Weekly Village Update 1.17.19

Commerce Communications

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

Chamber Events & News

WinterFest is ONE WEEK Away! Download our full schedule of events and ice stroll location map here. Be sure to visit blowingrockwinterfest.com for detailed info for all the events planned in town Jan. 24-27th and to buy tickets for the WinterFashion Show, Polar Plunge, Beer Garden, and Wine Tasting & Auction. All ticket prices increase by $5 when purchased at the door!

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

May 2 - 5, 2019 www.savorblowingrock.com

Savor Blowing Rock Update! Town Council approved our request to move Savor’s Grand Tasting event on Saturday to Main Street! The focus of the event will be high-end wine tasting, paired with small bites of food from our local restaurants and live music sponsored by Blue Ridge Mountain Club. Logistics / Top 10 FAQ's: ·     The street will be closed from Sunset Drive to Morris Street all day Saturday, May 4 and will be pedestrian only. ·     Directional signage will direct traffic to parking decks and other important destinations. ·     Thru traffic will be directed to use US 321 Bypass. ·     The wine tasting will be in a controlled access area on the west side of Main Street. ·     Wine tasting vendor tents will not be directly in front of businesses. ·     No food or retail vendors will be allowed outside the membership of the Chamber. ·     Chamber member businesses outside the area of closure will be offered space to sell wine related merchandise. ·     Chamber member restaurants outside the area of closure will be allowed to bring food trucks or other vending. ·     Maple Street parking lot will be available for public use. Questions? Call 828.295.7851 or email Loni Miller. Stay tuned for more details as we continue to evolve Savor.

If you are interested, or if you know of someone who might be interested in this program, please click the button below for more details or to download and print an application. If you have additional questions, please call Charles Hardin at the Chamber at 828.295.7851. Application

Leadership Challenge Applications Due Soon! The Blowing Rock Leadership Challenge is an innovative leadership development program produced and sponsored by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce. This program is designed to meet our community’s future needs for the active participation of informed and educated leaders. The goal of the program is to identify potential leaders and provide them with the community information and encouragement needed to spur local action and involvement. Graduates are challenged to apply their talents throughout the community by becoming a part of local organizations, including public boards, nonprofit groups, civic organizations, helping agencies and of course, the Chamber. Blowing Rock Leadership Challenge was started in 2007 and has an alumni group of almost 80. In addition to the Challenge held every other year, the alumni group is also responsible for the production of the Blowing Rock Candidates’ Forum for municipal elections in the fall. This program is an excellent opportunity for people to meet many community leaders, to get connected to the community and to learn how things work. The deadline for applications is February 1st.

Crafting the Customer Experience equips your team with the necessary tools to evaluate and improve your current customer engagement strategy. Consider it the 2019 playbook for consumer loyalty regardless of industry.

Crafting the Customer Experience January 24th, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Statistics show that customers are the least loyal they've ever been with nearly 100% "cheating" on their favorite brands, products and retailers. It hurts, particularly when it comes to your bottom line. Loyalty matters. That's why the NC Chamber has partnered with the renowned Biltmore Center for Professional Development to offer a one-day customer engagement workshop. Learn More Register Now

Member Events & News

Consider Some New Year's Financial Resolutions Expert Tips from Billy Chick, Edward Jones Financial Advisor As the year winds down, you may want to look ahead to see which areas of your life you can improve in 2019. Perhaps you’ll decide to exercise more, eat healthier foods, reconnect with old friends or volunteer at a school or charitable organization. All these goals are certainly worthwhile, but you also may want to add some New Year’s financial resolutions to your list. Read More

Calling High Country Artists The Blowing Rock Historical Society is taking artist applications for participation in the 10th anniversary of the Artists in Residence at Edgewood Cottage program this summer. Interested artists are encouraged to apply. Application Information

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. 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.