Thursday, February 21, 2019

Weekly Village Update 2.21.19


Commerce Communications

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


Chamber Events & News

Do you already use ConstantContact.com? Be sure to tell them you're a member of our Chamber to receive the discount!
Constant Contact Email Marketing Discounts for Chamber Members
Interested in reaching your customers via email marketing and want to try out a popular and user-friendly tool? Register using this link for a FREE 30-day trial of Constant Contact. Chamber members who then opt for a 6 or 12 month plan prepayment will receive a discount of up to 25%! In addition to the discounted rate, Constant Contact also hosts educational webinars exclusively for Chamber members once per quarter. Don't miss out on these free learning opportunities to better market your business!




Please share our Facebook Event and add it to your Facebook Page!

Questions? Call the Chamber at 828.295.7851
Plan to SAVOR More this May!
SAVOR Blowing Rock is May 2nd - 5th! Want to participate? Here are a few ways you can align with SAVOR:

·     Taste - we need restaurants to sign up! Email Amanda to participate!

·     Seminars - email Loni if you would like to offer a food or beverage seminar!

·     Special Events - do you have any special events planned for SAVOR weekend? Call 828.295.7851 or email Loni to discuss. We will promote your efforts!

·     Sponsor - we are still looking for sponsors for Taste, Vintner’s Village, and Gospel, Grits & Gravy. Click here for details.

·     Volunteer - sign up here!


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


Our State Magazine Features Watauga County
Watauga County is included as one of the 37 counties along the route of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail in Our State Magazine's March photo essay, The Never-Ending Trail. Also featured in the Western section of the issue’s Carolina Calendar is Heroes on the Mountain on March 2nd at Appalachian Ski Mountain.




WELCOME NEW MEMBER:
Project Dance Foundation
Project Dance Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, exists to equip and encourage dancers through training and performing opportunities. The Carolina Snowbelles, a scholarship program of Project Dance directed by former Rockette, Cheryl Cutlip, offers precision training to local dancers 10 and up.



Member Events & News

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.


TAC Talk: The Edible South: The Power of Food and the Making of an American Region
February 28th at 6 pm
This event was rescheduled from November 15th at Blowing Rock Art & History Museum. The experience of food serves as an evocative lens onto colonial settlements and antebellum plantations, New South cities and Civil Rights-era lunch counters, chronic hunger and agricultural reform, counterculture communes and iconic restaurants of the evolving South. In this session, Dr. Ferris will explore how food, as cuisine and as commodity, has expressed and shaped southern identity to the present day.



More events can be found on our website calendar of events.

Newsletter item submissions must meet policy guidelines and be received no later than 5 pm Tuesday prior to publication.


Chamber Information and Meetings

Executive Board Meeting: Tuesday, February 26th at 8 am
Board of Directors Meeting: Wednesday, March 6th at 8 am
Business Before Hours: Wednesday, March 13th at 8:30 am, Studio M Salon
Business After Hours: Tuesday, March 19th at 5:30 pm, Green Park Inn

All meetings are held in the Chamber Boardroom unless otherwise noted.

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce and Blowing Rock School Cooperative Initiatives




The Blowing Rock Chamber has had an ongoing relationship with Blowing Rock School for many years. Our town is extremely fortunate to have a school of such caliber here, and the Chamber believes that our continuing efforts to assist the school in maintaining its leadership and excellence will only improve the economic viability of our community.

The educational excellence of Blowing Rock School is also, reputedly, attracting younger couples with children to our community. Having younger year-round residents is certainly a benefit to all stakeholders in our Town. 

The following is an update of our continuing initiatives with the School, and we only expect our efforts to expand and improve with time.

3D Printer and CAD Drawings - Three years ago we provided support to the school with the acquisition of a 3D printer which was funded by the generosity of the Kennedy-Herterich Foundation. Through the leadership of Jim McDowell at the Chamber ,we obtained the support of Patrick Sukow, Principal, Robert Smith, teacher, and Michael Rall of the School of Design at App State to begin a 3D Print Club for 8th graders. In the first year of competition, the “GOATS 3D Print Club” won 2nd place in the NC Center for Engineering Technologies 3D Print Competition, a regional competition. In the second year, they came in 1st place, and this victory included high school competitors. Their success continues as they won a new printer with this victory, which is helping expand the 3D capabilities and club capacity at the school.

NC School of Science and Math (NCSSM) Summer Accelerator Program - This STEM program began in 2017 with the support of the Blowing Rock Community Foundation and some Chamber members. NCSSM also provided a scholarship to assist. Prior to 2017, no Watauga County students had participated. Two students from Blowing Rock and three others from the county participated in 2017, and in 2018, we had seven from BRS and 11 others from Watauga County participate. The Foundation has increased their support for 2019. The students contribute a portion of the cost and are required to make a presentation to the Chamber upon completion of the program. We are excited to continue to encourage students in the pursuit of STEM studies.

Sentio Program -  Sentio is Latin for perceive, feel experience, think, realize, see and understand.
In 2018, we met with Patrick Sukow and Dr. Scott Elliott, Superintendent of Watauga County Schools, to explore additional ways that the Chamber could assist the school. At Principal Sukow’s suggestion, we developed a program to expose students to business, to help middle school students see opportunities that exist in the workplace and the skills needed for those jobs. We bring businesses into Blowing Rock School for the 6th graders and take the 7th graders to the businesses for field trips.  We are extremely appreciative of Appalachian Regional Healthcare System and Blue Ridge Energy for their support. We are searching for more businesses to work with us to expand and enrich these experiences. Dr. Elliott is evaluating the program to determine if it can be expanded throughout the county.

Entrepreneurship Class - Zak Ammar, a local entrepreneur and CEO and Founder of Vixster, who is also a member of the Chamber's Executive Committee, initiated and is conducting the first Entrepreneurship Class at Blowing Rock School during the 2018-2019 school year. Erich Schlenker, Managing Director at the Center for Entrepreneurship at App State, has been supporting and teaming with Zak. Principal 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. 

Financial Literacy - This is a much needed knowledge base and service throughout the High Country. The Chamber, in cooperation with BB&T and a provider, ERERFI, is planning to pilot a Financial Literacy Program at Blowing Rock School this year as part of the Entrepreneurship Class.  This pilot will provide the school system and the Chamber the opportunity to determine how to proceed. We are working with Mr. Sukow, Dr. Elliott and the Boone Chamber to explore ways to make this a county-wide program.




Thursday, February 14, 2019

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.



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.



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 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.



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.




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.