After immigrating from Russiatothe United States, Isidor Leviton opened asmall tinsmithing business in 1906, whereheproduced mantle tipsused for gaslighting. With the rise of Edison’slightbulb,Leviton shifted to manufacture asingle electrical product: the pull-chain lampholder.Fromthatone electrical device, Leviton has pavedthe wayfor generations of people around the world to liveand work with greaterease and security
At Leviton,webuild what’snexttolight,power,and connect everyday spaces, encompassingelectrical, lighting,datanetworks, and energy management.With arich history spanning over 115 years, Leviton develops thoughtful solutions thatstreamline processes, elevate safety standards, increase efficiency, andenhance productivity.Weare committedtoour peopleastheir innovation, ingenuity,and dedication to safety andquality arefundamentaltothe success of everyproduct we deliver to our customers.
Coupled with recentacquisitions, we arepoised forevengreater success as we deliver smarter,safer,morereliable products to arapidly changing world.
618S.Jefferson Ave.
West Jefferson,N.C.28694
336-846-3246
www.leviton.com
Where we think of jewelry likethe perfectspice. perfect spice. It compliments what is already there. liments wh
• Gold andSterlingJewelry •Weddingbands •Southern Gates •Engagement selection• One of akind Estate Jewelry.
Thursday-Saturday
11:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m.
Appointments available
Financing available
336-314-8993
THE FUTURE IS ON®
Area Chambers of Commerce Support Local BUSINESSES
Area chambers of commerce are vital for local businesses, as they work to support them in many ways. The High Country Chambers of Commerce are no different.
#1 Fastest internet provider in NC according to Broadband Now.
Over $745,000 given to local students through scholarships since 1987 Ob tain ed Gig abit -ca pable stat us in 201 5. 1G ig is 1000 Mbps !
Friendly, local customer service reps who live and work in your community!
Blind ElkTap Room in Banner Elk, NC, drawsinspirationfromlocal folklore, embodyingthe adage : "Followablind elk, and youwill find your fortune." This philosophyunderscores their mission to provide awelcoming spacewhere patrons canenjoy well-craf tedbeveragesand create memorable experiences .
Located at 397 Shawneehaw Avenue, Blind ElkTap Room offersanimpressiveselection of rotational craf tbeersontap, Prosecco,and wines by theglass Their curated fridge also features avariety of hard- to-find beers, ciders, and selt zers
Beyond drinks, thetap room hostslivelyevents, including summer blockpar ties with food trucks and outdoor music, fosteringavibrant communit yatmosphere. Whet her you'rea local or avisitor,Blind ElkTap Room invitesyou to savorthe goodthings in life.
Expanding fiber-optic Internet into new and unserved areas monthly.
THE LOST ARTOFTHE SIMPLE OIL CHANGE
Are you tired of getting sold everything under the sun when you’re getting your oil changed? Are you tired of waiting for hours with rude customer service?If either of these statements are true,then it’sprobably time to visit Boone’s Oil Exchange,winner of Watauga County’s Best Oil Change for the last four years. After aquick visit, it’seasy to see that our business model is predicated on customer satisfaction, not through upselling or hidden fees. Not only do we provide afull service oil change for both gas and diesel, we also grease your chassis, check and top off all fluids, and if needed, replace air filters and wiper blades, all while you can wait in your car.
ESTABLISHED IN 1990,WEARE BOONE’S ORIGINAL OIL CHANGE.
Wherever the road takes you, you’ll always need an oil change.Regular oil changes are an essential part of vehicle ownership.Anoil change extends your engine’s longevity,maintains peak gas mileage,and improves your vehicle’s performance,which is why we strive to be the best in our field and the community’strusted oil change facility.
Stop by in person and see Issac, Jack, Chase,Jamie,or Michael or call 828-262-LUBE.
OLD BARN WINERY AFamily Dream with 4Generations.
