Weekly Village Update 2.14.19

Commerce Communications

We LOVE Blowing Rock today and everyday! Show your LOVE for our community by shopping LOCAL and supporting our small businesses. Happy Valentine's Day!

Chamber Events & News

Many restaurants are offering Valentine's specials. If you don't already have a reservation, please call ahead for availability. Need a last minute gift? Stop by a local shop - they'll be happy to help you find something perfect!

Think outside the "box"! Nothing says romance like a a beautiful hike with views for miles, a hand-in-hand stroll under the lights of downtown, drinks or s'mores by a cozy fire… Blowing Rock has it all! For more ideas, click here or check out Romancing the Rock.

Matt Vincent accepted the Business of the Year Award on behalf of VPC Builders. Photo credit: David Rogers for Blowing Rock News.

Congratulations Chamber Award Winners! On Tuesday, February 12th, The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 32nd Annual Awards Ceremony. This luncheon is our annual opportunity to honor businesses voted “the best” in each category by the Chamber members. Each of these businesses were nominated by Chamber members and voted on by Chamber members. It is a great honor to be selected by other businesses for excelling in this marketplace. Read More on the Chamber blog. Click here for article and photos by David Rogers, Blowing Rock News.

Specs & Contract

2019 Blowing Rock Visitor's Guide & Directory Ads Due: TOMORROW, February 15th Last chance to secure your ad space in Blowing Rock's #1 most requested publication! The Blowing Rock Visitor Information Guide & Directory features a comprehensive list of member hotels, attractions, restaurants, shopping and services. Also included is a calendar of events, articles on the history of Blowing Rock, entertainment, recreation and much more to attract visitors and cultivate tourism. The directory is also a popular reference for new residents and those building second homes. Email the signed ad contract and artwork to Sarah or call the Chamber at 828.295.7851 to reserve your ad space. Learn More

If you are interested, or if you know of someone who might be interested in this program, please click the button below for details and an application. Questions? Call Charles Hardin at the Chamber at 828.295.7851. Application Application Deadline: February 15th.

Leadership Challenge Applications Due: TOMORROW, 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.

Business After Hours February 19th at 5:30 pm The 2019 season of Business After Hours kicks off at Reid's Cafe at Tynecastle in Linville. Be sure to join us for a fun evening of networking and nibbles! An email was sent yesterday with more details and RSVP instructions. Questions? Call the Chamber at 828.295.7851 or email Harrison.

Entrepreneurship Class at Blowing Rock School A big round of thanks and congratulations to Zak Ammar, CEO of Vixster and Executive Committee member of the BR Chamber. Zak initiated, and is leading the first Entrepreneurship Class at the Blowing Rock School. The Chamber has been active in a number of ways working with the School to increase awareness of the students about the business community and the skills necessary for success. Erich Schlenker, Managing Director at the Center for Entrepreneurship at App State has been supporting and teaming with Zak. The Principal, Patrick Sukow and teacher, Rob Smith, have been extremely supportive of this endeavor. The plan is for this to be an ongoing program with the school. Great job Zak!

Workshop is for businesses that have at least two years of successful sales, and those responding to Requests for Proposals for government solicitation.

Federal Proposal Writing Workshop February 28th at 9 am Government procurement counselors from the North Carolina Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) will lead an informative and interactive workshop guaranteed to jump-start your next federal proposal. Learn how to: ·  Identify contract opportunities that are realistic for you. ·  Understand how the government describes what it needs. ·  Prepare responsive and effective proposals. ·  Improve your chances at winning government contracts. Workshop will be held in Hickory, NC and is free; pre-registration required. Learn More & Register

WELCOME NEW MEMBER: Anjula Caldwell Designs Good design starts with active listening. Whatever your design needs, I will get to the root of who, what, where and why and then together we’ll find the how. Whether it’s hourly design and layout work, logo design and rebranding, long term campaign management, or large scale projects, I’m ready to help. As a photographer and designer, my approach brings more than just a layout. It comes with the ability to hear the desire each business uniquely holds. Whether it’s through print or strictly digital, I can bring life to your ideas through my approach to design. Contact Anjula Caldwell Designs at 805.689.0171 or design@anjulacaldwell.com to discuss your marketing needs today. Visit Website

Member Events & News

Design Tips for Print Products Go Postal in Boone offers many products that can be used as "menus" to help guide your customers. Follow these tips pictured for designing the most effective print products. For more information, call 828.262.0027 or visit the website.

Coffee Club February 22nd at 8:30 am Join Billy Chick, Edward Jones Financial Advisor the last Friday of each month through April for a brief presentation on current events in the market and economy. An informal discussion to follow. Meet in the conference room at Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce; coffee and donuts provided. Questions? Call 828.295.6176.

Online Calendar of Events

Newsletter Policy

Chamber Information and Meetings

Business After Hours: Tuesday, February 19th at 5:30 pm, Reid's Cafe, Linville Community, Government & Education Committee Meeting: Wednesday, February 20th at 3:30 pm Executive Board Meeting: Tuesday, February 26th at 8 am Board of Directors Meeting: Wednesday, March 6th at 8 am All meetings are held in the Chamber Boardroom unless otherwise noted.