News
Sign Up For The Annual Walk For Life
It's time again for the annual Walk For Life presented by the McDowell Pregnancy Care Center! The 10th Annual Walk for Life will be Saturday, September 25, 2021 at its new location Grace Community Church, 5182 U.S. 70 West in the Pleasant Gardens community. Registration and shirt pick-up begins at 9:30 a.m. and the walk starts at 10 a.m. There will be a festive awards and recognition ceremony following the walk. Bring the family and support the important work this local nonprofit does in our
PPP Loan Forgiveness
Did you receive a Paycheck Protection Program loan? You may be eligible for loan forgiveness. Follow the four steps below.Contact your lender and complete the correct formCompile documentationSubmit the forgiveness form and documentation to your lenderCommunicate with your lender throughout the process Learn more
Adopt A Route
The McDowell County Senior Center is in desperate need for volunteers for our Home Delivered meals Program. Please consider Adopting-A-Route to deliver a difference to older adults. The Adopt-A-Route program provides an excellent way for companies and organizations to engage in the community by delivering a midday meal to homebound older adults in our community. If you are a business owner, manager, or a team leader for a church or social group, please consider the Adopt-A-Route program. If you are an
Chamber Launches UTV Raffle To Fund Local Scholarships
MARION, NC, JULY 7, 2021—The McDowell Chamber of Commerce is eager to offer a top-of-the-line UTV in its 2021 Bigfoot Raffle fundraiser. Ticket sales go to fund scholarships for the Chamber's Student LINC (Leadership, Involvement, Networking, and Community) program graduates and are $20 per ticket or $100 for 6 tickets. McDowell County's 67,000 acres of National Forest attracts Bigfoot hunters from around the country with the annual Bigfoot Festival drawing thousands of enthusiasts. After all, our natural
Old Fort Steers Its Resurgence Forward
Change is inevitable. In the last few years we've all seen plenty of change sweep through our communities. Getting ahead of that change and helping to steer it in a healthy and sustainable direction is what the people of Old Fort are doing. The town has been attractive to Asheville's overflow for some time now. Seeing the possibility for growth, jobs, and all the benefits that come along with that, a unique coalition has been working hand-in-hand to guide and influence this small towns resurgence.
Member Monday: Painter's Greenhouse
By Tina M. Wolfe To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow—Audrey Hepburn Growth requires patience and great intention; just ask Dana Owen, the owner, along with her parents Deenie and Brad Owen, of Painter’s Greenhouse in Old Fort. The size alone is enough to get any greenie excited. When I learned that the Owens work year round to start, sow, and grow more than 1,000 species and varieties of plants covering more than 100K square feet of space, my respect for their knowledge, perseverance, and
McDowell Chamber Presents $4,000 In Scholarships Awards
McDowell Chamber Executive Director Kim Effler was proud to present $4,000 in scholarships to two deserving McDowell County students as part of the organization's Student LINC leadership program on June 6, 2021. Recipients included Raul Lopez Torres who will be attending North Carolina State University's College of Design in the fall and Thomas Moomaw who will be pursuing a degree in Cyber Security at UNC Chapel Hill. Torres was awarded $3,000 toward his educational dream of attaining a degree in
Business Resources You Need Now
SBA and Public Private Strategies Institute are hosting several webinars from June to August to help you get your business back on track. Hear about what steps you can take now to learn and take advantage of new and existing programs that are available at the SBAGet an update regarding programs and recent policy announcements made by the Biden-Harris AdministrationHave your questions answered by SBA Leadership and small business expertsLearn how you can become a vaccine leader in your communityDiscover
6,000 H2B Visas Available for Honduras, El Salvado, and Guatemala
6,000 H-2B Visas Available for Honduras, El Salvador and GuatemalaOn May 25, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a temporary final rule making available an additional 22,000 H-2B temporary nonagricultural guest worker visas for fiscal year 2021 to employers who are likely to suffer irreparable harm without these additional workers.While 16,000 of the additional visas are limited to returning workers, 6,000 visas have been reserved for nationals of the Northern Triangle countries (Honduras, El
