WNC Business Q4 | 2022

From the Publisher

Nearly 10 years ago, I decided to become a business owner, a decision that was not made easily nor quickly. In fact, it’s a decision that I wrestled with for the previous 10 years before taking the leap.

My entry into the world of business ownership came with the small safety net of buying an existing business as opposed to starting a new one. Still, I had more questions than answers, and my enthusiasm was tempered with uncertainty.

Even with the years of experience I had in the local media industry, I learned that there is no amount of preparation that can fully prepare you for the “joys” of small business ownership. Some lessons are simply learned as you go.

When I started Hulsey Media, I had a few ideas for publications that I thought might be of value to the community. One such idea was to create a regional business journal for Western North Carolina that would provide helpful news, resources, and information to other business owners and professionals.

Out of this desire to serve the regional business community, our team created WNC Business with the mission to Connect, Inform, and Inspire.

Through the WNC Business magazine, online news and resources at WNCBusiness.com, and the WNC Business Today email newsletter, our goal is to highlight the people whose hard work and innovation drive the growth of our local economy.

By sharing their success stories, as well as helpful advice and knowledge from trusted industry professionals, our vision is that WNC Business will create connections and a path forward for future generations of business leaders across Western North Carolina.

President & Publisher

Hulsey

Randee Brown

Cornwell

Nicole Gardner

Marketing & Operations

Fuller

Beth Johnson

Creative Cover Photo

Davis

We would like to thank the fine businesses and organizations who have purchased advertising in our magazine, thereby helping us to bring you an attractive and informative publication.

If you have a business or provide a service that would benefit from exposure in WNC Business Magazine, call to reserve a space in the next edition.

by

Brett Hulsey

President & Publisher, Hulsey Media, Inc.

A New Business Resource from the Local Industry Leader.

WNC Business is brought to you by Hulsey Media, Western North Carolina’s leading source of local knowledge.

Learn more at HulseyMedia.com.

323 N. Main Street, Suite 1 Hendersonville, NC 28792

Contents of this magazine may not be reproduced in any manner without written consent from publisher. Any opinions expressed in the published works of contributors are those of those authors and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Hulsey Media.

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Welcome to WNC Business

Your New Comprehensive Resource for All Things Business in Western North Carolina

All businesses and organizations in Western North Carolina and beyond have at least one common goal – success. No matter how success is individually defined, all businesses can feel challenged if information about regional business trends, practical advice, resources, connections, and networks aren’t readily available.

WNC Business was created to fill this void and to provide business and community leaders like you the information and inspiration that can help you achieve success.

Through our quarterly print magazine, WNCBusiness.com, and our WNC Business Today e-newsletter, WNC Business strives to be your “one-stop shop” for useful local business news and information. WNC Business is now here for you as your locally produced, go-to source for area business services, leads

on networking and training opportunities, and advice from area industry innovators.

Our mission is to Connect, Inform, and Inspire people in business throughout Western North Carolina. With every piece of information we share, our team strives to reflect this mission.

WNC Business’ coverage area encompasses 22 counties in Western North Carolina: Avery, Ashe, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell,

Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watuga, and Yancey Counties.

Western North Carolina is a hub for a wide variety of industries of all kinds. Businesses of all sizes thrive here, from solopreneurships to companies with more than 10,000 employees.

WNC Business will take regular deep dives into these various sectors, providing overviews of their footprints in our region. Employees from different industries will be featured, sharing insight into their respective sectors and work lives. Each

quarter, WNC Business also will showcase in featured articles such themes as Made in WNC, Personal Growth, and Small Business.

WNC Business is committed to helping you stay in-the-know about area business events, local economic trends, and resources available to foster growth for your company or organization. WNC Business will also provide current local business announcements including mergers and acquisitions, recognitions, major promotions, new and expanding businesses, and major milestones. Another goal of this publication is to create a B2B directory that highlights businesses providing helpful products and services to other businesses.

While WNC Business is a quarterly publication in print, updated news, topics, events, and announcements will be updated continually at WNCBusiness.com. A collection of business resources with contact information can be found online in our Business Directory. A Calendar of Events listing upcoming workshops, networking events, meetings, training opportunities, ribbon cuttings, and more can also be found on our website.

Thank you for picking up this inaugural edition of WNC Business. We are excited to share this new, much needed regional business news source, and through WNC Business, we look forward to partnering with you to help you grow your own businesses as well as Western North Carolina’s economy.

Subscribe to our free quarterly magazine and sign up for our e-newsletter at WNCBusiness.com.

Media releases and other business announcements or articles to be considered for publication may be uploaded to WNCBusiness.com or emailed to Editor@WNCBusiness.com.

Send upcoming events, questions, and comments to Info@WNCBusiness.com. Submitted items may be edited and/or published at the discretion of WNC Business.

SECTORS COVERED IN WNC BUSINESS

Cheers!

Business Shout-outs from Around Western North Carolina

Awards & Recognitions

AdventHealth Hendersonville was designated one of the “Best Hospitals in America” in a new ranking from Money (formerly Money magazine) and The Leapfrog Group.

Ivan Gowe, MS, MLS (ASCP)CM, CIC , was honored at a team member celebration for being named Team Member of the Year for 2021 by Pardee UNC Health Care.

Management and for Litigation – Labor and Employment law.

Michelle Rippon was recognized in the 2023 edition of Best Lawyers in America© for Litigation-Labor and Employment law.

Alex Viva , international business development counselor with the SBTDC, was recognized as a State Star for North Carolina. Alex joined a number of other State Stars from across the country to be recognized for their exemplary work in their respective states.

Byer’s Precision Fabricators announced that they have been named as a semi-finalist in the “Coolest Thing Made in NC'' Competition. Byer’s Precision, located in Hendersonville, was announced to the public as a semi-finalist on September 8, along with 36 other semifinalists, for their Arras Hotel Architectural Panels located in Asheville, NC.

Bethel Middle School teacher Sally Hundley was named Haywood County Schools’ 2023 Teacher of the Year. Hundley, who has worked in Haywood County Schools for 30 years, was selected as the district-wide winner. Runners up were Jamie Frese from Meadowbrook Elementary School and Emily Burrus from Pisgah High School.

USA TODAY readers voted Highlands, NC among the best in the United States in the category “Best Small Town for Shopping”.

Asheville’s Medstream Anesthesia CEO Douglas Ellington recognized in Business North Carolina’s annual ranking of the top 125 private companies in the state.

Jonathan Yarbrough was recognized in the 2023 edition of Best Lawyers in America© for Employment Law-

Asheville’s Original Craft Brewery

AdventHealth welcomed Jaime A. Roy, MPAS, PA-C to the team at AdventHealth Medical Group Family Medicine at Forge Mountain. Roy is a certified Physician Assistant and has been providing exceptional patient care since 2013.

Byron Hicks , North Carolina Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) State Director, was nominated to sit on America's SBDC Board of Directors.

The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce welcomed a new staff member, Paula Aguilera-Johnson . Formerly of the Latin American Chamber of Commerce of Charlotte, Paula has been working with Henderson County Public Schools under the Migrant Education Program since moving to WNC in 2019.

Abby Gutch, MSN, RN, NE-BC, CMSRN was named Director of Professional Development and Nursing Excellence for AdventHealth Hendersonville. An RN since 2015, she is transitioning from Mission Hospital after 7 years.

Promotions & On The Move

Amy Allison was named the new Made X Mountains Partnership Director. Amy has worked with aspects of the outdoor business sector since 2007, most recently as the Director at the North Carolina Outdoor Recreation Industry Office.

Coming Soon

Taco Boy, a Mexican cuisine-inspired eatery has announced plans to open at 521 Haywood Road (formerly Zia Taqueria), tentatively by the end of 2022, as well as

another NC location in South Asheville’s Biltmore Park. The new openings in Asheville will coincide with the rollout of a new food and beverage menu across all locations, which will showcase updates from Taco Boy’s new Culinary Director, the Charleston-based chef Francisco Alvarez.

Life's Abundance, Inc announced plans to locate new corporate offices in Asheville. The health and wellness company recently acquired 141 Asheland Avenue with plans to invest over $2.85 million in real property, renovations and improvements. Located downtown in the South Slope District, the office will support as many as 13 employees, with future expansion through new construction that will support up to 50 people in the coming years

Asheville Outlets announced the November opening of Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store. Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store will showcase a variety of sophisticated, designer offerings for men and women. The 6,073 square-foot store will be located across from RH Outlet in Suite 348, and will feature the brand’s authentic signature styles for men and women.

Hendersonville Toy Company has announced plans to open a brick & mortar location in the Historic Seventh Avenue District of Donwtown Hendersonville tentatively in the Spring of 2023. More than just a toy store, Hendersonville Toy Company will offer toys, games, books and an event space. They will be hosting Popup Shops throughout Hendersonville over the next several months and will announce locations on their website.

Expansions & Grand Openings

Ginger’s Revenge opened a second location on Asheville’s South Slope

at 32 Banks Avenue near Buxton Hall BBQ and Green Man Brewing. Ginger’s Revenge brews year-round favorites, exclusive small-batch ginger beers, draft ginger beer cocktails, guest beers, and housemade non-alcoholics.

Anniversaries & Milestones

Judy Stroud , long time agent at State Farm in Hendersonville, retired as of August 31, 2022 after 37 years. Judy has proudly served her community in Hendersonville for more than 26 years, and has also served the communities of Wilkesboro and Asheville.

Asheville Salt Cave celebrates its 10th anniversary. They hosted an anniversary event on Thursday September 22, 3-7pm featuring several services including salt cave sessions as well as providing goodie bags for attendees.

Mergers & Acquisitions

Allen Tate Realtors®, in partnership with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services , acquired Beverly-Hanks Realtors, the market-leading independent real estate brokerage headquartered in Asheville, N.C. and serving Western North Carolina. This announcement marks Allen Tate’s entry into the Asheville/Mountain region and the growth of a homegrown business as Beverly-Hanks joins a family of the nation’s top independent real estate brokers. Beverly-Hanks will now use the combined name, Allen Tate/BeverlyHanks Realtors.

Noble Cider celebrates its 10th anniversary. Founded in the 'Craft Brew Mecca' of Asheville and North Carolina's apple country, Noble brings together a rich local history of agriculture with this region’s craft beverage industry.

The Sweet Onion in Waynesville celebrates their 15-year anniversary. Nestled in the heart of beautiful Downtown Waynesville, The Sweet Onion Restaurant offers regional cuisine with contemporary flair.

Sherman’s Sports and Army Store in Hendersonville celebrates their 100th anniversary. Started in 1922 as a general store, owner Becky Banadyga is the thirdgeneration owner of this family business.

Art Accents Frame Shop in Weaverville celebrates 28 years. Art Accents promotes the work of regional artists and exhibits images of the remarkable beauty of this unique area of Western North Carolina.

Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville celebrates 15 years. A female-owned business, the historic Hazelwood Village bookstore carries local books, mystery/ thrillers, fiction,children's books as well as magazines and newspapers.

Regional Roundup

Business News from Around Western North Carolina

Buncombe County

Life’s Abundance announces plans for new corporate office

ASHEVILLE – In conjunction with the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County, Life’s Abundance recently announced plans to locate new corporate offices in Asheville. The health and wellness company has acquired 141 Asheland Ave. with plans to invest more than $2.85 million in real property, renovations and improvements.

Located in the South Slope District of downtown Asheville, the office will support as many as 13 employees, with future expansion through new construction that will support up to 50 people in coming years.

Founded in 1998, Life’s Abundance strives to empower the whole family, including pets, to live happier, healthier lives. Product lines include premium pet food and supplements as well as clean health and beauty products for the consumer.

The company currently operates across nine locations in North America which include manufacturing, distribution and corporate offices with $60 million in sales in 2021.

“We’re really happy to be in Asheville and are excited to grow here long term. The culture of the area is so welcoming and aligns with our purpose and core values,“ President and CEO Lester Thornhill said. “Another appeal for us was a shared drive toward sustainability, and we look forward to plugging into a community that is committed to it as well.”

Source: Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

Henderson County

Cummins-Meritor celebrates 40year anniversary with expansion and added jobs

FLETCHER – Cummins-Meritor, a leading global supplier of drivetrain, mobility, braking, aftermarket and electric powertrain solutions for commercial vehicle and industrial markets, recently announced plans to further invest in its Henderson County location in Fletcher. Since opening its doors in 1982, Meritor established itself as an integral part of the local economy by providing high-quality, high-paying careers to Henderson County citizens. The company will continue this 40-year legacy with the addition of 40 new jobs included in its more than $40 million machinery and equipment investment. The average wage of the new positions is expected to exceed the county average wage. The company’s investments will take place from 2022 to 2026.

“There is no doubt that today’s market is a challenge. We are pleased that despite challenges, Cummins-Meritor’s leadership wants to continue investing in Henderson County,” said Richard Robinson, Director of Operations for Meritor in Fletcher.

The facility in Henderson County has close to 500 employees. The investment will be focused on new technologies that will enhance production capabilities and accelerate the Smart Factory model that many companies are adopting in order to remain competitive in today’s market.

Based in Troy, Mich., Cummins-Meritor serves commercial truck, trailer, offhighway, defense, specialty, and aftermarket customers around the

world. The project was supported by an economic development assistance grant in Henderson County, the OneNC fund, and customized training from the North Carolina Community College System via Blue Ridge Community College.

Source: Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development

Henderson County Scottish manufacturer plans North American expansion with Henderson County site

FLETCHER – Scottish technology business Emtelle Group plans to expand into North America by opening a new manufacturing facility in the United States.

The Hawick-headquartered company, a global manufacturer of pre-connectorized blown fiber, cabling and ducted solutions which employs 700 staff worldwide, plans to open up its facility in Fletcher.

Emtelle plans to locate in 300,000 square feet of factory space owned by Mainetti Retail Solutions, creating up to 200 jobs.

As a result of the investment, Emtelle will be better positioned to serve its North American customer base by providing its first fully ‘Made in The USA’ range of microducts, conduits and eventually its full complement of product solutions for Fiber to the Home (FTTH) applications.

