Chamber Departments
Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau(828) 258-6102, E-mail
Operating under the auspices of the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA), which contracts with the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and is funded through the Buncombe County room tax, the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) works with industry partners with the goal of increasing room nights in Buncombe County thus increasing the economic impact of visitors to the area. The CVB works daily to carry out the BCTDA’s mission: “To be a leader in the economic development of Buncombe County by attracting and servicing visitors, generating income, jobs and tax revenues which make the community a better place to live and visit.” Along with its industry partners, CVB staff promotes the area as an attractive tourism destination to visitors, meeting and convention planners, tour operators and incentive groups. For more information about the Asheville CVB, visit www.ashevillecvb.com.
Economic Development
(828) 258- 6117, E-mail
The mission of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Department, in conjunction with and primarily funded by the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County, is to responsibly leverage the county’s unique assets to attract, create and expand business opportunities while improving the well-being of its citizens. Staff advances commercial, industrial and civic development; encourages the economic and social progress of the Asheville area for the benefit of all citizens; works with city, county and state governments to facilitate the production and distribution of goods and services; and encourages an atmosphere in which private enterprise may operate profitably and efficiently.
View the Economic Development Coalition's Annual Report 2005/2006
Small Business & Entrepreneurship
(828) 258- 6117, E-mail
The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Department provides resources to assist individuals and businesses in starting and growing a small business in Asheville. Through educational and professional seminars, the department helps entrepreneurs gain the knowledge they need to make their businesses succeed. The department also produces the Licensing and Permitting Guide making it easy to find the information needed to get started. The Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department also organizes recognition programs to showcase area small businesses. These programs include the Small Business of the Month, the Sky High Growth Awards (honoring the fastest growing businesses), the Small Business Leader of the Year, and the ATHENA Award.
Member Services
(828) 258-6114, E-mail
Working to provide members with exclusive networking, targeted marketing and cost saving opportunities, the Member Services Department of the Chamber puts Chamber members first. Guiding potential clients to Chamber businesses is one of the benefits the department provides its members. Through phone call referrals, Web site referrals and organizing cost efficient opportunities for members to reach their markets, the department works to improve the bottom line of its members by increasing their business.
Public Policy
(828) 258-6118, E-mail
As the largest business organization in Western North Carolina, the Chamber serves as a lead advocate for business issues, representing the interests of business to local, state and federal governmental leaders. Chamber activities include consistent interaction with the Asheville City Council, the Buncombe County Commission, the North Carolina General Assembly and congressional leaders in Washington, D.C. about issues that affect the business community.
Workforce Development
(828) 258-6118, E-mail
The Chamber also works with business and education partners to improve the workforce of tomorrow. Competition, quality and productivity, the same forces that drive our economy, are now driving our public school systems. An aging workforce, a skilled labor demand outpacing supply and a low unemployment rate make the success of our local talent increasingly important to our community.
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