Small Business Tax Credit Programs
The American Rescue Plan extends a number of critical tax benefits, particularly the Employee Retention Credit and Paid Leave Credit, to small businesses. The Employee Retention Credit The America Rescue Plan extends the availability of the Employee Retention Credit for small Businesses through December 2021 and allows businesses to offset their current payroll tax liabilities by up to $7,000 per employee per quarter. This credit of up to $28,000 per employee for 2021 is available to small businesses who
Rejuvenation Destination Ribbon Cutting
On Tuesday, May 27th, folks gathered at Rejuvenation Destination on West Henderson St. in Marion to celebrate Samantha Keith’s business with a ribbon cutting. Rejuvenation Destination offers a variety of services including therapeutic massage, hot or cold stone massage, couples massage, and more. Owner Samantha Keith is proud to offer various massage options for customers. Located at 139 West Henderson Street, Rejuvenation Destination is a one-stop shop for relaxation and self-care. Samantha’s staff
Johnson Price Sprinkle (JPS) Named One of 2021 Best Employers in N.C
Marion, NC -Johnson Price Sprinkle (JPS) has been named one of 2021 Best Employers in North Carolina. The newly published list honors businesses throughout the state identified through a two-part selection process created by Business North Carolina and Best Companies Group. JPS was one of two businesses selected from Western North Carolina in the small employer category (15-49 employees). In this category, the firm ranked ninth of the fifteen statewide businesses identified. A total of 56 companies were
New Substance Abuse Clinic Opens in Marion
On Tuesday, May 18, community leaders gathered at Marion’s newest group therapy and substance abuse clinic for a ribbon cutting. Today and Tomorrow: PHP (People Helping People) works to help people through individual counseling, group therapy, substance abuse intensive outpatient programs, marriage and family counseling, and much more. Community leaders present at the ribbon cutting included Mayor Steve Little, McDowell Chamber Executive Director Kim Effler, Marketing and Communications Director for
Chamber Meets Representative Dudley Greene on Staffing Issues
May 28, 2021, McDowell, NC—The McDowell Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Kim Effler and staff met with North Carolina Representative Dudley Greene to discuss the issue of staffing on behalf of its members on Friday, May 28, 2021. "After hearing from many of our members who expressed concern regarding staffing issues in their businesses, we conducted a survey to get some hard data from which to work," said Effler. Ten out of the 24 respondents said they were experiencing above average problems not
Fire and Ice Shines Brightly
By Tina M. Wolfe It was the summer of 1976 in a typical American town of Pennsylvania. Young Frank Nederostek, the only child of hard-working, first-generation Americans, had a decision to make. Like every other graduating senior in history, he needed to figure out what he was going to do after school. His father, taking his parental duties to heart, took young Frank with him to the cement mill where he had spent his entire career. “I’ll never forget those days,” recalls Frank, owner of Fire and Ice
New Medical Clinic Opens in Marion
On Tuesday, May 4, community members, local officials, and patients of Dr. Kelli Banner gathered at Marion Medical Clinic for a ribbon cutting. Located at 6 E. Medical Ct., Suite 1, in Marion, this new clinic has been a labor of love for Dr. Banner. Kelli Banner has been a nurse practitioner since 2015 and worked with Family Care for 3 years, most recently in Old Fort. Dr. Banner made the decision to move to Marion’s medical park after finding office space in Marion, rather than Old Fort as she had
SBA Receives 186,200 RRF Applications
The SBA began accepting applications for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) on Monday, May 3. In the first two days of the RRF application window, the SBA has received: 186,200 applications from restaurants, bars, and other eligible businesses in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and five U.S. Territories. 97,600 applications of which came from restaurants, bars, and other eligible businesses owned and controlled by women (46,400), veterans (4,200), socially and economically disadvantaged individuals
Outdoor Businesses Return With A Vengeance in First Quarter; Is Your Business Ready for Growth?
