the normal influences when a Republican is in the White House. We'll also discuss impacts on tax policy along with some end of 2024 tax strategies that you may want to consider as the year comes to a close.In addition, we discuss upcoming grant deadlines, including a new grant from Lowe's Hardware.Mind Your Business is produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The program is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Support the show

Welcome back!! Thanks for staying tuned to Mind Your Business during this time of hurricane recovery. We are excited to be back on our regular recording schedule.On this week's episode, we will provide updates on the timeline for disaster recovery dollars that are being allocated to our region from Federal and State resources. We'll also provide an update on the application process for the Chamber Foundation's Business Resiliency Disaster Grant program.Our guests on this week's show include a collection of FEMA team members based here in Watauga County. We'll hear about an upcoming deadline for the Individual Assistance Program, as well as answers to some frequently asked questions about the application process.Mind Your Business is produced when we don't have natural disasters by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The show is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Support the show

Latest updates from the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce regarding community response needs.Support the show

Candidates for Watauga County CommissionersDistrict 3Braxton Eggers (R)Jon Council (U)District 4Charlie Wallin (D) (I)Ronnie Marsh (R)District 5Sue Sweeting (D)Todd Castle (R)Support the show

Candidates for Watauga County Board of EducationMarshall Ashcraft (I)Chad ColeAdam HegeAllison IdolCharlotte Mizelle LloydTom RossSupport the show

Candidates for US House of RepresentativesChuck Hubbard (D)Virginia Foxx (R) (I)Support the show

NC House & SenateHouse District 93Ben Massey (D)Ray Pickett (R) (I)Support the show

The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce has been busy over these last few weeks!On this week's Mind Your Business, we bring you a recap from the 2024 Spirit of Boone Annual Membership gathering, complete with an audio tribute to our nine community award winners.We also share some post-event details on the 2024 Meet the Candidates forum, including information on where you can find archives of those important conversations.Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The program is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate. Support the show

The impact of funding for childcare across North Carolina has a ripple effect that is felt across nearly every business across the State. Locally, childcare centers are trying to meet the needs of families, and the local workforce, while funding challenges still impact day-to-day operations.On this week's Mind Your Business, we visit with Elisha Childers and Virginia Ford from the Children's Council of Watauga County. We'll hear an update on the release of Stabilization Grant money to childcare centers across the State, as well as data on the impact instability within this industry has on businesses. We'll also hear about a special football-focused fundraiser The Children's Council has planned for later in September, offering the community a way to further support their mission.Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The program is made possible through the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Support the show

This episode can't be any more "chamber," if it tried!On this week's Mind Your Business, we focus on some key timing around open enrollment for health insurance. Wayne Randall, Director of the Boone Center for Blue Cross & Blue Shield of North Carolina will go over dates and details. This is helpful information for employers to share with employees who don't qualify for family coverage through an employer plan, or if you don't offer health insurance to employees.We also bring a new feature into this week's episode, focused on updates on community projects and Chamber advocacy positions. Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The show is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Support the show

Everyone else is going back to school -- maybe you should too! The Watauga Leadership Institute presents Encore, its latest professional development program aimed at helping people continue their journey in leadership. While this class may not keep you in school all day, or present an avenue to enjoy that tasty square pizza, it will provide leadership topics in a digestible 90-minute format that is geared toward continuing your education.On this week's Mind Your Business, we visit with Dr. Jim Street, owner of Ridgeline Leadership and curriculum coordinator for the Chamber's Watauga Leadership Institute. He'd discuss the premise behind Encore, who the course is designed to reach, while also elaborating on the value of continuing education for aspiring leaders.Mind Your Business is produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The show is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate. Support the show

Election season is fast approaching, and more conversation about election process and integrity has become part of our daily lives than ever before.On this week's Mind Your Business, we visit with Matt Snyder, Director of the Watauga County Board of Elections. He will provide details on the voting process for Watauga County Commissioner in the 2024 election, along with the specifics of a ballot referendum that could have an impact on future commissioner elections. We'll also discuss a special Open House that will be held in Boone August 21st, hosted by the NC Network for Fair, Safe, and Secure elections.As a reminder, the Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce will host our annual Meet the Candidates Forum on Monday, September 16th, beginning at 5:30PM at the Appalachian Theatre in Downtown Boone.Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The program is made possible through the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Support the show

