Vote Today! City Council / Mayoral Elections

Today the residents of Asheville have the opportunity to decide who will fill three seats on City Council and who will serve as Mayor.  The Chamber encourages everyone to get to the polls and vote in this important community election. The October 6 Primary had the lowest voter turnout since the institution of primary elections in 1995. It is critical for the business community to be educated on the candidates and get out to vote. For more information on voting locations, please visit the Chamber's public policy election page.

Bagels and Banter - Our Future Workforce: A Focus on Schools

Join us for another Bagels & Banter presented by Crescent PPO in the Chamber's Boardroom on Tuesday, November 10.  Come hear from our schools' leaders about the current student profile, budget issues, stimulus impact and new programs and initiatives. We will also have a discussion on how workforce development is being carried out in our schools and the vital importance of ongoing business partnerships. Superintendent Allen Johnson and Director of Communications and Community Relations Charlie Glazener from Asheville City Schools, and Superintendent Dr. Tony Baldwin and Director of Communications Jan Blunt of Buncombe County Schools, will present the current state and outlook for the two districts in WNC.   The session is free for Chamber members and $10 for the community, click here to register or for more information.

Registration is now open for the 4th Annual Homecoming Job Fair
The Homecoming Job Fair is produced annually to support workforce and industry advancement in WNC. In these unprecedented economic times, the Economic Development Coalition and its community workforce partners would like to produce this event to:

• promote local employers in professional services, technology, advanced manufacturing, health care, hospitality and other growth industries
• provide the opportunity for networking and information-gathering
• facilitate job connections
• encourage former residents and students to consider career options in WNC

For more information visit HomecomingJobFair.com.

Mega Networking is Back!

Mega Networking is the business world version of speed dating; you'll meet face-to-face with prospects from a variety of industries and generate business for your company during this fast-paced networking event. In four hours, you'll get exposure to potential new customers in a fun environment! The fall Mega Networking session will take place on Tuesday, November 17, from 7:30 a.m. to noon at The Grand Bohemian Hotel. Attendance will be limited to one attendee per company and five attendees per business category. Click here to reserve your spot today! Cost is $40 per Chamber member.  Mega Networking is sponsored by Clear Channel Asheville, the Chart Group, Nationwide Insurance - The McKinney Agency, Smoky Mountain Living, GOS, and Manpower.

Blue Ridge Pharmacy Small Business of the Month

The Small Business of the Month, sponsored by FASTSIGNS, for November is Blue Ridge Pharmacy located at 948 Tunnel Rd. in Asheville. Blue Ridge Pharmacy was established in August, 2005 and has grown to employ 23 individuals. Blue Ridge Pharmacy is a community pharmacy filling prescriptions for customers, practicing the art of compounding to prepare unique and individualized medications which may no longer be commercially available, and serving as a specialty provider for long term care facilities in Western North Carolina. The pharmacists at Blue Ridge are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to ensure the availability of medication to facilities and to support hospice patients through CarePartners. The staff and employees support numerous community charities and non-profits.

UNCA and AB Tech present GIS Day

Celebrating the third annual event showcasing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) activities in Western North Carolina. Come meet local GIS professionals, representatives, faculty, and students to learn what GIS is and about GIS activities in our region!  The event takes place on Thursday, November 12, 2009 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at RENCI at UNC Asheville Community Engagement Site in the Grove Arcade, One Page Avenue, Suite 116 (O. Henry Avenue side).  For more information visit gisday.com.

WNC Foster/Adopt Fall Festival

The WNC Foster/Adopt Fall Festival brought to you by Buncombe County DSS and WNC Foster Care Agencies is taking place on Saturday, November 14, 2009, from 2 – 5 p.m. at Coleman Place on the third floor of the Chamber building (36 Montford Avenue) The event will share information on becoming a foster and/or adoptive parent and children who need a family now. Attendees will also have the oppotunity to talk to families that have fostered or adopted, and talk to youth who are (or who have been) in the system.  For more information contact Erica Jourdan at 828-775-2404 or email at erica.jourdan@buncombecounty.org.