Business Buzz: 9/14/23

September 14, 2023

Award:

  • AdventHealth Hendersonville has announced their newest DAISY Award winner. Matthew Young, BSN, RN works in the Medical/Surgical Unit at AdventHealth Hendersonville. Matt is committed to providing his patients with compassionate care during their stay in the Medical/Surgical Unit at AdventHealth. One of his recent patients was very impressed with his reassuring medical knowledge and calm demeanor. In her nomination, she shared that Matt communicated the plan for pain management and listened to her questions and concerns. He stands out in her memory for his confidence and compassion. Read more.

Community:

  • Local diaper bank Babies Need Bottoms is working to make a difference for families across WNC by providing diaper assistance programs. As part of National Diaper Need Awareness Week, September 18-24, 2023, Babies Need Bottoms is collecting donations with the goal of distributing 50,000 diapers to local families this month. Diaper banks, like Babies Need Bottoms, are a grassroots response to help local families meet this basic need for our youngest community members. And there are easy ways to help end diaper need – making a donation – whether it’s making a financial gift, or dropping off a pack of diapers or wipes, or volunteering time are all ways of making a difference. To learn more or to donate, visit babiesneedbottoms.org.

Happenings:

  • Asheville Outlets is hosting the First Annual Super 12 Volt Rally sponsored by The Super SignGuy, on Saturday, September 16, 2023, with races beginning at 12:30 p.m. The day features a rally, races, prizes, food, and more. The family-focused event benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC; there is no charge for families, spectators, or participants. Youths from three to twelve years of age are encouraged to participate and can bring their own vehicle or use one provided. Learn more!
  • Carolina Real Estate Investors Association (CREIA) is hosting a Career Expo on Tuesday, September 19 at Highland Brewing Company from 5:30 – 8:30 PM. Free to attend! Check out the poster here.
  • Firefly Realty is hosting a business partners event at Sweeten Creek Brewing on Thursday, Sept. 20, at 5:30 p.m. This will be a gathering of professionals who serve our clients before, during, and/or after real estate transactions in some capacity – from house cleaners and home inspectors, to lenders and attorneys, to our business partners who photograph homes and provide client appreciation gifts. You’ll be able to network with other folks in our world, and have a chance to win one of their raffle prizes. Business cards are encouraged! Click here to RSVP.
  • The Carolina Cyber Center is hosting two upcoming events: On September 21,  Cyber Awareness & Networking Reception from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at their AVL Campus. Open to all, this evening of networking includes a discussion of cyber risk and the community-wide significance of secure practices. Join like-minded professionals, enjoy refreshments, and empower your business. Free to attend. Register here. The following day on September 22, they will host RETR3AT Cybersecurity Conference from  9:00 AM – 2:30 PM at  Montreat College. Students, educators, and tech practitioners can elevate their cybersecurity knowledge at the 9th annual RETR3AT Cybersecurity Conference. It’s not only about “1s and 0s” – it’s about ethical leadership in safeguarding information. Engage, learn, and make connections. Register now.
  • On October 1, the Asheville Symphony will delight Star Wars fans at the outdoor stage at Salvage Station with a pops concert, “Star Wars: Celebrating a Galaxy of Music.” Presented in conjunction with Beer City Comic Con, this show is set to be a delight for Star Wars fans, featuring everything from classics like “The Imperial March,” “Duel of the Fates” and “Cantina” to Williams’ latest editions to the Star Wars universe like “Rey’s Theme,” “The Mandalorian Theme,” and more. Costumes are encouraged! There are various ticketing options for “Star Wars: Celebrating a Galaxy of Music” including a VIP section with seats and private bar access, a bring-your-own-seat section, and a standing room section. Discounted family-four-packs are available.. Tickets can be purchased online at ashevillesymphony.org.

Hire:

  • Explore Asheville, the official destination marketing and management organization for Asheville and Buncombe County, announced Dodie Stephens as its next head of marketing effective October 2. Stephens, who spent more than 15 years with Explore Asheville, will return to the organization as Vice President of Marketing, after stepping away to be Vice President of Marketing at Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks REALTORS ® for the last year and a half. Dodie will lead a talented team of 15, including marketing, public relations, and content divisions at Explore Asheville. High points across Stephens’s 15 years with Explore Asheville (eight as the director of communications) include working with the community to launch Asheville as a national hub for culinary craft and a top destination for music-minded travelers. During her tenure, award-winning and business generating initiatives earned national headlines and honors from the U.S. Travel Association, Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International and others. She is known as an industry leader locally and nationally, serving as a founding board member of Chow Chow Food + Culture Festival and as board chair for the Travel & Tourism Section of the Public Relations Society of America. Read more.
  • Following a nationwide search for Buncombe County’s next finance director, we’re excited to announce Melissa Moore will permanently fill the position. From the pool, the County looked to Texas to find the right fit.  Melissa’s most recent stint was as the Finance Director of Pflugerville, Texas, and she brings more than 20 years of fiscal experience along with her. Noting she was extremely attracted to this opening, Melisssa is excited to be heading to Buncombe County. “This represents an opportunity to relocate to the East Coast, grow my career by serving in a larger organization, and join a brilliant leadership team.  Having a seat at the table with leadership that has demonstrated perseverance, integrity, and service is a very exciting place to be,” she exclaims. Read more.
  • AdventHealth welcomes Sarah Ducker, MSN, FNP-C, AOCNP to its team of providers at AdventHealth Cancer Services Haywood. Ducker is board-certified as both an Advanced Oncology Nurse Practitioner and a Family Nurse Practitioner. She is passionate about providing quality care and developing meaningful relationships with patients. Ducker earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN. She went on to earn her Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner from The University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN. She continued on to receive a Post-Graduate Certificate with a concentration in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner from Emory University in Atlanta, GA. Read more.