FAQs

Do you have questions about the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce? You’ll find answers to our most frequently asked questions below.

If we did not answer your question on this page, please call us at 828.258.6101 or email us at member@ashevillechamber.org.

 

What is a Chamber of Commerce?

 

A Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit, membership-based organization dedicated to protect and improve the business climate and quality of life within a specific region. Although Chambers often work with large public agencies, they are not departments of any government organization.

The mission of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is to increase the region’s livability by advancing its economic vitality. To do this, the Asheville Chamber divides its work into several departments: Member Services & Communications, Economic Development, Public Policy and the Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The Asheville Chamber is a partnership of over 2,000 businesses, organizations and coalitions that work toward common goals of supporting the community and fellow businesses. 

 

When was the Asheville Chamber of Commerce Founded?

 

In 1898, 65 area businesses came together to promote the interests of business and formed the Board of Trade, later to become the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.

What are the benefits of joining the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce?

 

The Asheville Chamber offers its membership various networking opportunities with peers, government officials and business leaders. Members receive timely, relevant information so that they may be kept informed; professional development workshops and seminars so that they may gain valuable knowledge and skills to help them succeed; and policy and communications expertise to assist them in advocating their positions and business interests.

How do I get to the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce/ Asheville Visitor Center?

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is easily accessible and conveniently located next to downtown Asheville. The Chamber and Asheville Visitor Center are in the same building at 36 Montford Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801. Follow the blue information signs for “Visitor Information.”

From I-240 Eastbound, exit at 4C Haywood/Montford, turn right at light on to Haywood Street. At next stop light, turn right on to Montford Ave. The Chamber Building is located on the left.

From I-240 Westbound, exit at 4C Haywood/Montford. Turn right at light on to Montford Ave. The Chamber Building is on the left.

Visitor Center Hours
Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Visitor Center is open seven days a week.

Visitor Center Closed New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas, and half days on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Can you give me information about starting a business?

Contact our small business and entrepreneurship department.

How do I find out if a business is a Chamber member?

Please search our online business directory. You may search by business category, keyword or company name. You may also call the Chamber at 828.258.6101.

Can I get a list of major employers and manufacturers in the area?

Contact the economic development department’s research division.

What demographic information do you have available?

Contact the economic development department’s research division. We have an assortment of economic and demographic information available about the area. 

How do I register a complaint about a business?

Contact the Better Business Bureau serving Asheville/ Western North Carolina at 828.253.2392. 

I am considering relocating to the area. Do you have any relocation information?

Order our relocation packages online or by contacting our Information Specialist at 828.258.6109.

I will be visiting the Asheville area. What information do you have available?

Contact the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau at 828.258.6101, visit ExploreAsheville.com, and/or request a free visitors guide. For general North Carolina information, visit the website for the North Carolina Department of Commerce at visitnc.com, or call 1.800.VisitNC (1.800.847.4862).

How can I get a map of the Asheville area?

Contact the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center at 828.258.6101. We have several maps and guides available.

Can you give me information about local hotels/accommodations?

Please contact one of our Chamber member hotels/motels/cabins/bed & breakfasts. Our visitor center also staffs an on-site concierge who can assist with finding the perfect accommodations to match your needs. Call 828.210.2720 to speak with our concierge. 

Who do I contact for photos of the Asheville area?

Please contact one of our Chamber member photographers for area photos, or contact Chamber’s communications department at 828.258.6131 for digital images available to members for download. The Convention & Visitors Bureau keeps images for travel journalists to supplement editorial features on the Western North Carolina region. 

Which media outlets serve the Asheville area?

The Chamber’s communications department (828.258.6131) maintains a media list of Asheville area media contacts, available to members. 

How is the Asheville Chamber different from the US Chamber?

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is an independently started and operated organization that serves as the local Chamber of Commerce and an economic development leader for the Western North Carolina region. The Asheville Chamber develops annual federal and state legislative agendas that reflect policy positions developed with membership input and board approval. This inclusive process is conducted by the Asheville Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Task Force and is open to the entire Chamber membership. The Asheville Chamber’s legislative agenda has no affiliation with other Chambers or organizations, including the US Chamber.

The US Chamber focuses on national issues on the federal government level.

 

Does the Asheville Chamber endorse candidates or have a PAC?

No. The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is a nonpartisan organization and does not endorse political candidates, maintain a PAC or participate in campaign activities. The Asheville Chamber is committed to educating our members on issues that impact the competitiveness of our region and the ability of local companies to hire, grow and prosper. Through advocacy efforts, we provide resources to help members make informed voting decisions and get engaged on pressing business community issues. The Asheville Chamber does not endorse political candidates.

Is the Asheville Chamber a member of the US Chamber?

The Asheville Chamber is a non-partisan organization focused on job creation.  We find the discussion of membership in the US Chamber to be a distraction from that goal. Therefore, it was the staff’s recommendation that we not renew our membership with the US Chamber as of October 2011.  This is not a political statement but one of expediency to remain focused on the attraction and creation of jobs.