I-40 Rockslide Alternative Routes

A rockslide has caused Interstate 40 to close in both directions at mile marker 3 near the North Carolina/Tennessee border west of Asheville. Please help remind travelers coming from the north, south or east that they are not affected by this road closure. Asheville remains accessible from the west via alternative routes.  Please encourage travelers to find alternative routes and up to date information on the ExploreAsheville.org website.

Tonight! Final 2010 China Trip Informational Meeting

The Chamber is announcing a special opportunity for business and recreation with a trip to China from April 6 - 14, 2010. The trip is open to the community with a special discounted rate for Asheville Chamber members. Anyone interested should plan on attending an informational meeting on October 27, from 5 - 6 p.m. at the Asheville Merchants Corporation Boardroom in the Chamber building.   Click here to learn more about the 2010 Trip to China.   If you are interested in the 2010 China trip, please reserve your spot now by contacting Miriam Metcalf at 828.258.6114.

City Council / Mayoral Elections - November 3

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce recently videotaped the candidates for City Council asking them their plans on growing jobs in Asheville, protecting business, promoting downtown, and improving the relationship with Buncombe County. Watch their responses now! 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 registering to vote, early voting, and voting locations, please visit the Chamber's public policy election page

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.

Videos from H1N1 Chamber Session Now Available

In early October the Chamber held a joint session with the Western Carolina Association for HR Professionals addressing issues related to the H1N1 flu.  Thanks to the hard work of Asheville Video Productions we are now able to share the content of that session with all our membership. Visit ashevillechamber.org/h1n1 for links to videos on general information, legal issues, and best practices from a variety of industry experts.

Sky High Growth Awards at the October Business After Hours

The 2009 Sky High Growth Awards presented by Advanced Business Equipment, in conjunction with the Advocates for Small Business, is an awards ceremony and Business After Hours wrapped into one great evening.  The Sky High Growth Awards is an annual event recognizing the area's fastest growing small businesses for their outstanding achievements and contributions to our region's economy. The event is the October Business After Hours and takes place at 5:30 p.m. on October 29 at the North Carolina Arboretum. The Business After Hours are presented by Clear Channel Asheville and will feature food from Luella's Bar-B-Que.

“Celebrate Good Health” Health Fair

The public is invited to the “Celebrate Good Health” Health Fair on Saturday, November 7 from 7 to 11 a.m. at the YWCA of Asheville, 185 S. French Broad Avenue. This free event is sponsored by the YWCA and Mission Hospital. Attendees can take advantage of the following health screens: glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure, and BMI. Education and counseling opportunities will be available.  There will also be opportunities for children and adults to get active and try new kinds of exercise. Appointments must be made in advance by calling Josephine Hall, R.N., YWCA Health Outreach Coordinator, 828.254.7206 ext. 202. For more information about the YWCA of Asheville, go to ywcaofasheville.org.