EDC Annual Meeting - Thursday, August 27

The Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County (EDC) invites you to attend the Annual Meeting of the EDC on Thursday, August 27, 2009. The meeting will be held 8 – 9:30 a.m. in the Asheville Merchants Corporation Boardroom at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. Coffee and pastries will be available.

At this meeting you will:

• Learn about the EDC’s annual activities and its future direction
• Hear from representatives of local companies on how the EDC has served them
• Hear from our partners in both city and county government
• Have the opportunity to participate in an open Q&A session

We hope you will attend this free and informative event. Please RSVP by contacting Debra Harris dharris@ashevillechamber.org or 828.258.6117.

2010 China Trip Informational Meeting

The Chamber is announcing a special opportunity for business and recreation with a trip to China from April 6 - 14, 2010. The trip will allow local business leaders to make key connections in China and explore the Chinese culture at an attractive price. The trip is open to the community with a special discounted rate for Asheville Chamber members. Anyone interested in the trip should plan on attending an informational meeting September 3, from 5:30 - 7 p.m. at the Asheville Merchants Corporation Boardroom in the Chamber building. You will be traveling with other business leaders and Chamber members in an informal setting with experienced and knowledgeable guides.  Click here to learn more about the 2010 Trip to China.

Buncombe County Health Center: H1N1 Messages

Last week the Buncombe County Health Center held a news conference to share key messages with the community regarding the H1N1 virus.  The health center shared that this fall influenza vaccines will be made available at no charge for all elementary and primary school students in Buncombe County, Asheville City, and area charter schools who return a parent consent form.  The health center also released key messages for preparing and dealing with the 2009 - 2010 flu season.  Specific to business the health center urges:

• Businesses, schools, civic groups, churches, friends and family should take action NOW to prepare for the eventual increase of flu in our community.
• Businesses should prepare by prioritizing work duties, cross-training staff, and encouraging sick people to stay at home until they won’t spread germs to other employees.
• Businesses should have a plan for continuing operations or services without putting others at risk.

Meet the Success Story: A Panel Discussion

If you want to know how other small businesses “made it” in Asheville, this FREE seminar is for you! Learn tips, principles – many things about becoming a successful business in Asheville. You will hear from a diverse group of successful business owners as they share their ideas and practices. The panel will feature:

Join us for this one of a kind event September 15 from 9 - 11:30 a.m. at the Chamber Building in the Asheville Merchants Corporation Boardroom.  The event is free but registration is recommended by clicking here.

Mountain BizWorks Reception for new CEO

Mountain BizWorks is hosting a Community Welcome for their new CEO, Shaw Canale, on Wednesday, September 9 from 8:30 – 10 a.m. at their Asheville office at 153 South Lexington Avenue. Morning refreshments will be served. Mountain BizWorks is a not-for-profit organization with offices in Asheville, Hendersonville, and Sylva. For more information on Mountain BizWorks, visit mountainbizworks.org.

Advantage Development hosts free monthly "Green Building" seminar

Advantage Development Co. hosts a free monthly "Green Building" seminar on the last Thursday of every month 7-9 PM at New Hope Presbyterian Church at 3070 Sweeten Creek Rd., Asheville NC just across and up from Givens Estates. Refreshments will be provided so please RSVP two days in advance. The August 27th Seminar will focus on Energy Efficient HVAC Equipment & Installation. The guest speaker will also explain the importance of properly sizing HVAC equipment using the manual J calculation for maximum energy efficiency. Proper testing procedures such as the blower/door test will also be explained.