News

Support the Titans!

The Prescription Pad of Marion is selling Titan-branded stadium chairs. All profits from the first 15 chairs sold will be given to the Titan athletic department. Stop by and get yours today to help support our McDowell Titans!

Moondoggy's Friday Night Lights

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS!Join Us Before or After Your First Home FOOTBALL GameTo show Support for our TITANS  Friday, August 30thExtended hours!11am – 12amTo show our support to our local Titan Football team we would like to invite you to our themed night August the 30th for your first home game! We will be extending our hours of operations this day to be available not only before, but after the game for celebration of our team! We would like to offer all the players and coaches 50% off an entrée of their

Be Alert for Opportunities When Preparing for College Costs

Now that summer is winding down, it will soon be “back-to-school” time. When children are young, your logistics for the new academic year may involve little more than a trip to buy school supplies. But if you’d like to send your kids (or grandkids) to college someday, you need to plan far ahead to meet the financial demands. And, as part of your planning, you also need to be on the lookout for all opportunities to help pay those sizable college bills. Specifically, you’ll need to be ready to take action in

Business Owners: You Need Your Own Retirement Plan

As a business owner, you can’t afford to ignore your competition. You can’t afford to miss out on the trends affecting your industry. You can’t afford to alienate customers. And here’s one more item to add to the list: You can’t afford not to create a retirement plan for yourself. Of course, you might think that, one day, you’ll simply sell your business and live off the proceeds. But selling a business isn’t always simple, and there’s no guarantee you’ll receive enough to pay for a comfortable retirement

Marion's Newest Pharmacy Opens on Five Lane

The McDowell Chamber of Commerce was pleased to celebrate Marion's newest pharmacy, The Prescription Pad of Marion, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, July 19th, 2019.  The event was well attended with friends and family of owners, Anthony Randolph and Andy Stoker, and their team.  Several dignitaries and ambassadors also took part in the celebration.  Anthony and Andy are very excited for the opportunity to make a positive and lasting impact in Marion and all of McDowell County. The support they

How Does Social Security Fit Into Your Retirement Income Strategy?

It might not be on your calendar, but Aug. 14 is Social Security Day. Since it was enacted on Aug. 14, 1935, Social Security has provided some financial support for millions of Americans during their retirement years. While Social Security benefits, by themselves, probably aren’t enough to enable you to retire comfortably, they can be a key part of your overall retirement income strategy – if you use them wisely. To help you make decisions about Social Security, you will need to answer these questions:When

Brandi Vetter State Farm Officially Opens in Marion

The McDowell Chamber of Commerce was pleased to celebrate Marion's newest insurance office, Brandi Vetter State Farm, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, July 17th, 2019.  The event was well attended with friends and family of owner, Brandi Vetter,and her team.  Several dignitaries and ambassadors also took part in the celebration.   Brandi Vetter, a Marion native, comes from a family of entrepreneurs.  When an opportunity for Brandi to open her own State Farm location became present, Brandi

Chamber Partners with Local Business to Support Operation Backpack

When the news of McDowell County School's "Operation Backpack" reached the McDowell Chamber office, the staff quickly jumped into action to help.  The Chamber contacted member and industrial supply distributor, Robertson Packaging Supply, Inc. (RPSI), for help.  Owners Brandon & Sarah Whitson didn't hesitate to partner with the Chamber, and their team worked diligently to locate supplies difficult for the school to find.  On Friday, July 19th, RPSI delivered $1,000 in supplies to Melanie Dunham, project

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

EXP Realty Moves Into Marion Market

The McDowell Chamber of Commerce was pleased to celebrate the Grand Opening of EXP Realty with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, July 11, 2019. The purpose of the occasion was to recognize business owner, Shannon Pyatt, and celebrate his new journey here in McDowell County.  The ribbon cutting event was well attended, and included Shannon’s wife, Leah, and daughter, Maleia.  Several dignitaries and Chamber board members were also in attendance.     Shannon has a dynamic personality, and is a featured

Red Cross Issues Urgent Call for Blood Donors

Blood Emergency: Red Cross Issues Urgent Call for Blood DonorsLess than three-day supply of most blood types; new and existing donors called to help save lives  (July 9, 2019) — Following a difficult Fourth of July week for blood donations and ongoing challenges finding new blood donors, the American Red Cross now faces a blood shortage and has issued an emergency call for eligible individuals of all blood types to give now and prevent delays in medical care. About 450 fewer blood drives were organized by

