News

Seven Steps to Recession-Proof Your Small Business

Blame Covid-19: the US officially entered a recession in February. I suspect that’s not news to you and your small business, as small businesses have been on the front line of this downturn, struggling to survive. In fact, since the shut-down, it’s estimated that over 100,000 small businesses have closed their doors for good. I don’t want you to be one of them, so here are ways to help "recession-proof" your small business.1.Get the word out to "shop small, shop local." In response to Covid, customers want

Our PPE Story

Grateful to Help Kitsbow was invited to Washington DC to testify in Congress on the issues of small businesses struggling to survive in the Pandemic. The House Committee on Small Business is considering policy to help small businesses and help the country be better prepared for pandemics. Our CEO David Billstrom testified on the lessons Kitsbow learned in the last 100 days making PPE, and a bit about how we did it. David stated that, "The opportunity to testify in Congress was quite meaningful to those of

Updates for Women-Owned Small Businesses

Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contracting programThe federal government's goal is to award at least five percent of all federal contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses each year.    Upcoming WOSB and EDWOSB certification improvementsStarting on July 15, 2020, the certification process for Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs) and Economically Disadvantaged WOSBs (EDWOSBs) will begin to change as SBA implements Congress’ changes to the Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contracting Program

Helping America’s Entrepreneurs Get Back to Business

Now more than ever before, Americans are turning to online learning. The trend is especially true as small businesses begin to reopen after states lift Coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions in the weeks and months ahead. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers free online courses that can help to guide you as you get back to business. Our online courses, housed in the SBA Learning Center, are tailored to specific subject areas and business stages. You can also supplement the knowledge you gain

New Coffee Shop Opens in Old Fort

On Monday, June 15, 2020, one of Old Fort’s newest businesses drew an intimate crowd of supporters to celebrate a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the McDowell Chamber of Commerce. The Mill Creek Mug, located in the former Parker Hosiery building, is a much desired addition to the Town of Old Fort. “We are excited to provide a hometown coffee shop,” said owner Amy Parker, who expressed gratitude to the entire group in attendance.  Local dignitaries and community supporters were on hand to express their

Revised Loan Forgiveness Application & Guidance

Last week, the SBA released a revised PPP loan forgiveness application and a new EZ application as well as provided further guidance on employee and owner compensation calculations in the PPP Flexibility Act.  Both applications allow borrowers who were assigned a loan number by the SBA on or before June 5th to choose between an 8-week or 24-week expenditure time frame to qualify for loan forgiveness. Those assigned a loan number after June 5th must use a 24-week period. EZ PPP Loan Forgiveness

Help Remains For Small Businesses

Now is the time to take action for your small business. Deadlines are nearing and opportunities will come to a close for funding to assist in recovery efforts. The time is now to take action. Consider the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL) for your recovery efforts. Please note that PPP will close on June 30th. The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance application portal is now open to all eligible small businesses, non-profits, and

Duke Energy rolls out ‘Hire North Carolina’ Program for Major Construction Projects

Media Contact: Meredith Archie 24-hour: 800.559.3853 June 15, 2020   Duke Energy rolls out ‘Hire North Carolina’ program for major construction projects       ▪ Innovative program to promote economic development and job growth    ▪ North Carolina-based and minority-owned contractors and subcontractors encouraged to join listCHARLOTTE, N.C. – In an effort to promote economic development and support North Carolina communities, Duke Energy is implementing the new program – ‘Hire North Carolina’ – to

News Release: 6/16/2020

Recently I received a copy of a Wall Street Journal article from July 27th, 2005 titled“The Secret to a happier retirement. Friends Neighbors and a Fixed Annuity”. The funny part of this is I actually remember this article. At the time I was managing money and it did not fit my world view of retirement. Like many others, I have rethought what is important in retirement. Maybe it is because I am now 15 years older and closer myself to retirement or perhaps it is the perspective that working with people for

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

Can You Invest for Retirement and Education?

