Fireworks return to downtown Asheville this December

Holiday nights in downtown Asheville will sizzle once again this December with Asheville Seasonal Sizzle: 19 days of not-so-silent nights. All will enjoy free fireworks, live entertainment, Seasonal Sizzle specials at local restaurants and extended hours of evening shopping in downtown Asheville’s eclectic boutiques and craft galleries. Participating businesses should post their events on the ExploreAsheville.com website.  For more information visit AshevilleSeasonalSizzle.com.

Chamber collecting for MANNA Food Bank

The Chamber is collecting items for Manna Food Bank from November 18 through December 21 to help families in need this holiday season.  Chamber members are encouraged to collect items in the workplace and bring them to the Chamber's visitor center for collection.  Items most in need include canned fruits, meats, and vegetables, soup, meals in a box, cereal, grains, and fruit juice.  For more information on how you can help those in need with donations to MANNA Food Bank visit their website at mannafoodbank.org.

Chamber Names New Office Supply Partner for SmartBuys Program

The Chamber is proud to announce a new partnership with Office Depot to provide discounted rates on office supplies to Chamber members.  The partnership with Office Depot combines the purchasing power of chambers across the country to offer members discounts on commonly purchased office products.  A “Best Value” list of 195 items, averages a 51 percent discount off the list price. An additional 30,000 items in the general catalog are discounted 10 percent off the list price. Larger companies are able to earn additional discounts based on their purchasing patterns. To learn more about the saving opportunities with Office Depot contact Angela Dixon at 980.254.6116 or  angela.dixon2@officedepot.com.  The partnership is one of four in the SmartBuys program; learn about other saving opportunities on telecommunications, direct mailing, and more on the Chamber website.

Asheville Visitor Center has Record Visitation in October

This past month the Asheville Visitor Center welcomed over 25,000 people to our community, breaking a record from October of 2008 by 5%. The Chamber's Visitor Center provides many resources for travelers including directions, help with lodging reservations, attraction information, and trolley tour tickets.  For information on how you can market to the guests in the Visitor Center contact Laura Wolf for advertising and sponsorship information.

Only a Few Spots Left for Mega Networking!

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.

AIR celebrates with the Taste of Asheville on November 19

The Asheville Independent Restaurant Association is proud to announce the return of the Main Course Dining programs with buy one get one free deals all over the city! Join AIR to celebrate with the Taste of Asheville launch party November 19 at the Venue on Market Street. The Taste of Asheville will feature culinary delights from the 18 independent restaurants participating in the 2010 Main Course Dining program. Tickets for the evening are $75 per couple or $50 per individual and come with the Main Course Dining package, a $600 value.  Learn more about the event and purchase tickets on AIRAsheville.org.

Visual Dialogue Announce New Product

Visual Dialogue announces a new system of etching/carving glass for the home and business. Visual Dialogue can take any logo, name, or image and etch/carve them onto glassware, glass gifts, doors, and windows. It can help promote a business or be used as a unique custom gift. The services can create a special gift for the special someone for weddings, graduation, anniversary, housewarming, birthday, and much more. For more information please contact David Krafcik 828-284-6482, visdial@aol.com. To see product go to wildlifeartglass.com.