OwnersGregand RobinSexton,along with their threesons, Andrew,Matthew andThomas,who also ownand operate Frosty’s Choose &Cut andSexton Farmswill be celebrating3years openingOld Barn Winery on July 4thand will have aBIG music lineupall weekendlong.
“TheOld Barn Winery is afamilydream: creating avineyardand winery in theBlue RidgeMountains of NorthCarolina. Our farmingroots runfourgenerations deep in these beautifulmountains andwealwaysenvisioned ourChristmas treesand vinesgrowing together in perfect harmony. Ever ybottleisfilled with the same love,passionand commitmentour family has poured into ourfarms since 1960” said the Sextons. Visitors at theOld Barn Winery are typicallytreated to live music andfoodtruckson theweekends.Wehaveabookclubthatmeets monthlyfor bookdiscussionand socializing, Cookie Classesand Painting with Raney monthly. OldBarnWiner yoffers awidevariety of whitewines, redwines andsweet wines.
andplentyofminivanswithtrees strapped to the top. The Sextonshavebeengrowing Christmas treessince 1960 when ByronSexton plantedthe first tree seedlings on about80acres of land. Sincethen, Sexton Farmshas expanded to include Frosty’s Choose &Cut onB eaverCreek School Road in West Jefferson whereGregalong with hissonsAndrew,Matthew andThomas usher in afourthgeneration offamilyChristmas tree farmersinthe High Countr y.
as it sounds.Ittakes alot more than just putting seedsinthe ground andexpecting acompleted productinashort period of time. Producinga Christmas tree is an investment,withthe average tree requiringfrom 7to10years of growth in order to produce atreethatissix to seven feet tall.
We areaddingmoreand more events and activities so that we arecateringtolocalsand our community.
As themonthsget closer to Christmas time, you’ ll starttosee trucks with trees in theback
Much like ever yother Christmas tree farm in thearea, theSextonsspecializeinFraserfir trees, aspecies that is native to theareaand excel at growingat higherelevationsmorethan3,000 feet andupto as highas6,000 feet. Accordingto theNorth CarolinaChristmas Tree Association, thetree’sresilience,needle retention, form,dark blue-green color, pleasant scentand outstanding shipping characteristics has ledtothe Fraser Fir to become oneofthe most popularChristmas tree speciesinthe United States. GrowingChristmas treesisn’t nearly as easy
Formoreinformation andeventsgoing on at theOld Barn Winery,visit oldbarnwiner y.com
Formoreinformation on Frosty’s Choose &Cut, visitwww.gofrostys.com
LIV EM USIC EV ERYW EE KE ND
THE JOURNEY BEGINS WITH ANEW RAM
RAMHEAVY DUTY TRUCKS ARE #1 IN NEWVEHICLE QUALIT Y IN SEGMENT➋
RamHeavy Duty Truckshave been honored fortheir new-vehicle qualit y. Ramisthe first truck-onlybrandever to win #1 in overall initial qualit yaccording to J.D. Power
Reilly’sGeneral StoreinBanner Elkoffersafresh take on what alocal shop used to be -fun,welcoming, and full of surprises .The hear tofthe storeisits commitment to suppor ting local ar tistsand celebrating thecommunit y, which givesitits unique charm.
Inside, you’ll find everythingfrompot tery,jewelr y, jellies ,and spices to sweatshir ts ,wine glasses, and astandout collection of knives .Besuretostop in forsamples of oils ,vinegars ,spices ,and their always -popular salt watertaffy!
Reilly’salso featuresaspecial selection of Irish goods ,includingAransweaters , Butler Irish Chocolate, Guinnesschocolates ,and evenhoneymade with Jameson Whiskey.
It ’s aone -of -a-kind shoppingexperienceyou won’t want to miss!
ASHE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The ever-growing Ashe County Chamber of Commerce now boasts over 450 members and is a great resource for residents and visitors if they are looking for dining options, places to shop, nonprofit organizations and even landscaping and home maintenance businesses. The Chamber operates the Ashe County Visitor Center — located in downtown West Jefferson at 1 N Jefferson Ave., Suite C — from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Next door to the Chamber is The Venue, which serves as a spot for CONTINUED ON PAGE 13 u
FILE
PHOTO
The Ashe County Chamber of Commerce.