Old Fort Art Gallery to Sponsor Benefit Exhibit for Museum

OLD FORT, NC – Arrowhead Artists & Artisans League (A3L) is Bringing the Beach to the Mountains with a new exhibition that will open next month at the Arrowhead Gallery & Studios in Old Fort and be a benefit for its neighbor, the Mountain Gateway Museum & Heritage Center.  Bringing the Beach to the Mountains will be a judged, public art show that will debut Saturday, August 3, for a one-month run at the Arrowhead Gallery & Studios, 78-C Catawba Avenue in Old Fort. An opening reception for the show will

Family Fun Recreation

July 4th Family Adventures are waiting in rural WNC!!! Thrifty Adventure’s has several trips that run daily including flat water kayaking, tubing, boat rentals and several guided whitewater trips on the Toe River. Also available every weekend is guided rock climbing or rappelling at Table Rock in Linville Gorge plus waterfall rappelling in Saluda NC. Rock climbing can also be booked during the week.  Advanced reservations highly recommended! Guests can easily book online and view all trip details via

4th of July Celebration Downtown Marion

Thursday, July 4 – Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks- 6.00 pm – 10:00 pm Celebrate Independence Day in Downtown Marion. The parade begins at 6:00 p.m. A special spot is reserved at the beginning of the parade for “Anything That Rolls”.    Grand Marshals are McDowell County veterans. The street dance with “Gotcha Groove” begins at 7:00 PM.  Fireworks at 9:45 PM.     

Business Leaders to Gov. Cooper: A Healthier Workforce Means a Stronger Economy

Local Chambers of Commerce Urge Lawmakers to Close Health Coverage Gap to Strengthen NC Workforce and Recruit New Jobs   In a roundtable discussion with Governor Cooper and Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen, business leaders made the economic case for closing the health care coverage gap in North Carolina. They shared how high uninsured rates for people in their communities was hampering entrepreneurship, innovation and business productivity. “Companies looking to come here want to know

Mountain Gateway Museum Expands 4th of July Ice Cream Social

OLD FORT, NC – The Mountain Gateway Museum & Heritage Center in Old Fort is expanding its usual Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social this 4th of July to include family games with prizes, a cakewalk, and longer hours, in addition to the free ice cream, watermelon slices, and live bluegrass music usually offered. The MGM Farmers’ Market also will be open on July 4th with local farmers selling their goods from 2:30 to 6:00 p.m. on the museum’s grounds at the intersection of Catawba Avenue and Water Street in Old

Understanding Healthcare Sharing Ministries

Understanding Healthcare Sharing MinistriesFor many Americans, healthcare has become the most significant expense in their budget. With the introduction of the Affordable Care Act (Obama Care), the cost of health insurance premiums has skyrocketed for millions of Americans that do not qualify for subsidies. But there is a reasonably priced alternative with the rapidly growing sector known as healthcare sharing ministries. Healthcare sharing ministries manage plans that are not insurance in the traditional

Peoples Home Equity Opens In Downtown

The McDowell Chamber of Commerce was pleased to celebrate the Grand Opening of Peoples Home Equity with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, June 14, 2019. The purpose of the occasion was to recognize new business owner, Brian Wilson, and celebrate his new journey.  The ribbon cutting event was well attended, and included Brian’s wife, Sidney, and children, Andrew and Savannah.  Several dignitaries and Chamber board members were also in attendance.     Brian Wilson is a recent graduate of the Growing

Closing the Coverage Gap to Boost Business Bottom Lines

There are 5,000 people McDowell County who can’t get health coverage. They’re in a “coverage gap”—they earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, but too little to afford health insurance, There are over 400,000 people like them across our state. This summer, the North Carolina General Assembly has a chance to close this gap and get NC residents covered. Our representatives know that this is a human issue, but they need to understand that it’s a business issue as well.As Executive Director of the McDowell

Emerald Village Joins Trip Advisor Hall of Fame

Employee Becomes Owner at Gibbs Hardware

The McDowell Chamber of Commerce was pleased to celebrate the Grand Re-Opening of Gibb’s True Value Hardware with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, May 16, 2019. The purpose of the occasion was to recognize new business owners, Mike and Suzie McClure, and celebrate their new adventure.  Gibb’s Hardware has been a cornerstone in downtown Old Fort since 1963, when Butch Gibb’s father originally opened the business.  In 1969 the business moved to its current location on Main Street.  For 55 years former

Meade - What's all the Buzz About?

