Weekly Village Update 12.14.17

Chamber Events & News

What Are Your Plans for New Years Eve? Members, do you have a New Years Eve menu, party or event that you would like to include in our New Year's Eve Guide? If so, please send us... ·     A graphic (event poster, social media image) ·     Brief info (what, where, when, cost - just a couple of short sentences describing your event) ·     Link (website, Facebook, pdf) Deadline: Tuesday, December 19th Guide will appear in our December 21st edition. Questions? Call the Chamber at 828.295.7851

Submit Info for NYE Guide

Oh What a Night! Christmas Party Re-Cap: Last night's Chamber Christmas Party at The Gamekeeper was SO much fun! Click here to see photos and feel free to tag yourself on Facebook!

Show Some LOVE! This is your LAST CHANCE to have your business listed on our Member to Member Discount Card (an accordion-style card which folds to the size of a business card) along with other participating business members. This card is distributed to all of our members! If you have not already, contact Harrison TODAY to be included!

Deadline is TOMORROW, Friday, December 15th!

We Need Your Feedback TODAY! In May 2017, the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce approached the Blowing Rock Town Council to inquire about repurposing the use of the old firehouse on the corner of Park Avenue and Wallingford, into a multi-purpose community auditorium. The Town Council agreed and subsequently approved a one-year agreement to allow the Chamber to explore the possibilities, prepare a design and establish an execution strategy.  The purpose of this survey is to get a better understanding of patron sentiment and whether or not a smaller, more scalable venue would be welcome and supported in the Town of Blowing Rock. Your feedback and response is critically important and we would encourage you to take a moment to fill out the survey and to offer commentary.

Click the image above to watch a video explaining why our Economic Development Committee is researching this project for Blowing Rock. Take Survey All responses are welcome. Deadline is TOMORROW, Friday, December 15th.

Chamber Awards Nominations Do you know a Chamber Member who deserves an award? We are now taking nominations for the BEST Commercial Renovation, New Construction, Outstanding Business Service, Customer Service, Service to Community, Jerry Burn Ambassadorial, and Business of the Year. Please click the "nominate" button, and for each category, give us the person's or business name and a reason why they deserve the award. A ballot to vote for the final top nominees in each category will be sent in January.

Nominate

FREE Updated Labor Law Poster Labor law posters provided by the NC Department of Labor have been updated to include the required information pertaining to the NC Employee Fair Classification Act, which takes effect December. 31st. Labor law posters are available from NCDOL FREE of charge. Employers should be aware that some companies who sell similar workplace posters use scare tactics to sell their products. Read More

To determine which posters are required, or to order updated posters, visit www.labor.nc.gov or call 1.800.NC.LABOR (1.800.625.2267).

US Small Business Administration Blog: 7 Types of Advertising That Don't Cost an Arm and a Leg Advertising can be a powerful way to deal with marketing challenges such as low brand awareness, a declining customer base or heavy competition. Or perhaps you simply have a desire to drive more foot traffic to your business and think advertising can help. Read More

Member Events & News

Glenn & Lula Bolick Receive 2018 North Carolina Heritage Award Lula and Glenn Bolick of Caldwell County have brought multiple mountain and piedmont traditions into the 21st century. As potters, they continue the practice of Lula’s family, the Owens of Seagrove. Glenn sustains his family’s traditions as a saw-miller, musician, and storyteller, all showcased at the family’s annual Heritage Day celebration.

Photo from North Carolina Art's Council website. Read Story

Here We Come A Wassailing! Thursday, December 14th at 6 pm Blowing Rock Art and History Museum Come sing in Christmas with our wintertime sing-along! We'll enjoy hot cider and treats while sharing carols and other Christmastime tunes! Our host, Saro Lynch-Thomason, will teach a few songs from English wassailing traditions, a practice going back to medieval times in which peasants would sing for cider, gifts and food at the homes of nobles. We will also sing carols collected from the Appalachian Mountains. Participants are welcome to bring seasonal songs good for singing in groups!

Learn More

Yuletide Musical Variety Show Friday & Sunday, December 15th & 16th at 7 pm Sunday, December 17th at 2 pm Ensemble Stage at Banner Elk School With 25 musical numbers containing all or parts of over 30 yuletide songs, performances by the Carolina Snowbelles and Western Carolina Youth Ballet, this fast-paced tribute to the Andy Williams and Bing Crosby television holiday shows of the 60's and 70's is sure to rejuvenate your holiday spirit!

Information & Tickets

SNIPS Sale December 15th, 11 am - 2 pm Western Carolina Eye Associates, Boone SNIPS volunteers will bring handmade gifts and craft items for sale. Proceeds benefit the Watauga Humane Society's low cost spay and neuter programs. Light refreshments available.

SNIPS Facebook Page

Create Community Gift Drive Now through December 20th Blowing Rock Art and History Museum Help bring comfort to those taking shelter at the Hospitality House this season by participating in the Create Community Gift Drive. Provide everyday essentials by purchasing items on the Hospitality House Wish List. Gifts cards in small increments from Big Lots are also welcome. Drop off items at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum during normal business hours. The holiday gift drive will run until December 20th, 2017. Please call/text Jessica Maceda 828.773.8764 if you have any questions.

Learn More

2017 Honor Cards for Hospitality House The Honor Card is a unique way to recognize friends, neighbors, family members and loved ones while at the same time giving a meaningful gift to someone in need. 100% of every dollar raised goes toward providing housing, food, counseling and life-changing services to the individuals and families that call Hospitality House home. Read More Honor Cards are available now through January for a minimum $5 donation.

Information & Online Ordering

Visit our website calendar for more events! The calendar is updated regularly with local and area happenings.

Submit Event for Calendar

Chamber Events, Information & Meetings

Chamber Executive Board Meeting: Thursday, January 4th at 10 am, Chamber Office Chamber Board Meeting: Wednesday, January 10th at 8 am, Chamber Board Room