Chamber Announces Award Recipients

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated 112 years of serving the business community at its Annual Meeting presented by Carolina First Bank on Wednesday, July 1. During the Annual Meeting the Chamber presented a number of awards to business leaders in our community including:  (Follow links to learn more about award recipient)

• The Small Business Leader of the Year Awards presented by HomeTrust Bank was presented to Robie Campbell (15 employees or fewer), owner of the Asheville Go-Mini’s franchise, and Benjamin Hamrick, President of Johnson, Price, and Sprinkle, P.A. (16 or more employees)
• The ATHENA Award presented by Webb Investment Services was presented to Deborah Pressley, of Friday Staffing, for her work mentoring and inspiring women in business.
• The Excellence in Public Service Award presented by The Van Winkle Law Firm was presented to Bob Roberts of First Citizens Bank for his leadership in a variety of community organizations and foundations
• The Good Health – Good Business Award presented by Mission Hospitals was presented to Bill Cecil, Jr., President and CEO of the Biltmore Company, for his efforts leading a variety of wellness initiatives for the 1,500 employees of the Biltmore Company.
• The William A.V. Cecil Leadership Award was presented to Senator Martin L. Nesbitt, Jr. for his work to establish the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority and the room tax which funds the TDA.
• The Chamber also presented a Volunteer of the Year Award this year to Waynette Davis of BB&T for her leadership of the Total Resource Campaign.
• Outgoing Board Chairman Peter Alberice of Camille-Alberice Architects presented Representative Bruce Goforth with the Chairman’s award for his work on behalf of the citizens and businesses of Buncombe County in Raleigh.

Pomodoros is the July Small Business of the Month

The Small Business of the Month for July presented by FASTSIGNS is Pomodoros Greek & Italian Cafe with locations at 1070 Tunnel Road and 75 Long Shoals Road in Asheville. The Tunnel Road location was established in 2003 and the Long Shoals Road location opened in December of 2007. Pomodoros’ chefs create a special experience with food, using natural ingredients to develop dishes that complement an extensive wine list. Pomodoros has a strong commitment to the community and has participated in numerous community fund raisers

Chamber Members to Travel to China in Spring 2010

The Chamber is announcing a special opportunity for business and recreation with a trip to China from April 6 - 14, 2010. The trip will allow local business leaders to make key connections in China and explore the Chinese culture at an attractive price.  The trip is open to the community with a special discounted rate for Asheville Chamber members. Anyone interested in the trip should plan on attending an informational meeting July 22, from 5:30 - 7 p.m. at the Asheville Merchants Corporation Boardroom in the Chamber Building.

The Art of Hiring Smart & Workforce Development

The Chamber and the University of Phoenix are partnering to bring a full day Human Resources workshop approved for up to 4.5 HRCI credits.  The workshop will take place on Thursday, August 13, at the new University of Phoenix facility in Biltmore Park.  The morning session (2.5 HRCI credits) will focus on the art of smart hiring while the afternoon session (2.0 HRCI credits) will focus on a variety of workforce development topics.  Individual sessions are $40 each and include a networking lunch; the full day can be purchased for $70.  For more information or to register visit our website or contact Carol Hensley at 828.258.6116.

This week on the Chamber Blog:

• Take a peak inside the new Posana Cafe on Biltmore Avenue and the new location of Luella's Bar-B-Que on Merrimon Ave.
• The Asheville Arts Center welcomes Michael Wilson to the Arts Center family as the new Director of Public Relations
• Windows on the Park is featured in this month’s NC Magazine, the official publication of the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce.
• Asheville's Robie Campbell was named the 2009 Go Mini's Dealer of the Year

Asheville Metro Economy Outlook Presented by Parsec Financial Management

We invite all Chamber members to join us for this FREE event on Wednesday, July 15, with networking starting at 5 p.m. and the outlook begins at 5:30 p.m., at the Diana Wortham Theatre. The 10th Annual Asheville Metro Economy Outlook, a presentation of the latest significant economic trends, will be offered by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County. Parsec Financial Management's Chief Economist, Dr. James F. Smith, and Tom Tveidt, Director of Research from the EDC, will provide insights and observations on the national and local economy. Thank you to presenting sponsor Parsec Financial Management, gold sponsors Pearsall Operating Company, Mountain Xpress, and Asheville Savings Bank, silver sponsor Asheville Radio Group, and bronze sponsors Diana Wortham Theatre and FASTSIGNS.

Biltmore Fitness Owner Available for Speaking Engagements

Need a speaker for your organization? Bill Bailey, former marine, certified fitness trainer and coach, and owner of Biltmore Fitness on Biltmore Avenue, can inspire your organization with the latest information on fitness and nutrition. For Asheville Chamber members, Biltmore Fitness offers discounts for a group of 5 or more and for individual proprietors – all join fees are waived. Call 828.253.5555 or BiltFit.com.

Jamison Financial Group Opens New Office in Downtown Asheville

Jamison Financial Group is excited to announce the opening of their new office in Capital Center at 82 Patton Avenue.  Jamison Financial Group provides investment advice, asset management and long-term strategic guidance in order to help clients to achieve their goals. Jamison’s almost thirty years of experience helps to evaluate their client’s entire financial situation and to discover threats to one’s financial health that may be unrelated to investments but could still wipe out years of prudent planning. For more information, contact Alan J. Rosenthal, Manager of Client Services, at 877.534.3700.