The McDowell Chamber of Commerce was pleased to celebrate the Grand Opening of Keeper’s Cut Meadery with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, May 23, 2019. The purpose of the occasion was to recognize new business owners, Charlie Meyers, Kathryn Curran and Kurt Meyers, and celebrate their new business.   What started with a dream of a tasting room has turned into a two and a half year journey building one of Marion’s newest destination tasting rooms and event spaces. Keeper’s Cut Meadery, located in the

Thrifty Adventures Provides Outdoor Fun

Thrifty Adventures is opened year-round with 21 adventures to choose from: white-water and flat-water kayaking or rafting trips start in April with river tubing and waterfall rappelling starting in May. We have wetsuits and youth boats. Rock Climbing takes place year round, in winter we offer Mountaineering Courses and Ice Climbing. We also offer youth and Veteran programs. We have discounts for First Responders, Teachers, Veterans and Healthcare Professionals. An additional tidbit...Thrifty Adventures has

Vietnam Veteran's Photos on Exhibit at Mountain Gateway Museum

OLD FORT, NC – On Friday, May 24, the Mountain Gateway & Heritage Center in Old Fort will unveil its newest exhibit, A Thousand Words: Photographs by Vietnam Veterans. The exhibition of 30 color and black-and-white images—taken by North Carolina soldiers and assembled by Winston-Salem photographer Martin Tucker— focuses on the human elements of war, offering visitors the chance to see how the troops themselves chose to remember their time in Southeast Asia. “Vietnam was a complex conflict, ushering in a

Scorecard Playoff Decides 2019 Chamber Golf Tournament

Sunny skies and smiling faces prevailed at the Marion Lake Club Golf Course this past Friday as golfers showed up to hit the links at The McDowell Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Spring Golf Classic. Twenty teams played in the Captain’s Choice-style tournament sponsored by Countryside Catering, Duke Energy, Holly’s Deli, Miller Realty & Development, Mountain Ridge Health & Rehab, and South McDowell Quarry. MLC Golf Pro Greg Parker and Chamber Executive Director Steve Bush sent players in two flights off on the

New Summer Activity Website For McDowell

Are you ready to fill your summer days with fun, family-friendly activities and make memories that will last a lifetime? McDowell Access to Care and Health (MATCH) and the McDowell Health coalition have partnered with Signature Web Design to create a new website, Summer in McDowell, that will showcase low-cost or free local activities for children and families to enjoy during the summer months in one easy to find format! We have an exciting opportunity for businesses to advertise through a small donation

Mountain Gateway Museum to Host New Farmer's Market in Old Fort

OLD FORT, NC – A new farmers’ market offering fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and other edible products will open for the summer at Mountain Gateway Museum (MGM) in Old Fort, beginning Thursday, May 2. Organized by the museum in conjunction with Stock Wild Kitchen and the Old Fort Community Forum, with generous support from Silver’s Specialties, TAG Contracting Inc., and Greybeard Realty, the “MGM Farmers’ Market” will be held every Thursday from 2:30 to 6:00 p.m. through October 3 on the

Samir's Celebrates 30 Years of Business

The McDowell Chamber of Commerce humbly celebrated a milestone achievement of 30 years of business with local business owner, Anwer Gillani of Samir Enterprises, LLC (Samir's). On Thursday, April 11, 2019, friends, family, and local dignitaries gathered at Samir's newest location to support their emotional friend, Anwer, who spoke of his humble beginings and the love he shares for his family, employees, and community.  "My employees are my family, and I can't make it without them... and Marion is my

Catawba Valley Staffing Celebrates 20 Years

It was a great day for a celebration at the Catawba Valley Staffing this week as Chamber Board Chair Walt Bagwell and city officials Freddie Killough and Ann Harkey honored the crew on its milestone of 20 years of service to McDowell County!  Hope Lowman (pictured here) Owner and President, and her daughter, Wendy Lowman Ward, CEO founded Catawba Valley Staffing Inc. in 1999 with the primary goal of taking what they learned in the previous decade and creating an exceptional staffing service centered around

What Can You Do With Your Tax Refund?

