Mind Your Business - A Podcast Series produced by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce

Small businesses throughout Western North Carolina are closer to much needed financial relief. On Friday, January 31, 2025, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein was in Boone and announced the creation of a pool of $30M for the Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative II, a grant program for eligible businesses in Helene-impacted counties. On this week's Mind Your Business, we will hear directly from Governor Stein about this program and we will break down eligibility criteria in great detail. We will also hear from other involved with the program as they explain how small businesses in our region can benefit from these available funds.Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. It is made possible each week thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Support the show

On January 16, 2025, the Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce hosted the 9th annual High Country Economic Kickoff Luncheon, in front of a sold out audience at Appalachian State's Grandview Ballroom.On this week's Mind Your Business, we hear the annual High Country Economic Forecast from Dr. Harry Davis, Regional Economist and Dean of the NC School of Banking. Dr. Davis recaps 2024, discusses the economic impact of hot topics like housing and inflation, and breaks down the impact of Hurricane Helene on the local economy. He also delivers his forecast for Watauga County, Western North Carolina, and the entire State for 2025.Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The program is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Support the show

On January 17, 2024, the Mind Your Business podcast was on-location in Swannanoa, NC, one of the most devastated communities in Western North Carolina from the impacts of Hurricane Helene. The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a regionally focused panel discussion entitled Business Voices for WNC Recovery. In addition to remarks from Chamber leaders from across the region, the overflow audience heard directly from businesses from impacted areas, about their current realities, immediate needs, and continued pain points as recovery efforts continue. Regional Business Panelists: Lisa Cooper, President/CEO, Mast General Store Meredith Ellison, Founder and Chief Well-Being Officer, Quility Sandi Garcia Boyer, Executive Director, North Carolina Youth Camp Association Main Street Business Panelists: Jeffrey Burroughs, President, River Arts District Association Michelle Bollman, General Manager, Stick Boy Karen Caruso, Founder/Owner, Mind Your Business Please stay engaged with your local Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development organizations for the latest information related to business supports for storm recovery. You can help these organizations by responding to requests for data and stories, as these asks from the legislative and grant-funding communities are critical to informing future policy and funding discussions.Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. It is made possible each week thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Support the show

We continue to fill your pre-holiday stockings with year-in-review content -- a perfect listen while you are wrapping gifts or cleaning before the in-laws arrive!This week's Mind Your Business puts the focus on the year that was for Watauga County. Newly sworn Chairman of the Watauga County Board of Commissioners, Braxton Eggers, is this week's guest. As expected, we will discuss the county's role in hurricane relief and we'll also update the list of projects that were in queue prior to the storm. Chairman Eggers will also address economic development priorities, school construction, and other projects that could come to the top of discussions in 2025.Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The program is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Support the show

Tis the season for year in review content, and we will not disappoint!Over the next few weeks, our Mind Your Business episodes will feature local leaders with conversation around the year in review, but also what is to come in 2025. Our first guest is Town of Boone Mayor Tim Futrelle. We will discuss Helene recovery, the recently approved Howard Street development project, and the approval and eventual rollout of Boone Next. Mind Your Business is a weekly (for the most part) production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The program is made possible thanks to sponsorship from Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.  Support the show

The question continues to get asked - "What are the current needs in Western North Carolina?"We have dedicated this week's episode of Mind Your Business to answering that question, with discussion straight from the community leaders that are working in the ever-evolving trenches of Hurricane Helene recovery.This week's panel of guests include:Casey Gilbert, Vice President of Public Policy, Asheville Chamber of CommerceKim Effler, President/CEO, McDowell Chamber of CommerceRobin Morgan, Executive Director, Avery County Chamber of CommerceKitty Honeycutt, Executive Director, Ashe County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center.Panel moderated by David Jackson, President/CEO, Boone Area Chamber of CommerceOur panel will discuss current conditions in each community, silver linings that have developed since the storm, and how can people provide impactful help at this time.Each community is working on local fundrasing initiatives for individual and business support:Asheville Chamber of Commerce: - Mountain Strong Fund for Small Business Recovery McDowell County Chamber of Commerce - Hurricane Helene Business ReliefAvery County Chamber of Commerce - Avery County Business Recovery FundAshe County Chamber of Commerce - Ashe County Advantage ProjectBoone Area Chamber of Commerce - Hurricane Helene Business Resiliency Disaster GrantsMind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The show is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Support the show

So, why not add an election on to the list of "things we are dealing with," in our local economy? Election transition always brings changes that impact our economy, but that is especially magnified when there is change at the top of the ticket.On this week's Mind Your Business, we have our quarterly chat with Jonathan Allen of Allen Wealth Management. We'll discuss the potential economics of a second Trump Presidency, which includes a comparison to the normal influences when a Republican is in the White House. We'll also discuss impacts on tax policy along with some end of 2024 tax strategies that you may want to consider as the year comes to a close.In addition, we discuss upcoming grant deadlines, including a new grant from Lowe's Hardware.Mind Your Business is produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The program is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Support the show

