The 2009 Annual Meeting presented by Carolina First Bank

On Wednesday, July 1, Chamber members will gather to celebrate a year of much success and progress. The meeting begins with networking at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and ceremonies at 6:30 p.m. in The Grove Park Inn's Grand Ballroom.  We will recognize both the incoming and outgoing Boards of Directors for their service to the Chamber.

Awards to be presented at the Annual Meeting include:

• The Small Business Leaders of the Year Award presented by HomeTrust Bank
• The ATHENA Award presented by Webb Investment Services
• The William A.V. Cecil Leadership Award
• The Chairman's Award
• Volunteer of the Year Award
• Van Winkle Law Firm Excellence in Public Service Award
• Mission Hospitals Good Health-Good Business Award

Click here to purchase your tickets today!

PlatinumSponsors:

The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa, Grove Stone & Sand Company,Progress Energy
Gold Sponsors:

The Biltmore Company, ImageSmith, Presentation Services of The Grove Park Inn, Sophie Magazine, Story Point Media
Silver Sponsors:

Asheville Board of Alcoholic Beverage Control, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville Regional Airport Authority, io design & illustration, Kaplan CFO Solutions, Mission Hospitals, Webb Insurance, Wachovia Bank,
Bronze Sponsors:

Asheville Video Productions, AT&T, Bank of America, Charlotte Street Computers, Cooper House, Inc., FASTSIGNS, First Citizens Bank, H & M Constructors, McCarroll Construction, Tyco Valves & Controls

This week on the Chamber Blog: Food, Blood, and Substance Abuse

• Next Step Recovery announced a benefit concert to support substance abuse recovery.  The concert will take place on Sunday, August 23, at the Orange Peel to raise money toward the purchase of the homes that currently house the nonprofit’s transitional living program for adult males recovering from substance abuse. 
• The American Red Cross is hosting its largest blood drive of the year at Trinity Baptist Church on Thursday June 25, call 828.258.3888 to schedule your appointment today.  
• The 2009 Mountain Xpress Dining Guide hit the streets last week. The guide is 96 pages of culinary delight!

Save the Date: 2009 Elected Official's Reception

Mark your calendar for the Chamber's reception to honor Western North Carolina's elected officials on August 20, from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. at the visitor center of the Chamber.  The 2009 Elected Official's reception is presented by the Mountain Council for Accountable Development.

Chamber Thirsty Thursday Softball Game

The Asheville Tourists will host Thirsty Thursday 'with a twist' at McCormick Field on July 16, from 5:30 -7:30 p.m. Yes, there will be dollar beers, but this is also a fun business networking opportunity! The Chamber Members will take on the Chamber Staff & Volunteers in a friendly softball game played on McCormick Field. If you're interested in playing in the softball game, please contact James Carter at 828.258.6115. It is free to attend the event. Families are welcome, and the concessions will be discounted for this event only!  Additionally, attendees will also be able to purchase tickets to the Asheville Chamber of Commerce Night at the ballpark, slated for Friday, July 24. Only $10 for a pre-game cocktail hour and a box seat for the July 24 game.

Buncombe County Early College Scholarship Golf Tournament

On Friday, August 7, Buncombe County Early College will have its second annual Scholarship Golf Tournament at Reems Creek Golf Course. Early College is a partnership between AB Tech and Buncombe County School system. BCEC is looking for teams for its scholarship tournament. Team entry fee is $300, and hole sponsorships are available for $100. A company sponsorship is $500. The deadline is July 14. To register, contact Bridgette Shope at 828.258.8913 or sbkshope @aol.com.

MHO to hold Groundbreaking on Mixed use Neighborhood

Mountain Housing Opportunities (MHO) invites you to attend an open house and groundbreaking ceremony for The Glen Rock Depot, a vibrant mixed-use space that will positively revitalize a neighborhood and include affordable homes, business and community space.  The event is Friday, June 26, with an open house from 2-5 p.m. at the historic Glen Rock Hotel in the River Arts District and a groundbreaking ceremony at 4 p.m., near the parking lot of the Fine Arts League of the Carolinas at 362 Depot St.  Please RSVP for the groundbreaking ceremony to Susan Hammond at 828.254.4030 or susan@mtnhousing.org.