Final Week for We're For Business Award Nominations

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.

Tickets Now on Sale for TheCulinary AffAIR 2010 on January 28
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 or call 828.232.2247. Discounted room rates are also available that evening at the Doubletree.  Seats are limited!

New Schedule for Business Before and After Hours

Asheville's premier networking events, the Chamber's Business Before and After Hours are now on a new schedule in 2010.  The move was made to prevent conflicts with other organizations' 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 with co-host International Tenant Representative Alliance.

Smart Buys Partner Office Depot to Hold Chamber Reception

Please join us for “Breakfast with Office Depot” January 14 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Asheville, Hendersonville Rd. Office Depot store in Gerber Village. The Chamber’s newest Smartbuys partner is hosting a store event with coffee, doughnuts and samples for your office. Stop by between these hours to hear all about the program and how to save up to 40% on office supplies.

Chamber Night at UNC Asheville Basketball Game

Join fellow Chamber members and root for the Bulldogs as they take on Winthrop! The game is January 21 and begins at 7 p.m., and there will be a designated section for Chamber members. Also, new this season, the Chamber is organizing a half-time "mini game." If you are interested in playing in this seven-minute, 5-on-5 game, please email or call James Carter at 828.258.6115. Not interested in playing? Tickets for the game are offered at a discounted rate of $7.00 for this game only for all Chamber members! To purchase tickets, call 828.251.6904 and ask for the "Chamber Member Discount." Or email Harmon Turner to request tickets! Tickets are limited.

Summit Marketing Group Presents Conference to Enrich Women

A conference for women entitled, "Forget the Frazzled Female and Embrace the Fabulous You," will be held February 12, 2010 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Bo Thomas Auditorium on the campus of Blue Ridge Community College. The half-day conference includes powerful speakers, practical information and applicable tools designed to motivate and empower the women of the community.
The conference fee is $49 and includes materials and lunch. Registration deadline is February 5. Please contact Marybeth Burns at 828.692.2450 or Sherri Holbert at 828.674.3649 for more information.

YWCA Accepting Nominations for TWIN Award Until January 8

The YWCA is accepting nominations for the 19th Annual YWCA Tribute to Women of Influence (TWIN) Awards Banquet until January 8, 2010. The TWIN Awards Banquet will be held on Thursday, March 25, 2010 at the Renaissance Asheville Hotel. TWIN honors the professional achievements of women and companies who support the advancement of women. That evening, the YWCA will celebrate all of the TWIN 2010 honorees. In addition, one woman will receive special recognition as “Honoree of the Year.” Proceeds from the event will benefit the YWCA’s many programs dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering women. The YWCA TWIN nomination form can be downloaded from the YWCA website, ywcaofasheville.org, or can be requested by calling 828.254.7206 x 206.