Yesterday, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announced that the federal funds rate will hold steady -- for now. Is a long-anticipated change to interest rates on the horizon? If so, what does that mean for us here in Northwest North Carolina?On this week's Mind Your Business, we bring you are most timely quarterly check-in with Jonathan Allen of Allen Wealth Management. On the heels of the Fed announcement, what are the impacts on our day-to-day business and personal financial lives. We are also less than 100 days from the 2024 election, and we'll discuss the potential impacts of November's aftermath on the financial outlook moving toward 2025.This week we also provide the latest update on the Town of Boone's recent Downtown Parking Brainstorming sessions, including future timelines for more public discussion.Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. Our program is made possible each week thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Support the show

Been out and about this summer and feel a little detached from the goings on of Boone and the High Country?  On this week's Mind Your Business, get updates on community conversations focused on parking and childcare. Plus, get the scoop on upcoming Chamber events like the Meet the Candidates Forum and Spirit of Boone. We will also share information about Encore, a new offering from the Watauga Leadership Institute. Tune in for all the details! Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce.  The show is made possible through the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate. Support the show

Access to healthcare is one of the most important topics people consider when moving to a new area. We have been fortunate to see heathcare evolve in a positive way here in the mountains of northwest North Carolina, with new practices bringing service enhancements to our area that benefit all ages and health conditions.On this week's Mind Your Business, we highlight Wonder Pelvic Therapy & Wellness, which opened their doors in October 2023, bringing a new service to the High Country that is prevalent in other parts of the country. We'll get the details on the practice from co-owners Erin Wonder and Tiffany Weitzen, along with an in-depth explanation into the emergence and health benefits of pelvic floor therapy. We'll also discuss how this practice is furthering the conversation about women's heathcare needs and access here in the High Country.Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The show is made possible through the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate. Support the show

BONUS CONTENT ALERT!! The North Carolina General Assembly is in recess and we have a few short updates about what has transpired in Raleigh over the past few weeks and months.The main focus of this bonus installment of Mind Your Business centers around Early Childhood Education, and action taken by the NC House and Senate to extend compensation grants, or stabilization grants, to the end of the calendar year. This action saved a MAJOR disruption in early childhood services across the State, while also buying time for more conversation as the budget process continues. Halee Hartley, Owner of Kid Cove here in Watauga County, is part of a team of early childhood advocates that has spent a good deal of time in Raleigh working on this important issue. She updates us on what happened, what it means, and how we can be involved in what comes next as early childhood education remains top of mind with NC legislators.Mind Your Business is a weekly (and sometimes daily) production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. Our show is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Bills discussed on the show:NC Senate Joint Resolution 916(adjournment) NC Senate Bill 912 (Watauga County Board of Education Districts)NC Senate Bill 357 (adjustments to current appropriations -- compensation grants)Support the show

The Round-Up for the Greenway is an annual community-wide fundraiser partnering with local Watauga County businesses to help fund the continued construction of the Middle Fork Greenway, a project of the Blue Ridge Conservancy. During the month of July, businesses ask their customers to Round Up to the nearest dollar. Last year, 56 local businesses, plus hundreds of individual community donations, raised a total of $252,576. These funds were matched by state grants for the construction of Boone Gorge Park, which is slated to begin later this year. Once developed, Watauga County will own and maintain this park along the Middle Fork Greenway.On this week's Mind Your Business, we'll get an update on current trail development from Wendy Patoprsty, Middle Fork Greenway Director, and hear about the specific projects this year's Round Up will help fund. ** SPECIAL ANNOUNCMENT** Stay tuned to the end of the episode for details on how businesses that do not have a high volume of daily transactions or retail traffic can join forces with the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation to donate to this year's Round Up!Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. It's made possible each week through the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Support the show