The expansion further increases Emtelle’s global footprint, which includes established manufacturing facilities in the United Kingdom, Denmark, Germany and the recently announced acquisition of Dubaibased telecoms ducts manufacturer AfriPipes.

“With an estimated multi-billion dollars to be invested in Fiber Rollouts across

the US in the next five years, the new manufacturing facility in Fletcher will better position us to ensure our customers across the US have access to our highquality product range,” Emtelle CEO Tony Rodgers said.

Mainetti CEO Roberto Peruzzo said, “The shared site will allow Mainetti and Emtelle to continue growing and providing strength in supply to customers in the USA.”

Source: Emtelle Group

Jackson County WCU Doctor of Psychology program receives accreditation from American Psychological Association

CULLOWHEE – Three years after welcoming in its inaugural class, Western Carolina University’s Doctor of Psychology program recently received accreditation from the American Psychological Association.

The APA granted the program accreditation in clinical and school psychology on contingency, meaning the program must

provide outcome data for students in the program and program graduates within three years of receiving this status. APA is the only organization authorized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit doctoral-level professional psychology programs.

“It’s a major milestone for the program,” said Jon Campbell, director of the Doctor of Psychology program at the Cullowhee-based university. “Basically, what accreditation communicates to the public is that our program meets the professional and scientific standards that are set forth by the American Psychological Association.”

The process for accreditation began in October 2020 when WCU submitted a self-study. Eventually, that was followed up by a site visit and then a vote by the commission on accreditation.

The initial class in the fall of 2019 consisted of five students. Three of those are currently completing their required yearlong internship in order to be eligible for initial licensure. This year, WCU will

NCDA&CS Offers Organic Certification Cost-Share Assistance

Organic growers in North Carolina can apply for partial reimbursement of the cost of becoming certified or for recertification through a program offered by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Growers who are certified or recertified between Oct. 1, 2021 and Sept. 30, 2022 can apply for assistance through the program.

“Applicants can be reimbursed up to 50 percent of the cost of organic certification per category,” Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said. “Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and I would encourage growers and handlers to submit their applications early.”

Under the grant, operations can be certified and reimbursed in four separate

categories: crops, livestock, wild crop and handler/processor. The maximum reimbursement per category is $500. The program is for the 2021-22 season and is funded through a $105,800 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Applications must be postmarked by Nov. 18, 2022.

The application can be downloaded at NCDAOrganic.org or growers can also apply through their local Farm Service Agency office. Completed applications and required documents can be mailed, faxed or emailed to the NCDA&CS Organic Certification Cost Share Program, Attn. Heather Barnes. For questions, contact Barnes at 919-749-3337.

Source: N.C. Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services

regional roundup

submit more than 20 students into the program, Campbell said.

Source: Western Carolina University

McDowell County Twin Vee PowerCats and Forza X1 to build large-scale electric boat factory

MARION — Twin Vee PowerCats, Co. has announced that Forza X1, Inc.,Twin Vee’s wholly-owned EV subsidiary, will obtain incentives from the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the McDowell County local government to establish its electric boat manufacturing operations in McDowell County. Forza X1 expects to invest more than $10.5 million in land, buildings and fixtures, infrastructure, and machinery and equipment by the end of 2025 through the construction and establishment of its new manufacturing plant in McDowell County. Once constructed and after it ramps up production, Forza X1 anticipates creating as many as 170 new jobs.

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WNC Professionals Chosen for Inaugural NCSU Talent First Community Cohort

The Institute for Emerging Issues at NC State University has chosen five teams from across the state to participate in its inaugural Talent First community cohort. This opportunity focuses on a peer learning network that prioritizes strategies for diversifying, developing, and enhancing regional workforce talent, with a focus on underrepresented and/ or marginalized groups of workers.

Economic and community development leaders in Western North Carolina chosen for this initiative include Samantha Cole, Workforce Partnership Manager for the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce; Emily Martin, Director of Business Development for the Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development; Dr. Scott Queen, Vice President for Economic & Workforce Development for Blue Ridge Community College; Hunter Jones, Business Development Manager for the Transylvania Economic Alliance; Rich Price, Executive Director of Economic Development & Regional Partnerships for Western Carolina University; and Emily Nicholson, Executive Director for the Land of Sky P20 Council.

Members of this cohort also will be enrolled in the NC Workforce Development Leadership Initiative which is an intensive, six-month professional training program. Graduates of the program receive the professional designation of Certified Workforce Developer by the National Association of Workforce Boards.

Source: Land of Sky P20 Council, Transylvania County Government

regional roundup

The North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Community Economic Development Agreement will require that each job created pay a minimum average annual salary of $51,047 which is above the current average wage in McDowell County of $39,071. Using a formula based upon 50 percent of state personal income tax withholdings paid by Forza X1 for net new jobs created at the manufacturing plant, North Carolina’s Job Development Investment Grant Program will authorize the potential reimbursement to Forza X1 of up to $1,367,100, spread over 12 years. Additional incentives include the opportunity to obtain job talent through the state’s community college system with training tailored to Forza X1’s staffing needs.

Source: Forza X1 Investor Relations

Swain County Nantahala Outdoor Center partners with The Wesser Foundation

BRYSON CITY – Nantahala Outdoor Center has announced that it is partnering with The Wesser Foundation Inc. to launch the Founders Scholarship to create opportunities for those with limited resources to begin a career in whitewater. The scholarship is open for applicants for the 2023 season and will cover the cost of Guide School training, equipment, housing, and meal plans.

“NOC has been teaching and training river guides for more than 50 years,” said Kristin Kastelic, NOC Marketing Director. “With this scholarship, we hope to open up the opportunity for more careers in whitewater and a connection to the outdoors, to even more people that might not have the resources to take the leap.”

The Wesser Foundation was established by Jess Austin, who met the same challenges early in his career. Austin had to forgo becoming a river guide in his 20s as he pursued law school. Now retired, he finally made his dream come true and works at NOC as a river guide, taking

families down the Nantahala River every spring through the fall.

Along with learning guide skills, chosen recipients will also be outfitted with the essential river gear and equipment, take first aid and CPR training and certifications, and receive complimentary staff housing and meals while employed at Nantahala Outdoor Center during the River Guide season.

Source: Nantahala Outdoor Center

Transylvania County Custom Tube Products Expects to Open Second Location

ROSMAN – Custom Tube Products, an advanced manufacturing company based in Edgewater, Fla., will open a second facility in Rosman beginning this fall. The move marks the first expansion for the company outside of their main facility. The business will occupy more than 20,000 square feet in an existing manufacturing facility at 1989 Old Rosman Highway.

Custom Tube Products is owned by the husband and wife team David and Elizabeth Love. The company manufactures tube fabrications for a wide variety of sectors including industrial machinery, aircraft, home health care, cryogenic storage, energy, scientific instruments, and transportation.

What began as a general machine shop and FAA Repair Station in 1987 has grown during the last 34 years to include a 22,000-square-foot, fully climate controlled manufacturing facility and 30 team members who are leaders in the field of CNC and robotic bending, tube end forming, CNC machining, welding, brazing, precision cleaning and assembly.

“We are extremely excited to realize this vision and bring this North Carolina operation to life,” Custom Tube Products President David Love said. Custom Tube Products hopes to be able to attract skilled folks with some knowledge and interest in this field but also plans to partner with Blue Ridge Community College

to help train new hires in the basics of advanced manufacturing, mechatronics and metallurgy as well.

Source: Transylvania Economic Alliance

Cleveland and Madison Counties North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority grants include awards for WNC

The North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority recently approved 15 grant requests to local governments totaling $4,278,230, including awards for the expansion of a building in Cleveland County occupied by Maco, Inc. and the renovation of a building in Madison County occupied by Highland Metal Works, LLC.

The Rural Infrastructure Authority is a 17-member board that awards Rural, Community Development Block Grant, and Utility grant funds, which include the Building Reuse Program and the Industrial Development Fund-Utility Account program.

In the Existing Business Building category, the RIA recently approved the following grant requests in Western North Carolina:

CLEVELAND COUNTY – A $160,000 grant that will support the expansion of a building in Shelby occupied by Maco, Inc. The company, which provides welding, machining and structural steel manufacturing processes, plans to add 7,800 square feet to the existing facility. The project is expected to create 20 jobs, with an investment of $485,093 by the company.

MADISON COUNTY - A $125,000 grant that will support the renovation of a 120,000-square-foot building in Mars Hill that is occupied by Highland Metal Works, LLC. The company produces customdesigned and manufactured CNC plasma cutting tables and routers for various industries. The project is set to create 17 jobs, with an investment of $5,100,550 by the company.

Source: Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina

$206M in GREAT Grants Will Expand Internet Access Across the State, Including in WNC

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper recently announced that nearly 85,000 households and more than 2,400 businesses in 69 counties in North Carolina are set to receive access to high-speed Internet because of more than $206 million of Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) grants.

The N.C. Department of Information Technology’s (NCDIT) Broadband Infrastructure Office, part of the Division of Broadband and Digital Equity, recently awarded GREAT grants to expand broadband infrastructure to Internet service providers in North Carolina, including the following in these counties in Western North Carolina:

• Ashe County: Connect Holding II LLC (Connect Holding)

• Buncombe County : Frontier Communications of The Carolinas (Frontier)

• Burke County : Connect Holding II LLC (Connect Holding)

• Caldwell County : Connect Holding II LLC (Connect Holding)

• Cherokee County : Blue Ridge Mountain EMC (Blue Ridge Mountain EMC)

• Graham County : Zitel LLC

• Haywood County : Spectrum Southeast, LLC (Charter Communications dba Spectrum)

• Henderson County : Cebridge Acquisition, LP (Optimum)

Source: North Carolina Office of the Governor

• Jackson County : Spectrum Southeast, LLC (Charter Communications dba Spectrum)

• Macon County : Frontier Communications of The Carolinas (Frontier)

• McDowell County : Spectrum Southeast, LLC (Charter Communications dba Spectrum)

• Mitchell County : French Broad Electric Membership Corp.

• Rutherford County : Spectrum Southeast, LLC (Charter Communications dba Spectrum)

• Swain County : Zito West Holding, LLC (Zito Media)

• Yancey County : French Broad Electric Membership Corp

State of Business in WNC

Western North Carolina Shows Many Indicators of Positive Growth in Business

For 22 counties in the Western North Carolina region, the average increase in job growth this past year is 1.3 percent, according to Sperling’s Best Places, a demographic and data analytics company. Yancey County showed the greatest growth with an increase of 4.8 percent in its job market. Only three WNC counties showed a decrease in the job market in the last year: Graham County by 1 percent, Mitchell County by 0.6 percent, and Avery County by 0.2 percent.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, every industry in the Asheville area has had a positive growth in jobs for the first half of 2022 except for the information sector, which maintained a steady rate.

As regional industries are showing growth, unemployment rates are decreasing. Unemployment rates dropped from 3.9 to 3.4 percent for the entire state of North Carolina from January through July 2022. Asheville specifically saw unemployment decrease within the same time period from 3.1 to 2.9 percent.

Every county in WNC’s unemployment rate is lower than the national average of 6.0 percent.

Though unemployment rates are decreasing, there is still a demand for an increased workforce across all major industries in WNC.

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state of business in wnc

A Summary of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2022 State of Our Workforce: Western NC Data Report

The Asheville Metropolitan Statistical Area holds the lowest unemployment rate of the state of North Carolina. Recognizing the high growth forecasts for the region, economic partners across Western North Carolina surveyed businesses in the area to try to determine where gaps and challenges may lie in terms of acquiring talent.

A survey was conducted across a 10-county region in Western North Carolina including Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, and Yancey Counties.

Participating partners including the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, the Mountain Area Workforce Development Board, and the Land of Sky P-20 Council began working with independent nonprofit institute RTI International to survey these areas.

The goal was to provide a report that will be helpful in understanding the area’s hiring needs, provide that information to local teachers and trainers, connect policymakers in education, workforce, and economic development, and inform regional stakeholders for the next three years.

The survey was conducted from March 15 through May 31, 2022. More than 1,300 survey responses were compiled regarding local industries’ current and future hiring needs and their expectations for future growth.

Similar to the results of the 2018 survey of the same, every industry surveyed in 2022, regardless of size, anticipates strong growth over the next three years. Combined, Western North Carolina industries likely will need to employ an additional 22,150 to 44,140 people to keep up with growth. Approximately 10 to 30 percent of these new employees will likely come from outside the region.

The two industries anticipating the largest near-future growth are healthcare and manufacturing, which are expecting to hire a minimum of 11,795 new employees over the next three years.

Depending on the industry, many employers are seeking candidates with credentials such as a degree from a 4-year college/university or a community college associate degree. Some industries such as construction, retail, and hospitality are seeking employees with a GED or high school diploma.

Credentials are not the only thing employers reported that they were looking for. There are several personal qualities that employers are seeking including responsibility and self-discipline, the ability to take initiative, critical thinking, communication, and time management.

All industries surveyed, apart from retail, stated that the most difficult quality to

find in new talent is responsibility and self-discipline. According to the State Of Our Workforce survey, 89.6 percent of employers reported they will rely on on-the-job training to strengthen their existing workforces in addition to seeking new talent with these credentials and qualities.

The majority of employers surveyed do see obstacles in obtaining all of these new employees. Employers shared that the largest obstacles they new employees face are available and affordable housing, wages, and access to childcare. Sourcing this new talent still comes mostly from networking and an employer’s sphere of influence. The second two largest sources are online job portals and social media. Internships are also a large source, being the preferred method for the hospitality and retail industries to engage with K-12 students.

Every industry in the region will be on the hunt for new talent in the coming years. Key findings of the State Of Our Workforce report say that the region will need to continue collectively working together to connect prospective workers with opportunities arising in our region to help meet these needs.

Growing the Region’s Workforce

Rich Price, Executive Director of Economic Development & Regional Partnerships at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, shared some insights into likely causes of workforce shortages. He mentioned that within the last two years, employers have

‘We really need to work together with all of the colleges around WNC and figure out how to retain the best and brightest minds needed to foster the projected growth happening in our area.’

state of business in wnc

seen a higher percentage of retirement or early retirement due to the pandemic. Also, the reduction in capacity of childcare facilities led more parents to revert back to a single-family income. The availability of remote jobs has allowed people to work from home with corporations nationwide, meaning that there are fewer local job candidates looking for work outside the home around WNC.

