US Airways Magazine to Feature Asheville

The Chamber is pleased to announce that Asheville and the surrounding areas will be featured in the September issue of US Airways Magazine, reaching over 5 million business and leisure travelers.  This 20+ page editorial feature is a perfect opportunity to inform a global audience how our rich history, natural beauty, and thriving tourism and business communities put us at the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains!   Please contact Layne Straka at 336.392.8348, representing the magazine, to discuss this opportunity. All editorial pitches must be submitted by July 10. Advertising space will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, with space reservations due by July 20.

TIckets Still Available for Chamber Annual Meeting

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. 

Click here to purchase your tickets today!

Platinum Sponsors:

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:

• Posana Cafe, a new player in Asheville's culinary scene, raised money on opening night to send school field trips to visit a local farm.
• NC Magazine released an article showing which banks in North Carolina are giving out SBA loans and BB&T tops out the list.  BB&T gave out about 20% of the 465 SBA loans in NC between October 2008 and May 2009.

Asheville Metro Economy Outlook Presented by Parsec Financial Management

We invite all Chamber members to join us for this FREE event on Wedensday, July 15, starting at 5 p.m. at the Diana Wortham Theatre.. The tenth annual Asheville Metro Economy Outlook, a presentation of the latest significant economic trends, will be offered by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County. Parsec Financial Management's Chief Economist, Dr. James F. Smith, and Tom Tveidt, Director of Research from the Economic Development Coalition, will provide insights and observations on the national and local economy. This event is a must for informed business leaders wishing to stay ahead of the competition. Thank you to presenting sponsor Parsec Financial Management, gold sponsors Pearsall Operating Company, Mountain Xpress, and Asheville Savings Bank, silver sponsor Asheville Radio Group, and bronze sponsors Diana Wortham Theater and FASTSIGNS.

Chamber Hosting Blood Drive  - Wednesday, July 1

The Asheville Board of Realtors & Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce will host an American Red Cross Blood Drive at the Chamber on Wednesday, July 1 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Call Amanda at the Board of Realtors at 828.255.8505 to schedule your donation time.  All donors will receive a free t-shirt!  Click here to find other blood donation opportunities.

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.

Goodwill Now Offers Free Computer Recycling

Because electronic waste is the world's fastest growing waste problem, Goodwill now offers Reconnect, a FREE computer recycling option. All donated computers are wiped of stored information per US Department of Defense specifications. Newer computers are sold at Goodwill stores while older systems are recycled. All brands and conditions of computers and accessories are accepted, free of charge and donations are tax deductible. Your unwanted computer can provide job training and placement for people in our community. For more information please contact Joe Jones at 828.298.9023 ext. 117 or jjones@goodwillnwnc.org.

Annual Fourth of July Celebration at Montreat Conference Center

Saturday, July 4, Montreat Conference Center will once again host its annual Fourth of July celebration. A parade beginning at 10:30 a.m. will launch this year’s theme, “Our Heritage, Past and Future.”  The celebration will continue throughout the day with a silent auction at the Currie Craft Center and Sally Jones Pottery; old-fashioned carnival games; a barbecue picnic; and free swimming, boating, and tennis. The festivities will conclude with a 7 p.m. square dance under the stars (in The Barn if it rains).  For more information about the Fourth of July at Montreat, visit the conference center web site at montreat.org or call 828.669.2911.