Call this the Town of Boone episode of Mind Your Business, as the bulk of the program is dedicated to the Boone Next project, a revisioning of the Town's Comprehensive Development plan. This week we hear from Jane Shook, Director of Planning & Inspections, and Jessica Mitchell, Advanced Planning Specialist, with the Town of Boone. They update the timeline on this important project, what types of information has been gathered thus far, and how the community can continue to lend their voice to this effort.We are also coming off Boonerang 3.0, with well over 10,000 visitors fresh off an experience that combines nostalgia with arts and entertainment. We'll hear some updates on the weekend that was and share next year's dates!We also have some information to share regarding parking on the App State campus and in and around the Downtown Community, again, with details on how the community can stay engaged in this important conversation.Mind Your Business is produced each week by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce and is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Support the show

Summer tourism season is in full swing in the High Country! Yes, there may be extra traffic, but in a community that's built on volume, the summer dollars mean our favorite local businesses can afford to operate year-around.On this week's episode of Mind Your Business we examine the impact of the tourism economy on our local community. How do tourism partners work together to create "experiences." How do tourism dollars benefit our community all year long? What are the impacts of the summer season on the local workforce? We answer these questions through the perspectives and experiences of three guests:Wright Tilley, Executive Director, Explore BooneSteve Moize, Operations Director, Sky Valley Zip Tours & Mountain Cat Offroad AdventuresTara Brossa, General Manager of the Courtyard by Marriott of Boone & Hampton Inn & Suites of Boone.Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The program is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Support the show

Integration of AI and emerging technology are on just about every channel, pretty much all the time! How do small businesses and their employees begin to use these tools to their advantage? What are the simplest ways to turn efficiency into effectivness when it comes to "learning new things," in the technology arena.We got to these questions and many more during last month's Vision Northwest North Carolina summit. On this week's Mind Your Business, we recap the "best of the best" conversations from that event including portions of:Crafting an AI-Native Business: Essential Skills for the New Frontier - featuring Keynote Presenter: Zach Giglio, GCMThe Impact of AI & Technology on Workforce Readiness - featuring panelists Panelists Lane Freeman, Director of Online Learning, NC Community College System; Rick Shew, Associate Dean Business & Career Services, Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute; Lucas Underwood, Owner, L&N Performance Automotive Repair Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The program is produced thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Support the show

There's a new bank in town! A few weeks ago, we celebrated the grand opening of the new full-service branch of New People's Bank in Boone. After operating a loan production office in the High Country for a few years, they have settled into their new location on Wilson Drive in the Winkler's Crossing shopping center!On this week's Mind Your Business, we speak with J.W. Kiser, President of New People's Bank, about the bank's attraction of North Carolina and the Boone market. We'll also get an update on important economic trends and influences to consider as we move into another busy time in our calendar.Mind Your Business is a weekly (for the most part) production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The program is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Support the show

Spring has arrived in the High Country and that means festival season is here! Boonerang is back for year three, with new and expanded features that will bring thousands of festival enthusiasts to the streets of Downtown Boone, June 13-15, 2024.On this week's Mind Your Business we visit with Mark Freed, Director of Cultural Resources for the Town of Boone, and Boonerang's lead organizer. He'll discuss the festival's new features for 2024, which include an expanded schedule for the popular ECRS South Depot Stage. We'll also hear more about the artist lineup, volunteer opportunities, and how the festival continues to attract "Boonies" to the High Country beyond just this one weekend.Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The show is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Support the show

Ater several months of research and over 700 points of stakeholder engagement, the Watauga County Childcare Study is complete.On this week's Mind Your Business, we breakdown the numbers that relate to the key county demographics and trends that fuel the need for early childhood and afterschool care in Watauga County. We'll then get further context on the numbers from Cyndi Dancy, Founder & Principal of Dancy Research, which is the firm that conducted this important study. Hear about trends, updated information on gaps in childcare, how many workers would return to the workforce if capacity and affordability are addressed, and how the community can move forward with solutions that will have a positive impact on this key community resource.Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The show is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Support the show

We are inching closer to the 8th annual Boone Area Chamber of Commerce 4 Under 40 Awards. This year's event takes place at the historic Appalachian Theatre of the High Country, Wednesday, April 24th, with a full red-carpet experience beginning at 5:30PM. You can read more about this year's event and our 16 honorees here.Before we recognize the 4 Under 40 class of 2024, we thought you might find inspiration from hearing an update on some of our honorees of the past. On this week's Mind Your Business, we connect with:Dr. Caleb Marsh, 4 Under 40 Class of 2017, and current Dean of the Ashe Campus of Wilkes Community College.Danielle Wade, 4 Under 40 Class of 2019, and current President/CEO of Jackson Sumner & Associates.Anthony Brumfield, 4 Under 40 Class of 2017, and current owner of Infinite ScopeCaroline Poteat, 4 Under 40 Class of 2022, and law student at the University of North Carolina.We'll hear about what's transpired professionally for each since being recognized, how their leadership style has evolved, what do they study to continue pushing their own leadership journey forward, and what advice they have for the leaders of tomorrow.Mind Your Business is produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The program is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Support the show