Price also stated that because of the depletion of available labor, workforce development efforts have had to pivot and shift with regard to maintaining existing employees. Investing in existing adult workers by retraining and providing new opportunities can be beneficial as a business doesn’t have to start from scratch with their hiring, he said.

“The community can share some responsibility by creating heightened

awareness about high growth and high demand careers right here at home,” Price said. “Programs within the public school systems, internships, and community colleges are critical to create awareness.”

Western Carolina University, a regional university with students from all over the Southeast, focuses on sharing the abundance of opportunity in the region, Price said. “We must create awareness of the plethora of local opportunities and capitalize on the fresh supply of hungry workers moving into the area to receive their education,” he said. “We really need to work together with all of the colleges around WNC and figure out how to retain the best and brightest minds needed to foster the projected growth happening in our area.”

Price said he understands that communities need balance. “Physical

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Rising Talent

There are approximately 275,000 undergraduates enrolled in colleges and universities within 100 miles of Asheville.

construction due to area growth can strain the infrastructure including cellular communications, broadband capacity, traffic, and other utilities. We also must manage growth smartly and in

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- Clark Duncan Senior Vice President of Economic Development with the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

state of business in wnc

a balanced fashion so that it doesn’t put strain on natural resources,” Price said. “It’s imperative that we keep WNC a pleasant place to visit by protecting our environment, its sustainability, and the vibrancy that makes our region so desirable.”

Attracting Talent to Fill Workforce Demand

Clark Duncan, Senior Vice President of Economic Development with the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, described some initiatives that are in place to continue to help recruit businesses to the area as well as the talent to fill available positions.

“There are programs in place for outreach and storytelling through marketing opportunities,” Duncan said. “We want to attract businesses in the STEM sector that bring high-wage jobs and economic value to our communities.”

Duncan said he believes that the talent pipeline is growing as well. “Our population is projected to reach over 500,000 in the Asheville area by 2030,” he said. “That’s a lot of new residents coming to the area.” Duncan also said that “the lifestyle amenities across WNC really enhance our story for economic development across the region. While residential growth will have its challenges, it is still the lifeblood of the area economy.”

The Economic Development Coalition works in three areas to help growing businesses discover the talent that they need, Duncan said. One is workforce attraction that focuses on recruiting the younger generation into the workforce. “For example, when area students visited BorgWarner Turbo Systems in Arden,” he said, “they were shown what manufacturing really means today. Hopefully this gets them excited about getting into the workforce.”

The EDC also focuses on mentorship, Duncan said. One example he mentioned is Next Avl which pairs college students with mentors to expand their professional networks and retain graduates in the area. “There are approximately 275,000 undergraduates enrolled in colleges and universities within 100 miles of Asheville,” Duncan said. “That’s around 75,000 graduates per year. We are helping to intentionally match these graduates with professionals to help them discover economic possibilities in our region.”

Another priority of the Economic Development Council is diversifying the pool of available talent. “Through an equity lens, we are looking at how we can rectify inclusive hiring partners while working with other foundations to reach underprivileged communities and individuals,” Duncan said. “We want to match these individuals with employers that recognize the need for training, as well as employers that have the desire to build stability and break down barriers for these residents.”

Infrastructure Supporting Existing Industries

Josh Carpenter, Director of Mountain West Partnership, discussed how infrastructure supports the industries already existing in the region. He said that the topography itself presents somewhat of a hindrance to local companies’ expansion. “There are many great businesses in the area with no place to grow into,” Carpenter said. “They either move out of the region or stay here and never grow, which is really a shame.”

The role of Mountain West Partnership, a division of the Southwestern Division Council of Government, is to mitigate risk for local businesses’ growth as well as for new industry opportunities in the area by providing not only workforce development support, but also providing support to area infrastructure.

“We mitigate a company’s risk and reduce costs by creating sites that are ready to move into,” he said. “Clearing, grading, building retaining walls, as well as connecting water, sewer, fiber, and electricity are all key elements that proactively attract companies to do business in our region, and allow the ones already existing here to expand and reach their potential.”

‘We want to attract businesses in the STEM sector that bring high-wage jobs and economic value to our communities.’

state of business in wnc

Airport Traffic, Real Estate Trends, and Hotel Occupancy All Indicate Growth

Airport traffic, another indicator of area growth, has increased significantly in recent years. From August 2021 to August 2022, Asheville Regional Airport activity increased by 26.7 percent, according to Riverbird Research, a data and systems analysis team established by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. This traffic increase has bumped AVL to the third busiest airport in North Carolina and to the 104th busiest out of the United States’ 478 commercial service airports, according to Asheville Regional Airport.

Riverbird Research also reported that the Asheville Metro area has seen new residential construction permits increase by 13.8 percent to 2,630 year-to-date compared to this time last year. Values of these construction permits also increased by 24.8 percent.

Looking at residential real estate activity, days on market for properties for sale decreased by 33.3 percent to 28 days, and median home prices increased by 15.0 percent to $410,650 during the same time period for the Asheville Metro area, according to Riverbird Research. Meanwhile, the median rent estimate for a two-bedroom apartment has increased by 20.8 percent to $1,273.

Industry Overviews

Highlights of growth in WNC’s various sectors over the past year include the following:

Agriculture

The NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ New and Emerging Crops Program is providing grant funding for ongoing research at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center in Mills River to develop new hops varieties for use in the craft beer industries.

Project leader Dr. Jeanine Davis and Dr. Luping Qu, the lead breeder for this research program, are developing new hybrids which they hope will produce hop varieties with higher yields and be more suitable for the climate and growing conditions found in North Carolina and the Southeast.

Source: Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center

Arts & Entertainment

For 2021, this industry was responsible for 23.4 percent of sales and 34.9 percent of earnings in the WNC Creative Economy Snapshot. The Western North Carolina snapshot includes the 23 member counties of WNC Arts. Data from 40 core arts industries were gathered using the North American Industry Classification System to estimate industry activity, and the Standard Occupational Classification System was used to identify 41 core arts occupations.

Source: Western Arts Agencies of North Carolina Buncombe County awarded a $129,788 block grant to the Asheville Area Arts Council to support the arts council’s grant programs and creative economy reporting initiatives. This investment comes on the

heels of an arts-sector relief grant program funded by Buncombe County earlier this year with its COVID Recovery Funds.

Source: Asheville Arts Council

The Artist Support Grant was created in 2020 for local artists, thanks to the North Carolina Arts Council and the North Carolina legislature. The Haywood County Arts Council and regional partners including the Asheville Area Arts Council, Transylvania Community Arts Council, the Tryon Fine Arts Center, the Arts Council of Henderson County, and the Rutherford County Arts Council call upon artists served by their organizations to apply to the Artist Support Grant, which closes on Oct. 30, 2022. Counties served by this regional consortium are Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Polk, Rutherford, and Transylvania, also called region 17. In 2021, Region 17 reviewed 67 applications and awarded over $44,000 in grant funds to 25 individuals.

Source: Arts Council of Henderson County

Construction

In line with active residential activity, construction sector jobs in the Asheville area have been on the rise. Notable commercial projects have included:

• City of Asheville’s innovation district development: Charlotte Street Corridor, River Arts District, South Slope, and Central Business District.

• The new $400 million, 12-story Mission Hospital tower.

• A-B Technical Community College’s Ferguson Center with 18 Allied Health programs in the new 169,543-squarefoot building.

‘The lifestyle amenities across WNC really enhance our story for economic development across the region.’

Recent Buncombe County expansions include Avadim Technologies with plans underway to add 551 new jobs and build a 100,000-square-foot corporate headquarters in Black Mountain Commerce Park.

Source: Economic Development Coalition, Asheville-Buncombe County

Hawk Ridge Landing is a 128-acre mixeduse development consisting of residential housing, lifestyle amenities, commercial retail/office space, pad-ready building sites, outdoor trails and leisure areas and more. Construction began on the development in Murphy in the second quarter of 2022. With a grand opening scheduled for October, home deliveries to new residents are scheduled to begin early next year.

Source: Hawk Ridge Landing

state of business in wnc

Craft Beverages & Breweries

With more than 100 breweries in Asheville and surrounding mountains, Asheville’s nickname of ‘Beer City’ fits. Beginning with the opening of Highland Brewing in 1994, craft brewing has since exploded in Western North Carolina with the opening of other breweries such as Green Man Brewing, Sierra Nevada, Oskar Blues, New Belgium, and more.

Breweries like these draw tourists all around the region. Events such as the State of Origin Craft Brew Fest in Morganton, the Tryon Beer Fest, Asheville Beer Week, and the Stomp & Brew in West Jefferson also highlight the region’s craft brews.

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state of business in wnc

lemonades, limeades, and ginger beer, Asheville’s Devil’s Foot Beverage Company’s new taproom, The Mule, is set to open in October. Also, Marshall’s Buchi kombucha has found its way into several major grocery retailers such as Whole Foods and Publix.

According to the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, the area’s growing craft beverage industry accounted for 3,471 jobs, $168 million in labor income, $935 million in total economic contribution, and an estimated $115 million in state, local, and federal tax revenues from transactions such as taxes on production and corporate profits in 2019.

Source: Riverbird Research

Healthcare

The Mountain Area Health Education Center expanded its Graduate Medical Education program earlier this year with offerings for additional family medicine and OB/GYN residency slots and new fellowships in maternal-fetal medicine, addiction, psychiatry, and sports medicine. Through early 2023, 185 physicians, dentists, and pharmacists will train in a variety of settings across the region including Mission Health, Charles

George VA Hospital in Asheville, Pardee UNC Health Care in Hendersonville, Appalachian Regional Healthcare System in Boone, and Broughton Hospital in Morganton.

Source: MAHEC

Galen College of Nursing, an affiliate of Mission Health, has announced a new campus in Asheville. This addition to nursing education in the Asheville area is designed to complement other area colleges and universities to provide healthcare workforce education.

Source: Galen College of Nursing

Manufacturing

With operations set to begin this year, Pratt & Whitney’s new turbine airfoil production facility is bringing 800 jobs through a $650 million investment in WNC. Biltmore Farms, LLC sold the company a 100-acre property for $1, and in addition, the state awarded the company a performance-based Job Development Investment Grant of up to $15.54 million over 12 years. The county also approved economic incentives totaling $27 million over 10 years.

Biltmore Farms Co. is responsible for

constructing the bridge across the French Broad River and roads inside Biltmore Park West with the help of a $12 million grant provided by Golden Leaf Foundation.

A-B Tech is creating a customized training program to support talent acquisition. The college also plans to build a training center near the Pratt & Whitney plant in Biltmore Park West, which is envisioned to accommodate other companies as well.

Sources: A-B Tech, EDPNC, Pratt & Whitney

Nonprofits

WNC Nonprofit Pathways is a collaboration established to assist nonprofits in Western North Carolina. Similar to the idea of being a board of directors for area nonprofits, Pathways was put in place by organizations to help support the work of nonprofits across the region.

In fiscal year 2021, 498 leaders in the region’s nonprofit industry participated in programs offered by WNC Nonprofit Pathways, learning new skills, networking, and identifying the next steps needed to implement new ideas to increase the success of their organizations.

Pathways provides support by hosting training programs, providing coaching,

state of business in wnc

tools, and improving the infrastructure work that builds the capacities of nonprofits.

Source: WNC Pathways

Outdoor Recreation

Building Outdoor Communities is a program within Made X Mountains and a partner of Mtn Bizworks, launched in Boone in September. BOC’s goal is to provide area communities with resources to foster economic development in the outdoor industry. BOC Specialist Bradley Spiegel described the program as “the base of the foundation of the outdoor economy. We support the communities by researching relevant facts, helping communities plan and create new initiatives and receive funding for those, invite businesses, recruit talent, and bring more dollars into their local economies.”

BOC and their partners work directly with community leaders to build capacity, drive investments, mentor project development, and provide assistance and education to communities allowing them to collectively grow the economy for WNC.

Source: Bradley Spiegel, Building Outdoor Communities

Real Estate

While housing prices are on the rise in every county across the region, there are some differences in overall market trends from city to city. According to Realtor.com, Asheville is still presenting a seller’s market, meaning that there are more buyers looking to purchase than there are homes available.

Of the 13 cities and towns examined here, four are presenting a balanced market, meaning that the supply and demand of homes is about the same. Those towns

are Hendersonville, Morganton, Boone, and Marion.

The remaining nine towns – Bryson City, Rutherfordton, Sylva, Burnsville, Hot Springs, Waynesville, Murphy, and Highlands – are all presenting a buyers market, despite each town’s year-overyear increase in median list price.

The town with the highest list prices is Highlands, with a median listing price of $950,000. The lowest of these was Morganton, whose median list price is currently $299,000.

Sylva’s homes have the highest median of 84 days on market before being sold, while the town with the lowest median days on market is Boone at 47. Asheville and Morganton are both similar to Boone at a median of 48 days on market.

Source: Realtor.com. Information summary from August 2022, the most recent data available at time of publication.

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Resources to Support Your Business

A Collection of Organizations Around WNC Whose Goal is to Help Your Business Succeed

Western North Carolina is a bountiful hub for businesses of all sizes. From getting an idea off the ground to gaining financial assistance and everything in between, our region has a plethora of resources to support any business need.

Finding the support that you need is key to any aspect of growth. It can be really tough to find the support that you need if you are not sure where to start, where to look, or who to call.

Here at WNC Business, our staff has compiled a list of resources that are here for the purpose of helping your business be successful. These organizations are

exclusively here to help foster business growth in many ways, having the additional benefit of boosting the economic success of our region. Whether you are a budding solopreneur, building a nonprofit, or the owner of a business seeing exponential growth, these resources are available to help you reach the goals you have in place.

Keep in mind that this list may not

be comprehensive. We will continue to scour and hunt for others and continually update our website as other organizations come to our attention. If you are involved with an organization whose purpose is to provide business support to the community, please visit WNCBusiness.com/Pages/Contact and let us know.

