Chamber President Announces Retirement

Richard J. Lutovsky, President & CEO of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, notified the Chamber Board and staff of his intentions to retire this September. The announcement at this time gives the Board nine months to conduct a search and name a successor.“I am proud of the accomplishments that have taken place at the Chamber and community during my ten-year tenure. We have been at the forefront of advancements in the areas of tourism, workforce and economic development, services to our members, wellness and healthcare. Our staff is outstanding and recognized as such by the national chamber community. They and our Board have delivered for our members and the Asheville area,” Lutovsky said.

Chamber to Host Welcome Breakfast

Do you do business with a company that could benefit from Chamber membership?  This Welcome Breakfast, presented by Asheville Savings Bank and WNCW Public Radio, is a casual morning networking reception at the Chamber that is an ideal opportunity to share with them the many benefits of Chamber membership.  They will hear from Chamber members like yourself on the many benefits that they receive from their membership. This reception is for community members who are not already Chamber members. Current Chamber members are encouraged to attend but must bring a prospective member with them as a guest.  The Welcome Breakfast will be held on Thursday, February 4, from 7:30 - 9 a.m. at the VIsitor Center in the Chamber Building.  Please RSVP by clicking here or by contacting James Carter (828.258.6115) or Miriam Metcalf (828.258.6114).

From Facebook to YouTube: Social Media Series

This social media course for businesses will help you understand, use and thrive to drive your message directly to your potential customers and clients. These courses are led by local entrepenuer Kelby Carr of Carr Creations. The courses will cover social media basics, Twitter, Facebook, online video, business blogging and a variety of other social media tools. For each of the six courses, a national expert in social media will be brought in as a guest co-host to bring the best of the world's social media knowledge right here to Asheville.  The course series begins on February 19 from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. and continues on the third Friday of each for the next five months at the Asheville Merchants Corporation Boardroom in the Chamber building.  Learn more at avlsocialmedia.com

Tickets on Sale for We're For Business Awards Luncheon

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. During the award reception the Chamber will recognize two winners for each of the following awards:

• J. Crew presentes 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

The We're For Business Awards reception will be held on February 23, 2010 at the Crowne Plaza Tennis and Golf Resort. Tickets for the luncheon are $25 per person and a table of eight can be purchased for $200.  Tickets can be purchased on the Chamber website.

Leadership Development Course with Human Resource Solutions

Whether your business is large or small, skillful leadership is required for ongoing success. If you supervise people, any number of people, this course is for you! The course is instructed by Gregory E. Mayo a leadership development consultant and employee selection and development specialist with over 20 years experience.  The six sessions start on March 10 and take place from 8:30 a.m. - noon (class on 4/15 is from 1:30 - 5 p.m.) The cost of the six-week course is $349 per individual and includes all notebooks and course materials. For specific descriptions of each class, check the Chamber events website, ashevillechamber.org/events.

Spend your Valentine's Day at The Venue!

Enjoy a romantic candlelit four course dinner with wine pairings accompanied by live string music. Make reservations for only $150 per couple, all inclusive meal. Price includes the meal, tax, gratuity, and coffee after the meal. The event takes place with two seatings on Saturday, February 13, 5:30 or 8 p.m. Call 828-252-1101 for reservations.