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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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
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
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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
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