Carolina Small Business Development Fund

1465 Sand Hill Rd, Candler 828-633-5065 CarolinaSmallBusiness.org

Carolina Small Business Development Fund (CSBDF) works to promote community and economic development throughout North Carolina and the surrounding regions. Their work is inspired and driven by those served: aspiring and existing small business owners. By helping entrepreneurs reach their business ownership dreams, their goal is to grow and support an engine of local economic growth. CSBDF’s model of operations has three prongs: affordable financing, comprehensive business solution services, and evidence-based policy research. Their programs offer an accessible pathway for small business success.

Chambers of Commerce

Chambers of Commerce welcome all types and sizes of businesses from sole proprietorships to major industry. Its activities, supported by membership dues, influence all segments of community development, education, transportation, relocation, retirement, agriculture, small business and industrial recruitment. Chambers advocate for business through public policy and new business recruitment and by providing member businesses with opportunities to network, learn and succeed.

Eagle Market Streets

Development Corporation

70 S. Market Street Asheville 828-281-1227

EagleMarketsTS.org

Founded in 1997, Eagle Market Streets Development Corporation provides the Asheville/Buncombe County and Western North Carolina region with assistance in property development, economic

business resources

development and access to human services. Partners of Mountain BizWorks and Western Women’s Business Center, their vision is to bring the opportunity for economic and social independence to the low-to-moderate income community.

Hatch Innovation Hub

45 S French Broad Avenue, Asheville HatchInnovationHub.org

Since 2017, Hatch Innovation Hub provides the support and resources area entrepreneurs need to succeed. They offer access to mentorship, funding, and physical space as well as programs like Pitch Parties, Hatch, Pressure Tests, and The Founders Roundtable that help businesses build, learn, and scale. Streamlining support in this way, the Hatch AVL Foundation, acting as a standalone incubator, has supported founders in building businesses with a combined annual revenue of over $23,000,000, and over 130 new well paying jobs since its founding.

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chambers of commerce

Andrews

828-321-3584

AndrewsChamber.com

Asheville Area

828 258-6123 | 828-258-6101

AshevilleChamber.org

Avery County

828-898-5605

AveryCounty.com

Beech Mountain Area

828-387-9283

BeechMTNChamber.com

Black Mountain & Swannanoa 828-669-2300

BlackMountainChamber.com

Boone Area

828-264-2225

BooneChamber.com

Brevard/Transylvania 828-884-8900

BrevardNCChamber.org

Bryson City/Swain County 828-488-3681

GreatSmokies.com

Burke County 828-437-3021

BurkeCounty.org

Caldwell County 828-726-0616

CaldwellChamberNC.com

Carolina Foothills 828-859-6236

CarolinaFoothillsChamber.com

Cherokee County 828-837-2242

CherokeeCountyChamber.com

Clay County

828-389-3704

ClayChamberNC.com

Cleveland County 704-487-8521

ClevelandChamber.org

Henderson County 828-692-1413

HendersonCountyChamber.org

Franklin Area 828-339-4426

Franklin-Chamber.com

Jackson County 828-586-2155

NC-Mountains.com

Madison County 828-689-9351

MadisonCounty-NC.com

McDowell County 828-652-4240

McdowellChamber.com

Mitchell County 828-765-9483

MitchellCountyChamber.org

Rutherford County 828-287-3090

RutherfordCOC.org

Weaverville Business Association 828 645-7116

VisitWeaverville.com

Yancey County 828-682-7413

YanceyChamber.com

Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development

330 N King Street, Hendersonville 828-692-6373

HCPED.org

The Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development (HCPED) is a public/private partnership that focuses on economic stewardship in Henderson County. The mission of the Partnership is to create and retain quality jobs and increase industrial capital investments that will improve the quality of life for Henderson County residents.

HCPED serves as an advocate and resource partner to local businesses and has a legacy of meeting industry needs and making community connections to create a thriving, business friendly community. Through the Made in Henderson County (MIHC) initiative, the Partnership works closely with industry and the local school system and community college to create a workforce pipeline by raising the visibility of manufacturing careers. The flagship program, available to all Henderson County working adults, is the Made in Henderson County Apprenticeship. Learn more at MadeinHendersonCounty.com. The Partnership works closely with local government, community organizations, local educators and utility/infrastructure partners to accomplish its mission. HCPED fosters relationships between all parties involved in helping the local workforce and economy thrive.

Golden Leaf Foundation

301 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount 252-442-7474

GoldenLeaf.org

Founded in 1999, the Golden Leaf Foundation serves all 100 counties in North Carolina by funding projects which have created over 66,000 jobs, $700 million in new payroll, and trained over 90,000 workers statewide since

resources

its inception. Priority for their Open Grants program is given to projects that support North Carolina’s tobaccodependent, economically distressed, and/or rural communities. Their SITE program provides support to communities to identify potential sites for economic development, and enable completion of due diligence on sites already identified, or to extend public utilities to or conduct rough grading and clearing of sites for which due diligence has been completed.

Guided Compass

GuidedCompass.com

Guided Compass is a lifelong career development platform that helps with clarifying and coordinating career pathways, career planning, making progress toward individuals' goals, and gaining social capital/advocates for opportunities. Specifically, for intermediaries and employers, we make advising people, aligning stakeholders, and hiring people far easier and more effective.

Educators, workforce organizations, staffing organizations, and employers can set up personalized communities that allow students, career-seekers, and/or employees to clarify career paths, upskill, and gain advocates for opportunities. Guided Compass is the collection of these communities. Programs and employers can customize benchmarks to define candidates at the pathway and opportunity level.

Made X Mountains

336-408-3908

MadeXMtns.com

A brand established to provide entrepreneurial support, networking, and collaboration to outdoor brands of all sizes around Western North Carolina, Made X Mountains is comprised of several programs and partnerships including Mountain BizWorks that provide a plethora of opportunities to grow the outdoor

industry. Specific programs include:

- North Carolina Outdoor Recreation Industry 828-575-7920

EDPNC.com/Industries/OREC/

- Building Outdoor Communities 504-502-4273

MadeXMtns.com/BOC/

- Outdoor Gear Builders of WNC 828-712-8688

OutdoorGearBuilders.com/

Mountain Area Workforce Development Board

339 New Leicester Hwy, Suite 140 Asheville 828-251-6353 MountainAreaWorks.org

The Mountain Area Workforce Development Board (MAWDB) is created

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grow with us

Commercial Lending

•

Let’s chat!

Brian Jones

Hendersonville (828) 708-6640

Julie and Mark, members since 2013

Insured by NCUA.

Nick Iosue

Asheville (828) 708-6548

Vince McMahan Fletcher (828) 708-6553

Housing Lender.

subject to credit

business resources

through federal legislation and serves Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania counties. The Mountain Area Workforce Board (WDB) is a partnership of private business executives and the leading workforce development organizations in Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, and Transylvania counties of Western North Carolina. The purpose of the WDB is to provide policy, planning, oversight, and funding for local workforce development programs and address workforce issues as they emerge within the region.

Mountain BizWorks 828-253-2834

MountainBizWorks.org

Mountain BizWorks is a US Treasurycertified non-profit community development financial institution (CDFI).

For more than 30 years, Mountain BizWorks has been making business loans ranging from $1,000 to $500,000 to small businesses in Western North Carolina who may find it difficult to secure funding from banks and other traditional sources. What makes Mountain BizWorks unique is that all loan decisions and relationships are managed locally. The organization works to ensure its clients’ success by offering highly customized, peer-to-peer business coaching by an

extensive network of local, successful business owners. This innovative blend of lending and learning helps entrepreneurs overcome obstacles, grow strategically and create jobs. Mountain BizWorks exclusively serves the 26 westernmost counties of North Carolina with offices in Asheville and Boone.

NC Idea Foundation

411 W. Chapel Hill Street, Suite C2, Durham 919-941-5600

NCIdea.org

NC IDEA is an independent private, 501(c) (3) foundation whose vision is to help North Carolinians achieve their entrepreneurial ambition to start and grow high potential companies. NC IDEA fosters sustainable economic development with competitive grants and programs for entrepreneurs and funding to strengthen the North Carolina entrepreneurial ecosystem. They offer grant funding and support on the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Their mission is to strengthen the economy of North Carolina through a strategic combination of grants and programs, deployed directly and through a network of partners, in furtherance of our Vision to help people achieve their entrepreneurial potential.

1 Million Cups

45 South French Broad Event Center, Asheville

1MillionCups.com

Based on the premise that business growth happens over 1 million cups of coffee, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation established a free program designed to educate, engage and inspire entrepreneurs around the country. Since 2012, these programs have been organized by more than 800 volunteers in 40+ states, one U.S. territory, and six time zones. The Asheville location serves by offering weekly meetings (Wednesdays, 9-10 AM) that allow entrepreneurs to present their business ideas to their community, receive feedback, and learn how interacting with their community can support business growth.

SCORE

Western NC - Main Office Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, 204 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville 828-693-8702

Asheville Main Office 1465 Sand Hill Rd, Suite 2040, Candler 828-417-0555

WesternNC.SCORE.org

SCORE has been mentoring new and existing businesses nationwide for more

than 40 years and has a network of more than 13,000 volunteers who donate their time to help entrepreneurs. As experienced business professionals, SCORE mentors deliver valuable, timely and practical advice free and confidentially. SCORE Western North Carolina serves Polk, Rutherford, Henderson, Transylvania, Jackson, Macon, Clay and Cherokee counties, and SCORE Asheville serves Asheville and Buncombe County. Oneon-one and team counseling sessions are by appointment. Face-to-face and online resources are available for people about to start or expand a business.

Small Business and Technology Development Center

Asheville 6 Haywood St, Suite 212 828-251-6025 Cullowhee 226J Forsythe Building, WCU College of Business 828-227-3504 SBTDC.org

Partnered with the US Small Business Administration, the North Carolina SBTDC is an advisory resource for growing and developing businesses hosted by campuses of the University of North Carolina system. Regularly reviewed by federal and state funding partners, the SBTDC has been continuously accredited since 1988. Their website offers training videos, start-up guides, funding opportunity guides, and other resources such as business planning, marketing, legal, and human resources. Concentrating on small to mid-sized businesses, new business start-up training and assistance is also available. More than just business resources, the SBTDC also conducts research and provides assistance to economic development organizations.

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economic development agencies

Avery County Economic Development 828-733-8201 | AveryCountyNC.gov

Ashe County Economic Development Committee 336-846-5501 | AsheNCEDC.com

Cherokee County Economic and Workforce Development 828 835-9564, ext. 204 CherokeeCounty-NC.gov/164/Economic-Development Burke Development Incorporated 828-764-9370 | BurkEDevInc.com

City of Asheville Office of Economic Development 828-232-4505 AshevilleNC.gov/Department/ Community-Economic-Development/

Haywood Economic Development Council 828-456-3737 | HaywoodChamber.com/EDC-Haywood

Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development 828-692-6373 | GoHendersonCountyNC.org

Macon County Economic Development Commission 828-369-2306 | MaconEDC.com

Rutherford County Economic Development 828-287-6200 | RutherfordNCEDC.com

Watauga Economic Development 828-264-3082 | WataugaEDC.org

Yancey County Economic Development 828-682-7722 | YanceyEDC.org/

small business centers

Small Business Center at Blue Ridge Community College 828-694-1658

Small Business Center and Business Incubation at AshevilleBuncombe Technical Community College 828-398-7950

Appalachian Enterprise Center - Boone 828-726-3065

BRCC Small Business Center - Brevard 828-694-1658

Swain Center - Bryson City 828-339-4211

Isothermal Community College Small Business Center - Polk Campus - Columbus 828-894-3092

BRCC Small Business Center - Flat Rock 828-694-1658

Macon Campus, Groves Center - Franklin 828-339-4211

Haywood Community College Small Business Center HCC Regional High Tech Center - Waynesville 828-627-4512

Western Piedmont Community College's Small Business Center - Morganton 828-448-6719

WPCC, Foothills Higher Education Center - Morganton 828-448-6719

Tri-County Community College - Murphy 828-835-9564

Old Fort - Rocket Building 828-652-0634

Isothermal Community College Small Business Center - Spindale 828-395-1667

Mayland Community College Small Business Center - Spruce Pine 828-766-1295

Southwestern Community College Small Business Center - Sylva 828-339-4426

For more information and locations visit NCSBC.net.

Small Business Center at Blue Ridge Community College

Henderson County Campus, 180 W Campus Drive, Flat Rock 828-694-1658

BlueRidge.edu/Programs-Courses/ Business/Small-Business-Center

The Small Business Center at Blue Ridge Community College is part of the Small Business Center Network which is composed of Small Business Centers throughout North Carolina that support the development of new businesses and the growth of existing businesses by being community-based providers of training, counseling and resource information. It serves to help realize dreams of owning a business or making a current business more profitable. The Small Business Center can connect individuals with free local, regional, state and national resources to aid in business planning. Services provided also can be customized to suit specific business needs.

Small Business Center and Business Incubation at Asheville-Buncombe

Technical Community College 1465 Sand Hill Rd, Candler 828-398-7950

ABTech.edu/Programs/Workforce/ Business-Incubation-And-SmallBusiness-Center

Also part of the statewide Small Business Center Network, the Small Business Center at A-B Tech serves to foster and support entrepreneurship, small business, and economic development in local communities. With an emphasis on assisting start-ups, early-stage, and atrisk enterprises. Serving both start-up and experienced entrepreneurs, assistance provided by the Small Business Center at A-B Tech can lead to job creation and retention. Services include Business Incubation, Counseling, Seminars, Startup Asheville, Product Testing and Training, Product Production, and Spark Tank.

UNC Asheville Family Business Forum

1 University Heights, Asheville 828-251-6600

FBF.UNCA.edu

Family- and privately-owned businesses face unique issues. The mission of the UNC Asheville Family Business Forum (FBF) is to provide professional learning opportunities to help these closely held businesses maximize the overall wellbeing of their company, and to assist with transition planning for the next generation of ownership. FBF is the only ongoing professional development program specifically designed for family businesses in Western North Carolina.

