Literally and metaphorically, Highlands rises above the noise. Visitors experience a deep emotional connection as they discover their own Height of Happiness.
Thank you for being a part of an active business community!
The Highlands Chamber membership is impressive with large and small businesses from a variety of industries keeping the economic engine turning and serving our residents and visitors. Our committed board of directors and staff have enjoyed serving the Highlands area businesses this past fiscal year. We work hard to be a vehicle of engagement, to ensure our members receive value from their membership, and serve strategically as an advocate for our businesses that are the driving force behind prosperity and vitality in Highlands, NC.
Fiscal Year 2022/2023 has been a year of transition for businesses as we have moved past Covid. For small beach and mountain towns, like Highlands, the pandemic brought record numbers of new residents and visitors. The big question at the beginning of the fiscal year on July 1, 2022, was what will happen after the pandemic? The visitation numbers are showing mostly a flatline with a few months slowing down. So, while there has been a change overall this fiscal year, it has not been a drastic return to pre-pandemic levels.
For the Fiscal Year 2023 / 24, that began on July, we anticipate more new businesses and for visitation to level off. We will launch a new website in Spring of 2024 that will include a Job Board for member postings and many other great additions to highlight our Town.
As we celebrate our 92nd year as the Highlands Chamber of Commerce we remember our successes and learn from our mistakes and move into fiscal year 2023/24 with passion and dedication. Below is an overview of your Chamber of Commerce during fiscal year 2022/23.
204
FY 2022-2023 Businesses were members
of Highlands businesses are members of the Chamber of Commerce
an increase of 7% since FY 21/22
New businesses have opened
74% 11
The following businesses opened their doors in FY 22/23 and became active in the business community through the Chamber of Commerce:
Art Highlands Gallery
Darling Duck
Don Leon’s
K9 Meadows Boarding & Grooming Lotts of Sky
Mountain Life Properties
Smoky Mountain Sewing
Smoky Mountain Transportation
Spraggins Home Inspections
The Fifth Vineyard at High Holly
We provide all the hanging baskets, and the planters in front of Anna Wear and Sweet Treats. It’s vital to have a downtown aesthetic that welcomes residents and visitors.
Trash cans are pressure washed monthly by the Chamber to aid in sanitation.
Twice a year we organize a community wide event to tidy our roadsides.
This year we paid to have all the Town entrance signs refurbished and the lighting repaired.
PLATEAU PICKUP
IN SEASON
51 Outdoor Concerts - Free and open to the public. Friday Night Live in Town Square and Saturdays on Pine at Kelsey Hutchinson Park. These events have become great community gatherings and entertainment to local guests and visitors.
SNOW FEST
Free and open to the public. Last weekend in January was a family friendly activity to bring in residents and visitors to enjoy the guaranteed snow provided by a local business. Donations support our Highlands School.
Free and open to the public. Held mid-May to encourage residents and visitors to come downtown for shopping, food, and beverage as they wander the streets enjoying live music and art demonstrations.
HOLIDAYS
JULY 4TH
Free and open to the public. Fireworks and concert in the park.
HALLOWEEN
Free and open to the public. Trick or treat, multiple music locations, free hot dogs, and children’s entertainment area.
LIGHT UP THE PARK & MAIN
Free and open to the public. Santa arrives and a celebration with music to kick off the season.
CHRISTMAS PARADE
Free and open to the public. Old fashioned parade to enjoy with family and friends.
SANTA AT THE PARK
Free and open to the public so every child has the opportunity to make their wishes known to Santa.
HIGHLANDS HERITAGE JAMBOREE
Free and open to the public event to celebrate our history and heritage.
SHRED EVENT
Helping businesses and residents safely dispose of sensitive documents and stay organized.
Leadership Highlands is an educational program aimed at emerging and existing leaders in the Highlands community, offering an opportunity to enhance civic knowledge, leadership skills and network. Those selected commit to and engage in an eight-month curriculum, from March through October, that includes a retreat, daylong classes each month, a variety of enrichment workshops and projects, and a graduation ceremony.
14 new community leaders trained to serve the community.
$325,650 provided to local nonprofits who give back to the local community.
15 nonprofits provided with an opportunity to find new volunteers and educate the public about their work.
