News

Three Stages of your Financial Life

3 Stages of your Financial Life     The 1st stage of your financial life is protecting and building your wealth.  The 2nd stage is enjoying what you’ve accomplished while in retirement and the 3rd stage is leaving a legacy.  The key is integrating and coordinating all 3 phases.  If you’d like more information on how to do all 3, please give us a call. Linked below is our web page as well as a video with additional

NCWorks McDowell 1st Annual Spring Job Fair

New Traveling Exhibit Opens at Mountain Gateway Museum

OLD FORT, NC – Bicycling is one of the simplest and cheapest ways to travel. But early bicycles, with their wooden wheels and frames and poor steering, were much different from today’s sleek, multi-geared vehicles made of lightweight composite materials and offering a variety of safety features.   Learn more about the history of bicycles and the sport of cycling in North Carolina at Mountain Gateway Museum & Heritage Center’s newest exhibit, History on Two Wheels. The traveling exhibit will open

Member Monday-Shucks Pearls of Marion

Member Monday Feature By Tina M. Wolfe Passion and ingenuity don’t have expiration dates. Likewise, the energy and drive to create and contribute doesn’t always align with life’s calendar. This is certainly the case with Charlene Hollifield and education professional Tony Long.    These two community-minded McDowell residents have been friends for years working within the McDowell County school system. Tony had taken a parttime job at a small pop-up shop their friend owned called Shucks Pearls for

Chamber Announces New Board & Diversity Statement

The McDowell County Chamber of Commerce welcomes new board members and presents new diversity statement for the organization. At its first board meeting of 2022, the Mcdowell Chamber of Commerce recognized and celebrated the service and contributions of outgoing board chair Dawna Ledbetter to the organization. Dawna served a one-year term  as board chair and had previously served as treasurer and vice chair. She has dedicated at total of 7 years of service to the organization.  "I am very proud to have

Labor Commissioner Issues Statement on Supreme Court Vaccine Mandate Ruling

MEDIA STATEMENT  Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson released the following statement regarding the action by the U.S. Supreme Court to halt the Biden administration’s vaccine mandate: “... The U.S. Supreme Court halted the Biden administration’s attempt to force employers to require COVID-19 vaccines or testing as a condition of employment. In its opinion today, the Court found that the federal government lacked the statutory authority to impose the mandate. Given the strongly worded ruling, I hope that the

Mcdowell Chamber Releases 2021 Annual Member Report

The Mcdowell Chamber of Commerce has released its 2021 Annual Member Report for review. To see how your chamber works for you, click the link below. ANNUAL REPORT 2021

Workplace Injury and Illness Rate Continues to Decline

Raleigh—New figures released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Labor, show the nonfatal workplace injury and illness rate for North Carolina’s private industry remains at a historic low for 2020 with a rate of 2.1 cases per 100 full-time workers. This represents a decline from the 2019 rate of 2.3 and is significantly lower than the national rate of 2.7. North Carolina’s rate for private industry is the fourth lowest in the nation and is the lowest rate among

Dobson Releases Statement on State Budget Bill

Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson released the following statement regarding this week’s passage of the state budget bill:   “I commend the North Carolina General Assembly for passing the biennial state budget earlier this week, and Governor Cooper for signing the budget into law shortly thereafter. House and Senate leadership, as well as the Governor’s Office, worked diligently over the past several months to come up with a plan that – while not perfect – will ultimately benefit North Carolinians. I am

Member Monday-RDM Industrial Electronics

Member Monday By Tina M. Wolfe In the land of plenty the imitable American Dream is often thrown around in motivational speeches and promotional advertisements like candy being tossed out at a Christmas parade. While the Dream is dangled like a carrot hinting at immediate gratification, there are thousands of decisive moments and millions of actions (sometimes over generations) that must happen to culminate in solid, scalable business success.    RDM Industrial Electronics, Inc. is a study in achieving

Covid -19 Federal Vaccine Mandate Update

In a North Carolina Chamber of Commerce webinar, North Carolina Department of Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson and Labor and Employment Attorney Phillip Strach discussed the Biden Administration's vaccine mandate and pending litigation that may impact its implementation. Commissioner Dobson expressed his concern in a November 4 press release and went further this week announcing that while the mandate is working its way through the court system, "The North Carolina Department of Labor will take no action. We

Dobson Releases Statement on 5th Circuit Court Ruling

MEDIA STATEMENT  Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson released the following statement regarding the action by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit to stay the Biden administration’s vaccine mandate: “On Saturday, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted an emergency motion to stay the Biden administration’s vaccine mandate for large employers. According to the court, it granted the stay because the plaintiffs “give cause to believe there are grave statutory and constitutional issues” with the