U.S. Small Business Administration, North Carolina District 1465 Sand Hill Road, Suite 2013, Candler 202-845-4191

SBA.gov

The US Small Business Administration provides help with services including funding programs, counseling, federal contracting certifications, and disaster recovery. The Administration can also connect you to our partner organizations, lenders, and other community groups that help small businesses succeed. They offer sources for every phase of business development from planning and launching to managing and expanding, as well as online guides and training courses.

Venture Asheville

36 Montford Ave, Asheville VentureAsheville.com

Venture Asheville is an entrepreneurship initiative powered by the Economic Development Coalition for AshevilleBuncombe County and the Asheville Chamber of Commerce. Their vision and mission is to transform Asheville into a world-class startup city by helping to grow the startup community and

connecting entrepreneurs to talent, mentors, and investors through unique programming and events including financing opportunities, networking events, and educational workshops.

Western Women’s Business Center

3 S. Tunnel Road, Ste A-08, Asheville 828-633-5065 x101

WWBNC.org

Since 2014, the Western Women’s Business Center has served as a catalyst for the success of women entrepreneurs in the mountain region. A program of Carolina Small Business Development Fund, their mission is to foster economic development in the state of North Carolina. Services include development workshops, business coaching, access to capital, business needs assessments, network opportunities, and online

business resources

business webinars. Serving 22 WNC counties, their team of experts offer support on a range of topics small businesses need to start and grow.

Young Professionals of Asheville

36 Montford Avenue, Asheville YPAsheville.org

As a program of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, YPA is proud to serve the community our members call home whether in Asheville city proper or greater Western North Carolina since 2010. The Young Professionals of Asheville is a professional growth and networking community offering events providing opportunities for growth in leadership, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and networking. Community service opportunities are also available.

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Iron Key Brewing

A Unique Craft Brewery is Thriving After a Challenging Start During the Pandemic

Chris Balliew and the team at Iron Key Brewing have created something unique for Columbus and Polk County.

Their team of partners including Balliew, Dave Erb, and the late Bob Bundy came together with the idea of starting their own brewery. Just as their plans began in 2019, their challenges and obstacles increased due to the pandemic. Balliew remembered Bob saying that they could keep their plans on hold and have no revenue stream at all, or continue with plans to open and see what happens.

Iron Key Brewing opted to move forward and opened in August 2020. As customers started coming in, the team kept up with and adhered to the mandates and regulations.

The brewery did shut down on occasion due to Covid. “If an employee was exposed, everyone had to test. If there were not enough people to work, we just closed. If that’s what it took to keep people in our community safe, that’s what we were going to do,” Balliew said. “We did have our doubts, but we kept on meandering with the restrictions as we kept pressing forward. This is our passion, and we weren’t just going to give up.”

When originally contemplating a location, Bundy discovered the old North Carolina

State Prison built in 1932, formerly owned by the 4-H Club. After walking around for just an hour, Bob shared his vision and they started to move forward with the purchase of the property. “Bob was really the visionary of the whole operation,” Balliew said. “He had the ideas along with the drive to get things done.”

“The building still retains some of the feel of the old prison,” Balliew said. “You can see the old orange beams with holes where the iron bars once went into. The roof is original, and so are the windows. You can definitely tell that it’s an old jail.”

Master Brewer Erb and Brewer Autumn McCormack create brews with names that pay homage to the former prison and its past occupants, ranging from the Saluda Road Pale Ale to the Dawg House Brown Ale to the Konjugal Kolsch and more.

In addition to their variety of craft brews and guest taps, Iron Key offers pub-style food and activities including live music on Wednesdays and trivia on Thursdays.

“While small, I like to think that we are impacting the community in a positive way,” Balliew said. In addition to serving food, drinks, and entertainment, the Iron

Key employs about 20 people. “Visitors from out of town come for the brews and patronize other area businesses while they are here,” he added. “Other businesses are looking at coming to town as well.”

Other breweries may be in the works for Columbus, but the Iron Key team is not worried about the competition. “More businesses in town really benefits everyone,” Balliew said. “Brewing is really a brotherhood. When I visit another brewery, I feel nothing but welcome.”

Expansion is a possibility for Iron Key Brewing, especially since there is room for growth on the property. “There are several outbuildings on the 7-acre property, so we have some space to work with. There could perhaps be a tap room or something in the future,” Balliew said, “but never an Iron Key number two.”

“The whole team deserves credit for the success of the brewery. Everyone here has a passion for what they do and loves their job, creating an enjoyable working environment of people dedicated to the business,” Balliew said.

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For more information, visit IronKeyBrewing.com.

“ We did have our doubts, but we kept on meandering with the restrictions as we kept pressing forward. This is our passion, and we weren’t just going to give up.”

- Chris Balliew

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Black Folks Camp Too

How Equality in the Outdoor Industry May Also Help Protect WNC’s Public Lands

Earl B. Hunter, Jr. didn’t grow up in an outdoorsy family. Even while attending college at Appalachian State University in Boone, the beauty and wilderness didn’t call to him.

“I was never invited on any kind of outdoor adventure,” he said. As an adult, though, Hunter felt that calling, and when he finally had friends invite him and show him a good time out in nature, Earl was hooked. While working as the Vice President of Sales at Brevard’s SylvanSport RV & Camping Trailer Company, Hunter noticed that the majority of his customers were white. After years of this trend, his curiosity to find out why led to him founding Black Folks Camp Too, a business that works to build equality and inclusivity in the great outdoors.

Based in WNC, Black Folks Camp Too envisions the great outdoors as a place that is appreciated and protected by all, regardless of race, gender, or age. Hunter believes that the more people are out enjoying the natural beauty of the WNC mountains, the better maintained and protected the lands will be.

After an extensive road trip with his son covering 20 states, two Canadian provinces, and 49 campgrounds, Hunter was shocked that he encountered only one other black family camping. He wanted to do something to improve this, but before he could get down to the how, when, who, and what, he had to figure out the why.

After putting in hours of time and many dollars in research, data confirmed his theory.

“It’s generational trauma,” Hunter said. “Stories from my great grandmother had been passed down about finding folks who had wandered off into the woods lynched. We were taught that the woods were a dangerous place. Not only that, when my grandparents were young, some state and national parks were segregated. These are a couple of reasons why you rarely see Black folks out in nature.”

Hunter created Black Folks Camp Too to educate the industry and the public about why Black people don’t get outdoors. The business’s mission is to encourage more people of color, and really everyone, to get outside and enjoy the outdoors together. According to Hunter, its logo, appropriately named the Unity Blaze, was designed to help people signal to the world that they treat everyone equally.

“We’re not called ‘Black Folks Camp’; that would signify that we are only talking to Black folks,” Hunter said. “The ‘Too’ means ‘also and as well’, and we truly want everybody to feel comfortable and safe enjoying nature. We want to build trust in the outdoor community.”

The purpose of Black Folks Camp Too is more than encouraging people to have fun outside. Hunter believes that when people aren’t interested in something, they don’t want their resources going to support that. “We’ve got to get folks out enjoying these public lands, the lands that are theirs,” he said. “If they don’t use the land, one day people may stop wanting to pay for it. If folks don’t know anything about public lands, they won’t be ambassadors for public lands. They could ask for their tax dollars to be appropriated elsewhere. Some may not think it’s possible for a giant condo to be built on the side of Looking Glass Rock, but it could be a real possibility in generations to come.”

“The more people we have appreciating our parks and public lands and the

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more unity we have within the outdoor community, the more willing people are going to be to ensure and maintain their protection,” Hunter said. “We need to protect the things that people come to this area for.”

Training and educating outdoor industry specialists on how to market to people of color is a priority for Black Folks Camp Too. “The invitation and welcome is where outdoor industry businesses are failing,” Hunter said. “If businesses do more to learn how to include, invite, and market to people of color, the industry as a whole can start to see a difference.”

BFCT is not a nonprofit organization, and does not accept donations. Black Folks Camp Too creates gear and products to generate a retail income to support their social work and training. Footwear insoles, socks, and swag with the Unity Blaze are available at retailers like REI, Public Lands, Great Outdoor Provision Co., and on their website to generate revenue for their mission.

While the company has large goals, Hunter actually hopes Black Folks Camp Too doesn’t last forever. “If we go out of business, we’ve done our job,” he said. “That would mean that we have reached our goal of equality and diversity in the industry and lifestyle, and there will be a continued appreciation of and protection for public lands, parks, and wilderness areas into future generations. We hope to change the world, one campfire at a time.”

Learn more at BlackFolksCampToo.com.

“ If businesses do more to learn how to include, invite, and market to people of color, the industry as a whole can start to see a difference.”

- Earl B. Hunter, Jr.

Juniper get to know

Crafting Meaningful, Local Experiences in Western North Carolina

In late 2021, Summer Stipe left the nonprofit sector to follow her dreams of creating a unique business that fills a niche while celebrating her experience and her passion. Juniper is a business that curates and crafts intentional vacations and staycations in and around the Western North Carolina region.

As a Hendersonville native, she said she knows the region intimately and wants to share all the things that make it wonderful. Formerly the Executive Director of the Henderson County Education Foundation, Stipe is also familiar with the economy, the schools, and the community – things her clients say they are interested in knowing about.

At first, Juniper’s focus was centered around providing curated experiences for people visiting from out of town. Stipe found that clients driving around the area for the first time particularly found value in Juniper’s offering of itineraries highlighting local restaurants, shops, trails, breweries, and waterfalls with directions, playlists, and estimates of drive times between stops.

As the business started to get rolling, founder Stipe was surprised at a couple of the twists and turns that occurred. Not only were out-of-towners interested in this service, but locals found Juniper to

be helpful in planning a staycation or a mini-vacation, whether in their hometown or to a neighboring town that they had never visited before.

“There are so many great communities within an hour-and-a-half’s drive that locals rarely take the time to visit,” Stipe said. “They are seeing towns they’ve never seen before.”

Another surprising category of clients includes businesses recruiting outof-town talent. Many large industries source their staff from other areas of the country. When a business flies someone in from another state, that candidate is not only interviewing the business; they are interviewing the area that they may potentially be moving to, as well.

Juniper offers businesses the opportunity to thoughtfully introduce their job candidates to WNC, hoping they will fall in love with both the company and the area. Candidates as well as their spouses and family members can arrive in Asheville and find an itinerary that showcases the region’s attractions and local eateries while including time for their interviews and tours of their potential new place of employment.

One such client has provided Juniper’s services to about 20 candidates and has since seen an 80 percent increase in

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employment acceptance. Their candidates reported feeling more at ease during the whole process with having another touchpoint outside of the hiring company and felt that the employer was truly invested in them and their experience. Stipe has realized that her idea of offering local travel itineraries can encompass a lot more than just planning a long weekend for travelers.

Juniper also now offers curated experiences for parents of kids attending area summer camps. Stipe is also planning a subscription service for locals – a year of custom-planned date nights –to be launched as the holiday season approaches.

Stipe’s advice for anyone starting a new business is to take advantage of resources that are available. “Run an idea by friends, test it out on family members, and gather and really hear feedback from these trusted individuals,” she said. “We have Mountain BizWorks, the Western Women’s Business Center, the Small Business Centers at local colleges, and more right at your fingertips. If you use the resources and build your community, your chances of success will only increase.”

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For more information, visit CraftedByJuniper.com.

“ There are so many great communities within an hour-and-a-half’s drive that locals rarely take the time to visit. They are seeing towns they’ve never seen before.”

- Summer Stipe

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One Health Direct Primary Care

Buncombe County Medical Doctor Says Direct Care Model is Helping Her Better Serve Patients as Well as Independent Businesses

Dr. Elsie Osei practiced medicine at Mission Health during its transition to HCA Healthcare ownership. When she became pregnant with her second child, Dr. Osei said she then decided that after her delivery she was going to open an independent practice of her own in Asheville.

She had an interest in direct care, a model for providing healthcare services that is different from a traditional model. Rather than having third-party involvement with insurance companies, direct care practices offer a monthly membership that covers all office visits without copays or deductibles, and also provides patients with discounted laboratory services and medications.

“This model can be beneficial for individuals or families with a high deductible plan or no insurance at all,” Dr. Osei said. “Patients can even purchase medications for lower prices. I am also able to negotiate some pricing rather than going through a standard insurance plan and their associated costs.

Once she decided that she would start her own practice, Dr. Osei said she felt challenged by setting up this non-traditional model, especially during the pandemic.

“I had to reach out to other providers around the country to compare how doctors were operating their practice, what they were charging, what services they were offering, and how they were running their business,” she said. “It was all new to me.”

Dr. Osei said that she also had personal concerns regarding starting her own practice.

“If I get out of my contracts with different insurances and my new business fails, it could take six months or more to get back in contract with them. That means I would be out of work for at least half a year,” she said. “Not only that, I became fully responsible for malpractice insurance, meeting OSHA and other standards, as well as all the aspects of running a business in general, like forms and billing.”

In spite of her concerns, Dr. Osei started One Health Direct Primary Care in November of 2020.

“It was really small at first,” she said. “I had a 10-foot-by-10-foot room and was doing home visits. Eventually I was able to obtain more space and add more services.”

Setting up a new practice with a nontraditional model during the pandemic posed challenges. Dr. Osei turned to other direct care physicians for advice. Learning the administrative aspect and how to effectively run a solo business were some things that she discussed with other physicians in the direct care field, and bouncing ideas off each other was helpful as her business gained traction.

Dr. Osei said she enjoys this model of practicing better than the traditional model for many reasons. Not only does she say that there is less overall pressure, she said she gets more time with each patient. Instead of being rushed out of one patient’s room into the next, she said this practice model allows her ample time to address all of her patients’ concerns.

Through the direct care approach, Dr. Osei said that she is able to treat the person instead of just the disease. She said this healthcare model gives her time to provide whole-person medicine that includes discussing with patients lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and offering services like home visits.

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“The model of practice at One Health Direct Primary Care also gives more small businesses the opportunity to offer healthcare for their employees,” Dr. Osei said. Instead of business owners having to match premiums while employees have deductibles and copays, Dr. Osei’s practice offers a monthly subscription service that covers all visits, services, and labs performed at her office. Employers can choose to pay a portion or the entirety of the subscription, and the employee has flexibility as well.

