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 evening is presented by the FIRC Group and will be held at the Doubletree Biltmore Hotel from 7-11 p.m. Tickets are $125. Black tie encouraged. Visit the event website to reserve your seats. Discounted room rates are also available that evening at the Doubletree.

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.

Give the Gift of Life this Holiday Season

The Asheville Board of Realtors and the Chamber are hosting an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Friday, December 11 from 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce building. Call 828.255.8505 to schedule your donation time. Participants donating blood or platelets between October 1 and December 31, 2009 will be entered to win one of three pairs of roundtrip Delta Airline tickets. 

China Deposits due in one week!

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 50 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! The registration fee is only $100. Call or email with any questions, or visit homecomingjobfair.com for complete details and registration information.

Shop West Asheville Day December 12

The West Asheville Business Association is asking you to support your local businesses and artisans by shopping local this holiday season. On Saturday, December 12, businesses in the Haywood Road area of West Asheville are hosting a fun filled local shopping day, from noon to 8 p.m. Over 50 businesses and artisans are participating in this Shop West Asheville day. Day-of-sales and holiday specials make this an excellent day to get your shopping done. Live music and a visit from Santa provide activities for all ages.  Visit shopwestasheville.com for more information.

Camels on Display at the WNC Nature Center

Dromedary or Bactrian? One hump or two? If you have not seen a real camel, now is your chance in Western North Carolina. Come to the WNC Nature Center, 75 Gashes Creek Road in East Asheville between December 3 and December 14! For more information or specific questions on camels, please contact Tim Hunter, Interim Animal Curator, at 298-5600 ext. 311.