AscensionWellness: AStory of Healing, Loss, andNew Beginnings
Opening April2025
AscensionWellnessisanew hemp andTHCA dispensary openinginApril 2025. It wasfounded by one of ourlocals, JacksonJones, whosedecisiontoopenthe dispensary wasshapedbyaseries of life-alteringevents over thepastyear. These experiences ledJacktorecognize areal need in ourcommunity forhigh-quality,medicalgrade hemp products.
Jack is thegrandson of Larr yJones, co-founder of Fred andLarry's Coffee. Forthose whomay notknow, Jack andhis family lostLarry last year afteradifficultbattle with cancer.WhenLarry wasdiagnosed,Jackreturned home from LosAngeles to care forhim. It wasn't long before Larr y's doctorsrecommended exploring cannabis productstohelpmanagehis pain, improve hissleep and appetite, andeasethe depressionthatoftenaccompanies seriousillness.
Jack andhis family immediately begansearchingfor effective hemp-based options.Fortunately,Jackhad spent time in states like Californiaand Colorado,where such productsare readily available, andhewas abletobring some of that knowledgebackhome. Still,hequickly discovered that accessingsimilarproductsinNorth
Carolinawas farmore difficult.
When Jack finallyfound theright hemp productsto bringLarry comfort, he came to apowerful realization about thehealingpotential of theplant
"Whensomeone youloveissuffering andyou feel helpless, then youfind this hemp product-and it's theonly thing that bringsthemreliefand comfort-itchanges your outlook. It changesyourloved one's outlook. Youcan finally takeabreathand feel like you'vescoredawin against disease. It's priceless. Thisplant is empowering andshould be respected. Peopleneed help learning aboutitand finding theright products to ease different issues."
After losingLarry-hisgrandfather andbestfriendlast summer,Jackknewhewantedtohelpothersgoing throughsimilarexperiences. He wasn't sure howatfirst, but he felt in hisheart that it needed to happen.
Thencamethe hurricane.Jack's family losttheir tanningsalon businessinamudslide-right next door to Fred andLarry's Coffee. Things were lookingbleak,but Jack shared:
"Throughall theloss, Irealizedwhathad been presented to me-anopportunity to help peopleinour community find wellness: mentally,physically, emotionally, andspiritually."
"Throughthe destructionofillnessand thestorm, Isee something newbeing born.I'm hoping to open thefirst week of April-definitely in time to celebratethisplant on 4/20/2025. Althoughthe FDAsaysIcan't claimthat hemp helpswithorcures anymedical condition, Iknow my stor y-and thestoriesofmanyothers. Iplantomake theseproductsavailabletoanyonewho needsthem. Even if it's just for stress relief,mood elevation, or ahealthier alternativetodrinking alcohol."
As part of that mission, AscensionWellnesswill offer discounts forveterans, seniors, andmedical patients, as wellasascholarshipprogramfor individualswho need support affordingproducts. Jack wantstomakesure that healingand relief areaccessibletoasmanypeopleas possible-regardlessofincomeorinsurancestatus.
Most importantly, Jack is dedicatingthisbusinessto Larr y.
"This is for him," Jack says. "Tohonor thestrengthhe showed,and thelovehegave. Iwantthisspace to reflect the care andcomforthebrought into ourlives."
AscensionWellnesswill carr yawide range of products, includinggummies, drinks, flower, extracts, andmore as theshopgrows. Jack hopesthe localcommunity will seethe valueinwhatAscensionWellnesshas to offer and come give it atry.
guest speakers, meetings, and other small events.
In addition to being a convenient destination for finding information about businesses and nonprofits, the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce maintains a list of events happening in Ashe County and some of the events that take place in neighboring Watauga, Wilkes, and Alleghany counties.
