Weekly Village Update 1.10.19

Commerce Communications

Be "in the know" with Chamber news, local happenings & more!

Chamber Events & News

2018 in Review 2018 was a great year and our hard work paid off! Check out our Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce 2018 Fact Sheet showing how many visitors we brought to town, member numbers, networking events, ribbon cuttings, festivals and so much more! View Factsheet

Artists Applications Due January 15th! Artists! If you want to participate in the 2019 Art in the Park season (any of the 6 shows: May 25, June 15, July 13, August 10, September 7, October 5) you must complete your application by January 15th! Applications are only being taken via Zapp. Apply Now

High Country Economic Kickoff Breakfast January 24th at 7:30 am The 3rd Annual High Country Economic Kickoff Breakfast is co-hosted by the Blowing Rock and Boone Area Chambers of Commerce and is presented by Peak Group.Insure, formerly the Nationwide Insurance Charles Eyler Agency. The event will be held in the Snow Cloud Room at Appalachian Ski Mountain. Longtime Appalachian State Walker College of Business faculty member, Dr. Harry Davis, will deliver his 2019 economic forecast. Tickets are $10 for Chamber members, $15 for non-members. Doors open at 7:15 am; the event will end promptly at 9 am. Free parking will be available in the Appalachian Ski Mountain member lot.  Register Online

Rotary Charity Chili Cook-off January 26th, 11:30 am - 2 pm Come support your favorite local non-profit organizations and restaurants as they vie for the chili cook-off trophy! Blowing Rock Rotary hosts this fun and philanthropic event, taking place in the Blowing Rock School Gym. Fourteen non-profits are registered to compete. Entry is $8 for adults, $5 for kids 5 to 12, and under 5 are free! Learn more

Blowing Rock Named Best Small Town in NC! Business Insider went state-by-state to find small towns with a plethora of activities for both locals and visitors. Blowing Rock was selected the BEST Small Town in North Carolina! The author notes: "... the town’s real charm is its downtown, where you can find over 100 small shops and restaurants. With sweeping mountain views, this small town seems to be right out of a storybook." See Article

Questions? Want to attend but aren't a member? Call 828.295.7851 or email loni@blowingrock.com.

New Year, New Networking Opportunities! Business BEFORE and AFTER Hours 2019 Mark your calendars now and plan to attend the 2019 season of Business Before Hours and Business After Hours! Watch your email for details and registration information prior to each event. Your registration helps our hosts plan for food & beverages, PLUS only those who register via the emailed link will be entered in the raffle for door prizes!  Schedule

Blowing Rock Named on Winter Towns List! Fodor's Travel features Blowing Rock in "U.S. Small Towns That Are Even Cuter in Winter." Fodor's is a well-known travel brand, producing travel guides and online content. The author notes: "... the only place in the world where snow falls upside down." See Article

Member Events & News

Employees of the Year Chetola Resort & Spa announced their 2018 Co-Employees of the Year are Tim Marley from the maintenance team and Allison West from the marketing team! Tim and Allison are pictured here with Kent Tarbutton, proprietor of Chetola Resort. Join us in congratulating them on a job well done!

TAC Talk: Devorah Chocolate January 17th at 6 pm During this presentation at Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, Meagan Brown of Devorah Chocolate will uncover the numerous steps integral to chocolate making as we taste, touch and smell our way through the process. Learn More

Lakeside Bonfire Nights Fridays & Saturdays, 7 - 10 pm Chetola Resort is now holding bonfires on both Fridays and Saturdays at the Lakeside Fire Pit! Enjoy s'mores packs, outdoor bar (weather permitting) and live music while you stay warm by the fire. Learn More

4th Annual Jazz at WinterFest January 25th & 26th, 6:30 - 9:30 pm Green Park Inn is once again offering Jazz at WinterFest featuring Todd Wright Quartet! Reservations required, please call 828.414.9230.

Cork & Canvas January 25th, 4 - 6 pm and January 26th, 10 am - noon Create art in a relaxed atmosphere facilitated by trained art instructors at Blowing Rock Art & History Museum. Each participant goes home with a finished work of art inspired by a famous work. All materials including canvasses, paint, brushes and aprons are provided. Wine, beer (or mimosas for the morning session) and light snacks are complimentary. Online ticket purchase required in advance of event. Limited seating available. Learn More: pm session or am session

Community Events & News

Blue Ridge Parkway Status During the federal government shutdown, some facilities on the Blue Ridge Parkway will remain open. Maintenance and trash removal will not be done; volunteers are trying to keep up with that in some areas. If you visit please pack out your trash. In general, the Parkway is open as long as weather allows, though things like restrooms and visitor centers are not available.  Learn More

Chamber Information and Meetings

High Country Economic Kickoff Breakfast: Thursday, January 24th at 7:30 am, Appalachian Ski Mtn Blowing Rock WinterFest: January 24th - 27th, various locations around Blowing Rock Annual Chamber Awards Luncheon: Tuesday, February 12th at 11:30 am, Meadowbrook Inn Business After Hours: Tuesday, February 19th at 5:30 pm, Reid's Catering, Linville Board of Directors Meeting: Wednesday, March 6th at 8 am All meetings are held in the Chamber Boardroom unless otherwise noted.