Accounting Tips for Year End in a Difficult Economy

Don’t wait until March or April, 2010 to find out what your 2009 tax return might look like. Start getting your books and records cleaned up now.  On Thursday, December 3, from 9 to 11:30 a.m., Rollin Groseclose, a CPA with Johnson, Price, & Sprinkle, will present accounting tips for year end in a difficult economy at the Chamber in the Asheville Merchants Corporation Boardroom. Topics for this seminar will include:

• How to utilize business losses to recover prior taxes paid
• What can be done before year end to lower your taxes and have your financial results quicker
• What can be done to get a better handle on your accounting picture in 2010
• What you should start doing now to have better financial results in 2010
• How to potentially lower your accounting bill
• How to get your tax returns – and any refunds – sooner

The session is $20 to attend; registrations can be taken on the AshevilleChamber.org website.

Senator Martin Nesbitt Elected N.C. Senate Majority Leader

The Chamber congratulates North Carolina Senator Martin Nesbitt for his unanimous election to the position of majority leader. Sen. Nesbitt, an Asheville lawyer, represents Buncombe County and is currently the highest-ranking mountain lawmaker. Senator Nesbitt brings leadership to several Senate Committees including Chairman of the Select Committee on Economic Recovery. The Chamber wishes success to Sen. Nesbitt in his new leadership position as he represents the people of Western North Carolina and across the state. Senator Nesbitt was the recipient of the 2009 William A.V. Cecil Award during the Chamber’s Annual Meeting.

Reserve your Table Now for the 4th Annual Homecoming Job Fair

Act now to reserve your table and your discount for the 4th Annual Homecoming Job Fair: Tuesday, December 29, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Promoting area employers and the diversity of career opportunities available in our region, this annual community event attracted over 2000 job seekers in 2008 – with similar turnout expected this year. Over 25 Asheville area employers are already registered representing healthcare, advanced manufacturing, hospitality, professional and technical services. Come out to promote your employer and get a head start on your hiring needs for 2010! Registration fee of only $75 before Dec. 4 (or $100 after Dec. 4). Call or email with any questions, or visit homecomingjobfair.com for complete details and registration information.

China Trip Deposits due by December 15

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a trip to China. In cooperation with CITSLINC International, INC., this experience is available to all Chamber members and friends for an attractive rate of only $1,999.  Anyone interested in learning more about the 2010 China trip should visit the Chamber website or contact Jane Anderson at 828.258.6112.  To reserve your spot a $500 deposit must be paid to the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce prior to December 15, 2009.   The remaining balance will be due on January 1, 2010. 

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 and community members are encouraged to collect items in the workplace and bring them to the Chamber's visitor center for collection.  Anyone bringing items for donation to the visitor center will receive a 10% coupon to the Asheville Shop.  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.

Mail Management now MMS Direct

For the last 12 years, Mail Management Services, LLC has been an area leader in a variety of mailing services. Since then, they have added many additional marketing services and technologies. The legacy they built over the past decade has allowed them to take a new step into the future. Beginning on November 1, they will be known as MMS Direct, offering a wide range of services to cover our community"s marketing needs. Visit MMS-Direct.com for more information.

Arc of Buncombe County is sponsoring Operation Santa Claus

The Arc of Buncombe County is sponsoring Operation Santa Claus for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout the county. Volunteers are asked to “adopt” or provide monetary gifts to help spread the joy of Christmas to these individuals who have no immediate family or support systems. To ensure delivery is by Christmas, all gifts and donations are requested by December 1, 2009. If you are interested in adopting a special needs individual for Christmas or would like to make a donation to The Arc of Buncombe County, please call the office at (828) 253-1255 or contact them at arcbc@arcofbuncombe.org.