The community as a whole is a beneficiary of the numerous programs that the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce offers. The Chamber sponsors Leadership Ashe, a collaboration with the Ashe Campus of Wilkes Community College to help inspire local citizens to become community leaders and get involved in nonprofit groups, clubs and other county organizations. The Chamber’s Business and Community Development Committee actively sponsors the Ashe County Young Professionals, a group that provides networking opportunities for young professionals ages 21-45. For
more information, visit ashechamber. com.
AVERY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Avery County Chamber office serves as the Visitors Center for Avery County. It is open five days a week and staffed with knowledgeable and friendly employees available to answer your questions. The Chamber is located at 4501 Tynecastle Hwy, Unit 14, in Banner Elk. We would love to answer your questions and help you find your new favorite things to do in Avery County.
The Chamber shares all relevant member information with those seeking local business services, as well as working closely with the North Carolina State Visitor Centers.
If you can’t stop in, feel free to call them at (828) 898-5605. For more information, visit averycounty.com.
BANNER ELK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Over the decades, the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce has played an instrumental role in fostering economic
CONTINUED ON PAGE 15 u
The Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce.
Amer ican EmergencyVehicles –A TopEmployerinA she Count y
AmericanEmergency Vehicles
(AEV),one of thenation’stop ambulance manufacturers,has been basedright here,inJefferson, North Carolina, since 1991. “TheStrength of AEVhas always been grounded in ourpeople,”saidR andy Hanson, vice presidentand generalmanager of AEV. “We’re proud to have an employee base that spans generations –talented, tenuredemployees whohaveworkedherefor decades workingalongside folkswho have just beguntheir careersand selected AEVtodoso!”AEV employsover 460 people,and most of them live in Ashe County,but some people even commutefrom surrounding states to work at AEV. “Weare continuingtobuild ourculture and reputationbecause we aspire to be an employer of choice,” added Hanson.“So we offer competitive compensation packages andbenefits that startday one, work-lifebalance, andarespectfuland welcoming
environment.B eyondthat, thereisa deep senseofpride here from thefact that we servefirst responders.”
AEVhas producedover30,000 ambulances, since they began operationsinthe early90’s. They buildavarietyofambulancetypes that meet theneedsofemergency care providersacrossthe globe, whetherthatser vice is being providedbylocal firedepartments, hospitals, or commercial providers. The vehicles arebuilt on Ford,R am, Chevrolet, Mercedes, International andFreightliner chassisand customizedtomeetthe specific needs of each customer. AEVwas named “B estofthe Best Manufacturers in Ashe County”lastyearand formany yearsbeforethatinanannualsur vey by theAshePostand Times.
“Demandfor AEVambulances continues to be strong, becauseEMS providersknowthatAEV has along tradition ofbuildingambulances with American craftsmanship and
value,”saidR andy Barr, directorofsales, AEV.
“Our biggestchallenge is in keepingupwith thedemand,”continued Barr,“so we areactively partnering with area community colleges, such as Wilkes Community College, as well as government organizations to placejob seekersin some of our open roles.”
AEValsoparticipatesin career days at area high schoolsand even middle schools, as away to help introduce youngpeople to AEVand themany careerspaths that they can pursue with an established manufacturer.
In 2021, AEVmoved alltheir production into their currentfacility at 101 AEVLane(theformerGates Rubber Company).AEV facilities span over 300,000 square feet on a beautiful35-acrecampus“We areall settledinand continuingto upgrade ourfacilities to improveoperations andto provide agreat environment forour valued employees,”said Jake Miller,DirectorofOperations. “Our team is continuallylooking foropportunities to streamline andimprove efficiency so we can deliverthese lifesavingvehicles to
ourcustomers as quicklyaspossible. However, ournumberone priority is safety,and we arecontinually providingtrainingto ourteamto keep that topofmind.”
