Weekly Village Update 12.9.21

 

Chamber News Upcoming Meetings & Events Town Council Meeting - MONDAY, December 13th at 6:00pm EBD Committee Meeting - Thursday, December 16th at 8:15am Chamber Office /Visitors Center will be closed December 24th & 2th Blowing Rock WinterFest Blowing Rock WinterFest is January 27-30th, 2022! If you're business is interested in participating, please reach out to Suzy Barker at Suzy@BlowingRock.com. For a list of events visit www.blowingrockwinterfest.com Tourism Management Plan Presentation On Wednesday, December 8th Roger Brooks returned to Blowing Rock to present a draft of Blowing Rock's Sustainable Tourism Management Plan to the public. This past summer, the Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority (TDA) commissioned an in-depth study of Blowing Rock as a preliminary step toward a Sustainable Tourism Management Plan. Professional researcher and facilitator Roger Brooks of the Destination Development Association was hired to help the TDA and the Town of Blowing Rock coordinate the effort required to create this plan. The plan is intended to address challenges with parking and traffic flow, infrastructure, pedestrian movement, and strain on local and natural resources. Brooks made some preliminary suggestions before his departure this summer, but the completed plan will offer action lists, budgets, and funding sources for all recommendations.  The presentation can be view online here. 6th Annual High Country Economic Kickoff Breakfast The 6th Annual High Country Economic Kickoff Breakfast is scheduled for Thursday, January 20th, from 7:30am-9:45am in the Grandview Ballroom of Appalachian State University.   The event is co-hosted by the Boone Area Chamber and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce and is presented by Peak Insurance Group.   Additional event support comes from Skyline National Bank, Allen Wealth Management, and Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.   Dr. Harry Davis, longtime Appalachian State Walker College of Business faculty member and member of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, will deliver his 2022 High Country Economic Forecast. Dr. Davis is a regionally renowned economist and serves as both Dean and Instructor for the North Carolina School of Banking.    Christopher Chung, President/CEO of The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, will provide remarks that detail 2022 for EDPNC, while also outlining current economic development trends in rural areas of North Carolina.    During the presentation, the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce will reveal the recipients for the 2021 Watauga County Business of the Year Awards, presented by the Watauga County EDC. Business of the Year winners will be recognized in three categories: Large Business, Small Business, and Startup Business.   Doors open at 7:30am for an excellent opportunity to network with event attendees from across the High Country. A buffet-style breakfast will be served prior to the presentation.  Purchase Tickets Here. Restaurant Hours With unpredictable staffing and abrupt changes in travel patterns due to covid-19, restaurant hours have been changing often. The Chamber of Commerce is currently maintaining a listing of Blowing Rock restaurant hours. The hours are updated weekly. Bookmark this page for reference so you can help your guests and customers when they are looking for dining!  Restaurant Hours List Watauga Covid-19 Update  In areas with substantial and high transmission, the CDC recommends that everyone (including fully vaccinated individuals) wear a mask in public indoor settings to help prevent the spread of the Delta variant, and to protect others. Watauga County is considered an area of High transmission. AppHealthCare offers COVID-19 testing by drive-thru Monday through Friday 8:30-10:00am at each of our clinic locations. No appointment is needed. Read the full weekly Watauga County Covid-19 Update here. Member News Wanderlust Picnics Wanderlust Picnics is for the travelers, the wanderers and the originals. Whether you are close by or looking for an escape, we want to help you enjoy the place we call home. We are locally owned and operated out of Blowing Rock, North Carolina. We would love to show you the majestic experience of the high country whether you are looking to relax, enjoy the company of others or celebrating a special moment. Mast General Store Sale December 8th - 22nd The weather outside may not be too frightful, but looking ahead to spring is still very delightful - especially when you can save an extra 50% OFF already marked-down prices on spring and summer goods! The Little Red Schoolhouse behind the Original Mast Store in Valle Crucis is filled with short-sleeved shirts, shorts, dresses, outdoor goods, and some footwear at bargain prices that will make even Scrooge smile. Stop in to pick up a few items for yourself or gifts for your warm-weather friends. The Little Red Schoolhouse is open Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. If you happen to stop in on another day, just ask and we'll be happy to open the doors for you. More events and updates can be found on our online calendar. To submit your news to our weekly newsletter, email Suzy@BlowingRock.com by Wednesday. Our newsletter reaches over 1,000 member contacts each Thursday! Thank you to our 2021 Chamber Partners!