Typically, this time of year is filled with graduation ceremonies and celebrations. But with the coronavirus pandemic, not much has been typical lately. Eventually, though, things will return to normal and schools will reopen for in-person learning. And if you have young children, you may want to save for their higher education, whether that be college or trade school. At the same time, though, you’re moving ever closer to retirement. Can you save for your kids’ education and a comfortable retirement for

Free Help For Local Small Businesses

Opportunity for Free One-on-One Small Business Counseling Are you struggling with marketing, cash flow, personnel or employee training? The McDowell Tech Small Business Center (SBC) can provide FREE assistance to you. Call SBC to reserve a time for your business consultation. This is available for a limited time only.Click Here for More Info! Frank Silver Director of Small Business Center McDowell Technical Community College 828-652-0634

Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act

Joint Statement by SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza and U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin Regarding Enactment of the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza and U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin issued the following statement today following the enactment of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Flexibility Act: “We want to thank President Trump for his leadership and commend Leader McConnell, Leader Schumer, Speaker Pelosi, and Leader McCarthy for

PPP Amendment Details

May 28, 2020, the House of Representatives near-unanimously (417-1) passed HR 7010, the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act. It is uncertain if the Senate will pass these measures, though there are clear indications of bipartisan support to relax the current terms of the PPP loan program. Here are the key changes proposed in this bill: Extend the loan application deadline from June 30 to December 31, 2020.For new loans, the minimum loan term would be 5 years instead of the current 2-year term. For

House Passes Bill Amending PPP Program

May 28, 2020, the House of Representatives near-unanimously (417-1) passed HR 7010, the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act. It is uncertain if the Senate will pass these measures, though there are clear indications of bipartisan support to relax the current terms of the PPP loan program. Here are the key changes proposed in this bill: Extend the loan application deadline from June 30 to December 31, 2020.For new loans, the minimum loan term would be 5 years instead of the current 2-year term. For

The Ultimate Camp Guide To Reopen Safely

MAY 21, 2020--The American Camp Association (ACA) and the YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) announce the release of Camp Operations Guide--Summer 2020, a groundbreaking educational resource developed to support day and overnight summer camp operations this summer.CA and Y-USA engaged Environmental Health & Engineering, Inc. (EH&E), a Boston-based consulting firm specializing in environmental health, to convene an independent expert panel of specialists to create this educational resource. The panel included support

SBA Releases Loan Forgiveness Application & Tools

SBA Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Application The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the U.S Department of the Treasury, released the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application and detailed instructions for the application.  The form and instructions inform borrowers how to apply for forgiveness of their PPP loans, consistent with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).  SBA will also soon issue regulations and guidance

Rural Forward Uncovers Additional Assistance For Struggling Businesses

Rural Forward North Carolina has been digging to find other funding and assistance options for our small businesses struggling to stay afloat. Aside from the federal assistance provided through the EIDL and PPP monies, RFNC has come up with this list that offers grants, free legal services, and more.  GRANT: NC Local News Lab Fund Grant. “General operating grants of up to $30,000 to 501c3 public charity non-profit entities that serve North Carolina residents and their rapidly evolving information needs.

SBA Webinar On PPP

SBA North Carolina District Paycheck Protection Program Webinar On Thursday, May 7, 2020, you are invited to join us for a webinar to discuss Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources as part of SBA’s response to the COVID-19 disaster. The webinar will focus on the Paycheck Protection Program and will review eligibility, the application process, loan use, current results, and more. PPP funds are still available so be sure to join the North Carolina District Office for this presentation with a question

Employer Group Health Insurance Ending - OPTIONS AVAILABLE

If you are not eligible for subsidies through the Healthcare.gov - Thrive Insurance Solutions has many options available to consider that is affordable. Contact us at 828.442.9681 or thriveinsolutions@gmail.com We are located at the "Creekside Wellness Center"  551 Burma Road West - Marion, NC

Virtual Food Drive Helps Those In Need

Help feed your neighbors in need!  When COVID-19 hit, everyone’s life was turned upside down, but for those who lost their jobs or the elderly who rely on their retirement funds to survive and the thousands of children who get fed at school, but only during the week, this became a fight for survival.  These are your neighbors in western North Carolina, many of whom are not that financially stable and this pandemic just pushed them over the edge with nothing to fall back on. Anything you can do to help us