“Patients can come as often as they need, and they are still only paying one low price per month,” she said. “They can add spouses or children to their membership, and they can feel confident knowing they can get an appointment quickly with no out-of-pocket costs. They don’t have to find a physician that’s in their network that may or may not be accepting patients. People can sign up today and come in within one to three days for an appointment.”

Dr. Osei said that understanding how to negotiate costs for labs has helped patients afford recommended testing. Instead of possibly ignoring their doctors’ suggestions because tests may have been cost prohibitive, she said that the affordability of her services allows her patients discover more about their bodies, which in turn supports their overall health.

Through her work, Dr. Osei said she is building relationships, too. She said that the time she spends with each patient allows her to have a better understanding of patients and their concerns with the added benefit of making friends. “I really love my patients,” she said. “We have intentional conversations which strengthens the physician-patient relationship and that really warms my heart.”

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For more information, visit OneHealthDPC.com.

“ Patients can come as often as they need, and they are still only paying one low price per month.”

- Dr. Elsie Osei

wnc business partners

Creating Your Hiring Philosophies

By Bill Gilliland

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Bureau of Labor and Statistics reported that there are 11.2 million available jobs and 6 million unemployed workers. If every unemployed worker in the U.S. went to work right now, we would still have a shortage of over 5 million workers in the U.S. On a smaller scale, 100% of my clients and prospects are seeking talented team members. If everyone is looking for talent during a worker shortage, what should you do?

Business people want to act; however, action is only appropriate after you’ve made a solid plan. When I hear people say that they just can’t seem to find good help or wonder how they are supposed to compete in this market, my first question is, “What are your hiring philosophies?”

Most of the time I hear answers like, “Well, what does that mean?” or, “I don’t really know.” Or they tell me about their hiring process instead of their philosophies.

For more successful hiring, it helps to begin by zeroing in on your philosophies first. Once they are in place, you can then build your hiring system and implement them as a precise plan.

Here are 10 philosophies that I use in my process. Feel free to borrow them, or use them to develop your own.

1 |

First, get clear on the kind of person that you want. Then get clear on what you want them to do. Have you ever hired someone who had all the skills but a terrible attitude? It’s way more important to get somebody that fits your culture and is open minded and teachable. Make sure your hires share your values and behavior expectations as a priority over skill level.

Invest in personal development. You only get the people you deserve. It sounds harsh, but it’s the truth. Southwest Airlines receives an application every two seconds because their company and staff are so great. Jim Rohn famously said that in order to be successful, you need to “Work harder on yourself than you do on your job”. For you to get better people, you have to better yourself first.

Slow way down. Most hiring errors happen when someone quits or gets fired and needs to be replaced right away. At that point, many companies hire a body. They don’t know if the hire is any good for the job, if they’re going to be a good fit, or even if they have the skills! Again - slow down, or you may rue the day that you hired them.

Create a robust hiring process, and stick to it! This is part two of the slow down mentality. Hiring processes often have too few steps, and it can be helpful to add more. The higher the skill level, the longer the process needs to be. Remember, it is super expensive to hire the wrong person.

| 3 | 4 | 5 |

Have clear expectations and outcomes for each job. Job descriptions without expected outcomes are worthless; a complete waste of paper. Get clear on what outcomes you want and how the results will be measured before you ever interview anyone.

Have multiple interviews across multiple formats with multiple people. Some varieties include interviews as a group, over lunch, in person, or one-on-one. Make sure you have a varied and a diverse group of people participating in the interviews. I include my wife in my interviews because she has saved me hundreds of thousands of dollars by being on my interview team even when she’s not active in that business.

6 | 7 | 8 |

Fish with a net, not a single hook. Hiring is marketing. I enjoy fly fishing, and I usually use one fly at a time. It is recreation, so I catch and release the fish. If I were fishing for food, I would fish with a net. That way, I would know which fish to keep and which to throw back. Invest to attract as many prospects as you can, so you can throw back the ones you don’t want and only keep the very best.

Invest the time. Hiring is a priority, not a chore. Most people in small and medium businesses are so busy doing the work that they’re not investing the proper time to hire great team members. Most business owners should be spending 25 to 50 percent of their time finding good people. I once heard a real estate owner being asked a question about why he was so successful. His answer was “Success came when I stopped selling real estate and began hiring and developing real estate agents. Hiring is a priority, not a chore.

Don’t take the best of the bad bunch. Just because you’ve done good marketing and interviewed a whole bunch of people doesn’t mean that any of them are right for the job. It’s okay to say no to everybody. If this happens, don’t hire a sub-par candidate. Start your process over.

9 |

wnc business partners 10 |

Sometimes you attract the perfect candidate. Sometimes by working hard and searching effectively, the right person will come right to your doorstep. I call this “marketing metaphysics.” When a person with the right attitude, the right skills, the right values, and the right fit shows up at your door, run your process first, then go ahead and hire them.

These are my philosophies. What are yours?

Your homework is to figure out your own hiring philosophies before it’s time for your next new employee. Enjoy the learning, and all the best!

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Bill Gilliland is a five-time business owner, speaker, and business coach based in Montreat. For more information, visit BillGilliland.ActionCoach.com.

Hiring processes often have too few steps, and it can be helpful to add more. The higher the skill level, the longer the process needs to be.

wnc business partners

Work Toward Experience, Not Money

By Kégan English

Are you ready to start working in the high-paying industry of your dreams?

That’s great, but don’t make the mistake of thinking that money is the most important aspect. You could quickly burn out and start to dislike your job if you are only focused on the financial aspect. Instead, focus on gaining the experience necessary to further your career.

Experience will help you learn new skills and grow as a professional. It will also help you find better jobs in the future. Highpaying positions will come eventually, but it’s more important to focus on getting the most out of your career right now. If you’re starting, don’t exclusively focus on the money. Instead, concentrate on getting your foot in the door and gaining value by learning the industry and the skills you’ll need to know to grow and expand. You’ll be glad you did.

Enjoy the Experience

Many people choose their careers based on their salary goals. They think they will get by with working in whatever job, and as long as they make the money that they’d like to have, that’s all that matters. This mindset, however, does not lead to a fulfilling nor a successful career. The key is to focus on gaining experience rather than simply looking for jobs with the highest salary. Once you have some time under your belt, you can advance in your career and make more money as you move up the ladder. Take a look at some current available job postings. You will see that most employers require many types of experience. Therefore, having the knowledge and know-how is great for you and your financial future because the

more experiences you have and the more challenges you face, the more capable, skilled, and confident you will become. This is what employers are truly looking for.

What’s Your Value

What are you worth? How replaceable are you? Are you a thought leader who is respected in your field? If these questions make you feel uneasy about your job or career, then chances are you’ve been missing opportunities to gain experience and build your value. Your true value is not based on how much you make a year but on the skills you have gained through your experiences. A team member who has taken the time to embrace and develop a broad set of skills is much more valuable to the company and its leaders.

Taking Chances

You have opportunities every day to learn new skills, enhance existing ones, or uncover your faults. Maybe you have an offer to move from the sales department to the marketing department. Sure, you feel more comfortable in sales and don’t really understand marketing, but this experience builds your value, expertise, and can significantly increase your skill set.

Maybe you have an offer to work directly for the CEO of a highly successful company, the only downside being that your pay decreases by 20 percent. The lessons to be learned and the opportunities to be seized by such an offer will significantly outweigh the slight salary decrease. The critical thing to remember is that you have to have the desire to learn, better yourself, and take chances. All the opportunities for new skills mean nothing if you do

not embrace them and learn from your experiences.

Win or Learn

I’ve spoken about how new opportunities and challenges lead to growth; however, most people fear taking that leap. If there is one bit of knowledge that I can leave you with, it’s this. Nothing great has ever come from a comfort zone. The ability to push beyond your personal fear bubble will help separate you from the crowd and catapult you to new and unexpected heights. Ask yourself what you are truly afraid of and what you are afraid to lose. Then, change your mindset! I personally never lose. I win or I learn, and that mentality has changed my life forever. You can only lose or fail if you do not recognize the lesson. In conclusion, don’t choose your career based on salary. Focus on gaining the experience and building your value in an industry that you feel aligned with. As you do, you will be able to command a higher salary, build more confidence and purpose, and be more successful all around. Work toward experience, not money. It’s a much better investment in your future.

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Kégan English is president of Atlantic Coast Business Advisors. He works with clients across Western North Carolina to facilitate the sale of their business and assist investors and entrepreneurs in acquiring their next business venture. Learn more at AtlanticCoastBusinessBrokers.com.

It’s Worth a FLU SHOT

Don’t miss breakroom bagels. Get your flu shot.

pro-tips How Employers Can Effectively Retain Current Employees

By Mary Beth Dallman

First, it’s important to have a great business manager, leadership coach, or human resources individual on your side. Post-pandemic times have created a paradigm shift in the needs and wants of employees, which has led to customization of hiring packages. A leadership professional that can help navigate those waters is essential, and maintaining equality within policies and rules is an important legality.

Younger generations that are filling today’s roles have a different agenda, and partnerships between employers and these employees are the key to success. Within this article, one will find multiple ways to keep employees at any level engaged and increase eagerness to stay.

Show Me the Money

As an HR and leadership professional, I have always professed that pay isn’t always the catalyst to an employee staying or leaving. Today, however, there is a slight shift to that mindset. If we are moving with the times, cost of living and

childcare expenses are a concern. In addition, housing, groceries, and fuel costs have all gone up. Right now, pay is vitally important to the professional.

Tackling Pay

Market research: Make sure you’re doing true market research. This can help you

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find the appropriate numbers to offer comparable pay within the WNC region.

Bonuses: Tie financial bonuses or benefits to performance. In order to get the best from this idea, get to know the employee and what they need. Examples could be:

1. Bonuses that pay towards childcare needs.

2. Monthly phone bill stipends.

3. Student loan bonus pay incentives.

Compensation Packages: To complement the prior idea of bonuses, create even more value by developing a comprehensive snapshot of the employee’s total compensation package such as the combination of salary plus benefits and potential bonuses.

Onboarding

A proper introduction to the organization and its culture sets the tone for the employee’s time with the company. Having thorough training and a support system from day one lets an employee know how they can contribute.

Communicate Clearly

Using language in the correct way is critical in leadership. Learning the art of communication is a crucial leadership skill that one can possess. Below are some examples of how leadership can encourage meaningful communication with and among their employees.

1. Clearly communicate expectations.

2. Offer professional development opportunities.

3. Encourage peer-to-peer camaraderie.

4. Communicate an understanding of strategic decisions.

Recognition & Rewards

Appreciation for employees can be impactful. Rewards and recognition can celebrate an individual, showing them that they are appreciated. Consider getting to know your employees individually in order to determine what type of recognition would have the most meaningful effect. For example, having the CEO or business owner treating an employee to coffee might be the ticket for one employee, whereas another employee would rather leave a little early to spend time with their family.

In addition to individual employee recognition, there are many companywide celebration options that are a hit as well. Celebrating big and small company milestones not only show recognition, but togetherness. Examples could be:

1. Sharing a meal with employees.

2. Offering an extra day off.

3. Company swag giveaways.

Develop Internal Employees

Employee development increases your retention rate as well as contributes to the company’s productivity and continued growth. Here are some ideas to implement internal employee development:

1. Engrain “training for success” as part of the company culture.

2. Take career progression seriously.

3. Initiate personality or performance assessments like DiSC or MBTI to help understand your team.

4. Schedule a one-on-one meeting to determine what an employee’s goals are.

5. Create a “training for success” plan.

6. Set performance metrics.

7. Give regular feedback through one-on-one meetings.

8. Delegate responsibilities.

9. Engage in cross training.

10. Dedicate resources such as coaching, training workshops, team-building activities, professional networks to your employees.

11. Eliminate barriers such as siloed departments or rigid structure and process.

When the company has successfully created a succession plan and grown trusted employees, it has saved on external recruiting and training.

In addition to a formal internal development plan, let employees use their skills. As a leader, learn about employee specific talents and encourage them to use those strengths towards the growth of the company. Autonomy is an incredible retention tool as it encourages employees to take on more challenges and creates passion toward their work.

Feedback & Decision Making

It’s empowering for employees to experience transparency. The practice of soliciting new ideas, asking questions, and sharing comments is a best practice for leadership. The best times to collect feedback include:

Investing in employee retention is arguably the most impactful move leadership could make in the current workforce state.

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1. After onboarding, orientation, and training.

2. At 30-, 60-, 90-day employment marks.

3. During monthly or quarterly one on one meetings with leadership members.

4. Whenever there is a culture, process, or policy change.

Similarly, fostering teamwork-encouraged decision-making encourages engagement by allowing employees to contribute and offer suggestions. This method achieves a cohesive culture, allowing individuals to express the view of their workstyles, differences, and diversity. Teamworkencouraged decision-making also increases ownership and engagement.

Work-Life Balance & Flexibility

During the pandemic, families rediscovered the importance of mental health, family, and personal priorities. This is also a shift for companies that require in-person employment. Including the above topic of feedback and decision-making, this is where work-life balance comes into play. Work-life balance is not a parallel retention tool. For example, some options could include deciding between:

1. Taking off early vs. taking a long lunch break.

2. Working four 12-hour shifts vs. working virtual one weekday.

Showing employees that you understand the importance of flexibility towards work-life balance can provide them with job satisfaction, relieving stress and increasing retention.

Quality Leadership

Leadership is the responsibility to execute strategy and vision; however, quality leadership isn’t possible without demonstrating trustworthiness. Trust can be built by:

1. Communication and transparency of company values, vision, goals, and revenue.

2. Demonstration of loyalty, truthfulness, and transparency, all without micromanaging employees.

The biggest threat to employees (especially those in key positions) potentially leaving a company is lack of trust. If there is an undercurrent of deception, it impedes the progress of growth, accountability, and can put employees in an uncomfortable position. Quality leadership that is transparent and built on the above policies

is key to encouraging employees and leaders to continue doing meaningful work.

Engaging Workplace

One of the biggest changes currently in the workforce is rekindling connections between employers and staff. Employees are more often working remotely, and some companies are not holding group gatherings as often as before the pandemic. This new normal has provided a space for improvement of team bonding and celebration methods. Encouraging employees to get together improves their work production. Engaging in deeper connection brings motivation to come to work, whether remote or in person. Retaining employees is crucial to the overall success of a company. Investing in employee retention is arguably the most impactful move leadership could make in the current workforce state.

