News
Bagwell and Kincaid Merger Expands Product Options
Bagwell Insurance Agency and Jeff Kincaid Insurance Group have merged into one location to create an insurance center with more than 60 years of combined experience. Jeff Kincaid started his insurance career in Hickory in 1990 and has obtained many prestigious national awards including the Champion Award. His ability to adapt to the many changes in the industry as well as his vision as a business owner have allowed him to add locations in Morganton, Shelby, Forest City and Marion. He prides himself on
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Marion Dental Welcomes New Dentist
We are pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Dylan K. Hall to Marion Family Dental. Dr Hall will be joining our team, Monday, September 14, 2020. He is excited to meet our amazing patients. Dr. Hall comes to us from Lumberton, TX. He received a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in chemistry before attending the University of Louisville School of Dentistry where he earned his DMD. While an undergraduate, Dr. Hall set three collegiate football records, which he still holds, during his four
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
NC HB 1105 – The Coronavirus Relief Act 3.0
The $2 trillion CARES Act signed into law on March 27, 2020, provided North Carolina with $3.59 billion to be spent by December 30, 2020. With $903 million of these funds still unspent, the North Carolina Legislature created NC House Bill 1105 to ensure all its federally allotted CARES Act dollars were utilized. On September 4, 2020, Governor Cooper signed HB 1105 into law, which is also referred to as the Coronavirus Relief Act 3.0. A few highlights of HB1105 are below.Education/ChildcareExtra Credit
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
Updates On Payroll Tax Exempt Rules
In response to Congress’ delay in providing additional relief in the wake of COVID-19’s economic impacts, on August 8, 2020, President Trump issued an executive order to the Department of Treasury to allow deferral of employee Social Security (SS) taxes. The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized under Section 7508A of the Internal Revenue Code to defer certain payroll tax obligations. No matter the size of a business, each employee’s compensation is subject to various withholdings, including SS, which is
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
Full Roster, Stiff Competition & Generous Winners
In a show of beneficence, the Annual Chamber Golf Tournament First Place winning foursome (1st Flight), Team Pepsi, donated their prize money back to the McDowell Chamber of Commerce at Marion Lake Club Golf Course Friday, August 28, 2020. The Pepsi Team dominated the course finishing out the day with a 50. Players Scott Spratt, Jeff Rumberg, Austin Rumberg, and Jim McMahan when awarded the $400 cash prize, graciously donated their winnings back to the Chamber of Commerce. "I was overwhelmed with
McDowell May Sales Up 2.3%
Marion Economic Development NewsMcDowell County COVID Business Recovery Survey According to the NC Department of Revenue (NCDOR), retail sales figures in McDowell County for June, which represent May sales, totaled $38.5 million. This is a 2.3% increase over the same period last year. This is in contrast to retail sales across North Carolina, which decreased by 4.4% in June. These figures are showing that McDowell County has weathered the COVID-19 storm better than other communities in our state. We
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Favorite Local Deli Makes Its Move
McDowell's favorite sandwich shop, Holly's Deli & Desserts, is making its big move this weekend to its new location (the old Fatz Cafe building) offering expanded seating, brand new recipes, full bar, and evening hours. Owners Jennifer and Jon Hartman have dreamed about expanding their deli to a full-service restaurant for quite a while and have been working hard for months preparing the space to welcome loyal customers with the same great service and products that have garnered top awards each
33 PPP Fraud Prosecution And Counting
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans have aided more than 5 million small business owners, providing a much-needed lifeline during the Coronavirus outbreak crisis. The overwhelming majority of business owners are legitimate and will use the money as intended to retain employees and stay operational.But the PPP program has attracted a few rotten apples. And you won’t believe how rotten they are.To date, the Justice Department has filed 33 PPP fraud cases. Defendants are charged with bilking taxpayers out
SBA Releases New PPP Loan Forgiveness FAQs
SBA and Department of Treasury Have Released New PPP Forgiveness FAQsSBA and Department of the Treasury released new FAQs today. These FAQs fall into the following categories: General Loan Forgiveness FAQsLoan Forgiveness Payroll Costs FAQs Includes Information on Owner Compensation Loan Forgiveness Nonpayroll Costs FAQsLoan Forgiveness Reductions FAQs This 10-page document will answer many questions posed by small businesses regarding PPP loan forgiveness. See the FAQs here.
PPP Extension Act Being Extended
Payroll Protection Program Extension ActThe Payroll Protection Program (PPP) Extension Act was approved by Congress and subsequently signed into law by President Trump on June 5, 2020. Now, the Extension Act has been extended. On July 4th, the President extended The PPP Extension Act deadline, which allows more businesses the opportunity to apply for PPP forgivable loans. The CARES Act, signed into law on March 27, 2020, created PPP loans to aid businesses economically impacted by COVID-19 with a June 30,
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
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
Agritourism--Ask The Experts!
Register TODAY! "Ask the expert." Webinar series. 11 am-Noon: Tuesday, June 9 - Jake Parker, Secretary, and General Counsel NC Farm Bureau FederationWednesday, June 10 - Marlise Taylor, Research Analyst with Visit NCThursday, June 11 - Ben Chapman, Ph.D., Food Safety Specialist with NC State, NC Cooperative Extension You need help. You need guidance. The learning sessions are organized by the Visit NC Farms App Team featuring guest speakers ready to offer their expertise centered around the specifics of
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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),
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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
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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,
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
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
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