Resumption of the Paycheck Protection Program

Resumption of the Paycheck Protection Program President Trump has signed legislation, passed by the U.S. Congress, that will provide an additional $484 billion in funding for various COVID-19 related programs.  Of the total, $310 billion will go to replenish the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) while $60 billion will replenish the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.  In order to ensure underserved communities are not overlooked, the legislation authorizes appropriations as follows: At least

NC Unemployment Insurance Information Update

April 27, 2020 MARION NC—The North Carolina Division of Employment Security is providing the following guidance to help people understand the impacts of the COVID-19 coronavirus on unemployment insurance benefits.  Before you file a claim …The fastest and most efficient way to apply for unemployment benefits is to create an online account and file online at des.nc.gov.  If you’re temporarily out of work or your working hours have been reduced due to COVID-19, choose ‘coronavirus’ as your reason for

Governor Extends Shelter In Place Order Details

Gov. Roy Cooper outlines plans for reopening, stay-at-home order continues through May 8  RALEIGH – Gov. Roy Cooper outlined his plans for a phased reopening of North Carolina on Thursday, which included an extension of the statewide stay-at-home order until May 8. “Through our analysis, its clear we are flattening the curve but our state is not ready to ease restrictions yet” said Cooper at the Emergency Operations Center.  The stay-at-home order includes continued closure of dine-in restaurants, bars,

Strength Training For Your Mental Health

While the majority of the world focuses on strengthing the physical and economic health of our country, its important to prioritize our mental health as well. Crises cause anxiety, disruption, and even fear as lives have been turned upside down during the COVID-19 epidemic.   There are two new hotlines that have been established to help North Carolinians manage the stress and anxiety of our situation. The Hope4NC Helpline (1-855-587-3463) connects North Carolinians to additional mental health and

How Do Payroll Tax Credits For COVID-19 Payments Work?

Payroll tax credits available for paid sick and family medical leave associated with the coronavirus pandemic have been addressed in a previous JPS article. Since then, the Department of Labor and the IRS has provided additional guidance. JPS has also had the opportunity to work with businesses that are making these payments to employees and provides the following guidelines to ensure credits are properly claimed. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) is one of three legislative packages

COVID-19 McDowell Cases Updated

The McDowell County Health Department has been notified that one additional McDowell County resident has tested positive for novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The initial investigation links these individual positive cases to contact with other known positive cases. Public health staff have already initiated an investigation and will be identifying close contacts to contain the spread of disease. To protect individual privacy, no further information about the case will be released. This brings the total number

CARES Act: Relief for Hospitals, Physician Practices & Other Providers

The CARES Act includes relief to physician practices who are suffering financial loss due to COVID-19 by designating funding for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law by President Trump on March 27, 2020. CARES Act provides relief to individuals, businesses, nonprofits and others affected by COVID-19. On April 10, 2020, HHS announced the immediate

North Carolina PPP Payouts by The Numbers

Paycheck Protection Program: NC Approved Loans and Dollars On April 3, 2020, SBA approved lenders were able to start processing loan applications under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).  The PPP is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. The SBA will forgive these loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. As of April 13, 2020, more than 1

Review & Compare Loan Options With Easy Chart

We've heard the concern: There is so much information! The CARES Act is more than 800 pages long and it seems that new information comes out on loan assistance programs daily. It can be overwhelming when you are trying to decide what options are best suited to your business model.  We found this helpful guide that compares the different relief loans available to businesses during this COVID-19 crisis. Paychex, a payroll and human resource company, has put out a handy tool that presents all the options and

Employment Holdups--What's Going On

April 27, 2020--UPDATE: In an interview with the United States Labor Department Division Chief, Legislation of the Office of Unemployment Insurance Michelle Beebe said that her office is working closing with and monitoring the states efforts to handle the load of applications to ensure accurate processing. She also recommended for people that have been laid off due to COVID-19  to apply online multiple times. Once approved you should receive a Guide to Unemployment either electronically or by mail. Even if

Mountain Bizworks and Dogwood Trust Open Funding for Minority-owned Businesses in the Region

Asheville (April 8, 2020) – Mountain BizWorks, working with Dogwood Health Trust, announced today a targeted effort to provide increased access to the highly anticipated Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)  for nonprofits and small businesses in the region, with a focus on rural and minority and women-led organizations. The PPP was created to provide loans to organizations impacted by COVID-19 and are forgivable if they are used to cover payroll, mortgage, rent, and utility

