Whether your ideal Asheville visit takes you gallery hopping on Broadway, antique shopping in Biltmore Village, trekking along the Appalachian Trail, or to a downtown show at a rock club named one of the top five in the country by Rolling Stone Magazine, the Asheville area has something guaranteed to delight every visitor. Don’t just take our word for it…experience it for yourself. 
Ask almost any Chamber member why they are a member and they’ll tell you—in Asheville, it’s the most important way to meet people and grow your business. As North Carolina’s third largest Chamber, the Asheville Chamber includes more than 2,000 businesses, organizations and coalitions. Members know the value a membership provides. Find out how members find value with the Asheville Chamber. 
Look at snapshots from Chamber events and view videos of Chamber programming and events. 
Meet and connect with the leadership team that sets goals and leads the activities of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. 
Do you have questions about the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce? Are you wondering where we are located, what we do, or how to find photos of the Asheville area? We’ve listed answers to our most frequently asked questions here. 
The Asheville region has expertise in several dynamic talent driven industries. Local businesses, educational programs, and community leaders are working in collaboration to nurture and grow these targeted sectors. 
Many businesses are thriving in Asheville and yours could be next. Here are a few of the local businesses making headlines recently. 
Consider the Economic Development staff your one-stop resource for connecting to the Asheville community. Find a complete list of staff available to help you plan the next phase of your business. 
Asheville’s economy and industry is constantly evolving. Keep up to date on the latest industry announcements and plans here. Contact the EDC staff if your company has exciting news to share with the community. 
Chamber Position Statements
“Joining the Asheville Chamber has been the best advertising and social networking decision I have made for my company. I enjoy the people in my Professional Networking Group (PNG) and look forward to Wednesday mornings when our group meets. It is helpful to be a part of a... [More]
– Mary Love, Love The Green
Chamber Position Statements
The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce promotes member interests for the benefit of all local businesses. Through a collective effort between our Governmental Affairs Task force, Board of Directors and our membership, the Asheville Chamber is able to take a strong stand on the positions that matter most to our business sector and broader community.
A-B Tech ¼ of One Cent Buncombe County Sales Tax Referendum Endorsement
Thursday, May 26, 2011
The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce identifies Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College as a key community partner providing economic growth, essential job training and formal education for all ages Western North Carolina’s workforce.
We also recognize the ¼ cent sales tax proposal as the best means to advance the growth of this economic engine. We endorse the ¼ cent sales tax as an investment for the people of Western North Carolina and future generations.
Who is responsible for AB-Tech?
AB-Tech is part of the overall North Carolina Community College System, which includes 58 schools. However, the institutions facilities are the responsibility of the county where they reside.
Why doesn’t AB-Tech use North Carolina Education Lottery funds?
Community colleges are not eligible to receive or use funds from the North Carolina Education Lottery.
Why doesn’t AB-Tech just increase tuition to cover their expenses?
A-B Tech does not have the authority to raise tuition. Tuition for North Carolina community colleges are controlled by the State. Furthermore, any funds that A-B Tech generates must be returned to the state of North Carolina at the end of each fiscal year.
Why doesn’t AB-Tech lobby to receive additional funding from the North Carolina General Assembly?
The General Assembly does not have the building to appropriate funds for community college buildings.
- Over 80% of former A-B Tech students live and work in our area
- 98% of A-B Tech graduates live and work in North Carolina
- A-B Tech “alumni” (1980-2010) add $200 million/yr. to business and family income
- Associate’s degree earns 35% more mid-career income than HS diploma
- 64,600 new or replacement jobs by 2020 in Buncombe and Madison counties (EMSI)
- 25% of those require at least two-year degrees and 7% require college certificates
- Enrollment grew 45% since 2001 to 10,757 credit students
- Enrollment projected to reach more than 18,000 credit students in 10 years