"A year after the pandemic decimated their top and bottom lines, publicly traded outdoor companies are posting blowout quarters to begin 2021," a recent report from the Outdoor Industry Association reports. This is great news for McDowell County as we move forward with investing and enhancing our own outdoor economy including the Fonta Flora State Trail and Old Fort G5 Trail Collective. According to the reports, most companies saw revenue gains in the double digits and are experiencing favorable comps for
Restaurant Relief Fund Opens Application Process
Release Date: April 27, 2021 Contact: Press_Office@sba.gov www.sba.govRelease Number: 21-33 Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Blogs& Instagram SBA Administrator Guzman Announces Application Opening for $28.6 Billion Restaurant Revitalization FundFund prioritizes direct relief to women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, and includes $9.5 billion in set-asides for smaller businesses WASHINGTON - SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman today
Member Monday: Switzerland Inn
The Lure Of The Mountain Retreat by: Tina M. Wolfe The relentless rain had thankfully taken a break, giving way to glorious sunshine as I made my way up the mountain to Switzerland Inn. I was excited to visit this treasured community icon that has been hosting summer travelers for 110 years. Cresting the top of U.S Highway 221, I rolled down the windows as I turned onto the Blue Ridge Parkway soaking in the cool breeze and relaxing sounds of nature. It’s no wonder this haven in the Appalachians
Babe's Floral Design - Ribbon Cutting
On Tuesday, April 6, Babe’s Floral Design celebrated their opening in Old Fort with a ribbon cutting. Owners Lynn Lewis and Sunny Lorber were surrounded by friends, family, local officials, Chamber staff, business owners, and familiar faces in Old Fort. Lynn Lewis transformed the garage of her family home into a flower shop. The home has been a part of her family since the 1940s, and she was excited to bring a flower shop to Old Fort. One unique aspect of Babe’s Floral Design is their tuxedo rental,
American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Upon President Biden signing the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 into law, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Senior Advisor Michael Roth stated: “The American Rescue Plan Act enables the SBA to continue to lift up the cornerstones of our communities; the mom-and-pop businesses and nonprofits that provide essential services for our everyday lives, hire from within neighborhoods, and more. Our nation’s more than 30 million small businesses are the economic engine of
U.S. Congressman Madison Cawthorn Joins Local Broadband Discussion
Monday, March 29, 2019, McDowell County, NC—Rep. Madison Cawthorn (NC-11) joined a panel of McDowell County officials and Rep. Dudley Greene (NC-85) on McDowell Matters Podcast Monday, March 29, 2021 to address rural broadband and learn what McDowell County is doing to advance access for all.Rep. Cawthorn (NC-11), who prioritized broadband access for North Carolina during his campaign, heard from Connect McDowell board member Keith Buchanan, McDowell County Commissioner Brenda Vaughn, and Rep. Dudley
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper Eases Capacity and Operating Restrictions Across the State
Governor Cooper announced that North Carolina will relax some COVID-19 restrictions. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper signed Executive Order No. 204 that will take effect March 26 at 5 pm and is set to expire April 30 at 5 pm. The Executive Order (No. 204) will increase the number of people who may gather indoors from 25 to 50 people and the number of people gathered outdoors from 50 to 100. The Order also fully lifts the restriction on the late-night sale and service of alcoholic beverages on bars,
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McDowell Strong Awards
As the word normal morphed into new meanings for all of us across the nation in 2020, McDowell businesses and residents rose to the challenge. When Zoom no longer meant a fast car, residents, businesses, schools, and organizations shifted gears adapting to rapid-fire changes in order to keep McDowell County strong, healthy, and resilient. The McDowell Chamber of Commerce dedicated its traditional Annual Banquet to honor those in our community that exhibited strength, fortitude, acuity, compassion, and
T-Shirt Tuesday Member Promotion A Smash Hit
As way to help promote our members, Member Engagement specialist Emma Mathews created T-Shirt Tuesday. This simple, but incredibly effective promotion is getting businesses noticed and talking. Posts like the one here reached more than 1.7K viewers, was shared more than 10 times and more thank 242 people liked, loved, or commented. The concept is simple, we wear your company's branded T-shirt on Tuesdays and as we go about our day, we visit other businesses, grocery stores, tire stores, restaurants, etc.