Things Every Business Owner Needs To Do During This Crisis

What Businesses Can Do While We Wait On Financial HelpREAD MY STORY OF FINDING OPPORTUNITY IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAGEDY Instill Confidence In Your Staff And Customers--Take clear actions to reassure your staff and your customers that their health and safety are paramount concerns. Make sure people entering or interacting with your business have access to hand sanitizer, avoid handshakes and save the hugs for later. Allow staff to work remotely and provide the proper safety tools in the workplace. Educate Your

SBA Clarifies Eligibility For Faith-Based Organizations

On April 4, 2020, SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza announced SBA issued guidance clarifying all faith-based organizations impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19) are eligible to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, without restrictions based on their religious identity or activities, to the extent they meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the CARES Act that was passed by Congress, signed into law by President Trump, and implemented by the Paycheck

McDowell County Emergency Management Releases Online Screening Tool

McDowell County Emergency Services, working with the Gateway Foundation and Dogwood Health Trust have partnered to launch an online COVID-19 screening tool McDowell.ClearStep.Health (found at https://mcdowell.clearstep.health) for use in stopping the spread of the coronavirus in McDowell County. McDowell County Emergency Services deployed the new tool on April 2, with a goal of preventing the spread of COVID-19. The easy to use screening tool is able to provide individuals with clear and accurate guidance

NC RURAL CENTER ROLLS OUT NEW AID

The North Carolina Rural Center has a few grant and loan opportunities for nonprofit organizations, small businesses, and vulnerable worker populations. The link below shows a full list of resources and opportunities:  Visit https://bit.ly/COVID-NCIDR.  Paycheck Protection Program applications open TODAY, APRIL 3. Federal forgivable loan program to small businesses to pay their employees during the COVID-19 crisis. Loans will be forgiven if “(1) The loan proceeds are used to cover payroll costs, and most

Facebook Live: Loan Options Explained

Watch the McDowell Chamber's Facebook page for a live event featuring local financial professionals presenting key points of the Emergency Injury Disaster Loan and the Paycheck Protection Program loan. We'll be covering the pros and cons of each, walk through the application process, and have a Q&A session to wrap things up.  The Facebook Live event will be at 10 a.m. Friday, April 3, 2020 at https://www.facebook.com/myhometownchamber/. The City of Marion, the Marion Business Association, and the

Learn About the Donut Hole: Part D Costs

Most plans have a coverage gap, which begins when the combined amount the member and plan have spent on covered drugs reaches $4,020 (for 2020), which includes the deductible and other cost-sharing, but not plan premiums. The coverage gap stage ends when the member has spent $6,350 (in 2020) in out-of-pocket expenses for the plan year. Exceptions may apply for consumers receiving a Low-Income Subsidy (also called Extra Help). The coverage gap is a temporary limit on what the Medicare plan will cover for

SBA Loans & PPP Loans Town Hall Zoom Now Available Online

The Chamber of Commerce hosted SBA Regional Director Sharon K. Harvey in an online Town Hall Meeting for members and residents of McDowell County on Tuesday, March 30, 2020. More than 50 people attended to learn about the emergency funding options available through the SBA and any details on the new Paycheck Protection Program that was part of the recently approved CARES Act.  The SBA has been working on handling the thousands of applications coming in from every state and have a new site link and a more

SBA and Treasury Begin Unprecedented Public-Private Mobilization of $349 Million

With $349 Billion in Emergency Small Business Capital Cleared, SBA and Treasury Begin Unprecedented Public-Private Mobilization Effort to Distribute FundsWASHINGTON – Following President Trump’s signing of the historic Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza and Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin today announced that the SBA and Treasury Department have initiated a robust mobilization effort of banks and other lending institutions to provide small

Federal Rerserve Programs Enhance Liquidity and Flow of Credit

WASHINGTON – The spread of coronavirus has disrupted economic activity and put significant liquidity pressure on U.S. businesses. To immediately enhance liquidity and support American workers, households, and businesses through this challenging period, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin today authorized the expansion of two recently launched facilities and the establishment of three new facilities to provide liquidity to the financial system pursuant to section 13(3) of the Federal Reserve

