News
Kudzu Brands Marketing Offers $10K Brand Giveaway For Nonprofits
Kudzu Brands Introduces $10,000 WNC Nonprofit Brand Development GiveawayMcDowell, NC- To show appreciation for nonprofit organizations throughout Western North Carolina, Kudzu Brands introduces its 2021 $10K Kudzu Cares Nonprofit Brand Giveaway. Beginning May 3, nonprofits within the WNC region can participate in this dynamic and brimming package. The Kudzu Cares package comes with Kudzu Brand’s proprietary Roots Discovery® and Brand Story that provides impactful messaging and a bank of language to use
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
First-time homebuyer? Follow these steps
Is homeownership a goal of yours? It does offer some benefits, in addition to meeting your basic need for shelter. The equity you build in your home can be a valuable financial asset, and you may get to deduct your interest payments on your taxes. But if you’re a first-time homebuyer, what steps should you take? First, make sure the time is right for you in terms of your personal and financial situations. For example, are you fairly confident that your employment is stable and that your earnings won’t
Schedule A Time For SBA's RRF
Make Time On May 4th for a Virtual Training on the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. The nine SBA District Offices located across the Southeast Region will host a presentation and Q & A on the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). These informational sessions are designed to get you prepared to apply for this new “grant” fund prior to the application going live. You are invited to select any timeframe that works best for your schedule. Please click on the link at the time of the event.No registration is
Here's a long-lasting Mother's Day gift
Mother’s Day has almost arrived. As an adult, you can fully appreciate all your mother has done for you, so, on this occasion, you may be happy to give Mom flowers, candy, jewelry or something similar. But Mother’s Day is here and then it’s gone. Is there a longer-term gift that can make a real difference in your mother’s life? Actually, there is – the gift of knowledge for her financial future. Specifically, there are two key areas in which you may be able to provide valuable help to your mother:
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
Look at your financial situation holistically
What’s the biggest financial mistake you can make? Choosing the wrong investments? Waiting too long to save for retirement? Underestimating the costs of retirement? All these are reasonable answers, but the biggest mistake you might make is not looking at your financial picture holistically – that is, not bringing into the picture all the elements of yourself. Let’s consider some of them: Your views on helping your family – Your decisions about helping your family are clearly going to be a major part of
Be conscious of your investment environment
On April 22, we observe Earth Day, an occasion that has inspired millions of people over the decades to take steps to clean up our world. Of course, your physical surroundings are important, but you also operate in other “ecosystems” – social, cultural and political. And you’ll need to consider your investment environment, too. How can you improve it? Here are a few suggestions: Avoid “toxic” investment strategies. The dangers of pollution helped drive the creation of Earth Day. As an investor, you also
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
G5 Trail Collective - Upcoming Events
We have work days scheduled for the trails around Old Fort on the first Friday and second Saturday of each month from February through May. See more details and sign up for those below. We'll post the dates and details for August through November over the summer. Work days will start and finish at the Old Fort Ride House beside Kitsbow and Hillman Beer at 59 Commerce St. Old Fort NC 28762. Please wear sturdy shoes and long pants, and bring water, snacks, and any personal protective equipment (PPE) you
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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