Chambers of Commerce Helping High Country communities thrive
more information, call (828) 898-5605 or visit averycounty.com.
BY KAYLA LASURE
L
ocal chambers of commerce serve as hubs for information and aid to the High Country’s business communities, providing support to businesses of all sizes. Thriving business communities are important for local economies to flourish for both local community members and area visitors. The High Country is home to a network of six chambers of commerce, each providing resources for the businesses and economy in their area.
Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce
Ashe County Chamber of Commerce
The Ashe County Chamber of Commerce operates the Ashe County Visitors Center, located at 01 North Jefferson Ave., West Jefferson. The Ashe Chamber serves its membership with a variety of action-oriented services and programs. The chamber stated that it promotes economic opportunity while serving as an information resource for its members and the region. The Ashe County Chamber stated that Ashe County is the perfect place to live in, 8
COURTESY OF BLOWING ROCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce staff in 2021 includes, left to right, Suzy Barker, event director; Charles Hardin, CEO; and Cathy Drury, membership director.
visit, shop and dine. The chamber provides information on upcoming events, accommodations, shopping and attractions in the area. The Executive Director of Ashe County Chamber of Commerce is Kitty Honeycutt. For more information, call (336) 846-9550 or visit ashechamber.com.
Avery County Chamber of Commerce
The Avery County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center is open five days a week staffed with knowledgeable and friendly employees available to answer questions. The Avery County Chamber of Commerce shares
all relevant member information with those seeking business services, as well as works closely with the North Carolina State Visitor Centers, the chamber stated. The center offers useful information on local lodging, dining, attractions and other businesses located in Avery County. The chamber
also hosts annual events such as the Fine Art & Master Crafts Festivals and the Banner Elk Woolly Worm Festival. The Executive Director of the Avery County Chamber of Commerce is Anne Winkleman. Visit the Avery County Chamber of Commerce at 4501 Tynecastle Highway, Unit 2, in Banner Elk. For
The Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce is not only an organization that promotes the local businesses that make up its membership, but also acts as a de facto visitor center for local residents and tourists alike, according to Jo-Ann McMurray, president of the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce. “Located in the heart of Banner Elk, at the one traffic light in town, our volunteers staff our office to provide information about businesses, accommodations and events that are happening not just in Banner Elk, but in the local High Country as a whole,” McMurray said. The Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce also promotes the town and its business members through a weekly Thursday night Summer Concert Series each year along with the town of Banner Elk, held in Tate Evans Park. The chamber also organizes the Annual Fourth of July Parade, SEE CHAMBERS ON PAGE 12
AUTUMN TIMES 2021