Two Additional Cases of the Corona Virus in McDowell County

The McDowell County Emergency Operations Center COVID-19 released its latest situation report on March 27, 2020, showing an additional two (2) individuals testing positive for the Coronavirus. According to the Foothills Health District, 87 people have been tested with 39 negative and 43 with still in the process testing. The two additional individuals were not identified but health officials are maintaining CDC protocol and investigatory guidelines to ensure proper handling.   Also included in the report

CARES ACT EXPLAINED

MCDOWELL COUNTY--The signing of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Stimulus (CARES) Act by President Trump brings a sigh of relief to businesses and individuals as people hustle to prepare for isolation with the Shelter in Place Order taking effect at 5 p.m. Monday, March 30, 2020.  It's also left them with many questions that have Washington officials and governors scrambling to get the correct information out and start creating the Standard Operating Procedures needed to roll this package

Internet Providers Roll Out Assistance Programs

McDowell County-Report submitted by Chris Revis, Connect McDowell Co-founder As we experience this unprecedented need for internet access during the COVID-19 crisis, here are the resources that we have confirmed are available for our members and the community at large.  Verizon Wireless:Verizon is offering multiple programs and accommodations for customers during the COVID-19 crisis. These include additional data allowances at no charge and other late. Please click for more

Governor Orders Shelter In Place Effective 3-30-20

Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order 121, a statewide Stay At Home Order beginning Monday, March 30 at 5 p.m. until April 29, 2020. The Executive Order directs people to stay at home except to visit essential businesses, to exercise outdoors, or to help a family member. Specifically, the order bans gatherings of more than 10 people and directs everyone to physically stay at least six feet apart from others.  The Order provides for essential businesses to continue to operate while prioritizing social

COVID-19 Cases In McDowell County

There are now seven (7) cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) that have been confirmed in McDowell County as of Wednesday, April 1, 2020, according to the Foothills Health District. As of Monday, 100 people have been tested, 62 have returned negative and 31 tests are still pending, according to the McDowell County Emergency Management.  "McDowell County has been preparing for this reality and anticipated that our community would likely be impacted at some point," a press release read. "Public health staff have

USDA Moretorium Offers Peace of Mind From Foreclosures & Evictions In Rural America

WASHINGTON, DC-MARCH 26, 2020 The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses, and communities affected by the COVID-19 crisis. With so many out of work and in fear of losing their business and/or homes, this news out of the office of the USDA gives rural homeowners that are worried about their ability to pay their USDA home loans permission to breathe. Effective March 19, 2020, borrowers with the USDA single-family

Emergency Food & Meals Resource List (COVID-19)

Food & Meals Resource Guide The McDowell Local Food Advisory is providing a resource list that will be updated weekly with the latest on our food pantries' new times and operations. (If you see anything that is incorrect or missing, please use the attached contact info and inform them accordingly) . Revisions and updates to this document (living in the LFAC Assembly folder in Google Drive) will be provided by close of business each Monday. You'll be able to see the revision date in the top right hand

Treasury, IRS, and Labor Announce Plan to Implement Coronavirus-related Paid Leave for Workers

WASHINGTON – This week the U.S. Treasury Department, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the U.S. Department of Labor (Labor) announced that small and midsize employers can begin taking advantage of two new refundable payroll tax credits, designed to immediately and fully reimburse them, dollar-for-dollar, for the cost of providing Coronavirus-related leave to their employees. This relief to employees and small and midsize businesses is provided under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Act),

SBA Updates Criteria on States for Requesting Disaster Assistance Loans for Small Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus

Contact: Jennifer.Kelly@sba.gov, (202) 205-7036 Trump Administration’s aggressive, whole-of-government efforts to combat the Coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) and minimize economic disruption to the nation’s 30 million small businesses, U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Jovita Carranza issued revised criteria for states or territories seeking an economic injury declaration related to Coronavirus (COVID-19). The relaxed criteria will have two immediate impacts: Faster, Easier Qualification

Watch the TSI Difference

You deserve to get paid. Since 1970, TSI has been helping businesses of all sizes with their accounts receivable management. I have been helping clients maintain cash flow since 1987. Our first party, third party, and late stage collections services provide the right solution at the right time, while our industry-leading focus on data analytics, compliance, and cyber security ensure your customers, your data, and your brand are protected.Watch our video to see theTSI Difference and how it can change the way