McDowell Matters Podcast to Feature Cawthorn, Greene on Rural Broadband Issues
Much has been written on the great Digital Divide, but what exactly is it? In my upcoming podcast on McDowell Matters, we'll dive into what it means, how it hurts rural communities, and what's being done to bridge the access gap. Joining me for the conversation will be Rep. Dudley Greene-R, Rep. Madison Cawthorn-R, McDowell County commissioners Patrick Ellis and Brenda Vaughn, and Connect McDowell board member Keith Buchanan. The broadband episode will air on April 1, 2021, a day Buchanan is looking to get
McDowell Now Vaccinating Group 3
Which Vaccine Does McDowell County Have?We currently have Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines available. The Johnson & Johnson is a single dose vaccine. Moderna requires a booster 28 days after the first vaccine. Vaccine supply changes every week, and we cannot guarantee which vaccine types we will have on hand. That information will be given when you call in to book an appointment. How do I schedule my appointment?If you are a Group 3 Essential Worker you may call the McDowell County
Small, Self-Employed Businesses Benefit from New SBA PPP Rules
Small Self-Employed Businesses Benefit from New SBA PPP RulesThe Small Business Administration (SBA) recently made an announcement on Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans which could allow small, self-employed businesses to benefit significantly more than under the former rules. On March 3, 2021, the SBA published a 32-page interim final rule (IFR) titled “Business Loan Program Temporary Changes; Paycheck Protection Program – Revisions to Loan Amount Calculation and Eligibility” providing changes for PPP
Free Books on Retirement Planning and Distribution
Retirement has changed as should the way you save. In my over 28 years of experience helping people plan for and implement retirement planning strategies, I have seen my fair share of changes. With the current, almost 28 trillion debt and the looming tax increase in 2026 rethinking how you save for retirement and how you take distributions from your retirement plans is critical to your retirement success. To help, I have two books that can help you both written by financial leader and author Martin H. Ruby,
MHM Awarded Best Place To Have A Baby!
Mission Hospital McDowell has been recognized for the second year in a row by Newsweek as a 2021 Best Maternity Hospital. The designation said hospital CEO Carol Wolfenbarger, " ... is a testimony to the continued compassionate and expert care that our obstetric and pediatric providers deliver consistently to our patients partnered with the excellence in nursing care provided by our Birth Center team." Nancy Cooper, editor of Newsweek, notes that “this designation means your maternity care program is
Member Monday-Transworld Systems, Inc
Arthur Parks, Transworld Systems, Inc. By Tina M. Wolfe What makes a successful man? Is it his magnetic demeanor pulling energy from the room as he enters? Is it his noble character, or quiet demeanor that makes others spill out their troubles to a trustworthy soul? While greatness can mean many things to many people, we all seem to recognize magnanimity. In a recent sit-down with Marion native and business leader Arthur Parks, I couldn’t help but notice a unique character combination that played out
PPP Reminder from the SBA
Friendly reminder! The SBA has re-opened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan portal to all participating PPP lenders. PPP provides loans to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. SBA is currently offering: First Draw PPP loans- for those borrowers who have not received a PPP loan before August 8, 2020. Second Draw PPP loans- for eligible small businesses with 300 employees or less and that previously received a First Draw PPP loan. These borrowers
Member Monday: Robertson Packaging Supply, Inc.
