Jump start your career in the new year!

If your New Years’ resolution includes finding the right job, advancing your career, or helping a friend or loved one return home to Western North Carolina to continue their career – mark your calendar for the 4th Annual Homecoming Job Fair: Tuesday, December 29, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Biltmore Square Mall. Come network and interview with the area’s leading employers in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, hospitality, professional and technical services. For complete details and a listing of registered employers, please visit homecomingjobfair.com! For information on resume and interview workshops please contact the JobLink Career Center: 828.250.4761.

Tickets Now on Sale for the 2010 Culinary AffAIR
Let the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association delight your senses on January 28, 2010 at The Culinary AffAIR hosted by Joe and Janice Brumit. Start the evening with unique hors d’oeuvres and signature cocktails. Then sit down to enjoy a six-course dinner with wine pairings, served to you tableside by some of Asheville’s culinary celebs. This black tie evening is presented by the FIRC Group and will be held at the Doubletree Biltmore Hotel from 7-11 p.m. Tickets are $125. Visit the event website to reserve your seats. Discounted room rates are also available that evening at the Doubletree.  Seats are limited!

24,000 Census Jobs Available for North Carolina

Last week, Govenor Perdue announced that 24,000 Census jobs will be available throughout North Carolina and signed Executive Order No. 33 creating the North Carolina Complete Count Committee to coordinate Census activities at the state level. The Census Bureau will be hiring throughout North Carolina beginning in January 2010. Job seekers can find application information at 2010censusjobs.gov or by calling 866.861.2010. The information is also available via the Employment Security Commission or JobsNOW.nc.gov. Some jobs will begin as early as January, while most will begin in February and March, and will extend until June or July.

New Schedule for Business Before and After Hours

Asheville's premier networking events, the Chamber's Business Before and After Hours will be on a new schedule in 2010.  The move was made to prevent conflicts with other organization's events.  Business After Hours will now be held on the first Thursday of the month and the Business Before Hours will be held on the third Tuesday of the month.  The change will take place in January with the Business After Hours, presented by Clear Channel Asheville, hosted by Hill Partners taking place on Thursday, January 7 from 5:30 - 7 p.m. The January Business Before Hours, presented by BB&T, will be held on January 19, co-hosted by Asset Protection Network and International Tenant Representative Alliance.

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 businesses 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.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Announces Asheville Expansion Plans

Thermo Fisher Scientific released plans to create 104 jobs and invest $5 million during the next three years at its plant in Asheville. Located in Buncombe County for over 25 years, Thermo Fisher Scientific currently employs approximately 540 persons at three local facilities, including a manufacturing plant, warehouse and technical customer service center. Thermo Fisher Scientific is a leading global provider of analytical instruments, equipment, reagents and consumables, software and services for research, analysis, discovery and diagnostics. The company employs approximately 35,000 people in 40 countries, serving 350,000 customers primarily in the life sciences and health care markets.

Griffin Waste Services Offers New Service!

Griffin Wastes now offers commercial hand collection for businesses in Asheville and surrounding area’s. They have equipped a Biodiesel powered truck to be able to efficiently pick up trash and all recyclables in one stop. Griffin has served WNC with convenient sized waste containers for 7 years and is ready to work with businesses with all their waste and recycling needs. Visit them online at griffinwaste.com.