WNC Bigfoot Festival Guide

Cybersecurity for Small Businesses

By: Thomas A. Stith IIISBA North Carolina District Director Just like the economy, online shopping is booming in America. However, a prospering business can quickly become troubled should a cyber-thief cross your computer system. The U.S. Small Business Administration encourages entrepreneurs and consumers to prevent these virtual thieves by being aware of recent trends and staying alert to warning signs.  The cost of cyber-crimes reached $2.7 billion in 2018, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime

Visit NC Farms

Our county boasts some of the most diversified farmland in the region. We are home to a multitude of diversified small family farms, vineyards & wineries, roadside stands, farmers’ markets, and CSAs, nurseries and gardens, and eating and drinking establishments that source local ingredients. We have a rich agricultural heritage that speaks to generational farmers as well as those who are new to the agricultural sector, which further strengthens our offerings to our communities. Many day-trippers are

Working for McDowell Small Business - Chamber Health Insurance for Western North Carolina

Knowing what matters to small businesses  Aetna Funding Advantage (AFA) makes it easy for members of any Chamber of Commerce in 27 western North Carolina counties to save money on their benefits.  And now, these businesses can save on average, and additional 2% on monthly costs through Chamber Health Insurance for Western North Carolina*. $168 per employee average annual discount for businesses that are part of Chamber Health Insurance for Western North Carolina that enrolls in an Aetna Funding

Museum's Friends to Host Music Fundraiser March 7th

OLD FORT, NC – Have you missed the music in Old Fort? If so, you’re in for a late-winter treat. On Saturday, March 7, Friends of the Mountain Gateway Museum (FOTMGM) will host a benefit music program featuring performances by local bluegrass, gospel, and country musicians. Emcees for the event will be Pat Vess and Cynthia Moore, the popular stars of many “Maude & Ethel” shows at Old Fort Elementary School. The program, titled “The Music & Talents of Old Fort,” will begin at 6 p.m. inside the Town of Old

Feisty Crowd Joins in Celebrating Marion's New Retro-Arcade

On Thursday, January 30, 2020, one of Marion’s newest businesses drew a feisty crowd of supporters to celebrate in a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the McDowell Chamber of Commerce. The Feisty Goldfish, located in the Historic Depot District, is a Retro Arcade and Bar with a modern take on a classic idea. “The first month has been beyond our wildest dreams,” said co-owner Derek Poteat, who expressed gratitude to the entire community.   Local dignitaries and community supporters filled the first floor

Goodwill to Open New Store in Marion

Marion, N.C. (January 28, 2020) – Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina will hold a grand opening for its first retail store in Marion, N.C., on Wednesday, Feb. 12. Local officials and members of Goodwill’s executive management team will be on hand for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8:45 a.m., after which the public is invited to browse and shop in the store.   “This new store will serve a dual purpose. It’s a place where folks can come in and shop for great bargains on a wide selection of items,

Event Held to Raise Money for Foothills Food Hub

In the spirit of Christmas, emerging group McDowell Young Professionals held their first public service event, a Chili Cook-off benefiting Foothills Food Hub, on December 21st, at Mica Town Brewing. The fundraising goal of $500 was exceeded, with a total of $583, through a combination of cook-off entry fees and private donations. Winners from each category were:  Best Overall - Duncan Gant Best Traditional - Misty Cox Best Restaurant - Aaron Matthews Best non-traditional - John Jaan Best Cornbread -

Strategies For Keeping Assets In The Family

When you leave assets to your children, you may intend for the property to stay in the family for many generations. However, a number of events that are out of your control could cause the assets to end up in the hands of complete strangers. The following are some common ways that a portion of your assets could end up leaving the family: Your heir gets divorcedYour heir predeceases their spouseYour heir’s creditors collect on their assets Let’s look at a few examples to see how this can happen.   How

Miller Complex Flexes Its Muscles With New Gym

Clanking weights, bass-pumping tunes, and the occasional grunt are all welcome sounds at the McDowell Fitness Center (MFC) in the Larry D. Miller Business Complex. This full-service gym, owned and operated by Misty Morris and her husband William Morris (of Morris-Herron Heating & Cooling), provides everything from weight training and state-of-the-art equipment to crossfit and TRX Training.  The Chamber of Commerce recently held a Ribbon Cutting to commemorate the opening of the new business where Misty and