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Mary Beth Dallman is an Asheville native and national executive/ leadership coach, with an extensive career in Human Resources and Organizational Development. Learn more at ThisLeaderLife.com.

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Concerned About Cybersecurity?

4 Easy Steps to Stay Secure

By Joe Jakubielski

Cybersecurity has become one of the most significant topics inside and outside technology circles over the last two years. From securing learning devices due to a rise in digital learning during the COVID-19 pandemic to coping with the fallout of high-profile breaches of national infrastructure such as the Colonial Pipeline, there is a seemingly endless news cycle dedicated to cybersecurity mishaps and concerns.

With this onslaught of negative news, it can be easy for people to become overwhelmed and feel powerless in the face of the “insurmountable” threats posed by cybersecurity. In actuality,

nothing could be further from the truth.

Surrounding all of the jargon typically thrown around in relation to cybersecurity, there is a longstanding misperception that cybersecurity should be left to

professionals. Moreover, there is a prevailing sense among the public that breaches are simply a fact of life and that we should learn to deal with them. But this isn’t true.

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Everyone has a huge role in cybersecurity threat prevention, detection, and remediation. For example, according to IBM, 95 percent of breaches have human error as a main cause. Therefore, technology users are very much the first line of defense when thwarting cybercrime.

Here are some key best practices that are easy to use and can be implemented today to enhance cybersecurity and create a more secure world for every business, government, and nonprofit.

Watch Out for Phishing

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Phishing – when a cybercriminal poses as a legitimate party in hopes of getting individuals to engage with malicious content or links – remains one of the most popular tactics among cybercriminals today. Eighty percent of cybersecurity incidents stem from a phishing attempt. However, while phishing has gotten more sophisticated, keeping an eye out for typos, poor graphics, and other suspicious characteristics can be a telltale sign that the content is potentially coming from a “phish.” In addition, if you think you have spotted a phishing attempt, report the incident so that internal information technology teams and service providers can remediate the situation and possibly prevent others from becoming victims.

Update Your Passwords and Use a Password Manager

Password cracking is one of the go-to tactics that cybercriminals employ to access sensitive information. Having unique, long, and complex passwords is one of the best ways to boost your cybersecurity immediately, yet only 43 percent of the public say that they “always” or “very often” use strong passwords. Also, if you are a “password repeater,” once a cybercriminal has hacked one of your accounts, they can easily do the same across all your accounts.

One of the biggest reasons that individuals repeat passwords is that it can be tough to remember them all. Fortunately, by using a password manager, it is possible to securely store all unique passwords in one place – meaning, people only have to remember one password. In addition, password managers are incredibly easy to use and can automatically plug in stored passwords when you visit a site.

2 | 3 |

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication

Enabling multi-factor authentication prompts a user to input a second set of verifying information such as a secure code sent to a mobile device or a sign-in link via an authenticator app. This is a hugely effective measure that anyone can use to drastically reduce the chances of a cybersecurity breach. In fact, according to Microsoft, MFA is 99.9

percent effective in preventing breaches. Therefore, it is a must for any individual that is looking to secure their devices and accounts.

4 |

Activate Automatic Updates

Making sure devices are always up-to-date with the most recent versions is essential to preventing cybersecurity issues from cropping up. Cybersecurity is an ongoing effort, and updates are hugely important in helping to address vulnerabilities that have been uncovered as well as in providing ongoing maintenance. Therefore, instead of trying to remember to check for updates or closing out of update notifications, enable automatic update installations whenever possible.

Now in its 19th year, October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an initiative that is coled by the National Cybersecurity Alliance and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA). Learn more at StaySafeOnline.org.

Joe Jakubielski is a Cyber Defense Analyst specializing in Security Awareness and Marketing at the Carolina Cyber Center of Montreat College in Black Mountain. For more information, email help@ CarolinaCyberCenter.com or contact Jakubielski at 828-335-3553.

Everyone has a huge role in cybersecurity threat prevention, detection, and remediation. According to IBM, 95 percent of breaches have human error as a main cause.

pro-tips 4 Big Reasons Why You Need Accurate Financials

By Sara Maddox

As a business grows, accounting can become more complicated. Having more employees, fixed assets, and multiple locations all require increased accounting oversight and processes. Maintaining accurate financial bookkeeping does cost money up front in the form of software or a top-rated bookkeeper. Some businesses may be tempted to cut costs by avoiding this, however, setting up proper financial records will more than pay for itself in the long run.

Establishing an up-to-date and accurate set of books has a plethora of benefits. It can be easier to identify fraud, provide peace of mind during an audit, help you make good management decisions, and assist when you need to obtain financing. Also, if you ever sell your business, you will need accurate financials to provide your buyer. There are countless reasons why it’s important to keep good records. Here are the four biggest reasons that a good set of financials is worth the upfront cost.

REASON #1 Fraud Prevention

Financial records that are not meticulously kept can lead to fraud within the company. Without the proper internal controls, employees can easily misuse your trust to steal company funds. Accounting records can easily be manipulated without raising any red flags, especially within small businesses. Since small businesses have fewer resources to devote to fraud

prevention and often require an increased level of trust in employees, they tend to be more susceptible to fraud. According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners’ 2018 Report to the Nations, organizations with fewer than 100 employees experienced the greatest percentage of cases — 28 percent — in the study conducted by the ACFE. They also suffered the largest median loss — $200,000. (Compare that to employers

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with more than 100 employees who lost a median of $104,000.) A whopping 42 percent of those fraud cases were caused by lack of internal controls.

REASON #2

Better Management Decisions

Business owners and key management staff cannot make effective decisions without accurate financial information. As a company looks at expansion and growth, it is important to consistently analyze its financials. This can help the company avoid making deals that may place it in a negative or overleveraged position, and on the other hand potentially allow the company to take advantage of potentially profitable opportunities. By providing accurate and updated financial records, a business can make appropriate decisions to reduce costs, increase sales, raise profitability, and invest in capital assets. Financial statements are also invaluable in deciding when to hire more employees, as well as in determining what income level your business needs to support that extra staffing.

REASON #3

Obtaining Financing

As your business grows, so will the need for external funding sources. To expand your business, you may need financing to obtain more inventory, increase your space, or purchase new equipment.

Whether you want to obtain financing through an investor, a commercial bank, or through an alternative avenue, every lender will request tax returns and interim financial statements. Being able to provide these with accuracy and timeliness may make all the difference in receiving your funding.

REASON #4 Selling Your Business

At some point, you may consider selling your business. After working for years to build your business, you’ll want to make sure to do everything that you can in order to maximize the value of the sale.

In public companies, any misstatement of financials can have a serious impact on share value. For example, due to an accounting error, Tesco inadvertently overstated its profit forecast, resulting in a share price drop of 11.6 percent. One study has also suggested that restatements of financials by public companies can destroy up to 35 percent of a company’s worth.

Without appropriate financial statements, it could be very difficult to sell the business to a prospective buyer. Buyers or potential investors cannot conduct the financial due diligence required to make their decision and may be forced to pass or delay. Without confidence in the accuracy of the financial statements, the seller is often forced to accept a lower offer in order to compensate the buyer for the risk. Closing

of the actual deal will often be delayed as validating the accuracy of the financials can be extremely time consuming (not to mention costly).

If the financial records are incomplete or unreliable, the buyer will have less confidence in the seller and in the company. Because the value of a company is reliant upon the perceived future earnings capacity, unreliable historical data can make the future unpredictable, which can therefore decrease the value of the company. Although experienced bookkeepers, accountants, and CPAs can be expensive, it’s best not to cut corners in this area of your business, especially if you are in the midst of high growth. Ensuring your books are up to date and accurate is one of the best decisions you can make for the future of your business.

—

Sara Maddox is an Enrolled Agent and Certified Valuation Analyst at CFO Consultants, LLC.

CFO Consultants, LLC provides customized answers to the financial needs of small and midsize businesses in the Asheville area. They provide accounting services, tax planning and preparation, business valuation, and more. Learn more at CFOConsultants.net.

By providing accurate and updated financial records, a business can make appropriate decisions to reduce costs, increase sales, raise profitability, and invest in capital assets.

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How To Turn Leadership’s 3 Biggest Challenges Into Your Competitive Advantage

By Meridith Elliott Powell

Managing an increasing list of obstacles in a rapidly growing marketplace presents a variety of challenges. I have recently worked with several owners, CEOs, and C-Suite professionals of major companies who are struggling with balance.

The amount of inference and obstructions seem to be growing. For example, I have one client with a sales team that is shattering records while they have no product to deliver. I have another that wants to expand her company into three new locations, but a difficult search for the right real estate coupled with rising construction costs has her rethinking how to expand. Another client has more than one-third of his team heading to retirement and a lack of true leaders ready to take their places.

In order to manage employees today, you must understand the world has shifted. Leading is more complex, more challenging, and requires more of you than in the past. Here are the three biggest challenges facing leadership today, and the three innovative solutions to turn them to your competitive advantage.

CHALLENGE

The Marketplace

Businesses today have to deal with the challenge of a constantly shifting marketplace. Right now leaders are looking at concerns such as rising gas prices, looming inflation, talent shortages, and supply chain issues to name a few.

SOLUTION Embrace The Suck

To succeed in today’s marketplace, you need to borrow an unofficial phrase from the military – Embrace The Suck. To

embrace the suck means that you don’t wait for the problem to go away or get better. You don’t pretend the problem doesn’t exist. You don’t allow the problem to become your reason for failure. You embrace the reality of the problem and find a way around it.

CHALLENGE Talent

Another current large issue for many businesses is finding and retaining talent.

According to Gallup, more than 41 million people voluntarily left their jobs in 2021, and of those, only one in five are looking for another opportunity. Even when you find people to run your business, finding talented, engaged and well-skilled team members is nearly impossible.

SOLUTION A Proactive Pipeline

If you want to find the best talent, start using the same skills and techniques that you use to find the best customers. You build a pipeline, proactively nurture them, and put in the time to build the relationship. Attracting talent works the same way. Long before you need to fill a position, it’s important to identify the prospects that you want to work for your company. Your human resources team (even if that is just you) needs to be actively engaging with and investing in them before you ask them to invest in you.

CHALLENGE Managing Change

Helping employees embrace, feel good about, and accept change is probably one of the biggest talents a leader today needs to have. The marketplace is moving rapidly,

and you need a team that is adaptable, flexible, and willing to change with it. The problem here is that many employees resist change. Change can create fear and stress, and many employees avoid it. This can make your role so much more challenging.

SOLUTION Clear Communication

As a leader, you need to increase your communication, strategy, and engagement around change. You need to be clear and highly focused on the goals, then ask your team for their ideas and input. The most important question you have to be able to answer for them is “Why?”. Why do employees need to make the change? Why does it matter? Why do your team members need to get behind the change and get involved? What’s in it for them? Sometimes people avoid change because it feels like it’s something done to them. Ask them for their ideas and input, and watch your team not only stop resisting change, but actually start to drive it.

Being a leader today is challenging. It calls for a new set of skills, a different focus, and an ability to not only adapt and change, but consistently master the art of proactive problem solving. While the tasks may be more challenging, the rewards are also far greater. If you can put these strategies into place, it’s possible to turn all of this uncertainty into your greatest competitive advantage.

—

Meridith Elliott Powell is a business growth expert & keynote speaker based in Asheville. Learn more at MeridithElliottPowell.com.

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Business Events Across WNC

For More Information on These Events or to Submit Your Own Event, Visit WNCBusiness.com/Events.

OCTOBER

Monday, October 3, 2022

Ribbon Cutting for Tokyo Toybox

11:00 AM -12:00 PM

1800 4 Seasons Blvd, Suite G15, Hendersonville

They are dedicated to selling only verified licensed products from your favorite Anime Shows, and other television shows, as well as from Pop Culture.

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Smart Series: Mindset Matters

12:00 - 1:00 PM

Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce 36 Montford Avenue, Asheville

By focusing on growing and improving your mindset, business owners and business people can find far more energy, use time more wisely and bring clarity and perspective to problems which can help with solution based thinking.

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

MindSpark Live! Five Things You Should Know Before Starting Your Business

12:00 - 1:00 PM

Online

This session will discuss 5 important steps to discovering if turning your passion into a business is right for you.

Facilitated by Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College Small Business Center.

Thursday, October 6, 2022

Biz Litter Pickup

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

An initiative created to encourage businesses throughout Transylvania County to pick up litter at their business, nonprofit, or storefront locations.

Camp Field Day

11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Teams of 4 and individuals will compete in events ranging from archery to kayaking to rock climbing.

Ribbon Cutting for WLOS

2:00 - 4:00 PM

110 Technology Drive, Asheville

Please join the Chamber for a Ribbon Cutting celebrating the brand-new studio at WLOS.

Asheville Chamber Business After Hours

5:30 - 7:00 PM

936 Tunnel Road, Asheville

Come join us for Business After Hours at HarmonyAVL+media!

Friday, October 7, 2022

Ribbon Cutting for Noir Collective AVL

4:00 - 6:00 PM

39 S Market Street Suite C, Asheville

Please join the Chamber to celebrate the second Birthday of Noir Collective AVL.

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

2022 Corporate Entrepreneurship Series

Topic: Know Your Customers

8:15 - 10:30 AM

UNC Asheville, 1 University Heights, Asheville

Take a startup approach to Customer Discovery, unveil unarticulated customer needs, build what they want before they know it.

WNC Career Expo

11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Davis Event Center at the WNC Agricultural Center

761 Boylston Highway, Fletcher

Great companies start with great people, and you’ll find both at the WNC Career Expo.

Grand Opening of Senior Helpers

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

1550 Hendersonville Rd, Unit 110, Asheville

Join the Chamber and Senior Helpers of Asheville for their Ribbon Cutting Event to celebrate the official commencement of operations in the community.

Brevard Chamber Business After Hours

5:00 - 7:00 PM

Business After Hours is a Chamber program designed to provide a networking opportunity for members in a relaxed social atmosphere.