REPRESENTATION
LOCAL
Town of Highlands Commissioner Monthly Meetings
Chamber Board of Directors and Town Commissioners joint meeting. This is a new effort to bridge the work between the Chamber and Town. Together we have a much greater impact on our community.
MACON COUNTY
Macon County Economic Development Commission
Tourism Development Commission
REGIONAL
Western North Carolina Chamber Executives
Western North Carolina Tourism Directors
STATE
WNC Chamber Legislative Meeting
Visit NC
Carolinas Chamber Association of Chamber Executives
Outdoor NC
BEYOND
Destinations International
More than 70% of Highlands businesses are Chamber members. This is well above average, and we’re proud of our strength in numbers!
EXPERIENCE GUIDE
Total distribution of 30,000, an increase of 33% over prior year. Expanded locations at welcome centers, airports, and hotels throughout the Southeast.
WEBSITE
381K Impressions
Increase of 18% over prior year
10,754 Followers
Increase of 12.4% over prior year
16,777 Followers
Increase of 12.7% over prior year
NEWSLETTERS Member
335 Recipients
68% Open rate Visitor
3,017 Recipients
47% Open Rate
WELCOME CENTER
Promoting member businesses to visitors and residents through business promotion materials and phone calls.
14 10
Approximately 5000 visitors volunteers with hospitality training to answer questions for businesses, residents, and visitors.
Brochures Printed for distribution: Highlands Business Guide and Map
Dining Accommodations
The Arts Mountain Adventures
Hiking Guide
Waterfall Guide
Kids in Highlands Outdoor Concerts
Magical Facts on Environment
Coffee Chats to connect businesses to local services. Healthcare options for employees. Childcare options for working parents.
4 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
14 BUSINESSES HOSTED
249 BUSINESSPEOPLE IN ATTENDANCE
There is a waiting list to host in FY 2023/24!
MEMBER FACEBOOK PAGE
82 members stayed connected to fellow business owners and receiving member only Chamber updates.
MEMBER NEWSLETTERS
12 newsletters for members only with business education opportunities, updates on local, regional, and state business offerings and community news.
URGENT NOTIFICATIONS
Messages from Police Chief Holland, Town of Highlands, and Duke Energy
MONTHLY CALENDARS
12 calendars to assist your employees in answering questions about what’s happening in Highlands.
A great place to live is also a great place to visit and conduct business. That’s why we’re committed to sustaining and building upon our thriving community while, at the same time, preserving what makes it special.
Your membership provides your business with the opportunity to advertise in airports, hotels, and Welcome Centers throughout the Southeast; social media promotions and newsletter inlcusion.
Businesses spotlighted in social media through their membership.
Featured Businesses at Outdoor Concerts
27 member businesses promoted from the stage through their membership.
Featured Business Posts on Facebook with Link or Tag 158 posts of member businesses through their membership.
Featured Business Posts on Instagram with Tag 158 posts of member businesses through their membership.
Social Media
521 social media (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) mention of events, press mentions, etc.
Business Logos Featured on Visitor Newsletter with Link 41 member businesses were sent to 3,017 recipients with a 47% open rate.
Experience Guide Listing
57 Businesses listed in bold font with logos. 147 Businesses listed in bold font.
Experience Guide Ads Print and Digital
26 Full Page
11 Half Page
7 Quarter Page
Website Hierarchical listing for members
Your membership level promotes your business before nonmembers.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tricia Cox Chair
Blye Hunsinger Vice Chair, HR Committee
Elizabeth Swift Bennett Treasurer & Finance Committee Chair
John Woods
Past Chair & Leadership Highlands Committee Chair
Charlotte Muir Grants and Sponsorships Chair
Brian Lewis Community Engagement Committee Co-Chair
Leigh Hartman Community Engagement Committee Co-Chair
Shayna Bigazzi Marketing and Programs Co-Chair
Pat Gleeson Marketing and Programs Co-Chair
STAFF
Kaye McHan Executive Director
Johanna Fein Communications Director
Anna Dayton Digital Marketing Coordinator
Tina Rogers Events Manager & Bookkeeper
Genevieve Schmidt Welcome Center & Office Coordinator
Colleen Kerrigan Business Services Coordinator