Weekly Village Update 1.31.19

Commerce Communications

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

Chamber Events & News

Chamber Awards Luncheon February 12th at 11:30 am Join us at the Meadowbrook Inn for our Annual Chamber Awards Luncheon! Tickets are $25 per person. Limited seating available - almost sold out! Call Harrison at 828.295.7851 to purchase your ticket!

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 Application Deadline is February 15th 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 15th.

Photo by Lonnie Webster

WinterFest 2019 Brought Sunshine and Large Crowds! The 21st annual WinterFest started off with a blast on Thursday night with a sold-out crowd parading through Timberlake's at Chetola Resort for WinterFeast. Snow flurries, ice and extremely cold temperatures didn't discourage our foodies! Friday, Saturday and Sunday brought a plethora of fun activities... read more & see photos. See more photos on the WinterFest Facebook page. Read article in Blowing Rock News - WinterFest: Lovin' the Love, by David Rogers. See more photos in Watauga Democrat.

Dr. Harry Davis recognizes Reba Moretz of Appalachian Ski Mountain for her decades of service toward economic development in Watauga County during the High Country Economic Kickoff Breakfast. Photo credit: Jan Todd, Deep Creek Photography. PowerPoint presentations are below: Dr. Davis' Presentation Dr. Poarch's Presentation

Blowing Rock and Boone Area Chambers of Commerce Hosted 3rd Annual High Country Economic Kickoff Breakfast Over 160 local business leaders gathered at Appalachian Ski Mountain for the 3rd annual High Country Economic Kickoff Breakfast, co-hosted by the Blowing Rock and Boone Area Chambers of Commerce. The event was presented by PeakGroup.insure and further sponsorship support was provided by Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute and Skyline National Bank. Dr. Harry Davis, North Carolina Bankers Association Professor of Banking and Economist, presented a summary of trends related to regional and nationwide economic growth, housing, employment and education. He then predicted the current economic recovery period will continue through 2019 and into 2020. Read More Event Audio

Real Estate Report Thanks in great part to an active selling season in the fall, local Realtors® sold more than 2,300 homes in 2018, the busiest year for sales in more than a decade. Sales were brisk even as interest rates rose throughout the year, including a sharp spike in early fall. Read More

Member Events & News

Job Opportunity LifeStore Insurance is hiring for Personal Lines Account Managers. There are two of these positions available, one in their Boone location and one in Lenoir. The Personal Lines Account Manager is responsible for providing assistance to new and existing customers as well as maintaining the basic insurance database and other office administrative functions. Learn More

TangerKIDS Grant Program Call for Entries TangerKIDS Grant Program, an initiative designed to award grant money to schools within the communities of Tanger Outlet Centers nationwide, has officially opened its call for entries within the High Country community. The TangerKIDS Grant Program was designed to satisfy the specific funding needs of local schools - from the implementation of school-wide programs, to rebuilding equipment and academic materials inventories, to supporting athletic or band programs. Each year, more than $200,000 is awarded in individual grants to schools in need. All grant applications must be submitted by March 15th. Read More Online Application

Marketing Strategies & Tactics Seminar February 5th at 11:30 am Spectrum Reach is hosting an event for business owners and marketing managers in the area. It will be held at Highland Avenue Restaurant at Hollar Mill in Hickory for anyone who wants to learn about digital marketing. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to listen, engage and ask a media expert questions specific to your business objectives. Learn More & Register

Be a Sweetheart, Feed the Hungry February 9th & 10th Mast General Stores in Valle Crucis and Boone are partnering with the Hunger and Health Coalition (HHC) this Valentine’s to restock the HHC food pantry. The annual campaign matches each pound of candy purchased at Mast Store with a $1 donation. You can also help out with change donations in the jars at the wrap stand. Facebook Event

Chinese New Year Celebration Youth Workshop February 9th at 10 am Join Blowing Rock Art & History Museum for a Chinese New Year celebration with music, fortune cookies and painting. Little puppies celebrating 2018 and piglets for 2019 will be created with Chinese ink and brushes. For ages 10 and up. All materials included. $12 members / $15 non-members. Learn More

Valentine's Day Special - Stay or Dine February 14th - 16th Green Park Inn is offering add-ons to any hotel or dinner reservation. They are also offering a Prime Rib Dinner special in the Chestnut Grille in addition to the full, regular menu. Add-ons for hotel stay or dinner (bottle of wine, truffles, single rose) should be reserved in advance. Call 828.414.9230 for reservations.

Community Events & News

Town of Blowing Rock Seeks Applicants for Various Boards If you have an interest in serving on one of these important citizen boards, please compete a Board Appointment Application as soon as possible.  Blowing Rock Appearance Advisory Commission (BRAAC) - 1 Vacancy. BRAAC shall have all of the responsibilities and duties imposed by the enabling ordinance and shall promote and assist in the implementation of general community beautification in accordance with adopted Town plans/policies. Alcohol Beverage Control Board (ABC) - 1 Vacancy. ABC oversees the operation and management of the Town ABC store and employs a local ABC officer to oversee the enforcement of State of North Carolina ABC laws. Apply online or stop by Town Hall for an application.

Chamber Information and Meetings

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.