We’re getting close to the tax-filing deadline. For many of us, this means it’s that time of year when we get our biggest financial windfall – a tax refund. If you have recently received a refund, or are expecting to get one in the next few weeks, what should you do with it? Of course, you could just spend the money on something you want, but if you’d like to maximize the financial benefits from your refund, you might want to consider other options, including the following:Invest the money. In 2018, the

Best Economic Development Incentive Program

The Town of Marion was a recipient of the Best Economic Development Incentive Program at the March 13th Awards Ceremony of the State Main Street Conference for its Growing Entrepreneurs Marion - G.E.M project.   “This year’s award-winning projects represent some of the state’s best downtown revitalization success stories.  The projects being recognized are notable building rehabilitation projects, extraordinary public art projects, creative promotional activities, and public-private partnerships formed to

5 Ways to Separate Your Personal and Business Finances

By Marco Carbajo, Guest BloggerPublished: February 22, 2019 As a business owner, establishing a distinct separation between your personal finances and your business finances is pivotal for protecting your own assets and credit. This above all things should be a top priority for managing money the right way. An incorporated business is treated as a separate legal entitiy and it must be treated as such. For starters, separation between personal and business finances should be on the top of the list. 

The Right Insurance Can Meet Both Short- and Long-term Needs

If you’re going to achieve your important financial goals, you’ll need to build an appropriate investment portfolio. But that’s only part of the story – because you also need to protect what you have, what you earn and what you’d like to leave behind. That’s why it’s a good idea to become familiar with the various types of insurance and how they can address short- and long-term needs. For starters, consider life insurance. You may have important long-term goals, such as leaving an inheritance for your

Marion Goes Vintage

The McDowell Chamber of Commerce was pleased to celebrate Marion’s newest retail space, Vintage Market, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, February 8, 2019. The purpose of the occasion was to recognize the new business and welcome owners Anthony Collins and Rick Letterman to the Marion business community.   Vintage Market is part of an antique craze where everything is trending back to the older style, and people want stuff that has been restored or repurposed. Located upstairs in the old Belk

Your Financial Advisor Can Do Some “Life Coaching”

Life coaches – not surprisingly – strive to improve the quality of life of their clients. And financial professionals essentially embrace the same mission. So, if you decide to hire a financial advisor, you should expect to receive some “coaching” as you work toward all your important objectives, such as sending your kids to college, enjoying a comfortable retirement and leaving a legacy that can benefit the next generation. What tips from life coaches might you also get from your financial advisor? Here

Bracelets, Baubles, & Bling

The McDowell Chamber of Commerce was pleased to celebrate Marion’s newest jewelry store, Bracelets, Baubles, & Bling, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, February 7, 2019. The purpose of the occasion was to recognize the new business and welcome owner Kevin Tucker to the Marion business community.  Bracelets, Baubles, & Bling is one of those unique places where old meets new and the aroma of fresh coffee fills the air. Located upstairs next to Crooked Door Coffee House, Bracelets, Baubles, & Bling

House Passes Bill Aimed at Getting Small Business Better Shot at Federal Contracts

Jan 21, 2019 by Michael GutaAs a small business, you might’ve tried to get a federal contract at some point. If you have, you know the process can be burdensome, complicated and full of obstacles, which is putting it mildly. To overcome some of these challenges, two bills (H.R. 226 and H.R. 227) introduced by newly appointed Chairwoman of the House Committee on Small Business for the 116th Congress, Representative Nydia M. Velázquez (D-New York) were just passed by the House of Representatives. Small

TalentForce Wins National Award

TalentForceWINS INAVERO’S 2018 BEST OF STAFFING® CLIENT AND TALENT AWARDS Earned by less than two percent of all staffing agencies in the U.S. and CanadaShelby, NC January 18, 2019 - TalentForcea leading employment agency the industrial and clerical admin industries announced today that they have won Inavero’s Best of Staffing® Client and Talent Awards for providing superior service to their clients and job seekers. Presented in partnership with CareerBuilder, Inavero’s Best of Staffing winners have proven

2019 Annual Banquet Features Nashville Musician!

Contact: Tina WolfeMcDowell Chamber of CommercePhone: 828.652.4240Email: twolfe@mcdowellchamber.comWeb: mcdowellchamber.com1170 W. Tate St. Marion, NC 28752  Press ReleaseSiriusXM Radio Host/Entertainer Live at the Annual Member Banquet!Blue Collar Radio & Family Comedy Channel Personality and Nashville Artist to be the first nationally-known act to perform at the Municipal Event Center  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarion, NC:  January 2019   Prepare to laugh, tap your feet, and be inspired by nationally