The Sweet Sound of Success

Who says old is out of style? Not the judges at the 2019 Asheville Food & Wine Festival who awarded Marion’s Keeper’s Cut Meadery with Double Gold, Gold, and Silver awards for their exquisite, flavorsome honey wines. The winning meads, 2016 Amarena (Double Gold), 2016 Anann Te (Gold), and their 2016 Autumn (Silver) stood out at the awards table rising to the top with other regional winemakers. Vintners such as DeTerra out of Tennessee, Jones von Drehle Vineyards in North Carolina, and Whitebarrel out of

Falling for The Pond at Laurel Cove

The sun rested on the tops of the trees before descending over the mountain. Blazing streaks of reds, yellows, and oranges stretched across the water bathing the resident ducks in color.  They clustered at the far corner of the pond shying away from the crowds at the grand farmhouse-turned wedding venue, The Pond at Laurel Cove.  Old Fort residents and owners Lisa and Patrick Ellis were excited to host local dignitaries, Chamber staff, friends, and family for the official Ribbon Cutting held Tuesday,

Twisted Rod Tire Opens in Old Fort

You might say Nathan Jones runs on RPMs and motor oil.  At his recent Ribbon Cutting with the McDowell Chamber of Commerce, Jones proudly introduced his staff and family to the crowd gathered at Twisted Rod Tire Co.—his second family-owned automotive service and repair shop in Old Fort. An admitted motorhead, Jones loves working on and customizing cars. The tire shop, located at 109 E. Main Street in Old Fort, sells tires, does inspections, transmission work, brakes, and oil changes. For larger jobs, Jones

New Address, New Look for Burkes Outlet

The line of eager shoppers flowed into the parking lot at the recent grand Re-Opening of the Burkes Outlet store on Thursday, October 10, 2019 at 9 a.m. Even Bigfoot attended the festive event. Store Manager Charlotte Hawley was thrilled to welcome guests along with city and county officials at the Chamber Ribbon Cutting.  "It's great to see so many people from the community here to support us and we are thrilled to continue serving McDowell County residents with even better brands and pricing in our new

Putting Their Best Foot Forward

The Chamber board and staff joined city and county officials to welcome Shoe Sensation to the community at an official Ribbon Cutting on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at 10 a.m. The new shoe shop, located in the Food Lion Center next to Harbor Freight, carries popular brands such as Keds, Clarks, Columbia, Converse, Crocs, CAT, Echo Bat, Easy Street, and more.  This is the fourth location in North Carolina for the Indiana-based company. Since 1984, Shoe Sensation has focused on bringing America's top footwear

90 Years of Supporting McDowell County Families

It's rare in today's world of commerce for anyone to hold a job for 50 years. It not only takes a committed employee, it takes a business that is committed to the community, its product, and its family of employees. In a proud moment on Saturday, September 28, 2019 Lester Welch, WestRock's longest serving employee, cut the ribbon to commemorate the company's 90th anniversary of business in McDowell County.  WestRock Marion began operations in 1929 as Etta Paper Box Company and was founded by local

McDowell County Announces Opening of Phase III of the Fonta Flora State Trail

County, chamber, and city officials gathered on Monday, September 16, 2019 to celebrate the opening of the Greenlee Park Section (Phase III) of the McDowell County Greenway Trails System. The new river-front greenway is also a connector section to the future Fonta Flora State Trail that was authorized in 2015 by the state legislature. The 2,000-foot Greenlee Park Section features a paved trail, renovated canoe launch, horseshoe pits, and a picnic shelter along the Catawba River. There is also a natural path

When Diplomacy Stunts Growth

We've all heard the old adage from Benjamin Franklin, "Honesty is the best policy." There was a time when this truth was as easily espoused in the workplace as it was in the home.  But have workplace diplomacy and human resource policies handed down from corporate lawyers given honesty a bad name at the office. There will always be difficult workplace situations with which we must deal. It may be you don't get along with a certain co-worker and are asked to work with them on a project. It may be the new