By Tina M. Wolfe Keeping a business running smoothly requires consistent attention to every aspect of that business. From the meticulous care of financial budgets and margins to the personal attention and service to customers, business owners are multi-talented, ambitious, and assiduous creators and problem-solvers. Actualizing success becomes a bit easier when you have a dream team with equal but opposite skill sets working together. Brandon and Sarah Whitson are the personal and professional partners
Get COVID Funding Updates with SBA Speakers
Tomorrow - Thursday, January 21st 9:00am - 10:00a.m. SBA and the SBTDC COVID-19 Business Recovery and Resiliency Program will provide a general overview of the PPP related to provisions in the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act (the Economic Aid Act) from the US SBA - NC District Office. Agenda:Where We Are / Key DatesFirst Draw PPP LoansSecond Draw PPP LoansForgiveness UpdatesWhat to do Now / Additional Resources Speakers include SBA Acting District Director Michael
National Funding Sources for Small Business
NEW SBA RESOURCE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC! SBA has curated list of thousands of funding sources at the national, state, regional, and local levels designed to support small businesses in accessing capital to recover from COVID-19. The opening page captures programs that are available nationally. Visitors then only need to enter a ZIP code of interest to see which programs their area may be eligible. The information is current as of the date of publication, so resource availability may change over time. You
Goodwill Receives Largest Investment in its 94-Year History
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 18, 2020 Goodwill® Receives Largest Investment in Its 94-Year History to Help Americans Get Back to Work (Winston-Salem, NC) – Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina, Inc. announced a $10 million donation from author and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott – the largest donation received in the organization’s 94-year history. With 10.7 million Americans unemployed and in urgent need of work, this investment will enable Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina to
Chamber Launches Podcast to Promote Members
RELEASE DATE: December 29, 2020 The McDowell County Chamber has launched its own podcast, adding another venue in which to promote its members and expand their reach. McDowell Matters Podcast launched in coordination with local business owner Onee Pressley of Pressley Made in December to highlight 10 magnanimous women entrepreneurs with Women to the Power of 10. In partnership with AuMedia, LLC the Chamber produced 5 episodes in a one-day session at Pressley Made. We wanted to create a way to share the
New Tools for Women Business Owners
Please join SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza on thursday, January 7 at 1 p.m. for the ground-breaking launch of Ascent, the online digital learning platform for women small business owners. Ascent is the first-of-its-kind online resource specifically designed to help the nearly 10 million American women entrepreneurs grow and scale their small business. This virtual event will include discussion panels with real women entrepreneurs, success stories leaders, and a take a look into how the Ascent platform
What's In The Covid Relief Bill For Businesses?
December 23, 2020 Information current as of Wednesday, December 23, 2020 - 9:00 a.m.Congress reaches deal on COVID-19 relief and FY21 funds Congress has additional COVID-19 relief and appropriated Fiscal Year 2021 spending levels. This $2.3 trillion package, including $900 billion in coronavirus relief funds and $1.4 trillion to fund the government for FY21, has been negotiated over the past several months, and addresses many key areas: Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Reopening of the program upon
The Healing Power of Science and Nature
SUWS of the Carolinas Old Fort, North Carolina BY TINA M. WOLFE On any given day, deep in the pith of the Pisgah National Forest in Old Fort, new stories are unfolding. Stories of discovery and healing. Stories set not to the world’s crash-and-burn pace but rather nature’s gentle rhythm. Each year, SUWS of the Carolinas welcomes in a cadre of angst-ridden, emotionally overwhelmed, and sometimes angry youth. Adolescents are struggling to keep pace mentally and emotionally with the
Nine to Know
