Asheville Metro Economy Outlook Presented by Parsec Financial Management

We invite all Chamber members to join us for this FREE event on Wednesday, July 15, with networking starting at 5 p.m. and the outlook begins at 5:30 p.m., at the Diana Wortham Theatre. The 10th Annual Asheville Metro Economy Outlook, a presentation of the latest significant economic trends, will be offered by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County. Parsec Financial Management's Chief Economist, Dr. James F. Smith, and Tom Tveidt, Director of Research from the EDC, will provide insights and observations on the national and local economy. Thank you to presenting sponsor Parsec Financial Management, gold sponsors Asheville Citizen-Times, Pearsall Operating Company, Mountain Xpress, and Asheville Savings Bank, silver sponsor Asheville Radio Group, and bronze sponsors Diana Wortham Theatre and FASTSIGNS.

Watch the Outlook Online

If you can't join us for the event it will be broadcasted in live streaming video at CITIZEN-TIMES.com. During the presentation, online viewers are invited to submit questions to presenter Tom Tveidt. Immediately following the presentation, video, photos and related coverage of the Asheville Metro Economy outlook will be posted at CITIZEN-TIMES.com.

The Art of Hiring Smart & Workforce Development

The Chamber and the University of Phoenix are partnering to bring a full day Human Resources workshop approved for up to 4.5 HRCI credits.  The workshop will take place on Thursday, August 13, at the new University of Phoenix facility in Biltmore Park.  The morning session (2.5 HRCI credits) will focus on the art of smart hiring while the afternoon session (2.0 HRCI credits) will focus on a variety of workforce development topics.  Individual sessions are $40 each and include a networking lunch; the full day can be purchased for $70.  For more information or to register visit our website or contact Carol Hensley at 828.258.6116.

Buncombe County will begin the new fiscal year with an upgraded bond rating from Standard & Poor's (S&P). The municipal ratings organization recently moved Buncombe County up from AA to AA+, just a single step from the highest rating of AAA. Only five other counties in North Carolina are assigned the AA+ rating.   Learn more about the AAA bond rating.

This week on the Chamber Blog:

• The American Cancer Society announces its Inaugural Decades Ball - The Roaring 20's. This 1920's themed party takes place August 22 from 7-11 p.m. in Downtown Asheville at The Venue on 21 N. Market St.
• The Grove at Haw Creek Community Grand Opening is Sunday, July 19, from 1-5 p.m. The opening will include a community cookout with food provided by Hickory Nut Gap Farm, games for the whole family, and chances to win prizes.

Communicate to New Chamber Members

Does your company want to reach the new members of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce? Each month at our new member orientation we provide each attendee with a packet of information and you can be included.  For only $300 a year we will include a promotional item, coupon, or brochure from your company in each month's new member orientation.  Each orientation brings between 25 and 35 new members together at each session.  Contact Laura Wolf to participate in this program today at 828.232.2247.

MCAD Responsible Development Certification Course

The Mountain Council for Accountable Development, is offering a two-day certification course that reviews, from start to finish, the process required to build in the mountains.  Local experts will provide knowledge and real world examples to demonstrate conscientious, responsible development practices in WNC. The course costs $149 and will take place on July 21 - 22, 2009 from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. To register for the event contact Mike Butrum at 828.255.8505 x 2662.

Jonas Gerard Fine Art to Give Away Painting at Business After Hours

One of Asheville's most acclaimed artists, Jonas Gerard, is hosting the July Business After Hours presented by Clear Channel Asheville. During the afterwork networking event one lucky attendee will win an original piece by Gerard, Love Laughs To Fear, pictured on the right.  The Business After Hours is Thursday, July 23, from 5:30 - 8 p.m. at Jonas Gerard Fine Art, 240 Clingman Ave.

August 1 Benefit Concert to Aid Mary Benson House Babies

A first on the first: A benefit concert for the Mary Benson House babies will be held on Saturday, August 1, from 7-10 p.m., at On Broadway, 49 Broadway in Downtown Asheville. Free parking is available down the street at HomeTrust Bank. Tickets are $8 in advance by calling (828) 281-2598 or $10 at the door and include music by Strange Brew as well as heavy hors d’oeuvres, with a cash bar available. The Mary Benson House is a 24-hour residential treatment facility providing services to prenatal and postpartum women with addictions and their children under age five. Please join with us to make a difference for the babies at Mary Benson House.