In fact,AEV is oneofonlyafew in thestate that is certifiedthrough theNorth Carolina Department of Labor’sStarProgram.The programisdesignedtorecognize employersand employeeswho have implementedeffective safety and health management systems and maintain injury andillness ratesthat meetthe criteria forparticipation
Formoreinformation aboutAEV, visitwww.aev.com.
and supporting the small businesses that define the character of the town. From its humble beginnings when the Tate family (of whom descendant David Tate currently serves as BE Chamber President), the Banner family and more first settled in the community centuries ago, the Chamber has grown over the years from a small group of concerned business owners to evolve into a dynamic organization that represents hundreds of members.
These businesses span a wide array of sectors, including retail, hospitality, healthcare, and professional services, all working together to create a thriving local economy.
One of the Chamber’s most significant contributions is its dedication to community programs that enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. The Chamber organizes popular events throughout the year, such as the community’s widely popular Summer Concerts in the Park, a weekly event at Tate-
Evans Town Park that brings talented groups of all genres together for the dulcet tones of live music on Thursday nights, the Banner Elk Christmas Parade, which brings the whole town together to kick off the holiday season, member After Hours events to provide connecting opportunities for area residents and businesses, and more.
Additionally, the Chamber supports local schools, hosts educational seminars for business owners, and works to promote tourism in the region, ensuring Banner Elk remains a prime destination for travelers seeking natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce is located at 100 Main St W, in Banner Elk. For more information, visit bannerelk.org.
BEECH MOUNTAIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Since 1983, the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce has been a steady and reliable source for all things Beech Mountain. As a town that
CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 u
celebrates four distinct seasons, the Chamber stays busy serving visitors, members, and locals alike.
The Beech Chamber connects inquiring guests with their individual needs, whether they are looking for a place to stay or a place to play.
The Chamber offers a variety of events throughout the year, from outdoor activities to fun holiday events. Whether you’re looking for a familyfriendly event or a night out with friends, it has you covered.
Among the events the mountain features are the annual Fourth of July Roasting of the Hog, The Mile-High Kite Festival, Autumn at Oz, and the town’s annual Christmas holiday parade.
For more information on the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce, visit beechchamber.com.
BOONE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Boone Area Chamber of
Commerce is one of the High Country’s most active chambers of commerce, with a dedicated membership and an overall commitment to improving the area as a vacation destination and business hub.
With a mission to “Advance economic prosperity and to encourage public/ private cooperation that will broaden the economic base and enhance the quality of life in our community,” the Boone Chamber works to support local businesses and the community as a whole. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the Chamber donated disaster grant funding to 162 businesses — not all of which are chamber members — totaling $458,500, as of a publication, through its foundation.
The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization created to solicit, manage, and distribute funds and resources to further the development and welfare of the Boone and the Watauga County area.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 u
Fort ner InsuranceAgency
Through avarietyoftop-ratedinsurance carriers, FortnerInsurance Agency provides solutions forall your Auto,Home, Business, Life,Healthand Long-Term Care insuranceneeds. With offices in Banner Elk,Newland,Spruce Pine and Burnsville, FortnerInsurance Agency is aproudmemberofthe Keystone Insurer’s Group andhas served theHighCountry since 1919.
Our Mission
To profitably market highquality,competitively pricedinsurance products to ourclientsand to provide excellentand consistent customer service,focusingon integrityand values in ourrelationships with thecompanies andcommunities we serve.
Established in 1919, FortnerInsurance Agency brings to ever ynew challenge an ever-expandingbaseofexperience,rootedina long history of excellence and stability. Fortnerisrecognizedand respectedbyinsurancecompanies andinsureds alikefor itsdedicationtoconsistentoutstanding service.Fortner Insurance is an IndependentInsurance Agency,100% locallyowned.IsaffiliatedasaTrusted Choice Agent. We servethe insuranceneedsofindividuals,families, andbusinesses, just like you! We take pride in gettingthe rightinsurance protection foryour needs, superior claimser vice andeaseofdoing business.