The fear of running out of money in retirement is listed as the greatest concern in retirement. It is easy to understand as the variables are many. Inflation, taxes, the solvency of Social Security, and the fluctuation of the stock market. Having a plan is critical to your success. Most people have a portfolio of investments, but what I want to help with is a plan that helps you understand how to best minimize the risks of each of the listed above. I have a new program that gives you a benchmark of where
Member Monday-Marion Pharmacy
Threaded through the fabric of America’s Main Streets are the hearts and dreams of families much like the Marion Pharmacy Family. Opened in April of 1962 by pharmacist Bill Howle, this mountain cornerstone of American tenacity and ingenuity has been caring for the health and well-being of generations of McDowell residents for 58 years. Bill, who passed in April of 2010, set the standard of care and service that continues today. He invested as much in the relationships with customers as he did in
A Family Legacy Continues
Mountain Stream RV ParkBy Tina M. WolfeDEEP ROOTS What is it about a place that gives us a sense of belonging? Is it because we were born there? Is it because we hold deep ancestral roots or even that its beauty and sense of simplicity speaks to our nature? For Jim Gibson and his family, it’s all of the above. Although born in Charlotte, Gibson can trace his McDowell roots back three generations. He along with his sons-in-law Tyler Mace and Austin Brooks purchased the Mountain Stream RV Park in December
Old Fort Chamber Merges with McDowell Chamber
In July of 2020, the Old Fort Chamber of Commerce officially merged with the McDowell Chamber of Commerce creating a united effort to support and promote the businesses all across the county. "Prior to the merger, the McDowell Chamber respected the jurisdiction of the Old Fort Chamber, while still serving our members there," said incoming Executive Director Kim Effler. "We are now better positioned to address the business needs of the whole county." Effler previously served as the volunteer director for
Mission Hospital McDowell's Maternity Ward Recognized Nationally
Mission Hospital McDowell was recently named to Newsweek’s 2020 list of Best Maternity Care Hospitals. The distinction recognizes facilities that have excelled in providing care to mothers, newborns and their families. “This is recognition is a testament to all of the outstanding caregivers and staff at Mission Hospital McDowell. I am truly grateful for our amazing Maternity Services team and the excellent care they provide for the communities we serve,” said Carol Wolfenbarger, CEO of Mission Hospital
Chamber Announces Leadership Change
Immediate Release Contact: Carol Wolfenbarger Phone: 828.652.4240 (Marion, NC) The McDowell Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has announced that Kimberly Effler will be succeeding Steve Bush as the organization’s next executive director, effective October 1, 2020. Steve Bush, who has served the McDowell County Chamber of Commerce since 2013 expressed a desire to transition from this leadership role in
Member Monday: Lake James Antique Mall
HOSPITALITY AMONG TREASURED FINDS AT ANTIQUE MALL By Tina M. Wolfe AUGUST 2020Amid rapid-fire change and anxiety-inducing unknowns, there is something oddly comforting meandering through the aisles of Dixie Matthew's 30K-square-foot Lake James Antique Mall, located just off I-40 at exit 90. Set up in individually designed booths, 38 passionate vendors artfully display their antiques and vintage collectables. Each booth invites guests on a wistful trek through yesteryear to the comforts and smells of
MEMBER MONDAY-THE SCIENCE OF NATURE
By Tina M. Wolfe The Science of Nature In an unassuming building on U.S. Hwy. 221 N there have occurred what some call miracles. People that have entered its doors have been transformed and have become true believers. This, however, isn’t a religious organization. No, in fact, the business, Earth Heart, is all about the Science of Nature! Co-owners Debra Richardson and Cindy Conner are trained and educated in the science of natural and herbal remedies, alternative health products, and nature’s
Member Monday: VOD Tactical
VOD TACTICAL—FRANK & RHONDA SEAMAN Tucked away in the time-worn mountains of the Blue Ridge range sits a plot of land that holds the hearts and history of Frank Seaman and his wife Rhonda. Named Manoah, the 134-acre farm stretches across the foothills of Old Fort and is home to their business, Virtue Of Defense Tactical or VOD Tactical, a not-so-typical firing range. The land has had many incarnations and has been in Rhonda’s family dating back to the original land grants from King George III. Its name
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