NC Department of Labor Responds to Vaccine Mandate

Release: Immediate                                                                             Contact: Jennifer Haigwood Date: Nov. 4, 2021                                                                                         Phone: 919-707-7705   MEDIA STATEMENT   *UPDATE: Following the recent Circuit Court ruling, Dobson issues additional statement:  "Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson released the following statement regarding the action by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit to stay the

New Internet Provider Celebrates Ribbon Cutting

On Tuesday, October 12, Bridge Internet of McDowell County celebrated their tower in Nebo with a ribbon cutting at the McDowell Chamber of Commerce offices. Bridge Internet is an internet service provider that is working to bring internet to areas across the United States. It is no secret broadband is a consistent roadblock for many people who do not have adequate access to internet. Bridge Internet’s tower, located in Nebo, will seek to help combat the broadband needs of the greater McDowell County

Creative Ways To Boost Your Email List

Email marketing is a key marketing strategy for brands and small businesses that want to communicate directly with their customers. If you want to grow your email list, here are some creative ideas and proven strategies that help attract new subscribers. Add simple signup forms on your website Encourage website visitors to become newsletter subscribers by giving them multiple opportunities to join your mailing list. Install an attention-grabbing lightbox message on your website homepage, that pops up on

Comic Book Store Celebrates Ribbon Cutting

On Tuesday, October 5, Sherry and Tim Deel welcomed the Chamber in for a ribbon cutting at All Things Geeky by 2 Nerds, a place they have lovingly dubbed “not your average comic book store.” This store has earned itself a cult following that stretches across the United States, all because Sherry and Tim took their love of Comic Con and brought it to Marion.   All Things Geeky by 2 Nerds has been open for a little more than a year. Sherry and Tim are not from Marion originally, but they feel very at home

Member Monday-A New Era of Education

Ushering In A New Era—McDowell Technical Community College By Tina M. Wolfe The last two years have ushered in a wellspring of change and innovation at every level. No where in McDowell has this been more evident than at McDowell Technical Community College (MTCC) where new buildings, new programs, new leadership, and new energy are burgeoning with possibilities.  The pandemic provided individuals, organizations, and businesses an opportunity for introspective, strategic work—a chance to grow and learn.

Mission Hospital McDowell to Expand

New tower to add 11 additional beds and space to meet future community needs Marion, N.C. (August 13, 2021) – Mission Health is proud to announce the expansion of Mission Hospital McDowell. With $20 Million in funding from HCA Healthcare, the expansion of our current state-of-the-art facility in McDowell will ensure the continued support of the healthcare needs of our community. “Mission Hospital McDowell was designed to serve this community’s unique and growing healthcare needs and this expansion will

Chamber Partners with Local Business to Support Operation Backpack

For the third year, Robertson Packaging Supply, Inc., stepped up to support Operation Backpack, a McDowell County Schools project.  Owners Brandon and Sarah Whitson were excited to once again partner with the Chamber and impact the local school-aged children and classrooms.  The team at RPSI worked diligently with Melanie Duncan, project coordinator, to identify and locate hard-to-find items.  On Tuesday, August 3rd, RPSI delivered $1,211 in supplies to McDowell County Schools, including 144 toothbrushes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Get More People to Your Website

By Gabrielle Pickard-Whitehead with Tina Wolfe In 2016, a staggering 209.6 million people in the U.S. browsed products, compared priced, and bought items online. Having a website to showcase your services or products is pivotal in remaining commercially competitive in the 21st century. That said, if nobody is visiting your website to browse your products or services, it might as well not exist.   Take a look at the following 25 ways to get more people to your website.Use Social Media to Attract

Chamber Awards $3,500 in Scholarships

The McDowell Chamber provides scholarships to nine Student LINC participants.Chamber board member Amy Johnson was honored to present local high school students and participants of our Student LINC program with a total of $3,500 in scholarships on Tuesday, June 5, 2018. Recipients Alyson Blackwelder, Jarrett Cothron, Cameron Crater, and Jennifer Smelcer each won a $500 scholarship to the school of their choice. The $300 scholarship winners included Candela Anderson, Taylor Buchanan, Carlos Lopez, Reagan

A Big League Camp with Major League Impact

This time one year ago, the founders of Big League Camp had a concept and a vision as to what they wanted to bring to McDowell County.“This is a vision that I’ve had for a while, going back close to five years, and it’s really exciting to see what has been accomplished here,” said manager and co-owner Donnie Suttles. “The group of owners and contributors, Dennis Whitson, Stacy Crisp and Jeff Bryant, has helped in getting this concept up and running. I think the folks of McDowell County are going to be