Chamber to Host Welcome Breakfast this Thursday

Do you do business with a company that could benefit from Chamber membership?  This Welcome Breakfast, presented by Asheville Savings Bank and WNCW Public Radio, is a casual morning networking reception at the Chamber that is an ideal opportunity to share with them the many benefits of Chamber membership.  They will hear from Chamber members like yourself on the many benefits that they receive from their membership. This reception is for community members who are not already Chamber members. Current Chamber members are encouraged to attend but must bring a prospective member with them as a guest.  The Welcome Breakfast will be held on Thursday, February 4, from 7:30 - 9 a.m. at the VIsitor Center in the Chamber Building.  Please RSVP by clicking here or by contacting James Carter (828.258.6115) or Miriam Metcalf (828.258.6114).

From Facebook to YouTube: Social Media Series

This social media course for businesses will help you understand, use and thrive to drive your message directly to your potential customers and clients. These courses are led by local entrepreneur Kelby Carr of Carr Creations. The courses will cover social media basics, Twitter, Facebook, online video, business blogging and a variety of other social media tools. For each of the six courses, a national expert in social media will be brought in as a guest co-host to bring the best of the world's social media knowledge right here to Asheville.  The course series begins on February 19 from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. and continues on the third Friday of each for the next five months at the Asheville Merchants Corporation Boardroom in the Chamber building.  Learn more at avlsocialmedia.com

Creative Leasing Solutions in an Unpredictable Economy

Craig Melby, a specialist in commercial space leasing and acquisitions and a member of the International Tenant Representative Alliance, will be hosting a lecture and open discussion on lease negotiations and renegotiation issues, securing good tenants in a bad economy and facility purchases and sales. The presentation will take place on Thursday, February 18 from 9 - 11:30 a.m. at the Asheville Merchants Corporation Boardroom in the Chamber Building.  Learn more or reserve your spot by clicking here.

Tickets on Sale for We're For Business Awards Luncheon

At the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce we take pride in the achievements of our entire business community, regardless of size or type of business. The We're For Business Awards presented by SunTrust celebrate local businesses based on their group's achievements in one of several areas. During the awards luncheon the Chamber will recognize two winners for each of the following awards:

• J. Crew presents Over the Top amazing customer service award
• Pearlman’s Carpet One presents One for All outstanding commitment to community award
• George’s Stor-Mor presents Out on a Limb exceptionally innovative business award
• Forest Commercial Bank presents Operating Green environmentally sound practices award

SunTrust presents the We're For Business Awards luncheon on February 23, 2010 at the Crowne Plaza Tennis and Golf Resort. Tickets for the luncheon are $25 per person and a table of eight can be purchased for $200.  Tickets can be purchased on the Chamber website.

Leadership Development Course with Human Resource Solutions

Whether your business is large or small, skillful leadership is required for ongoing success. If you supervise people, any number of people, this course is for you! The course is instructed by Gregory E. Mayo, a leadership development consultant and employee selection and development specialist with over 20 years experience.  The six sessions start on March 10 and take place from 8:30 a.m. - noon (class on 4/15 is from 1:30 - 5 p.m.) The cost of the six-week course is $349 per individual and includes all notebooks and course materials. For specific descriptions of each class, check the Chamber events website, ashevillechamber.org/events.

Member Services & Communications Department

The Chamber's Member Services Department just planned the successful Culinary AffAIR 2010 presented by the FIRC group last Thursday night at the DoubleTree Biltmore. The evening showcased the culinary talents of Asheville's independent restaurants in partnership with the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association.  Member Services is also currently making plans for the upcoming Total Resource Campaign, which provides members the opportunity to sponsor various Chamber activities and events in the 2010/2011 fiscal year. For more information about the Member Services & Communications Department, contact Jane Anderson at 828.258.6112.

State of Downtown Luncheon this Thursday

The Asheville Downtown Association (ADA) will host the State of Downtown Luncheon on Thursday, February 4, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Civic Center's banquet room. The event is co-sponsored by the City of Asheville. The 2009/10 ADA Board Chair, Byron Greiner, will address the association's program of work for the past year as well as the membership's top priorities and challenges facing downtown merchants and residents. Mayor Terry Bellamy will discuss the city's accomplishments and actions as they pertain to downtown including City Council’s strategic plan, the city’s future and how to get there, future capital needs and partnerships. Tickets are $10 for members of the Asheville Downtown Association and $12 for potential members, and include lunch. Tickets and information are available online at ashevilledowntown.org or 828.251.9973.

Half Price Options from Bistro 1896

Bistro 1896 in now offering a “buy one get one free” breakfast coupon good during each week's Sunday Brunch. The coupon, available in-house and at various hotels, is meant to boost Sunday Brunch business by introducing guests to its breakfast menu. Bistro 1896 has additional half price options with the Bistro’s long-running half-price wine promotion at lunch and dinner every Tuesday. On Tuesdays, customers may purchase any glass or bottle priced under $50 at half-price with the purchase of an entrée. Visit the Bistro 1896 in Pack Square or check out the menu, available online at bistro1896.com