The health and wellbeing of employees and their families is an essential part of a high-functioning business. The realities and experiences of life during the pandemic brought new focus toward how business owners can prioritize employee well-being, while also shining light on the available heathcare resources in our region.UNC Health Appalachian, formerly Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, has worked to evolve their services and facilities to meet the ever-changing healthcare needs in the High Country. How has the system adapted to demographic changes to our community? How are they addressing efficiency through technology? What are the driving forces behind hiring staff for one of the High Country's largest employers?On this week's Mind Your Business, we tackle these questions and more as we visit with Chuck Mantooth, President/CEO of UNC Health Appalachian, as we ask, "What's Going On with Healthcare in the High Country."Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The program is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Support the show

Financial information comes at you from many directions and in many flavors in today's economy. What are the indicators and trends that speak best to the day-to-day realities of business and personal life in Watauga County? What trends should we pay attention to as it relates to the next big shift? Simply asked, "What's Going On with the Economy?"On this week's Mind Your Business, we present our quarterly check-in with Jonathan Allen of Allen Wealth Management. We talk taxes, interest rates, inflation, and we even work in some discussion about the value of cold, hard cash in today's economic landscape. We'll asl discuss indicators, and what we should be paying attention to here in Northwest North Carolina as it relates to our individual financial picture.Mind Your Business is produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce and made possible through the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Support the show

BONUS CONTENT!!!On this special episode of Mind Your Business, we visit with Matt Snyder, Director of the Watauga County Board of Elections about the upcoming 2024 Primary election. Hear specifics about early voting ahead of the March 5th election, polling site and voter ID information, changes to districts for the upcoming Watauga County Commissioners races, and plenty more.Mind Your Business is produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce and is made possible through the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Support the show

Positive connections between communities make a region like the High Country stronger. Partnership on one project can lead to future dialogue about other collaborative opportunities. The more we work to connect our local towns, counties, and their governmental entities, the better the chance for businesses and individuals to find similar ways to work with one another.The Blue Ridge Conservancy works each day to protect and preserve the places we love throughout the High Country. Unique projects like the Middle Fork Greenway, which will connect Boone and Blowing Rock with 6.5 miles of greenway trail along the middle fork of the New River, bring a physical connection to two towns that already work with one another on a variety of projects. The physical linkage between the two will only enhance the case for future partnerships between Watauga County's two largest municipalities. On this week's Mind Your Business, we learn more about a similar project, the Northern Peaks State Trail, that will one day connect Downtown Boone to Downtown West Jefferson. This project includes the permanent protection of an important High Country viewshed and will foster more access points to public lands that include several of the area's most scenic settings. Jordan Sellers, Northern Peaks State Trail for Blue Ridge Conservancy, tells us how the project came together, how environmental stewardship plays into the trail's development, and how the trail will positively impact the towns of Boone and West Jefferson. Mind Your Business is produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce and is made possible through the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Support the show

The ability to access affordable childcare in Watauga County remains as much a part of the conversation around economic prosperity as accessing affordable housing. Even if you don't have a child that requires childcare, chances are you work with someone that does, and workforce reliability remains an important topic for all to consider. Also, from a workforce retention standpoint, employers that remain educated about the opportunities and challenges that staff members are facing when it comes to finding childcare are more likely to retain employees when they align resources and policies in ways that are supportiveOn this week's Mind Your Business, we visit with Virginia Ford and Wes Berry of The Children's Council of Watauga County and Halee Hartley, Owner of Kid Cove, as we discuss the current State of Childcare in Watauga County, and how agencies, businesses, and local government are all working together to improve circumstances for children, their families, and the workforce that drives the industry.Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce and is made possible through the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Support the show