Welcome back!! Thanks for staying tuned to Mind Your Business during this time of hurricane recovery. We are excited to be back on our regular recording schedule.On this week's episode, we will provide updates on the timeline for disaster recovery dollars that are being allocated to our region from Federal and State resources. We'll also provide an update on the application process for the Chamber Foundation's Business Resiliency Disaster Grant program.Our guests on this week's show include a collection of FEMA team members based here in Watauga County. We'll hear about an upcoming deadline for the Individual Assistance Program, as well as answers to some frequently asked questions about the application process.Mind Your Business is produced when we don't have natural disasters by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The show is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Support the show

Latest updates from the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce regarding community response needs.Support the show

Candidates for Watauga County CommissionersDistrict 3Braxton Eggers (R)Jon Council (U)District 4Charlie Wallin (D) (I)Ronnie Marsh (R)District 5Sue Sweeting (D)Todd Castle (R)Support the show

Candidates for Watauga County Board of EducationMarshall Ashcraft (I)Chad ColeAdam HegeAllison IdolCharlotte Mizelle LloydTom RossSupport the show

Candidates for US House of RepresentativesChuck Hubbard (D)Virginia Foxx (R) (I)Support the show

NC House & SenateHouse District 93Ben Massey (D)Ray Pickett (R) (I)Support the show

The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce has been busy over these last few weeks!On this week's Mind Your Business, we bring you a recap from the 2024 Spirit of Boone Annual Membership gathering, complete with an audio tribute to our nine community award winners.We also share some post-event details on the 2024 Meet the Candidates forum, including information on where you can find archives of those important conversations.Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The program is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate. Support the show

The impact of funding for childcare across North Carolina has a ripple effect that is felt across nearly every business across the State. Locally, childcare centers are trying to meet the needs of families, and the local workforce, while funding challenges still impact day-to-day operations.On this week's Mind Your Business, we visit with Elisha Childers and Virginia Ford from the Children's Council of Watauga County. We'll hear an update on the release of Stabilization Grant money to childcare centers across the State, as well as data on the impact instability within this industry has on businesses. We'll also hear about a special football-focused fundraiser The Children's Council has planned for later in September, offering the community a way to further support their mission.Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The program is made possible through the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Support the show

This episode can't be any more "chamber," if it tried!On this week's Mind Your Business, we focus on some key timing around open enrollment for health insurance. Wayne Randall, Director of the Boone Center for Blue Cross & Blue Shield of North Carolina will go over dates and details. This is helpful information for employers to share with employees who don't qualify for family coverage through an employer plan, or if you don't offer health insurance to employees.We also bring a new feature into this week's episode, focused on updates on community projects and Chamber advocacy positions. Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The show is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Support the show

Everyone else is going back to school -- maybe you should too! The Watauga Leadership Institute presents Encore, its latest professional development program aimed at helping people continue their journey in leadership. While this class may not keep you in school all day, or present an avenue to enjoy that tasty square pizza, it will provide leadership topics in a digestible 90-minute format that is geared toward continuing your education.On this week's Mind Your Business, we visit with Dr. Jim Street, owner of Ridgeline Leadership and curriculum coordinator for the Chamber's Watauga Leadership Institute. He'd discuss the premise behind Encore, who the course is designed to reach, while also elaborating on the value of continuing education for aspiring leaders.Mind Your Business is produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The show is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate. Support the show

Election season is fast approaching, and more conversation about election process and integrity has become part of our daily lives than ever before.On this week's Mind Your Business, we visit with Matt Snyder, Director of the Watauga County Board of Elections. He will provide details on the voting process for Watauga County Commissioner in the 2024 election, along with the specifics of a ballot referendum that could have an impact on future commissioner elections. We'll also discuss a special Open House that will be held in Boone August 21st, hosted by the NC Network for Fair, Safe, and Secure elections.As a reminder, the Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce will host our annual Meet the Candidates Forum on Monday, September 16th, beginning at 5:30PM at the Appalachian Theatre in Downtown Boone.Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The program is made possible through the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Support the show

Yesterday, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announced that the federal funds rate will hold steady -- for now. Is a long-anticipated change to interest rates on the horizon? If so, what does that mean for us here in Northwest North Carolina?On this week's Mind Your Business, we bring you are most timely quarterly check-in with Jonathan Allen of Allen Wealth Management. On the heels of the Fed announcement, what are the impacts on our day-to-day business and personal financial lives. We are also less than 100 days from the 2024 election, and we'll discuss the potential impacts of November's aftermath on the financial outlook moving toward 2025.This week we also provide the latest update on the Town of Boone's recent Downtown Parking Brainstorming sessions, including future timelines for more public discussion.Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. Our program is made possible each week thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Support the show

Been out and about this summer and feel a little detached from the goings on of Boone and the High Country?  On this week's Mind Your Business, get updates on community conversations focused on parking and childcare. Plus, get the scoop on upcoming Chamber events like the Meet the Candidates Forum and Spirit of Boone. We will also share information about Encore, a new offering from the Watauga Leadership Institute. Tune in for all the details! Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce.  The show is made possible through the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate. Support the show