Movies in the Mountains

The McDowell Chamber of Commerce was pleased to celebrate Marion’s newest movie theater, Mountain Marquee Cinema with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, December 6, 2018. The chamber staff and local dignitaries gathered to welcome co-owners Aaron Shirley & Cody Andrews to the Marion business family.    Mountain Marquee is a small, locally-owned cinema that shows second-run, independent, and classic films in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere that includes a great selection of food as well as beer

Marion Gets Crafty With DIY Studio

The McDowell Chamber of Commerce was pleased to celebrate Marion’s newest DIY studio, The Makery, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, December 14, 2018. The purpose of the occasion was to recognize the new business and welcome owner Heidi Barrier to the Marion business community.   The Makery is a Do-It-Yourself craft studio where you can choose from a wide variety of DIY projects that best compliment your home decor. From painting parties with the girlfriends to full blown corporate outings, The

New Audit Program Helps Employers Stay Compliant

Attention Employers! Have you discovered possible overtime violations within your company? The US Department of Labor’s  Wage and Hour Division (WHD) has a new nationwide program called the Payroll Audit Independent Determination program or PAID.  It facilitates the resolution of potential overtime and minimum wage violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act.  The program’s primary objectives are to resolve such claims expeditiously and without litigation, to improve employers’ compliance with overtime

Chamber Announces Entrepreneurship Award Winners!

The holiday cheer was in full swing at Tom Johnson's Camping World where the McDowell Chamber of Commerce presented four area businesses with the coveted Tom Johnson Entrepreneurship Award at its Holiday After Hours Thursday, December 13, 2018. JC Property Professionals was a first-time winner this year while three of the businesses took home their second or third win. Ben Patton Land Surveying, Morris-Herron Heating & Cooling, and Right Way Pest Management represent our seasoned business owners that have

New Salon Brings High Fashion To Downtown Marion

High fashion, including trending hair and makeup styles, is now available at the new Studio K Salon owned by 21-year-old Katelyn Edwards. The Chamber of Commerce, county and city officials, friends and family came out to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Studio K on Wednesday, December 5 at 11 a.m.    Katelyn, the county's youngest business owner to date, graduated from McDowell Technical Community College's Cosmetology School and has furthered her education through industry seminars and specialty

From Rentals to Home Sales, GreyBeard Realty Has You Covered

The cozy office overflowed with people and energy as the McDowell Chamber, the Old Fort Chamber, and local officials gathered inside the new Old Fort office of GreyBeard Realty at their official Ribbon Cutting on Thursday, November 29, 2018.  GreyBeard Realty opened in 1999 as a rental management company but quickly shifted to include sales to accommodate the growing number of those relocating to the area. Owner Chip Craig expressed his excitement and gratitude at the ribbon cutting for the opportunity to

Old Fashioned Candy Shop Brings Sweets and Encouragement to Marion

Do you remember the excitement you felt rushing home from school, money in your pocket, headed to the local candy shop as quickly as you could? We all had our favorites from Dum Dum Pops and Good & Plenty to Chiclets and Snickers.  Now candy-loving residents can experience that same joy with the opening of Moldz Candy Shop located at the corner of US 70 West and Hwy. 80 (where the old Little Siena was located). Along with owners Mindy Anderson and Dewey Lawson, the Chamber staff, city and county officials,

McDowell County Businesses Featured on The Matt Mittan Show

Several local, independently owned businesses in McDowell County were featured guests on Asheville BizRadio'sMatt Mittan Show this week to promote Small Business Saturday coming up Saturday, November 24 and to highlight the innovative work happening across all sectors; business, government, education, and nonprofit organizations.  The Chamber membership voted on the businesses that are represented, which included a great variety and showed the diversity of our offerings and our community. From legacy

New Shop Features Appalachian Art of Wildcrafting

The art of wildcrafting (the practice of gathering native plants and botanicals for health and medicinal purposes) is a treasured tradition in the Appalachia. Nikki Chester, who recently opened her shop, Nourished By Nature on Henderson Street in downtown, fondly recalls learning the craft from her great-grandmother who grew up in nearby Yancey County. "It was what we did," she recalls. "When anyone was sick, we would call her and she would tell you what you needed."  Nikki quickly took to wildcrafting and