Accounting Tips for Year End in a Difficult Economy

Don’t wait until March or April, 2010 to find out what your 2009 tax return might look like. Start getting your books and records cleaned up now.  On Thursday, December 3, from 9 to 11:30 a.m., Rollin Groseclose, a CPA with Johnson, Price, & Sprinkle, will present accounting tips for year end in a difficult economy at the Chamber in the Asheville Merchants Corporation Boardroom. Topics for this seminar will include:

• How to utilize business losses to recover prior taxes paid
• What can be done before year end to lower your taxes and have your financial results quicker
• What can be done to get a better handle on your accounting picture in 2010
• What you should start doing now to have better financial results in 2010
• How to potentially lower your accounting bill
• How to get your tax returns – and any refunds – sooner

The session is $20 to attend; registrations can be taken on the AshevilleChamber.org website.

We're For Business Awards Nominations Now Being Accepted

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 celebrate local business based on their group's achievements in one of several areas. Nominations are now open for the 2010 We're For Business Awards:

• 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

Please visit the AshevilleChamber.org website for more information on nominating your business for one of these awards.  The We're For Business Award Reception will be held on February 23, 2010 at the Crowne Plaza Tennis and Golf Resort. Tickets for the luncheon can be purchased on the Chamber website.

BMW of Asheville is the December Small Business of the Month

The Small Business of the Month for the month of December is BMW of Asheville located at 649 New Airport Road. BMW of Asheville has been in business for over 25 years and employs 36 full time and 2 part time employees. BMW of Asheville has made high end service for their customers a major priority. They offer car storage and airport pick up for customers as well as hand washes for customer's cars - even if the "other" car isn't a BMW! The newest perk for customers is self-serve ice cream. When they aren't selling and servicing the ultimate driving machines and spoiling customers, the staff at BMW of Asheville is supporting numerous community non-profits as well as the Lyric Opera, Bravo Concerts, the Red Cross, and the Chamber!

China Trip Deposits due by December 15

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a trip to China. In cooperation with CITSLINC International, INC., this experience is available to all Chamber members and friends for an attractive rate of only $1,999.  Anyone interested in learning more about the 2010 China trip should visit the Chamber website or contact Jane Anderson at 828.258.6112.  To reserve your spot a $500 deposit must be paid to the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce prior to December 15, 2009.   The remaining balance will be due on January 1, 2010. 

Reserve your Table Now for the 4th Annual Homecoming Job Fair

Act now to reserve your table and your discount for the 4th Annual Homecoming Job Fair: Tuesday, December 29, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Promoting area employers and the diversity of career opportunities available in our region, this annual community event attracted over 2000 job seekers in 2008 – with a similar turnout expected this year. Over 25 Asheville area employers are already registered representing healthcare, advanced manufacturing, hospitality, professional and technical services. Come out to promote your employer and get a head start on your hiring needs for 2010! Registration fee of only $75 before Dec. 4 (or $100 after Dec. 4). Call or email with any questions, or visit homecomingjobfair.com for complete details and registration information.

Lydia Roberts Promoted to Art Director at ClearPoint

ClearPoint Marketing Communications announced today that Lydia Roberts has been promoted to the position of Art Director. Roberts holds a BA in Multimedia Arts and Sciences from the University of North Carolina at Asheville and has done award-winning designs for a variety of clients that include the University of North Carolina at Asheville and the University of Washington.

Christmas with Timothy O'Keefe at Blue Ridge Performing Arts Center

For years you enjoyed him as Alan Sewell on The Young and the Restless. O'Keefe was a frequent guest on the Tonight Show, the popular Merv Griffin Show as well as many of your favorite TV shows. Timothy O'Keefe will be performing in holiday shows Friday, December 11, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 13, 3:30 p.m. at the Blue Ridge Performing Arts Center located at 6th & Main in Downtown Hendersonville, NC. For more information visit timothyokeefe.net/liveQT.php or order tickets at brpac.com.