Wednesday, October 12, 2022

Ribbon Cutting for Dryer Vent Wizard

4:00 - 6:00 PM

36 Montford Avenue, Asheville

Please join the Chamber for the Ribbon Cutting of Dryer Vent Wizard in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week!

Thursday, October 15, 2022

Mega Networking - Fall 2022

8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

800 Fairview Rd., Suite D-2, Asheville

In a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, you'll meet business contacts from a variety of industries, gain exposure for your company and learn about other local businesses.

Make the Most of Your Business's Off Season

1:00 - 2 PM Online

We’ll talk about how to get your team involved to improve business results and turn their seasonal jobs into year-round employment.

Facilitated by Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College Small Business Center.

Monday, October 17, 2022

2022 Candidate Forum

5:30 - 9:30 PM

Transylvania County Library

212 S. Gaston St., Brevard

Join us for the 2022 Candidate Forum, hosted by the Brevard/ Transylvania County Chamber of Commerce.

Tuesday, October 18, 2022

Demo Day 2022

4:00 - 7:00 PM

131 Sweeten Creek Rd. Suite 10, Asheville

Please join Venture Asheville’s Elevate Program for its fastpaced, high-energy Demo Day.

business events across wnc

Asheville Chamber Business After Hours

8:00 - 9:00 AM

21 Peaks Center Lane, Asheville

Join the Chamber for October Business Before Hours at ChickFil-A Tunnel Road!

Thursday, October 20, 2022

Ribbon Cutting for Guardian Property Services

4:00 - 5:00 PM

514 5th Ave W, Hendersonville

Please join the Chamber for a Ribbon Cutting celebrating Guardian Property Services.

Monday, October 24, 2022

YPA Halloween Bash

6:00 - 9:00 PM

43 Town Square Blvd., Asheville

This year YPA will have a big Halloween Bash at the Hilton in Biltmore Park sponsored by Biltmore Farms Hotels.

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

Coffee Connections

8:00 - 9:00 AM

390 Railroad Avenue, Brevard

Coffee Connections is a Chamber program designed to provide a networking opportunity for members in a professional atmosphere.

Ribbon Cutting for Cheryl DeCristofaro Photography

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

36 Montford Avenue, Asheville

Please join the Chamber in celebrating the Grand Opening of Cheryl DeCristofaro Photography.

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

Ribbon Cutting for Rye Knot

4:00 - 5:00 PM

868 Merrimon Ave, Asheville

Join the Chamber at the Ribbon Cutting for Rye Knot!

Thursday, October 27, 2022

Henderson County Chamber Business After Hours

5:30 - 7:30 PM

A networking opportunity to meet people representing products and services in a social setting. continued on next page

business events across wnc

NOVEMBER

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Ribbon Cutting for The Reserve at Gashes Creek

4:00 - 6:00 PM

1120 Gashes Ridge Ln, Asheville

Join the Chamber for the Ribbon Cutting at The Reserve at Gashes Creek.

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

MindSpark Live! Building Your Customer Avatar

12:00 to 1:00 PM | Online

This session is about getting to know the right people who will benefit from and pay for your products and services. Facilitated by Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College Small Business Center.

Smart Series: Foundation of Resiliency

12:00 - 1:00 PM

Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce 36 Montford Avenue, Asheville

Dr. Kevan Frazier will be presenting a historical look at Asheville’s resiliency over the Past 225 years and how your business can leverage that strength as we move into a postpandemic future.

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Biz Litter Pickup

8:00 - 5:00 PM

An initiative created to encourage businesses throughout Transylvania County to pick up litter at their business, nonprofit, or storefront locations.

WomanUP Celebration

8:00 - 10:30 AM

1 Resort Drive, Asheville

Caroline Wanga’s keynote promises to inspire us to live into our authentic selves and create work environments that embrace the authenticity of all.

Asheville Chamber Business After Hours

5:30 - 7:00 PM

74 Patton Avenue, Asheville

Come join us for Business After Hours at Melting Pot Social!

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

Brevard Chamber Business After Hours

5:00 - 7:00 PM

Business After Hours is a Chamber program designed to provide a networking opportunity for members in a relaxed social atmosphere.

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Young Professionals of Henderson County

5:00 - 6:30 PM

YPHCis a service of the Henderson Co. Chamber which provides social opportunities & skills development to professionals under 40 working in Henderson Co.

Monday, November 14, 2022

Grand Opening of DJ’s Pickles

4:00 - 5:00 PM

#2 WNC Farmers Market, Building A 570 Brevard Rd., Asheville

Please Join the Chamber on National Pickle Day to celebrate the Grand Opening of DJ's Pickles new location in the WNC Farmers Market.

Thursday, November 17, 2022

2022 Corporate Entrepreneurship Series

Topic: Lessons from the Fortune 100

8:15 - 10:30 AM

1 University Heights, Asheville

The Good and Bad of Big and Small - The paradox of business growth. Learn how corporations can be quick while staying big, and how small businesses can grow while staying nimble.

Henderson County Chamber Business After Hours

5:30 - 7:30 PM

229 S Washington St, Hendersonville

A networking opportunity to meet people representing products and services in a social setting.

Mountain Raise 2022

5:30 - 8:30 PM

289 Old Lyman Street, Asheville

Join Mountain BizWorks for our annual Mountain Raise, hosting ScaleUp and Invested Graduates in a showcase and Live Offering event at plēb urban winery in the River Arts District.

DECEMBER

Thursday, December 1, 2022 Biz Litter Pickup

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

An initiative created to encourage businesses throughout Transylvania County to pick up litter at their business, nonprofit, or storefront locations.

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

MindSpark Live! Organizing for the New YearTime Management Tips For a Successful 2023

12:00 to 1:00 PM | Online

This seminar will give you tools to prioritize, set goals, manage interruptions and use time blocking and to-do lists to avoid procrastination and get the most out of your day. Facilitated by AshevilleBuncombe Technical Community College Small Business Center.

Smart Series: Performance Feedback Strategies For Motivation and Empowerment

12:00 - 1:00 PM | Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce 36 Montford Avenue, Asheville

By using compassion and honesty together, managers can foster substantive conversations about work performance that are more likely to inspire trust and motivation to improve.

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Brevard Chamber Business After Hours

5:00 - 7:00 PM

Business After Hours is a Chamber program designed to provide a networking opportunity for members in a relaxed social atmosphere.

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

Young Professionals of Henderson County

5:30 - 7:30 PM

YPHC is a service of the Henderson Co. Chamber which provides social opportunities & skills development to professionals under 40 working in Henderson Co.

JANUARY ‘23

Wednesday, January 4, 2022

Smart Series: Clarify Your Message So Customers Listen

12:00 - 1:00 PM | Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

36 Montford Avenue, Asheville

Get an introduction to the 7-part StoryBrand Marketing Framework to see how creating a clear message will help you connect with customers and grow your business.

wnc business people to know

LESLIE J. APPLE

Financial Advisor, Edward Jones, Member SIPC

Leslie Apple’s personal family experience drove her to become a financial advisor, and it influences what she aims to create for her clients. Her goal is to help her clients develop confidence in their financial decisions and their plans for the future. With 20 years’ service as a teacher and experiential educator, Leslie was asked to join Edward Jones in 2017 and has earned the AAMS™ designation from the College for Financial Planning. Leslie envisions a practice where they inspire their clients, and their clients inspire them. She encourages you to schedule some time together soon.

JARED BELLMUND

ALLCHOICE Insurance

Jared is ALLCHOICE Insurance’s Managing Partner in Western North Carolina, with offices in Asheville and Hendersonville. Jared is both active in our community and at Bethany Baptist Church. Jared lives in Fletcher, NC with his wife of 10 years, Jenny and their two children, Jamie and Jonah. He is an avid sports fan and when not cheering on his favorite teams, you can find him playing golf, fishing, hiking, or spending quality time with his family.

Schedule a free, no obligation, commercial insurance review to ensure your business has the right coverage at the best value.

828-505-0490

828-237-2327

KAREEN BONCALES

Director of Entrepreneurship

Kareen is a passionate community member and innovative entrepreneur, having started multiple ventures herself over the years. She has led and marketed business development in the CDFI (community development financial institution) industry for 10+ years. Her work is focused around helping entrepreneurs achieve success by equipping them through learning opportunities and accessible resources. She has been a pioneer in the Mountain BizWorks’ Scale Up program for businesses to start, grow and thrive across WNC.

If you are interested in learning more, contact Kareen.

MARY BETH DALLMAN

MEd/HR, This Leader Life

Mary Beth is proud of being an Asheville native and she quickly became a national senior executive & leadership coach after a 15-year career in healthcare. With a focus in professional leadership growth, self transformation, trauma, and dysfunction, Mary Beth currently works with teams and individuals in NC, FL and NY. She defies the traditional coach’s scripts and facilitator guides and applies her expertise through education, professional history and most importantly personal history; which allows a true connection between her and her clients.

Visit her website for a more in depth look at all that she offers.

828-551-4122

KÉGAN ENGLISH

CEO, Atlantic Coast Business Brokers

Kégan founded the “next generation” business brokerage and advisory firm, believing that the industry was in desperate need of change. He and his team use their years of professional business consulting experience to elevate the business purchasing and selling experience. Kégan and his wife are full-time residents of WNC and prefer to spend most of their free time on adventures in the great outdoors with their two dogs.

to purchase or sell a business?

Kégan today to learn more about their services!

NICK IOSUE

Sr. Commercial Loan Officer, United Federal Credit Union

As the Senior Commercial Loan Officer, Nick has more than 12 years of financial industry experience. Prior to joining United, Nick was a VP of Business Banking at First Citizen Bank. He has a degree in accounting and corporate finance from Western Carolina University and is a graduate of the North Carolina School of Banking at UNC Chapel Hill.

Nick lives with his wife and two daughters and has served with the NC Young Bankers Association, the Brevard Chamber of Commerce and Pisgah Forest Rotary.

wnc business people to know

BILL GILLILAND

Award Winning Presenter, Entrepreneur, and ActionCOACH Business Coach

Bill is currently one of the top ActionCOACH business coaches in the world, speaks on a wide range of business topics, and loves to teach business owners how to build “commercial, profitable businesses that work without them.”

Bill lives in Montreat, NC with his wife of 38 years, Lynn. They have two grown sons. In his spare time, Bill enjoys golf, fly-fishing, reading books on business and theology, and doing anything outdoors with his sons.

Schedule a Free Business Coaching session with Bill Gilliland to get started.

828-348-1787

RONNIE REID

Sr. Vice President, Business Development Officer, First Citizens Bank

Ronnie has worked with First Citizens bank for 35-years in both consumer & business banking. With a diverse banking background, he can take a holistic approach to addressing the financial needs of his clients. Working with small businesses, Ronnie involves First Citizens consultants & specialists to create a team effort to assist clients with financial services, wealth, retirement planning, employee benefits, and insurance services.

First Citizens values long lasting relationships with the goal of providing clients a lifetime of financial success.

Be More Visible, Recognizable, Memorable.

is one of the single most important aspects of your business.

Need a Brand That:

Raises Awareness

Stays True to Your Values & Goals

Grabs the Attention of Your Customers & Makes Them Choose You Over Your Competitors

LS Creative, we guide you on your quest to stand out by using our four essential elements for branding & print design.

Us a Call Today to Learn More.

balance

Keeping Business Momentum

By Working In Your Passion

By André Daugherty

work-life balance

I’ve loved movies ever since I was a kid. I love the stories that they tell, from the hero’s journey to the mistakes along the way to the happy ending. This is why I love telling stories with photography and videography.

My background in video and live production as a media director for my church had an incredible impact on my life, both personally and professionally. In 2011, I started my very own business – a photography and videography company called Pro 16 Productions.

My clients are my heroes. Most of them are entrepreneurs that had a dream of creating something better, a dream of themselves becoming the hero of their own stories. It is my privilege and pleasure to help them tell it using digital media as their platform.

The ability to combine my work and my passion means being invited to tell someone’s story while remembering that it has a purpose and goal. I see my work as way more than completing a project, but as an opportunity to help deliver the message that my client is looking to deliver.

My business philosophy is centered around listening, learning, and growing. It is from listening and learning about each clients’ goals and desires that make each project better than the last. If I am blessed to work with a client a second time, my

goal is to deliver a product that is even better than the last one. I always strive to exceed, never to regress.

Creating a career centered around my passion is a huge part of why my business is able to flourish. I also credit a very supportive community that encourages small businesses in this region to succeed. I am but one of the many amazing creatives in WNC, and we all support each other in this space. There is room for us all if we work together.

Since starting my business, I have seen growth in both the number of clients and size of their projects. I also know that there is room for Pro 16 Productions to grow even further. My future goals include operating a studio, hiring passionate employees, and mentoring youth in this field. The mentoring goes back to my church roots. It’s wonderful to watch young people get excited about technology.

Born and raised in Asheville and Swannanoa, I believe that the strength of our WNC community is amazing, and I am proud to be a part of it. The natural beauty of the area is also astounding. Many people pay a lot of money to come from miles around just to experience the beauty and wonder that we can see every day.

It is incredibly therapeutic - the fresh air, beautiful sunshine, mountain blues, and of course, taking lots of pictures!

This balance of building my business while experiencing the outdoors in our beautiful WNC mountains truly helps to keep my momentum going. I can’t express just how necessary it is for my mental health and creative drive.

The best advice that I can give someone experiencing any level of career burnout is to spend some time on your days off asking yourself several things. What am I looking for in life? What are my goals? What are my values? Most importantly, is my career or job helping me achieve those things, or holding me back?

While most of us need a consistent income, there is often an opportunity to make money in a different way if we are willing to learn, grow, and recognize the type of person that we really want to be. The important consideration is – are you working to live, or living to work? If it is the latter, it may be time to evaluate a new path. If you are willing to go for it, it’s out there. I hope you find that path and never leave it.

—

Andre Daugherty owns Pro 16 Productions in Asheville, providing photo, video, and marketing strategy for businesses. For more information, visit Pro16Productions.com.

While most of us need a consistent income, there is often an opportunity to make money in a different way if we are willing to learn, grow, and recognize the type of person that we really want to be.

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