Today, we serveawide range of insuranceclientsand insurancecompanies. Whatever your insuranceneeds, Fortnerstands flexibleenoughtodeviseplans to meet your requirements -and substantialenoughtomakethemwork- through extensive service,responsiveproducts, andconsistently soundleadership.
Blue Rid ge Propane
Beingint he prop anebusinessisa ye ar roundcommitment, onet hat Jack Howard didn’t ta ke lig ht ly when he op ened Blue RidgePropane in 1992. Servingb ot hresidential and commercial customers, fore verything from he at ingtocooking ,and offer ing inst al lation as well as repair service, this comp anyhas provide da topnotch exp er ience fort he last 30+ ye ars.
By tailor ings er vices to customer’s sp ecific ne eds, Blue RidgePropane has risenabove thecompetition. Timelydeliver ies combined with
know le dgeables er vice te chnicians has catapu lted their business mo delabove thecompetitors.Mostp eopledon’t
re alizet hatt here areactua l2s ep arate anddistinc ts easons in theprop ane business.One se as on is prop ane delivery se as on,w hicho cc ursint he cold winter mont hs.From Oc tob er throug hMarch theprimary concer n of anypropane business is plainly.... prop anedeliver y. The ot hers eason is service se as on whicho cc ursin
thewar mermonths, Apri lt hrough September. Whileasp ec ts of each can happ en anyt imedur ingt he ye ar,t his
is theb asic ru le of thumbfor servicing customer accounts.
We appre ciatea ll of ourc ustomers,and wouldliketot hank youfor voting us BEST OF THEBESTofAvery County fort he past se vera lyears in arow.
If youhaveany questionsabout your currents er vice,orswitchings er vice, youmay cont ac tBlueR idgePropane, Monday -Friday, 7:30 am-4:00 pm at 14 Turbyfi ll Ro ad in Ne wlandorcalling 828-733-3603, or visiting anyt imeof dayatw ww.bluer idgepropanenc.net.
Weare afullser vice funeral home since 1954. Centrally located in downtown Boone.
We have the area’s only on-site cremator y. At Austin &Barnes Funeral Home and Cremator y, we offer awide rangeofser vices, inc luding traditional fullser vice funerals, memorials, celebrations of life, cremationser vices, monuments, gravemarkers and mausoleums. In addition to these ser vices we offer advancefuneral planning.
Ourcommitmentistoser ve our communit ywith care and compassion. We recogniz ethatnotwo personsare alike, and that afuneral should be as unique as each individual or famil yweser ve.Wewillassist youinplanning ser vices tailored to your specific needs.
FILE PHOTO
The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce hosts a clean-up of the town multiple times a year.
The recovery and viability of businesses in the High Country is the primary focus of the BACC Foundation. Located at 579 Greenway Rd., Suite 101, the Boone Chamber is an ideal place to stop for information on area activities, brochures and maps of the community. For more information, visit www.boonechamber.com/.
BLOWING ROCK
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
and sustainability of Blowing Rock while preserving the village’s charm and character.
Each year, the Chamber organizes various events, including Art in the Park, Symphony by the Lake, and the always popular WinterFest.
Aside from general information, lists of camping and fishing sites, and brochures, the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce also has a generous stock of menus from the town’s many eateries. For more information, visit www. blowingrockncchamber.com/.
Blowing Rock is considered one of the crown jewels of the Blue Ridge. Its and economic development, growth,
Furnishing
your home with Appalachian Furniture
Grace Ward, Merle Adams, and two of their employees
Sisters Grace and Merle have been providing a personal hometown feel with Appalachian Furniture for the last 28 years! Grace attributes their success to their loyal customers and the fact that they treat every person who walks through the door like an old friend. They take great pride in helping people from all walks of life develop their dream homes.
“We try to listen to my customers,” Grace says. “It’s not about what we like, but what we hear other people say they like, want and need. If we don’t have it on the showroom, we'll do our best to find it for them.”
