IFB Solutions, the country’s largest employer of people who are blind or visually impaired, recently received a $20,000 grant from The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina for job training in its Asheville facility. The grant, which came from the foundation’s Human Services Grant Program, is being used to support a paid training program for people with visual impairments, which includes training in sewing, orientation, mobility, the use of assistive technology, and independent living skills. Learn more here.
Happenings:
College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk & Moving is teaming up with ABCCM, Carolina Furniture Concepts, WLOS, First Citizens Bank, Home Trust Bank, and Champion Credit Union to assist with the “Safe & Warm” Blanket Drive from January 26 through February 25, 2022. Participating locations are taking donations for new and gently used blankets and coats for residents in need. The Safe & Warm Campaign also raises funds to provide heating assistance for households in Buncombe County. This year, donations as needed more than ever as heating costs have increased. Please visit abccm.org/safeandwarm for an updated list of locations and to make a monetary donation.
Harvey, the Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy by Mary Chase, is scheduled for three Readers Theatre Showcase performances by The Autumn Players of Asheville Community Theatre (ACT): Friday and Saturday February 11 and 12, 2022 at 2:30 pm on the Mainstage at ACT and Sunday, February 13, 2022 at 2:30 pm at UNC Asheville’s Reuter Center. All tickets are $8.00 and are available online atwww.ashevilletheatre.org, by phone at 828-254-1320 or in person at the Asheville Community Theatre box office through Friday, February 11. Any remaining tickets will be sold by cash only at the door beginning at 2:00 pm prior to each performance.
In April, the NC Restaurant & Lodging Association will be hostingStars of the Industry, a gala celebrating the hospitality employees who have shined during a pandemic, labor shortages and supply issues. Nominations are open now! For a full list of award categories and to nominate a star, click here. Deadline to apply is Feb. 18.
The WNC Minority Business Association is having its inaugural WNC Black Business Expo – a networking and learning event focusing on minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. Scheduled for April 8-10, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel & Resort in Asheville, NC. The three-day event is expected to attract upwards of 1,000 attendees from across the region, with an overarching theme of “Inspiring and Motivating the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs.” The event will feature visionary guest speakers, educational workshops, panel discussions, networking sessions, a trade show, and food and entertainment. A high-profile keynote speaker is expected to be announced in the next few weeks. A website is forthcoming. Buy tickets here.
Hire:
Dogwood Health Trust has named Susan Mims, MD, MPH as its next CEO. Mims has held the role of Interim CEO since December 2020 and will assume the permanent post immediately. A public health expert and respected leader throughout the region, Mims has over 20 years of experience in clinical and healthcare leadership. Just prior to stepping into the Interim CEO role at Dogwood, she served as Chair of the Department of Community and Public Health at UNC Health Sciences at MAHEC. Her prior experience included serving as Vice President for Children’s Services and Clinical Genetics and Personalized Medicine at Mission Health, Chief of Pediatrics for Mission Children’s Hospital, and Vice Chief of Staff for Mission Hospital. Mims also led Mission Children’s Hospital as chief executive for more than a decade. Arriving in Western North Carolina in 2000, Mims served as the medical director at the Buncombe County Health Department and before coming to WNC, worked as a physician in a private practice in Durham, NC. Learn more here.
Promotion:
One Health Direct Primary Care is a minority and female owned family practice clinic located in Souht Asheville that specializes in providing affordable and easily accessible primary care services to patients of all ages. We are a membership-based clinic that caters to all patients whether insured and looking for easy access to your doctor, uninsured, have a high deductible insurance plan or small business owners looking for healthcare options for their employees. We have an in-office pharmacy for generic medications as well as access to discounted lab prices to help address your healthcare costs. Visit our website at www.onehealthdpc.com to learn more.